YouTube actually tells you that 50% of views will drop out within the first 30 seconds. That's mental that that YouTube knows for a fact that half of your audience will be gone within 30 seconds.”

I got a chance to audit Nicki Sun’s podcast, “Nicki Sun Show”, and I feel like this podcast audit is really a treat, as I could connect with someone who shares a deep passion for storytelling and uplifting marginalized voices. Nicki is a filmmaker, host, and creator whose work is visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and purpose-driven.

But even talented creators like Nicki run into challenges when it comes to podcast consistency, audio-first thinking, and strategic growth—and that’s where this audit comes in.

We dug deep into her workflow, identity, and production pipeline to figure out what’s working, what’s not, and how she can optimize her show without losing the magic that makes it special.

Key talking points:
- Why niching down is essential—and how to find your podcast’s true focus.
- How to write better show notes that speak directly to your listener.
- What makes a powerful intro and why you should stop saying “Welcome back.”
- Using AI tools like ChatGPT properly to save time without sounding robotic.
- The 30-second hook strategy to boost retention on both YouTube and podcast apps.
- Why your outro needs to be sharp, not 90 seconds of music.

Chapters and Timestamps
1:35 – Meet Nicki Sun: filmmaker, host, and creative powerhouse
4:20 – Nicki’s mission: Amplifying Asian American and marginalized creators
09:40 – The problem with being too broad: Defining your niche
17:20 – YouTube vs. Podcasting: Which platform are you really serving?
25:45 – Hooks, show notes, and using AI the right way
35:50 – Outro tips, crosstalk editing, and one strong CTA to rule them all

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