In this episode, “Podcasting 2.0: Progress and Challenges,” hosts Todd Cochrane and Rob Greenlee discuss the current state and future prospects of podcasting, particularly Podcasting 2.0, and its implications.

Todd begins by sharing his recent experience with a new productivity tracking method at work. He notes that he’s been trying to gain efficiencies by assessing his activities in thirty-minute increments. Rob responds by mentioning an upcoming guest, Mark Webster, head of podcasting at Adobe, who will join them to discuss Adobe’s initiatives in podcasting.

The conversation shifts towards addressing controversial topics in the podcast space, mainly revolving around Podcasting 2.0. Rob highlights the challenges and controversies related to the ongoing debate about audio versus video in podcasting, which John McDermott’s articles have sparked. Todd expresses skepticism regarding the potential shifts in terminology, such as “vodcast” for video podcasts, arguing that the term podcast does not need to be replaced and was always meant to encompass various media formats, including audio and video.

They continue discussing the status and adoption of Podcasting 2.0 features, such as transcripts and funding tags. Todd emphasizes that while significant features have been adopted significantly, there are challenges, particularly regarding app developers and major platforms like Apple and Spotify. He notes that until app developers adopt these features, the full potential of Podcasting 2.0 may not be realized. Rob adds that the lack of support from significant podcast platforms hampers wider adoption.

As the episode progresses, Todd and Rob reflect on the importance of actively informing podcasters about these features and the need for apps to provide listeners with value to maintain engagement. They discuss the balance of pushing these new features and the struggle for industry-wide acceptance, with both hosts acknowledging that major platforms’ behaviors and policies greatly influence the community.

Todd remarks on the historical context of podcasting’s growth and the shift towards video content. They analyze how podcasting remains a niche medium despite the rising popularity of video platforms, noting that those interested in podcasting should not expect immediate monetization and should be prepared for a long journey of hard work and building an audience.

Towards the end of the episode, they touch on the changing landscape of media, noting the rise of content creators from mainstream media making transitions to podcasting and other digital formats. The hosts also discuss the ongoing evolution of AI in content indexing and its potential effects on discoverability within the podcasting space.

In conclusion, both Todd and Rob acknowledge the complexity of the podcasting ecosystem, reiterate the need for continuous innovation, and encourage listeners to engage actively in building their podcasting practices. The episode emphasizes the ongoing challenges and developments in the Podcasting 2.0 landscape and reinforces the hosts’ commitment to fostering growth and adaptation within this medium.

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