In today's episode of Podcast Smarter, Norma Jean Belenky, Podbean's Head of Events, hosts an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Podcast Specialist Roni Gosch and Director of Content, John Kiernan. We have a lively discussion on various strategies for bootstrapping your podcast, Podbean swag and how to pace and communicating interview styles and preferences.   We highlight the capabilities of the Podbean app for recording and live streaming directly from a smartphone, emphasizing the value of utilizing available tools to their fullest.  "You don't have to have hundreds or thousands of dollars to start. You just have to start. I think starting is the hardest thing. So don't let maybe the lack of funds or the lack of whatever you're able to start with stop you because literally with the Podbean app, we have an app where you can record and edit and publish directly from your phone from a free app. You can get started today." - Norma Jean Belenky We also highlight the significance of podcast merchandise and discuss effective ways for you to whip up your own custom podcast merchandise revealing exciting upcoming plans for the Podbean booth, including unique branded content designed by our team. Roni also shares their expertise on podcast merchandise, taking us through some of the coolest merch items we've had on offer with a glimpse into the creative process behind Podbean's unique limited-edition stickers.   This episode provides invaluable insights into the art of conversation redirection in podcasting. Learn subtle techniques for expanding upon briefly touched topics without coming across as impolite. Discover how to create the perfect tone for your show, keep your conversations engaging, and when to confidently jump into the conversation. We also cover options for multi-person hosts and the use of visual cues in video podcasting. Whether you're a fan seeking Podbean merch, a podcaster hoping to master the art of interviewing, or just someone interested in the podcast production process, this is an informative and engaging listen with something for everyone. Here are the main takeaways of today's episode: Discover cost-effective strategies to launch your podcast and make an impact in the podcasting world. Learn how to leverage the Podbean app for seamless and professional podcasting experience. Uncover the best microphones tailored to beginner podcasters for top-notch audio quality without breaking the bank. Master the art of podcasting with zero budget and still reach and engage a wide audience. Explore techniques to captivate and retain your podcast audience, making your episodes unmissable and highly engaging. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:27 - Starting a Podcast with Zero Revenue 00:03:00 - Podcasting with Zero Budget Strategy 00:07:16 - Importance of Engaging Content 00:10:54 - Getting Podbean Merchandise 00:12:28 - Tips for redirecting conversations 00:14:19 - Providing structure to interviews 00:16:29 - Balancing interview structure and spontaneity 00:18:35 - Communicating interview style preferences Resources: Subscribe to our email newsletter to get industry updates: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe  Watch the video of this event on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSJeWFoVSw  Sign up for all of Podbean's Free Live Events here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/podbeancom-31329492977  Other episodes you'll enjoy: Podbean's Apple Subscription Integration  Podbean's Descript Editing Integration About us: Podcast Smarter is the official in-house podcast by Podbean.  Podbean is a podcast publishing and monetization service, hosting almost 640,000 podcasts.  If you’re looking to start your own podcast, monetize your podcast and livestream directly to your listeners, you can set up an account at podbean.com  Connect with us: Subscribe to our email newsletter to get updates from the team head over to: https://www.podbean.com/email-subscribe Find us on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podbean  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podbeancom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0H3hvTa_1_ZwFg6RjGNXGw/  Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/podbeancom   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/podbean  Website: https://podcast.podbean.com/    Email us: To contact Podcasting Smarter with questions get in contact at podcastingsmarter@podbean.com