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Lately, many of us have been figuring out how best to spend time in our new routines. Some are dusting off their podcast microphones for the first time and others are taking a diligent look at how to improve their show. \n\n\n\nIn this episode of Audience, we put a call out for your most pressing podcast questions across our Facebook group and newsletter. We wanted to use our voice to help you navigate common hurdles of making a successful podcast. And it may come as no surprise, there was a common theme. Tips on how to grow an audience continue to be on the forefront of everyone\u2019s mind as COVID-19 affects listener stats.\n\n\n\nListen now for Craig\u2019s in-depth answers to each of your questions and find the quick takeaways below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre there benefits of producing bonus episodes that don\u2019t follow your show\u2019s normal format?\n\n\n\nExperimentation can be scary, especially when your podcast sees healthy engagement. But we believe trying new formats, durations, or publishing dates are worth it if you have a good reason. \n\n\n\nDon\u2019t produce an episode outside of your format just because you want to. Instead, ask yourself if the new elements are a more effective way to deliver the content and serve your audience better. If the answer is yes, follow these tips to give your listeners a heads up of what\u2019s coming:\n\n\n\nInclude a disclaimer in episodes leading up to the bonus content. Explain the new additions and give background about the change. Repeat this same disclaimer at the beginning of the bonus episode too.Ask your audience for feedback about the content. If they enjoyed it, this new style could become a reoccurring segment\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s the best way to get feedback about your content?\n\n\n\nStep one of increasing an audience size is taking a closer look at your content. Get critical feedback from current listeners by asking specific questions. Questions like, \u201cDid you like the episode?\u201d will only prompt responses that make it harder to take action. \n\n\n\nInstead, ask questions like, \u201cWhat did you think of my call-to-action in the last episode?\u201d or \u201cWas the story climax clear or heightened enough in episode 3?\u201d. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat does COVID-19 mean for podcasters in the next few months?\n\n\n\nIndustry data tells us total listens across all podcasters are down. The normal places like the gym, commutes, travel, and vacations are all on hold for the time being. And unfortunately, those spaces are where many people consume podcasts. Across the board, all podcast genres are experiencing lower engagement so this is an industry-wide trend.\n\n\n\nChartable maps Total Download and Total Listen trends from Spotify and Apple Podcasts due to COVID-19.\n\n\n\nCOVID-19 is also changing what podcasts are talking about. Some hosts have opportunities to pivot their content to trending news topics. Others can adjust cours