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8 things I never do in Podcasting and you shouldn't either

Published on: 20th June, 2024

**Episode Summary:**

In this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark shares the "8 Things I Never Do In Podcasts." These essential tips will help you maintain a professional, engaging, and legally sound podcast. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your podcasting journey is smooth and successful.

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**Key Takeaways:**


1. **Copyright Music (or Other Stuff):**

  - Always use royalty-free music or obtain proper licenses.

  - Example: A podcaster faced a lawsuit for using a popular song without permission, resulting in hefty fines and stress.


2. **Talk Trash About People (without proof):**

  - Avoid slandering anyone without solid evidence to prevent defamation claims.

  - Example: A podcast host was sued for making unverified claims about a celebrity, leading to a costly settlement.


3. **Waste Time on a Long Intro:**

  - Keep intros brief and to the point to engage your audience quickly.

  - Example: Compare a podcast that spends five minutes on an intro versus one that dives into the topic within thirty seconds.


4. **Worry Too Much About Filler Words:**

  - Don't stress over filler words like "um" and "uh"; focus on content value.

  - Example: Listeners appreciate the natural flow of conversation, filler words and all.


5. **Refer to Visuals:**

  - Describe visuals in detail or provide links in show notes to avoid confusing your audience.

  - Example: A podcast host who frequently said "look at this" without description lost listeners' engagement.


6. **Dwell on Analytics:**

  - Use analytics as a tool, not a stress point; focus on creating great content.

  - Example: A podcaster fixated on stats lost sight of content quality, resulting in a drop in listenership.


7. **Rely on Independent Contractors Without a Written Agreement:**

  - Always have a written agreement to ensure clarity and protection.

  - Example: A podcaster without a contract faced disputes with an editor, leading to a stressful resolution process.


8. **Name the Podcast Without Running a Search:**

  - Conduct a thorough search to ensure your podcast name isn't already in use.

  - Example: A podcaster had to rebrand after receiving a cease and desist letter, losing momentum and listeners.


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**Resources Mentioned:**


- 📝 Legal Forms and Templates: Protect yourself and your content with our comprehensive documents at [podcastlawforms.com](https://podcastlawforms.com).

- 🎓 Free Workshop: "Podcast Growth and Profit: Mastering Fundamentals; Avoiding Costly Mistakes." Learn essential business and legal strategies to maximize profitability. Register now at [events.podcastlaw.net](https://events.podcastlaw.net).


---


**Connect with Us:**



**Episode Summary:**

In this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast, The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark shares the "8 Things I Never Do In Podcasts." These essential tips will help you maintain a professional, engaging, and legally sound podcast. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your podcasting journey is smooth and successful.


---


**Key Takeaways:**


1. **Copyright Music (or Other Stuff):**

  - Always use royalty-free music or obtain proper licenses.

  - Example: A podcaster faced a lawsuit for using a popular song without permission, resulting in hefty fines and stress.


2. **Talk Trash About People (without proof):**

  - Avoid slandering anyone without solid evidence to prevent defamation claims.

  - Example: A podcast host was sued for making unverified claims about a celebrity, leading to a costly settlement.


3. **Waste Time on a Long Intro:**

  - Keep intros brief and to the point to engage your audience quickly.

  - Example: Compare a podcast that spends five minutes on an intro versus one that dives into the topic within thirty seconds.


4. **Worry Too Much About Filler Words:**

  - Don't stress over filler words like "um" and "uh"; focus on content value.

  - Example: Listeners appreciate the natural flow of conversation, filler words and all.


5. **Refer to Visuals:**

  - Describe visuals in detail or provide links in show notes to avoid confusing your audience.

  - Example: A podcast host who frequently said "look at this" without description lost listeners' engagement.


6. **Dwell on Analytics:**

  - Use analytics as a tool, not a stress point; focus on creating great content.

  - Example: A podcaster fixated on stats lost sight of content quality, resulting in a drop in listenership.


7. **Rely on Independent Contractors Without a Written Agreement:**

  - Always have a written agreement to ensure clarity and protection.

  - Example: A podcaster without a contract faced disputes with an editor, leading to a stressful resolution process.


8. **Name the Podcast Without Running a Search:**

  - Conduct a thorough search to ensure your podcast name isn't already in use.

  - Example: A podcaster had to rebrand after receiving a cease and desist letter, losing momentum and listeners.


---


**Resources Mentioned:**

- Podcast Prenup Planning Guide: Tips to ask the right questions and have the conversation so you can get your team relationships in order. http://podcastprenup.com

- Podcaster's Guide to Trademarks: http://podcasttrademark.com

- 📝 Legal Forms and Templates: Protect yourself and your content with our comprehensive documents at [podcastlawforms.com](https://podcastlawforms.com).

- 🎓 Free Workshop: "Podcast Growth and Profit: Mastering Fundamentals; Avoiding Costly Mistakes." Learn essential business and legal strategies to maximize profitability. Register now at [events.podcastlaw.net](https://events.podcastlaw.net).


---

Connect with us


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#Podcasting #PodcastTips #PodcastingAdvice #PodcastGrowth #LegalTipsForPodcasters #PodcastSuccess #CopyrightLaw #PodcastContracts #PodcastMarketing #GordonFiremark #EasyLegalForPodcasters


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Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Legit Podcast Pro podcast. We hope you found these tips valuable and that they help you create a more professional and successful podcast. Until next time, happy podcasting!


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About the Podcast

Legit Podcast Pro
Exploring Podcasting through the legal and business lens from The Podcast Lawyer™, Gordon Firemark
Take your podcast to new levels of professionalism and profit. Join The Podcast Lawyer™ Gordon Firemark for tips, strategies, advice and Q&A with top podcasters. Learn how to grow and profit from your podcast like a pro.
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About your host

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Gordon Firemark

Gordon Firemark (gordonfiremark.com) has practiced media and entertainment law in Los Angeles since 1992. Widely known as The Podcast Lawyer™ (ThePodcastLawyer.com), he has spent his career helping creative industry professionals make deals that make sense, and that get their productions developed, financed, produced and distributed. His practice also covers copyrights, trademarks, business transactions, and corporate matters for clients in media and entertainment.