podcasts

3 Skills to Maximize Podcast Listening

April 9, 2019 By Daniel Im

Malcolm Gladwell is famous for saying that it takes 10,000 hours to achieve world-class expertise in any skill.

Since first writing about the “10,000 Hour Rule” in his book, Outliers: The Story of Success in 2008, the theory has come under much debate. Now regardless of your viewpoint on the rule, the fact is, 10,000 hours is a lot of time. After spending that much time on one thing—while you may not be world-class or an expert—you’re probably half decent.

And if there’s anything I’ve spent 10,000 hours on, it’s probably podcasting.

I’ve listened for 10+ years, I’m a regular guest on others, and I co-host three:

Two years ago, I wrote an article on The Power of Podcasting. Last year, I wrote one entitled, Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Don’t! Until you read this…. So this year, I wanted to focus on the listener and offer you a few skills to maximize your podcast listening.

Skills to Maximize Podcast Listening:

3 Must-Listen to Podcast Episodes

July 17, 2018 By Daniel Im

If you’re like me, I have a never ending list of To-Dos.

So when I can redeem my time and knock out two things at once, I celebrate! That’s why I love podcasts and audiobooks. They keep me sharp, and I don’t need to be sitting down to listen to them.

As a result, when I’m commuting back and forth from work, vacuuming/mowing the lawn, and working out, I always have my bluetooth earbuds in, growing while doing.

Here are 3 episodes that I thought you might enjoy:

Episode 300: A Glimpse Into the Lives of Ed Stetzer, Todd Adkins, and Daniel Im
- For the 300th episode of the New Churches Q&A Podcast, I wanted to take it personal. So on this episode, you’ll hear our personal stories, fears, and prayers for the Church.
Episode 23: Will Porn Ruin My Marriage?
- In this episode of the IMbetween Podcast, my wife and I interview Dr. Simon Sheh about pornography, the reasons behind porn addiction, and what to do if you or your spouse is addicted to porn. This is actually the second episode that we did on porn. The first one was about how to talk to your kids about porn.
Episode 265: Why People Leave Your Church
- In this episode of the 5LQ podcast, Todd Adkins and I interview Scott McConnell on some fascinating research regarding why people leave churches.

Happy listening!

Thinking of Starting a Podcast? Don’t! Until you read this…

April 24, 2018 By Daniel Im

I love podcasts. They’re informative, inspirational, (can be) fun, but best of all, they’re FREE…

…well, that is, they’re free to the listener, but they are actually quite the investment (time + money) for the host.

And that’s something that I can personally speak into.

According to a 2017 survey from Edison Research,

40% of Americans had ever listened to a podcast, which is up significantly from 11% in 2006
18-34 year olds are the largest group of listeners, making up 44% of the group, with 35-54 year olds coming in a close second at 33%
Average listeners typically tune into five podcasts per week, are subscribed to six, and mostly listen at home or while driving

Though it’s been 10+ years since I first entered the world of podcasting as a listener, I’ve actually been recording my own podcasts since 2015.

I’m the co-host of three:

And as of April 2018, I’ve recorded more than 350 episodes on the three I co-host, as well as other ones I’ve been interviewed on as a guest.

In other words, I know the cost of starting and maintaining a podcast, and it’s definitely not free for the host!

But if you’re committed to it for a certain length of time, and have determined a clear purpose and reason for doing it, then it can be a fun endeavor to undertake.

I’ll talk about equipment options below, but let me get to the reason I’m writing this in the first place.

If your goal is to share information or spread an idea, a podcast may not be the best means for doing so.

100 Episodes on our Church Planting and Multisite Podcast

October 25, 2016 By Daniel Im

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Recently, Ed Stetzer, Todd Adkins, and I celebrated our 100^th episode on the NewChurches.com Q&A Podcast. It’s been such a joy to dream up and implement this idea of a podcast that answered real life church planting, multisite, and pastoral leadership questions.

Our heart is to serve the church in her mission of making disciples by helping her multiply. That’s what this podcast is all about. As a result, twice a week, we answer listener submitted questions.

Here are the questions from our top 5 most downloaded episodes:

Episode 1: As a young church planter, what are some blind spots that I need to be aware of?
Episode 3: In a context with so few believers, what strategies would you recommend for church planters to expand their network in order to raise financial support?
Episode 11: The growth is slow in my church. What are the growth barriers in church planting?
Episode 59: On launch day, what would you recommend to preach on? What would be your first series?
Episode 61: What are the differences in gifts and temperaments for someone who will revitalize a church vs someone who will plant a new church?

More than any other topic we covered, bivocational ministry was definitely the one with the most questions! This is because I believe it’s a trend for the future of church planting, as well as a topic with little to few resources out there.