Episode 707 - Odd Things Promoted Via Podcasting - Are You Falling Victim To Bad Podcast Advice - Practical Podcasting Tips
Ok, this is getting a bit ridiculous! I had a client reach out to me and ask if they should become a "Certified Podcaster" I asked them a few questions, certified by whom? Is this a real thing? Sounds strange to me?!
I know and respect many podcasters that have been podcasting from the dawn of time, they aren't certified! I am not certified! Certification is a fancy term for gatekeeping. Certified is a way to separate people into groups, those with certification, those without!
I can go to my local office supply store, buy some highlighters, paper clips, paper, pens and a bunch of business cards and ta da! Dave is a coach! Then, I can create a funnel/certification in Canva in a few minutes, slap a $2000 fee to it and sell it to well-meaning, hard working podcasters as the next must have in podcasting. The problem? There isn't a need for it, and, the person offering this certification is just creating something out of nothing and then convincing unsuspecting podcasters to buy the thing that we haven't needed, ever!
Would you respect me more if I was certified? Well I am not going to spend thousands of dollars to buy a meaningless title that the podcast industry does not need.
Going to an accredited source, trusted, proven and certified to certify others is one thing - creating a certification in Canva is something quite the opposite!
Please do not, I repeat, do not spend money on something that really is not a real thing - like being a "Certified Podcaster or Podcast Coach"
Snake Oil Salespeople exist - buyer beware, results vary, research everything before you spend any amount of money with anyone, on anything in podcasting.
If you are not sure about someone's offer, let's chat before you hit "Add to Cart" on the next psudeo, disingenuous and made up thing created to sell to you - buyer beware!
Framed as a candid “rant,” the conversation pulls back the curtain on so-called podcast gurus who promote expensive certifications and courses that promise credibility but often deliver little real value.
At the heart of the episode is a clear warning: not everything labeled as “professional development” in podcasting is worth your time or money. The idea of becoming a “certified podcast coach” is challenged, with the argument that many of these credentials are self-created, lack oversight, and exist primarily as revenue streams rather than meaningful education. Unlike traditional institutions with established standards, these programs often rely on perceived authority rather than proven substance.
The episode emphasizes that podcasting has no governing body or universal certification standard. Success in this space is not determined by a title or diploma, but by consistency, authenticity, and the value you bring to your audience. Listeners are encouraged to question offers that create urgency or imply that they are “not enough” without paid validation.
Beyond the critique, there is a strong reaffirmation of what truly matters in podcasting: connection. Real growth comes from building genuine relationships with listeners, not from chasing status symbols. A simple but powerful example is shared through personalized audience engagement, such as sending custom video responses to supporters. These small, human moments create lasting impact and loyalty in a way no certificate can.
The episode also reinforces a philosophy of accessibility and community. Podcasting should remain an open platform where anyone can share their voice without financial barriers or artificial gatekeeping. While learning and investing in your craft are valuable, they should be done with intention and discernment.
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