Podcasting & Making the Show
308 episodes · 2018–2021 · 127 debates · 178 pieces of advice · 167 stories · 270 quotes
The Daily Talk Show — Australia’s daily podcast, hosted by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen — discussed podcasting & making the show across 308 of its 1,022 daily episodes between 2018 and 2021. This page collects what was actually said: 270 verbatim quotes, 178 pieces of advice, 167 stories told on air, 127 on-air debates, each linked to the exact moment in the episode and on YouTube.
Where they stand
Moments where the table disagreed, straight from the transcripts.
awards shows and boycotts
Ep 10008:46Finds award shows like the Golden Globes naff and old-school, and has avoided entering podcast awards because of the self-congratulatory culture around them.
Believes boycotting awards shows carries little power anymore because viewership has collapsed and 'no one's really watching anyway.'
Feels a responsibility to be honest about struggles since the show is meant to show 'light and shade,' even though sharing the vulnerability triggers some unwanted advice-giving from listeners.
Agrees but adds that not everyone has an outlet to communicate struggles, implying the podcast serves a valuable function despite the discomfort.
Argues it's partly because women statistically experience more violence, making crime content feel relatable.
Isn't sure of the exact reason but suggests it may be about the thrill of the unknown and playing detective.
Thinks it's about the universal appeal of story and problem-solving, and that compelling documentaries can manipulate viewers regardless of genre.
whether podcast hosts should share personal/business struggles with their audience even when clients listen too
Ep 967▶ 23:52Feels conflicted because the podcast persona requires sharing vulnerable, unfiltered struggles (like financial issues) that wouldn't be shared in a client-facing 'director' context, and clients who listen to the show create confusing overlap.
Argues this is consistent rather than contradictory: different relationships (podcast friendship vs. client agreement) have different expectations, and sharing humanity on the podcast fits the format's implicit promise to the audience, whereas client work calls for a different kind of consistency.
Feeds off others' energy and is noticeably impacted by negative feedback, leading him to overanalyze single reviews or emails.
Brings less energy to negative feedback, doesn't feel personally targeted, and hasn't experienced the same level of audience frustration directed at him.
Enjoys the energy and sensory experience of being back in person, noting a different vibe and energy from being physically near someone.
Finds it nice but slightly disorienting/out of control compared to his usual at-home setup where he has full oversight of the production.
whether preparing detailed interview questions in advance helps or hinders a good conversation
Ep 898▶ 8:17Feels he should prepare more (e.g., have a clear first question) but acknowledges that over-preparing can create 'analysis paralysis'; prefers freeing the mind by taking the pressure off working out exactly what to ask.
Thinks having at least a first (and second) question is a good practical fix, but questions whether heavy preparation is necessarily the better approach, noting their best Seth Godin chat happened with no notes at all.
Views the shift toward platforms like Spotify as a step toward walled gardens and lock-in reminiscent of Google Reader's shutdown of blogs; favours open, intermediary-free RSS/podcasting even though it's less convenient, predicting historians will write about 'the death of the open web.'
Expresses concern that raising these platform-risk issues makes podcasters seem like out-of-touch 'fuddy-duddies' with no commercial viability, while acknowledging the risk is real and most people aren't connecting the dots (citing The Social Dilemma).
Prefers listening at very high speed, up to around 2.4x, and still feels he comprehends it fine.
Dislikes high-speed listening, capping at about 1.2x, arguing 2x speed means you're not really listening properly.
Has fully switched to Feedly for news consumption, no longer visiting The Verge directly, and finds swipe-based archiving (as in Reeder) appealing.
Previously used Reeder paired with a feed service, questions whether paywalled sources like The Age can be pulled in via RSS.
Celebrity guests can actually hurt core audience engagement and are not a reliable lever for growth; dropping guests entirely improved download numbers.
Agrees interview/guest formats are a common, easy strategy but believes building a show's own identity first gives more creative control before bringing guests in for a boost.
Listener email (read by Josh)
Commercialisation of podcasting is inevitable and a natural progression, just as FM radio commercialised; complaining about it is like old-timers complaining about radio not playing album tracks anymore.
The issue isn't commercialisation itself but the emergence of monopolies/duopolies (Spotify, Apple, Amazon) that concentrate control over distribution and advertising, and creators should build independent, owned infrastructure rather than accept this as inevitable.
Advice from the show
all 178pieces →What was actually said, attributed and linked to the moment.
What's the best way to actually get started with a podcast?
Just start — you don't need to be ready, and whatever you put out on day one won't resemble what you're doing 100 episodes later; it's a journey, and people might not listen at first.
Do I need to aim to become 'the next Joe Rogan' to justify starting a podcast?
No — most people won't become Joe Rogan, and that's fine; everyone is on their own trip, and even Rogan's show became something he didn't originally expect because he pushed through early, harder technical constraints.
Is a formal business plan necessary when starting a business?
Crystal and the hosts agree that while a business plan can provide some initial direction, it's the ongoing process of testing and learning in practice that matters most, and a rigid plan may not reflect the unpredictable early stages of a new venture.
How do you handle having a bad or low-energy day when you have client or professional obligations?
Draw a line between what you share with close confidants (partner, close friends) versus clients—maintain integrity and consistency in client relationships even if you don't feel 'authentic' in the moment, and if necessary reschedule meetings rather than bringing an off day into paid work.
How should creators respond to harsh anonymous reviews?
Recognize that a negative review from someone claiming to be a long-time fan without ever leaving positive feedback says more about the reviewer's own negative wiring than about the content; don't let it carry undue weight.
How can you start a conversation with someone you're interested in?
Jess Lucas suggests that if a guy asks a woman for a lighter, it's actually a good opening for conversation, essentially framing carrying a lighter as a dating/conversation-starting trick.
Should you tell callers you don't check voicemail?
Josh argues it's clearer to explicitly state in your voicemail greeting that you don't check messages and ask callers to text instead, because it puts the responsibility for next steps on the caller rather than leaving them guessing.
How can you avoid analysis paralysis before a big podcast interview?
Prepare one simple, clear, easy first question (e.g., about the guest's book) to kick off the conversation and get the guest talking, rather than overloading yourself with too many planned questions.
What's a risk of only preparing one interview question?
Always have a backup second question ready in case your first one falls flat, rather than relying on a single prepared opener.
How fast should you listen to podcasts?
Jack Post recommends capping playback speed at around 1.2x, arguing that going much faster (like 2x) means you're not really absorbing the content, just technically finishing the episode.
How should podcasters set up their microphones for better audio quality?
Use a dynamic microphone rather than an always-on condenser/USB mic, and keep it close to your mouth (roughly a two-finger distance) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and avoid picking up background noise like fans.
How do you keep audio and video in sync during recording?
Set your audio recording device's sample rate to 48kHz (matching video) rather than the common 44.1kHz used in radio/CD production, to prevent audio drifting out of sync with video over long recordings.
How can you counter the negative personality traits that drive success?
Tommy argues that negative traits (like disagreeableness) can be natural and drive success, but the antidote is to clearly define what success means to you personally so you can counter acting on those traits in harmful ways.
Should guests be used to grow a podcast audience?
Don't add guests purely to boost numbers; only bring someone on if you're genuinely excited about them and can integrate them into the show's world rather than using them as a straight interview, since indiscriminate guest bookings can alienate loyal listeners.
How should independent podcasters approach big platforms like Spotify and YouTube?
Josh advises being present on big platforms (treating them like a 'billboard' for exposure) while simultaneously building owned distribution, advertising technology, and brand equity so you're not solely dependent on platform algorithms or ad rates set by others.
Should podcasters just 'focus on content' and ignore the platform/medium?
Josh argues this advice is incomplete — the platform and medium shape how content is consumed and should not be ignored; creators should be wary of algorithmic changes and build sustainable models with more control rather than relying blindly on 'content is king' thinking.
How worried should podcasters be about relying on platforms like Spotify?
Creators should be wary of handing their entire catalogue over to a single platform like Spotify, since platforms historically reduce value/compensation for creators over time (as seen with Uber drivers), and should consider building independent, algorithm-free distribution.
How can a creator or business reduce dependence on social media platforms they don't own?
Build a direct relationship with your audience via a regular email newsletter and host original video content on an owned channel like YouTube, rather than relying solely on Instagram/Facebook distribution, since email open rates can remain high even after inactivity.
How do you keep a new podcast segment low-effort and sustainable?
Josh argues for keeping the new Screenplay Sundays format simple with a low barrier to entry and short weekly episodes rather than overcomplicating it with extra production steps like filming or animation.
How do I actually succeed at launching and sustaining a podcast?
Don't chase a perfect, hyped-up launch — just show up on day one, release the episode, and keep the promise to your audience every single time after that; there's no shortcut or 'helicoptering' to the growth that comes from consistent repetition.
What should I do when I feel like podcasting isn't 'working' early on?
Keep going — the noise of self-doubt is loudest early on, but looking back at everything you've learned from doing the work (even just from talking to different guests) shows the value even when it doesn't feel like it in the moment.
How should you think about resilience during a tough period like lockdown?
Resilience requires going through actual difficulty to build it; reframe hard times by imagining looking back in the future and asking whether you weathered the storm, kept your relationships or business intact, or came out the other side — this can make present struggle feel more purposeful.
Should a creator aim for a huge/global audience or focus on a local niche?
Think about who your real audience is and understand them deeply (community, local references) rather than chasing broad reach or vanity metrics that don't convert into meaningful value; world domination ambitions can prevent doing the valuable work right in front of you.
How do I find a profitable niche business idea?
Look for an unsexy, specific gap in the market that solves a real problem (not necessarily something you love), and build a marketing funnel (course, academy, SEO) around it, similar to how the Aussie English podcast niched into teaching English.
Stories told on air
Meeting Cathy Freeman at a conference
Ep 10007:25Tommy recounts running into Olympic runner Cathy Freeman at an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conference and joking with her about a Scienceworks exhibit, wondering if she's been asked the same question before.
told by Tommy Jackett
Jess explains how leftover broccoli, zucchini and lamb from her lunch leaked and fermented in a bag left overnight in the office, causing a foul smell the team struggled to trace, with Jess initially suspecting it was her own fault.
told by Jess Lucas
Tommy and Josh recount a story about Jason Calacanis, a long-time friend of Elon Musk, who learned Tesla had only days of payroll runway left during the 2008 financial crisis while developing the Model S. Calacanis wrote two $50,000 personal checks to help fund the car's development and ended up as the first official Model S order.
told by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen
A listener named Stella left a podcast review claiming to be a massive fan but criticizing an episode where the hosts sang lyrics and Josh talked about picking his nose, giving it a harsh rating; Josh uses this to argue that truly over-it fans would simply leave quietly rather than publicly complain.
told by Josh Janssen and Tommy Jackett
Josh and Tommy planned a trip to LA to sell podcast sponsorships using a CPM-based pitch, personally funding flights for themselves and Mason on a credit card, but the sponsorship push generated zero dollars despite producing episodes with guests including Matt D'Avella and Tully.
told by Josh Janssen and Tommy Jackett
Tommy describes getting into the elevator at Josh's apartment building, forgetting to press his floor button after buzzing up, and being called out by a mustached stranger also riding the lift - his first encounter with a stranger in a lift since the pandemic began.
told by Tommy Jackett
Josh describes deliberately stringing along a crypto telemarketer with minimal answers, getting into an argument about Google versus Yahoo, until the caller said 'I don't have time for this' and hung up.
told by Josh Janssen
Tommy references a past episode (190) where Godin was on the phone giving Dropbox feedback, and Godin discusses his ongoing frustration with Gmail's spam handling and failed campaign about its marketing tab.
told by Seth Godin
While Tommy was away, GB made prank calls to Channel 7, 7-Eleven, and Fitness First Queensland pretending to be Tommy Jackett seeking presenting work; when he tried to get permission to air the calls, all three companies refused, so the show instead had GB replay the pranks live for listeners.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh gave directions to a stranger on a Melbourne bridge who turned out to be WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg. They crossed paths again at Envato, Josh snuck into a sold-out WordPress talk using Mullenweg's name, asked a question at the Q&A, and later emailed him to request a podcast interview. When Mullenweg said he'd be in Auckland, Josh booked a last-minute flight there to record the interview in a hotel library, only realizing mid-chat that Mullenweg assumed he lived locally.
told by Josh Janssen
Tommy and Josh look back fondly on the unusual places they've recorded the show over the years, including a car boot at Krispy Kreme, Times Square, an Ibis hotel in Sydney, and Central Park in New York during a prior travel period.
told by Tommy Jackett and Josh Janssen
Andy describes how bringing in major celebrities like Coldplay, Taylor Swift, and Susan Sarandon in Gap Year's first season backfired, alienating core listeners, prompting them to drop guests entirely in season two to better ratings.
told by Andy Lee
Josh asked his Instagram followers to send a fire emoji if they'd thought about starting a podcast and got about 30 responses from a range of 'normal' people, not just ex-broadcasters, prompting discussion about accessibility and what's really holding people back.
told by Josh
Mason's audio failed while recording for Tony Lodge's podcast; both Tony and Mason called Josh stressed about it, and Josh suggested re-recording and sitting in himself, turning the mishap into content for the show.
told by Josh Janssen and Mason Lauder
Josh, at 17, emailed the Dignation podcast hosts complaining that his girlfriend was upset about his habit of checking email and 'highlighting folders' right after intimacy; the hosts read it on air, which thrilled him more than it embarrassed him.
told by Josh Janssen
Josh describes typing a sarcastic review in response to Tully's trolls suggesting they read a self-help book, but his phone died before he could post it, which he took as a sign not to engage.
told by Josh Janssen
Phoebe created a fake publicist identity and email to pitch a story about her own hunt for a UK-exclusive Cadbury pineapple lumps chocolate bar, which was picked up by the Daily Mail and went global, generating publicity for her podcast.
told by Phoebe Parsons
Tommy recounts how his mum used a flashlight to check for worms when he was a kid, prompting George to reveal his mum still uses a head torch on him for earwax removal as an adult.
told by Tommy Jackett
In their words
“If you've— if you have a podcast studio and you don't use it, you probably should use it for something, make it a different room.”
“It was the Russians.”
“We all love a story, and that could be, you know, it's the— it's not the drama of it all. It's— yeah, it's definitely the dot connect. It's the dot. It's the problem solving.”
“It's almost like the Josh the podcaster is probably different to Josh the director, who is, I still think, probably different to Josh who walks with Pete.”
“When you cut your friend, you don't leave a fucking review.”
“But, um, the total amount from the sponsorships equaled to $0.”
“Like, you know, swimming in the Dead Sea with a little cut in your bum.”
“No pay, no say, which is, which is fair.”
“It's, it's sliding into my diet.”
“We're not just in a pandemic, we're also in a park.”
“It's living on the edge.”
“It's like, okay, I'm, I'm being the interviewer at this— interviewer at the start, and then we start to derail it and turn it into what I think is what makes a daily talk show.”
“There will be a whole chapter on the death of the open web.”
“2 times speed is just to say that you've listened to the episode, but you're actually not— nothing.”
“This is a classic case of thinking that you're the protagonist in this world, this story.”
“Every single person in the world has a podcast now, so they've become like face masks.”
“I'm not going anywhere.”
“If your goal is how can we make this show better How can we make it more interesting? Then your audience will build.”