Today, I'm breaking down 5 popular mics that you may have seen in your search for the perfect podcast mic.

We start with the well-advertised, terribly performing Blue Yeti. I explain why you're better off to skip it, and buy a dynamic microphone for cheaper.

Next, the nearly interchangeable Samson Q2U and Audio Technica ATR-2100X. The ATR has a USB-C option, but has been in very short supply lately. The Q2U is only USB-A, but you can buy an adapter/dongle and use a USB-C port on a newer computer. Both are around $60-$70.

Middle of the road, you can upgrade to the Shure MV7 - for around $300. High quality mic for a little bit more than entry level.

If budget isn't a concern, or you're spending a marketing budget, splurge on the Shure SM7B. You'll see it in most high-end podcast productions. And it's been used by everyone from Michael Jackson to Eminem....to me.

Microphone questions, reach out any time.

Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

In this episode, we explore the significant impact listener surveys can have on a podcast's success, especially during the holiday season. Listener surveys allow us to connect directly with our audience and understand their preferences, making it easier to create content that resonates. In the radio world, we called this “Hugging your P1s”—a term for our most loyal listeners. Providing incentives, like gift cards, can increase participation, especially during this time of year when engagement may naturally decline.

Listener surveys also serve as valuable content. By dedicating an episode to discussing survey questions and linking a Google form in the show notes, we can keep our audience engaged and gather data simultaneously. Credit for many of these survey strategies goes to Melissa Joy Dobbins of the Sound Bites podcast. Here are the ten questions we recommend asking:

1. How long have you been listening? This helps us gauge listener loyalty and the effectiveness of outreach over time.
2. How did you discover the show? Knowing whether it was through social media, a search engine, or word of mouth can refine our marketing strategies.
3. Where do you follow or subscribe? Asking this not only provides insight but also reminds listeners to follow or subscribe on platforms like Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.
4. How do you consume the show? Identifying whether listeners prefer audio, video, or both informs future production plans.
5. What topics or guests should we cover more? This ensures our content aligns with audience interests.
6. What topics should we cover less? Feedback on what isn’t working is just as valuable.
7. Have you shared an episode? Understanding how listeners share the show helps us improve its reach.
8. Would you leave a review? While not a primary call to action, reviews offer social proof and strengthen credibility.
9. Would you support the show financially? Options like listening to ads, Patreon subscriptions, or buying merchandise can diversify our revenue streams.
10. Demographic insights: Gathering age, gender, and other details respectfully helps us better understand our audience.

By using these questions, we gain actionable insights to refine our content, marketing, and engagement strategies for 2025

Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com

In this episode of The Jag Show, we dive into the lessons learned from the highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight and how these insights can be applied to podcasting and content creation. Join us as we explore the essential elements of creating buzz, the unpredictability of viral moments, and the critical importance of technology in delivering a seamless experience.

• Create Buzz and FOMO: Learn how to generate excitement and the fear of missing out to make your content irresistible, just like the buzz surrounding the Tyson vs. Paul fight.

• Embrace Viral Moments: Discover why you can't plan for virality but can prepare your content to seize the moment when it arises, illustrated by the unexpected viral moment from the fight.

• Ensure Reliable Technology: Understand why having robust tech is non-negotiable in 2024 and beyond, as seen with Netflix's buffering issues during the fight.

• Build Up vs. Payoff: Find out why the payoff must match the buildup, and how a lackluster main event can leave audiences disappointed, drawing parallels to the fight's outcome.

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, these insights will help you create compelling content that keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

If you have questions about content creation, especially in the podcast realm, reach out to us at jagindetroit.com.

Find jag on social media @JAGinDetroit or online at JAGinDetroit.com