8 things I never do in Podcasting and you shouldn't either
Manage episode 424726091 series 3417486
**Episode Summary:**
In this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark shares the "8 Things I Never Do In Podcasts." These essential tips will help you maintain a professional, engaging, and legally sound podcast. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your podcasting journey is smooth and successful.
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**Key Takeaways:**
1. **Copyright Music (or Other Stuff):**
- Always use royalty-free music or obtain proper licenses.
- Example: A podcaster faced a lawsuit for using a popular song without permission, resulting in hefty fines and stress.
2. **Talk Trash About People (without proof):**
- Avoid slandering anyone without solid evidence to prevent defamation claims.
- Example: A podcast host was sued for making unverified claims about a celebrity, leading to a costly settlement.
3. **Waste Time on a Long Intro:**
- Keep intros brief and to the point to engage your audience quickly.
- Example: Compare a podcast that spends five minutes on an intro versus one that dives into the topic within thirty seconds.
4. **Worry Too Much About Filler Words:**
- Don't stress over filler words like "um" and "uh"; focus on content value.
- Example: Listeners appreciate the natural flow of conversation, filler words and all.
5. **Refer to Visuals:**
- Describe visuals in detail or provide links in show notes to avoid confusing your audience.
- Example: A podcast host who frequently said "look at this" without description lost listeners' engagement.
6. **Dwell on Analytics:**
- Use analytics as a tool, not a stress point; focus on creating great content.
- Example: A podcaster fixated on stats lost sight of content quality, resulting in a drop in listenership.
7. **Rely on Independent Contractors Without a Written Agreement:**
- Always have a written agreement to ensure clarity and protection.
- Example: A podcaster without a contract faced disputes with an editor, leading to a stressful resolution process.
8. **Name the Podcast Without Running a Search:**
- Conduct a thorough search to ensure your podcast name isn't already in use.
- Example: A podcaster had to rebrand after receiving a cease and desist letter, losing momentum and listeners.
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**Resources Mentioned:**
- 📝 Legal Forms and Templates: Protect yourself and your content with our comprehensive documents at [podcastlawforms.com](https://podcastlawforms.com).
- 🎓 Free Workshop: "Podcast Growth and Profit: Mastering Fundamentals; Avoiding Costly Mistakes." Learn essential business and legal strategies to maximize profitability. Register now at [events.podcastlaw.net](https://events.podcastlaw.net).
---
**Connect with Us:**
**Episode Summary:**
In this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark shares the "8 Things I Never Do In Podcasts." These essential tips will help you maintain a professional, engaging, and legally sound podcast. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your podcasting journey is smooth and successful.
---
**Key Takeaways:**
1. **Copyright Music (or Other Stuff):**
- Always use royalty-free music or obtain proper licenses.
- Example: A podcaster faced a lawsuit for using a popular song without permission, resulting in hefty fines and stress.
2. **Talk Trash About People (without proof):**
- Avoid slandering anyone without solid evidence to prevent defamation claims.
- Example: A podcast host was sued for making unverified claims about a celebrity, leading to a costly settlement.
3. **Waste Time on a Long Intro:**
- Keep intros brief and to the point to engage your audience quickly.
- Example: Compare a podcast that spends five minutes on an intro versus one that dives into the topic within thirty seconds.
4. **Worry Too Much About Filler Words:**
- Don't stress over filler words like "um" and "uh"; focus on content value.
- Example: Listeners appreciate the natural flow of conversation, filler words and all.
5. **Refer to Visuals:**
- Describe visuals in detail or provide links in show notes to avoid confusing your audience.
- Example: A podcast host who frequently said "look at this" without description lost listeners' engagement.
6. **Dwell on Analytics:**
- Use analytics as a tool, not a stress point; focus on creating great content.
- Example: A podcaster fixated on stats lost sight of content quality, resulting in a drop in listenership.
7. **Rely on Independent Contractors Without a Written Agreement:**
- Always have a written agreement to ensure clarity and protection.
- Example: A podcaster without a contract faced disputes with an editor, leading to a stressful resolution process.
8. **Name the Podcast Without Running a Search:**
- Conduct a thorough search to ensure your podcast name isn't already in use.
- Example: A podcaster had to rebrand after receiving a cease and desist letter, losing momentum and listeners.
---
**Resources Mentioned:**
- Podcast Prenup Planning Guide: Tips to ask the right questions and have the conversation so you can get your team relationships in order. http://podcastprenup.com
- Podcaster's Guide to Trademarks: http://podcasttrademark.com
- 📝 Legal Forms and Templates: Protect yourself and your content with our comprehensive documents at [podcastlawforms.com](https://podcastlawforms.com).
- 🎓 Free Workshop: "Podcast Growth and Profit: Mastering Fundamentals; Avoiding Costly Mistakes." Learn essential business and legal strategies to maximize profitability. Register now at [events.podcastlaw.net](https://events.podcastlaw.net).
---
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#Podcasting #PodcastTips #PodcastingAdvice #PodcastGrowth #LegalTipsForPodcasters #PodcastSuccess #CopyrightLaw #PodcastContracts #PodcastMarketing #GordonFiremark #EasyLegalForPodcasters
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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast. We hope you found these tips valuable and that they help you create a more professional and successful podcast. Until next time, happy podcasting!
96 episodes