Into The Podverse: Innovation, Challenges & Opportunities In Podcasting
Into The Podverse explores African and global podcasting trends, innovation, and creator growth. Hosted by Tony Doe, it features insights, strategies, and stories from podcasters across Nigeria and beyond. The show examines tools, audience shifts, and content approaches shaping the evolving audio landscape, helping creators build sustainable and impactful podcasts.
Episodes
Podcasting for Kids, Newsletter Growth Strategies & Global Audio Trends
How can audio storytelling empower the next generation, and what does it take to build an engaged, loyal podcast audience today?In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe breaks down key trends, innovative strategies, and major developments shaping the global podcast industry.Here’s what we explore in this episode:Teaching Kids Podcasting & Audio Storytelling: A spotlight on Let's Tal
The Nigerian Podcast Index 2026: Scaling Beyond Creation & Building Podcast Infrastructure
In this special International Podcast Day episode of Into the Poverse, host Tony Doe breaks down findings from the 2026 Nigerian Podcast Index. The NPI now documents 604 Nigerian and diaspora podcasts, marking an 83% increase from 325 shows in 2025. However, while creator output is expanding, only 44.4% of catalogued podcasts remain active, with 55.3% currently on hiatus.This episode explores why
Podcast Exhaustion, Celebrity Migration & the Show Notes Experiment That Could Revive Your Catalogue
I’m tired of podcasting. Not the act of making shows, but everything around it: the endless platform wars, monetisation debates, chart obsession, video demands, clip culture, SEO advice, and the constant pressure to “work harder on discoverability.”In this episode of Into the Podverse, I unpack the quiet exhaustion many independent creators feel as podcasting has developed an uncomfortable class s
How to Migrate Your Podcast Host and Optimise for AI Search Discovery
How do people actually find podcasts in 2026? In this episode of Into The Podverse, Tony Doe breaks down the shift from traditional apps and directories to Google, YouTube, social media, and AI search.You’ll learn why podcast SEO is no longer just about ranking your show; it’s about making the knowledge inside your episodes discoverable. Tony covers searchable episode titles and descriptions, the
Podcast Monetisation in Africa: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap and Navigating the Spotify Ecosystem
How can African creators turn a $3.1 billion creator economy into actual revenue in their local bank accounts? In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the "plumbing" of podcast monetisation in Africa and the structural challenges holding the sector back. We examine the recent PayPal and Paga partnership in Nigeria and why podcast hosting companies must look beyond current spre
Why Podcast Communities Go Quiet and How to Refresh Your Show’s Trailer
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the delicate balance between community building and industry standards. The conversation begins with a correction regarding Spotify’s Swedish roots, leading into a deeper discussion on why the global podcasting industry, from Europe to Africa, needs a stronger voice in shaping measurement standards and platform strategies currently domin
The AMP Accords: Redefining Podcasting, Measurement, and the Future of the Industry
In this episode of Into The Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the AMP Accords, a landmark white paper from the Alliance for Measurement in Podcasting that marks a turning point for the global industry. This episode breaks down the three fundamental questions the industry can no longer ignore: What exactly is a podcast? How should we measure it? And how do we prove it works?.Key topics covered in th
Is Your Podcast Training AI? The Suno Leak, New IAB Standards & Jola Ayeye's YNaija Masterlist Recognition
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, copyright, and podcast measurement standards. We begin with a deep dive into the Suno AI data breach, which reportedly revealed plans to download 1 million hours of podcasts via Podcast Index for AI training. We discuss the urgent questions this raises for creators regarding transparency, lice
How AI Is Changing Podcast Discovery: Optimising Your Show for ChatGPT & Beyond
People are no longer discovering podcasts only through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google. Increasingly, they're asking AI assistants like ChatGPT for recommendations.In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe explores what this shift means for podcasters and why AI Optimisation (AIO) is becoming just as important as traditional podcast SEO.You'll learn practical ways to make your podcast easi
Beyond the App: RSS and ElDee the Don's Return
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the "invisible" technology that makes podcasting unique: RSS (Really Simple Syndication). While many creators focus on recording and editing, understanding the underlying infrastructure is what gives you true ownership of your audience.In this episode, you will learn:What is RSS? Discover why this "disappointingly ordinary" file is the f
Monetisation, AI Innovation, and Building Sustainable Creator Ecosystems with Jon Savage
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe chats with Jon Savage of the Africa Podcast Network to explore the evolution of African podcasting from a passion-driven medium into a sustainable business ecosystem. While global platforms often overlook the continent, African creators are innovating through video-first strategies and independent communities, turning perceived disadvantages into
The Power of the Podverse: New Standards, Lasting Legacies, and Content That Gets You Hired
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the shifting landscape of the industry through the Alliance for Measurement in Podcasting (AMP).We also pay tribute to the incredible ongoing legacy of Efe Odudu (FayFay), a Lagos-based audio storyteller and founder of Naija PodHub.Finally, we dive into the intersection of culture, self-mastery, and career growth with Rodney Omeokachie,
How Autrans is Solving AI Transcription for African Languages with Tobiloba Sulaimon
Why do global transcription tools fail the moment we start speaking Pidgin? In this episode of Into The Podverse, host Tony Doe sits down with Tobiloba, the founder of Autrans, to discuss the creation of an AI transcription tool built specifically for African voices.Tobiloba reveals the frustration of using mainstream tools that "flinch" at Nigerian accents or "correct" meaningful local slang into
The $100k Problem: Why Spotify Values "White Noise" Over Africa
Host Tony Doe exposes the startling "hierarchy of attention" in platform economics. Why does a single upload of rain sounds earn $18,000 a month while an entire continent of 1.4 billion people is offered a lone $100,000 grant? In this episode of Into The Podverse, we explore the infrastructure gaps, from affordable data to local advertising, that African creators must overcome to thrive.We also gi
Beyond the Gatekeepers: Building Africa’s Resilient Podcast Ecosystem & AuTrans AI Review
In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the gap between the "dream" of open podcasting and the harsh economic realities facing African creators. While global platforms often prioritise high-CPM markets, African podcasters are overcoming infrastructure hurdles and "emerging market" labels to build a resilient audio landscape.Key topics covered in this episode:The Nigerian Podca
Why Spotify AI Podcasts Are Bad for Independent Podcasters Building Audiences
What if your listeners could create a version of your podcast that’s perfectly tailored to their exact whims, instantly and for free, without you ever recording a word?In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe explores a "bombshell" announcement from Spotify’s 2026 Investor Day: the launch of AI-powered personal podcasts. This isn't just a new tool; it’s a fundamental shift that turns Spotify
The 5,000 Listener Problem: Unlocking Africa’s Podcasting Economy
In this episode of Into The Podverse, host Tony Doe explores the critical threshold facing African creators: the "5,000 listener problem". While 5,000 dedicated listeners can sustain a career in London or New York, African podcasters often find themselves trapped in an ecosystem where high effort results in a fraction of the revenue earned by their Western counterparts.We dive deep into the challe
Podshare: Best Podcast Guest Tool for Sharing Assets & Promo (Replaces Google Drive)
Most podcast tools are built for hosts. But what about the guest experience?In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe sits down with Jolaade, media and communications lead at Unreasonable Group and creator of Podshare, a tool designed to simplify how podcasters share episode assets with guests, sponsors, agencies and collaborators.From chaotic Google Drive folders and endless email threads to
Oprah’s Amazon Deal: Is Podcasting Becoming TV Again?
In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe breaks down what this move really means for the future of podcasting. With Oprah’s content now set to span audio and video across platforms like Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Audible, the lines between podcasting and traditional television are starting to blur.But this isn’t just about one deal; it’s about a deeper identity shift.Is podcasting losing
How Podcasting Wins: Fixing Growth, Trust & Global Reach
Podcasting has grown fast. Now it has to grow right.In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe breaks down how the industry can win its next phase by fixing three core challenges: growth, trust, and global reach.Using The Podcast Academy at six years as a lens, we examine what happens when an open ecosystem starts building structure. Awards like the Ambies have brought recognition and standard
Scam Alert: The Fake Booking Trap Targeting African Podcasters
African podcasters are being targeted by sophisticated scammers posing as talent bookers for major shows and celebrities. In this critical episode, host Tony Doe breaks down exactly how these credential-harvesting scams work and shares five essential security practices every content creator needs to implement today.Learn how to verify legitimate opportunities, recognise urgent red flags and protec
Why YouTube Isn't Podcasting (And Why It Matters for Your Independence)
Is your "podcast" actually just a YouTube channel? Many creators are unknowingly trading their long-term independence for short-term views. In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe breaks down the fundamental technical difference between platform-hosted content and true podcasting: the RSS feed.We explore why relying solely on YouTube’s discovery engine leaves you vulnerable to algorith
South Africa's Podcasting Reckoning: What Nigeria's Missing About Creator Economics
South Africa just admitted in parliament what most African podcasters already suspect: nobody can prove the industry actually exists.In March 2026, South Africa's parliament held a roundtable on podcasting regulation. The conclusion? "We do not have enough research, we do not have enough data points, and we do not really understand this environment."If South Africa, ahead of Nigeria in almost ever
When Podcasts Beat Radio: What It Means for Creators, Listeners, and Public Conversation
In a historic media shift, podcasts have overtaken talk radio in the United States — not just in trend, but in audience reach. In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe unpacks what this milestone means for creators and listeners, why Africa tells a different story, and why all of us now share the responsibility of shaping public conversation.
What The Nigerian Podcast Index Taught Me
When I started building the Nigerian Podcast Index, I thought I was creating a simple directory. Instead, I uncovered a data-driven portrait of Nigeria’s audio industry, its strengths, blind spots, and future trajectory.In this episode of Into the Podverse, Tony Doe breaks down what cataloguing 329 Nigerian podcast titles reveals about the state of the market. From a 73% active publishing rate to
When a Podcast Hosting Platform May Not Be Right for You
Podcast hosting platforms are essential infrastructure, but they are not always the right fit for every show. In this reflective episode of Into the Podverse, we explore when a traditional hosting platform may misalign with our goals, workflow, or long-term independence. From RSS ownership and platform incentives to monetisation, migration, and open standards, we offer a thoughtful framework for c
What YouTube Won’t Tell Audio-First Creators
Explore why Google shut down its podcast app and shifted to YouTube Music, impacting audio-first creators. Learn the value of RSS feeds for true independence in podcast distribution, with AI transcription tools highlighting the shift from open roads to controlled platforms. Essential listening for Nigerian and global podcasters seeking control over their content and audience.
How Universal Podcast URLs Boost Discovery
Discover how universal podcast URLs like Podfollow and Podlink simplify sharing, reduce friction, and enhance accessibility across platforms. Learn why RSS feeds are essential for Nigerian podcasts and how to submit to the Nigerian Podcast Index (NPI) for better preservation and visibility.
The Free Hosting Fallacy: Trust, Transparency, and Ownership in Podcasting
Explore the hidden risks of free podcast hosting platforms through a personal experience with unauthorised audio inserts. Gain insights on maintaining creator control, reading terms carefully, and avoiding assumptions in the podcast ecosystem from an African viewpoint.
Gboyega Adeoya on Podcast to Radio
What does it take to move a podcast from on-demand listening to traditional radio?Podcast host Gboyega O. Adeoya shares his experience taking The Sample Axis Podcast to the Nigerian airwaves, including what worked, what didn’t, and how radio changed audience reach.This episode explores the practical benefits and challenges of blending podcasting with broadcast radio, and what creators should consi
Lady Toluu on Podcast Editing Career
How do you build a career in podcast editing in Nigeria?Podcast editor Lady Toluu shares her journey into audio editing, the tools and workflows she relies on, and the realities of working as a Nigerian female editor in a competitive industry.This conversation offers practical insight for aspiring podcast editors, producers, and creators looking to sharpen their skills and understand the business
Mark Asquith on Audio Influence
How do podcasters build real influence through audio?Mark Asquith, co-founder of CaptivateFM, explains what audio influence really means, why authentic engagement matters more than fast growth, and how technology shapes long-term podcast success.This episode covers message clarity, audience trust, and the opportunities ahead for podcast creators, including the growing potential of the African podc
Neal Veglio on Podcast Growth
How do you grow a podcast beyond chasing charts?Neal Veglio, founder of Podknows Podcasting, explains why niche ranking matters more than overall charts and how thoughtful planning keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.This conversation breaks down smarter ways to measure podcast success, focusing on real audience connection, retention, and long-term impact rather than raw download numbers.
Podcast Monetization Collaboration with Eric Montgomery
Discover essential strategies for podcast monetisation and sponsorships, even for smaller shows. Eric Montgomery shares how to target niche audiences, align with fitting brands, and use tools like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee for revenue.Learn the power of collaboration through networking, guest invitations, and community events to grow your podcast.For African podcasters, he advises building local
Nigerian History Explored with Nochi
Discover Nigeria's hidden historical treasures with Nochi, host of Nigerian History: Now You Know. Learn how exploring multiple perspectives of the past shapes understanding, identity, and national progress. Nochi shares his research process, childhood inspiration, and the importance of starting small when pursuing knowledge. He also highlights misconceptions in Nigerian history and the value of c
Podcast Growth Strategies with Adrian Daniels
Learn how to grow your podcast with Adrian Daniels, founder of A to Z Podcasting. He shares actionable insights on audience targeting, strong branding, and overcoming resource challenges. Discover how African podcasters can leverage collaboration, showcase culture, and build communities for visibility and success. Adrian also highlights monetisation strategies, emerging trends, and the importance
Exploring Hobbies with Alex Hobby
Alex Hobby, creator of Time for Your Hobby, shares how pursuing diverse hobbies builds character, creativity, and balance. Learn his approach to finding unique guests, producing engaging episodes with accessible tools, and staying true to passion over trends. He also offers insights for African podcasters on promoting local culture, taking creative risks, and connecting with audiences authenticall
Favour Yusuf on Growth and Comfort
Favour Yusuf shares how expanding her comfort zone sparked personal and professional growth. She explores the influence of podcasts on creativity, tech writing, and design, and offers insights on starting a podcast with purpose over equipment. Learn how meaningful conversations with experts and thought leaders can inspire action and ignite ideas in others. Originally published on July 31, 2023.
Danny Brown on Podcast Growth
Danny Brown shares insights on growing a podcast, from marketing and promotion to building audience awareness. He discusses his journey in podcasting, lessons from Arsenal fandom, and strategies for community engagement. Danny also highlights the potential of African podcasters and how accessible technology can accelerate growth. Originally published on August 7, 2023.
Rita Anwiri on Intellectual Property
Rita Anwiri shares how she empowers creatives and entrepreneurs through podcasting. Learn how her legal expertise informs content on IP law, business impact, and practical guidance. She reveals her research approach, content curation methods, and key lessons for creators navigating intellectual property challenges. Originally published on August 7, 2023.
Bidemi Adedire on African Audio
Bidemi Adedire, founder of the Associaiton of African Podcasters & Voice Artists (APVA), shares how the APVA Awards 2023 celebrate African audio creatives and boost visibility, partnerships, and industry growth. She explains award categories, the selection process, and APVA’s initiatives to support long-term development for podcasters, voice artists, and spoken word creators. Learn how African
Fikemi Aderoju on Authentic Storytelling, Vulnerability & Finding Your Voice
Fikemi Aderoju shares how her faith shapes her podcasting journey, guiding content, topics, and personal growth lessons. She discusses the evolution of her show, the impact on listeners, and tips for aspiring podcasters in personal growth and self-discovery. Learn how authenticity, consistency, and vulnerability can connect deeply with an audience. Originally published on September 25, 2023.---Wha
Tcode on African Culture Podcasting
Tcode, host of Everything Voiceovers: An African Perspective, shares how podcasting and voiceovers preserve African culture and amplify African stories globally. He explains the APVA Awards process, emerging trends in African audio, and offers guidance for aspiring podcasters and voiceover artists on building skills, self-belief, and digital presence. Gain practical insights into storytelling, pro
Bayo Oduwole on Comedy and Learning
Bayo Oduwole shares how his What a Joke Podcast blends comedy and education to tackle serious topics with humour. He discusses balancing entertainment with meaningful insights, the influence of his Nigerian and African background, and lessons from interviews like Tolu Afilaka’s social media handling. Bayo also highlights the role of consistency and shares experiences from awards like the APVA. Lea
Nhlanhla Dhaka on Malawi Podcasting
Nhlanhla Dhaka, CEO of Ecast Africa, shares how Podfest Malawi 2023 is shaping the country’s podcast culture. He discusses building community, engaging creators, and inspiring growth while introducing podcasting to new audiences. Learn how the festival bridged knowledge gaps, connected influencers, and created opportunities for local talent to thrive. Originally published on January 3, 2024.
Anne Chisa on African STEM Excellence
Anne Chisa of The Root of the Science Podcast shares how she amplifies African scientists and innovators, making research accessible and inspiring audiences. She reflects on early challenges, the growth of her podcast, and standout moments from guests’ stories, highlighting Africa’s scientific talent and diversity. Anne also shares advice for aspiring science communicators on starting small, seeki
Dami Aros on Humour and Impact
Dami Aros of So Nigerian Podcast shares how he blends humour with serious topics to educate, entertain, and unite Nigerian youth. He reflects on building community, addressing social issues like mental health, and elevating Africa’s podcast scene. Listeners learn how Dami crafts content that resonates, fosters dialogue, and inspires collaboration among creators. This episode highlights the power o
Kevin Masaba on Empowering Uganda
Kevin Masaba shares how he uses podcasting to engage Uganda’s youth, transform audio media, and create career opportunities. From pop-up studios in schools to leveraging smartphones, he shows how podcasts democratize media and inspire the next generation. Kevin also reflects on adapting radio expertise to digital platforms and measuring audience impact. Listeners gain insight into using podcasts f
James Cridland on Podcasting Future
James Cridland shares insights from two decades in podcasting, exploring its evolution, global trends, and the medium’s future. He highlights video, international markets, and collaborative projects while offering advice for aspiring podcasters on multi-skilling and creative automation. Listeners gain a clear view of podcasting’s growth, challenges, and opportunities from an industry insider. Orig
Paulo Dias on Tech and Podcast Growth
Paulo Dias explores how technology, radio, and digital platforms converge to reshape African podcasting. He shares strategies for engagement, community building, and monetisation, and highlights the South African Podcasters Guild’s role in supporting creators. Listeners gain actionable insights on starting podcasts, navigating challenges, and leveraging diverse networks to innovate in audio storyt
Tavershima Ayede on Podcasting Perseverance
Tavershima Ayede shares how he turned podcasting into a business education platform, producing over 850 episodes with minimal equipment and no editing. He discusses overcoming market challenges, staying focused amidst distractions, and leveraging podcasting for business growth in Nigeria. Listeners gain insights on consistent content creation, audience engagement, and turning passion into sustaina
Jonathan Warncke on the South African Podcasters Guild
Jonathan Warncke explains how the South African Podcasters Guild supports creators, secures partnerships, and drives monetisation for SA podcasters. Learn strategies to grow your podcast and the benefits of guild membership for independent creators. Originally published on February 2, 2025.
David Egorp on Easier Podcasting
David Egorp shares how Pllugg and Whatspodcasting simplify podcast production, from asset creation to workflow automation. Learn strategies to streamline your process, stay consistent, and leverage podcasting communities for growth. Originally published on February 10, 2025.
Check Edgar on Turning Dating Into Podcasts
Check Edgar shares how his solo show Why Am I Still Single turns dating misadventures into engaging stories, blending comedy, honesty, and audience connection. He reveals how singlehood became a season of growth, storytelling techniques that immerse listeners, and lessons on monetising solo podcasts in Africa. Originally published on August 18, 2025.
International Podcast Day: 2025 Voices
Celebrate International Podcast Day 2025 as Tony Doe explores the power of podcasting to amplify diverse voices and preserve stories. Hear insights from podcasters across Nigeria, the USA, and the UK on why their work matters and the impact of their shows. Originally published on September 30, 2025.
Anita Opara on African Literary Podcasts
Anita Opara shares how her African Authors Podcast spotlights writers, fosters storytelling, and reshapes Africa’s literary scene. She explores leadership, creativity, and cultural insight. Originally published on October 6, 2025.
Podcast 2.0 and the Future of Audio
Explore how Podcast 2.0 restores podcasting’s independent spirit with enhanced RSS, chapters, live streaming, and value-for-value models. Learn why it empowers creators and listeners. Originally published on October 27, 2025.
Nigerian Podcasting After Podfest Naija
Podfest Naija recently brought the heartbeat of African podcasting to Lagos, but what happens after the applause fades? In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe explores how to transition Nigeria’s podcasting scene from a "scattered" collection of creators into a robust, sustainable ecosystem. We dive into the critical need for data standardisation, professional training for backroom cr
Damilola Oyeleke on Nigerian Podcasting
Damilola Oyeleke examines Nigeria's podcasting landscape, highlighting growth, gaps, and the path to a structured industry. Insights from Podfest Naija and global trends. Originally published on November 16, 2025.
Richard Coleman on Youth Podcasting
Richard "RichieRemy De Talkative" Coleman shares how Richie's TalkZone became Nigeria's most relatable youth podcast, tackling tough issues and building impact-driven content. Originally published on December 10, 2025.
Global Podcasting Trends and Africa
Explore 2025's global podcast growth, gaps, and Africa's unique scene, where creators focus on community, education, and culture. Originally published on December 24, 2025.
Elsie Escobar on Podcast Hosting Myths, AI, and Visibility vs. Discoverability
Elsie Escobar explains what podcasting means in 2026, debunking hosting myths, clarifying RSS, and showing why community shapes discoverability. Originally published on January 11, 2026.In this episode of Into the Podverse, host Tony Doe sits down with industry veteran and podcasting strategist Elsie Escobar to break down the shifting landscape of digital audio and content creation.Elsie shares in
Into The Podverse | Trailer
Welcome to Into The Podverse! I’m Tony Doe, podcast coach from Lagos, Nigeria. This show explores the tools, strategies, and stories shaping African and global podcasting. Learn how to build credible, sustainable shows and navigate the opportunities and challenges of the medium. Your journey into podcasting starts here.
