In this special edition of Podcast Insider, Blubrry Podcasting CEO Todd Cochrane chatted with Traci DeForge, co-founder of the Podcast Professionals Association (PPA) and founder of Produce Your Podcast, to discuss the state of the podcast services industry, the importance of professional standards, and the power of podcasting as a strategic business tool.
The Podcast Professionals Association is the first and only 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade organization dedicated specifically to podcast-service professionals. Its mission? To build a supportive community, establish professional standards, and provide the tools, mentorship, and visibility that podcasting entrepreneurs need to thrive.
“We wanted a place for people to be able to go to talk about things that they needed to grow their business and stay current with industry trends,” DeForge said. “It’s not about talking about clients negatively — it’s about stepping out of the bubble we all work in and getting peer-to-peer guidance.”
One of the association’s major strengths lies in its diverse membership. From freelance editors running one-person operations to executives at hosting companies and full-service agencies, the PPA fosters cross-industry collaboration and growth. To ensure credibility, members must have at least two years of experience and derive over 50% of their income from podcast-related services.
“We’re building a vetted network of professionals who take this seriously,” DeForge stressed. “It’s about raising the bar for the entire podcasting ecosystem.”
In addition to the PPA, DeForge’s company, Produce Your Podcast, is a full-service podcast production and marketing agency specializing in business development strategy. Many of her clients use podcasting as a direct revenue driver or business development tool. “We’re not just doing editing—we’re helping clients grow their businesses through intentional podcast strategy,” she said.
The conversation also tackled industry pain points: the flood of underqualified consultants, burnout among DIY podcasters, and misleading advice that can cause irreparable damage to a show. As Todd noted, “We’ve had podcasters come to us in panic because a ‘professional’ mismanaged a migration and broke their feed. It’s heartbreaking.”
To combat these issues, DeForge’s team launched the Podcast Management Academy, a certification program that helps train and validate podcast managers. “We’ve got to make a commitment to getting quality people behind the scenes,” she said. “Better training leads to better podcasts — and a healthier industry.”
The PPA offers tangible benefits for its members: monthly peer forums, a discoverable directory of vetted professionals, visibility tools, and connections to partners and opportunities. “We want our members to be able to show their credibility and showcase their work,” DeForge said.
Both Cochrane and DeForge agreed that the podcasting space is evolving rapidly. Instant gratification expectations have crept in, but quality, consistency, and business strategy remain the real keys to longevity. “Don’t obsess over the microphone,” DeForge advised. “Obsess over your ability to consistently create good content.”
Whether you’re a solo creator feeling overwhelmed or a business ready to invest in podcasting as a growth tool, the PPA and services like Produce Your Podcast offer guidance, community, and a proven path to success.
Visit podcastprofessionalsassociation.com to learn more about membership. For strategic podcast production services, head to produceyourpodcast.com.