Podcasting Coaches Ruining Podcasting

**TommySulivan** · 07-28-2014, 10:49 AM

Before I start with my rant I do want to say that there are a few Podcasting coaches that I respect and think they are doing a great service for new Podcasters and the entire Podcasting community but ... enough is enough. How many podcasting coaches do we need.

Im sorry but most of these guys have no experience in creating interesting content, all they are doing is regurgitating the same things we see here on the forum but charging people for it. Most of these guys are marketing "snake oil salesmen" that have capitalized on people who think its a necessity to hire someone to be a successful Podcaster. These snake oil salesmen are not only giving people bad advice, but also convincing people that they can make money Podcasting. The only way you can make money is by creating content people want to hear. Either you suck or you dont. Most Podcasts are awful. not due to the content or quality of audio, but due to the host not having "IT". Not everyone is a winner.

Its a shame that these people have been able to gain any sort of leverage in this market. I just took a look at a conference that will be happening in a few weeks and have no idea who 95% of the speakers are. After doing some homework I learned that most of these people are not Podcasters at all, they are Get rich quick people.

I hope more people come to their sense and stop listening to these dopes. How can you tell me how to podcast if you have never created content that works.

Again there are a few people out there doing great stuff for the Podcasting community but most ...sadly are not

Todd Cochrane had a great rant on facebook the other day. Here is what he said

Podcasting goes through cycles and about every 3 years their is a rash of new experts, that see podcasting as an opportunity to line their pockets.
These snake oil salesmen put together podcast training / consulting packages that will have all sorts of claims.
My advice is check the credentials of anyone you work with closely and ask for proof of past successes..
Meanwhile I have broken out the popcorn as some of the crap being promoted these days is pretty entertaining. I also know in 6-9 months we will see an increase in consults as we clean up the mess and wake of destruction.
Post edit: Let me add one more thing. We have a lot of new folks getting started. Lets do our best to mentor them so they are here for the long haul.

**MovieBuff** · 07-28-2014, 11:03 AM

I know what you mean. It's as annoying as those so called "free" products that are actually "Bait & Switch" products, ads, or websites.

That is why I love the IAIB forums because it is the complete opposite of those "snake oil sales people." The IAIB is free and you can individually assess different opinions, get equipment recommendations, suggestions, etc.

**domineaux** · 07-28-2014, 01:13 PM

No reason to be concerned. I am glad to get the information, so I can make my own mind about it.

Don't sweat the experts as long as you are mentally competent. You should be able to sort the flys from the poop.

**mcphillips** · 07-28-2014, 06:03 PM

It really bugs me to see people get duped, but there's only so much you can do to help. At some point, you just have to sit back and let the chips fall where they may.

EDIT: If you see words like "entrepreneur", "success coach", and even "marketing expert", run.

**ronknights** · 08-02-2014, 11:20 AM

Mike, I hear what you're saying. But I hope you eventually realize it's a losing battle. As long as people live, there will always be someone willing to follow the advice of "snake oil salesmen," self-professed experts, mentors etc.

You know the area of podcasting isn't the only place riddled with these idiots.

I'm probably older than you. I sometimes learn from my mistakes. I finally admitted to myself that there are things and people I can't change. That admission was liberating for me. It allowed me to grow, and helped me get along better with other people.

No, I'm no expert. But this is one lesson I've learned.

**mcphillips** · 08-02-2014, 11:32 AM

Ron, we're about the same age. Yes, I've dealt with snake oil salesmen and snake oil consumers my whole life. Heck, I've been a victim a time or two. It's not my place to save people from their naivete, but some really good friends opened my eyes along the way, and I try to pay it forward.

As Leonardo Da Vinci said, "There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see." Or was it Andrew Zarian who said it?

**ronknights** · 08-02-2014, 12:22 PM

The IAIB is an excellent way to share knowledge and to help others avoid the snake oil salesmen.

I rarely indulge in quotes because I feel they're pointless.

Oh, but I do love my own motto:' I want it all and I want it now!"