Kraig Adams Podcast: My Heartfelt Feedback as an Inspired Fan
If you are not Kraig Adams, you may think this post isn't for you.
But I genuinely believe there are a few lessons to be learned here, especially if you are looking to launch your first podcast or improve an existing one since Kraig has been an experienced podcaster and content creator for many years.
As I go deep into giving my honest feedback to Kraig Adams podcast, we might learn a few lessons for life itself, as well!
Who's Kraig Adams and his podcast?
I have followed Kraig Adams for many years. His profile bio has changed numerous times, from being an American filmmaker and vlogger to a solo hiking YouTuber.
Times are changing, and with that, so are people. And I guess he will soon change up his bio again, as he's going to be a dad this year!
Six years ago, he even tried stock trading, and I couldn't help but share my thoughts with him, ending up writing my most popular comment on YouTube! 😆
As I've got a long history following the guy, I felt I should give my honest feedback on his most recent podcast episode. And given podcasts are the worst when it comes to receiving feedback (nonexistent, really), I decided to post my feedback here.
Besides, he asked for it!
I went through the show notes he published in the podcast's show (these are the actual notes he took down on his phone; what a transparent guy!) and I split them into sections below for easier reading, as he was all over the place; much like I am when I'm taking notes on my day-to-day life.
I made sure his notes stood out on the wall of text below.
Let's dive in!
How should I title these podcast episodes?
I'm not an experienced podcaster. I am running a Greek podcast of 25 episodes we recorded with a friend at this time, and I have published an episode for my own podcast.
So, some things Kraig shared resonated with me.
So, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to pick the perfect titles for podcast episodes. You see, I've had a bit of a puzzle with this myself.
It's like, do I try to squeeze everything I chat about into the title, or do I just pick one thing that stands out, even though I cover a bunch of topics? It's a bit like when you're trying to choose the best piece of candy from a huge mix - it's tough to decide!
And then there's the whole thing about SEO.
Do I make sure the title has all those important words so people can find it easily, or do I just go with something that feels right and fun, even if it doesn't tick all the SEO boxes? It's a bit of a balancing act, and I'm always wondering the best way to go about it.
At this point, I believe the best way to go about it is to make podcasts with our core audience in mind, especially if the podcast will be part of our main channel and not just a standalone channel (more on that later).
For now, this seems to work for me, so I can come up with titles much easier:
- The podcast show is going to be watched mainly by my subscribers, and I do not care for discoverability and user acquisition. Besides, my podcast isn't my best work in showcasing my filmmaking skills. My main videos are, and hopefully, those will bring in more viewers. That's the plan, at least.
- Thus, I am not focusing on SEO for my personal podcast.
- My core audience merely wants to know what I'm talking about in this podcast episode.
- As a result, I'm throwing in the title the main topics I'm discussing. A similar example is the All-In podcast; just look at the titles of their episodes.
Film myself answering questions and reacting to community
Isn't a podcast great for that?
He sees podcasts as his chance to speak to his audience
Podcast that speaks directly to the audience. Private phone call
So, yes, I agree that the podcast should be tailored for our core audience and subscribers. Very few random people stumbling upon our podcast would really care about us if it's the first video made by you or me they watch.
Now that I know how I title my podcasts, let's see another worry of Kraig: where to host the podcast.
Gotta put my podcast on YouTube
Oh, that's a cool move, Kraig!
You know, I actually decided to go with a video podcast instead of just sticking to audio right from the start, long before YouTube announced they shift towards podcasts. YouTube now has a dedicated tab for podcasts, making it even easier for our audience to find and dive into our podcast episodes right alongside our other content.
When we started our duo Greek podcast, I thought it would be fun to share not just what we talk about but also show us having those conversations. It's like when you get to watch a movie of your favorite book and see the characters come to life.
The same applies to my solo podcast.
So, I post the podcast on YouTube for the video part and also on Spotify, which sends it out to all the major podcasting platforms for the audio-only folks. I am one of those, as I enjoy listening to podcasts on my long daily walks. Sometimes it's the main reason I go for a walk!
Should I be putting podcast episodes on YouTube?
There are a few reasons why I think having a video form of the podcast helps in growing an audience.
- First, videos on YouTube can reach a whole new crowd who might stumble upon the podcast while they're browsing. As I said before, this might not be the best source for new subscribers, but it opens up a door to connect with more people! Why not, then?
- Second, some people just love watching videos more than listening to audio – it's like how some kids prefer comic books over regular books.
- And third, it's like giving people a peek behind the curtain; they get to see the expressions, the laughter, and all the non-verbal stuff that you miss in audio. It makes everything feel more personal and relatable. I also get to share my screen from time to time - or all the time, like in my first episode!
In fact, I can't think of a single disadvantage of not doing a video along with an audio podcast. You are still going to edit the audio-only format. So, why not edit with a video on top?
Same effort, bigger reach, more value.
Packaging on one topic
Packaging is 80% of a video's success. Maybe even more. That's why Hollywood powerhouses spend twice as much on marketing than making the movie. Often, it's more than that.
Title and thumbnail need to focus in on one topic tho
I totally get where you're coming from, Kraig. Focusing the title and thumbnail on one topic for the main content on YouTube is a strategy I believe in, too.
It's like when you're telling a story and want to ensure the person listening knows exactly what the adventure is about from the start. By honing in on one key topic, it's easier to grab someone's attention as they scroll through, kind of like how a bright, shiny toy catches your eye in a store window.
This applies to our channel's main content, though.
Now, for the podcast itself, that's where we get to dive into the treasure chest and pull out all sorts of gems, talking about a variety of things, even if they seem a bit random.
It's like when you're hanging out with friends, and the conversation jumps from your favorite video game to the coolest superhero and then somehow ends up on the best pizza topping. This mix of topics keeps things exciting and unpredictable.
At least, I've enjoyed the rumblings, but only because I'm a subscriber, a true fan.
The video on YouTube acts like a doorway, inviting people into this bigger, more colorful room where all these conversations happen. It's a neat way to balance having a clear, focused entry point with the freedom to explore a bunch of different subjects once people are drawn in.
So, I like simplifying the process and keeping the podcast episode's thumbnail the same, changing up the words. Since it's not our core magnet to our YouTube channel, quantity wins over quality.
Get the thing posted, fire up the community, and get the discussion going.
Single or Multiple YouTube Channels?
Now, I totally understand that dilemma. Been there, done that. Not only for YouTube, but individual websites, as well.
Creating a new YouTube channel for Podcast videos
But here's how I see it.
Imagine a YouTube channel is like your very own TV channel. Just like on TV, where there are different shows, each with its own vibe and audience, your YouTube channel can work the same way.
It's like watching cartoons in the morning, a cooking show in the afternoon, and then maybe a science documentary in the evening. The host, or in this case, me, can be the same across these shows, but each one has its own unique format and maybe even a different group of people who love watching it.
Would drive me crazy to not put it on the main channel
It would drive me crazy, as well! All that effort to be scattered in the YouTube abyss sounds inefficient.
And when the time comes, and people in real life ask you, where do you point them to? Go there, that's my main channel. But if you like podcasts, jump into that one. Or, if you like ambient long-form videos, check out my third channel. 🤦
Doesn't that sound ridiculous? We're spreading ourselves very thin here. We're all a one-man band, after all.
Aren't we building a personal brand, the only feasible way to stay competitive in today's AI world?
This approach lets you explore all sorts of topics and styles without feeling like you're all over the place. It's a bit like having a big toy box where you've got puzzles, action figures, and board games. Someone might come for the puzzles, but then they discover the action figures and realize they love those, too!
Each 'show' on your channel can attract its own audience, but over time, people might start to enjoy the other content you create as well, especially because they like you as the host. It's a great way to keep things fresh and exciting, both for you and your viewers, without needing to juggle multiple channels.
Creating a new YouTube channel for Podcast videos
I would go against that. We do this in our Greek podcast. But our MAIN content for that channel is the podcast. And we try to keep a weekly update on that because, again, it's our main content. We create nothing else besides the podcast.
Is your main content the podcast? No.
It's travel videos. It's hiking videos.
It used to be vlog videos. But it never was a podcast.
And most of your subscribers found you because of your main content. Not your podcast.
But we never miss a podcast episode now as your true fans!
Really want to start a new YouTube channel for long form silent bakery videos
Experiment as much as you wish! There's nothing wrong with that. And I'd still keep that content on my main channel.
Hey guys, here's something new I'm trying. Like it? Hate it?
You can always take it down if it flops and you find it's not your vibe after all.
Just posting podcast videos to my channel but don't call them podcast episodes
You are just talking nonsense now, aren't you? This doesn't make much sense. Be true to yourself. Let's move on.
I question how important community and feedback actually is
Kraig, I hear you loud and clear. Podcasts suck when it comes to receiving feedback and building a community.
Podcasts can indeed feel like shouting into the void when it comes to getting feedback. Look at me. I ended up writing a 3,500-word blog post to give you my feedback!
What feedback do you have on the podcast in general? Should I accept feedback in the form of voicemails? Would comments on YouTube work well for feedback?
Switching to video podcasts on YouTube could really change the game for us. It opens up a direct line of communication through comments, which is a neat solution for that feedback loop.
Tired of getting every kind of feedback on my work… talk less, talk more, more social, stop including friends, more vlogs, don’t vlog
And you're right. Everyone has their own opinion, and it's just not possible to make everyone happy. I've learned to focus on making content that I'd enjoy myself. If it's something I would listen to or watch, then I consider it a win. I aim to please myself first, and becoming happier with my own content has been key.
I feel the need for more dialog between you and I. Also kinda don’t want to ask. I don’t care what people think
I totally get wanting to connect with like-minded people, but finding it hard actually to do so when the opportunity arises. I'm quite the silent type in conversations, too, preferring to listen and only chime in when directly asked.
You wouldn't call me fun in parties, for sure!
Wish I had fellow creators to talk through my problems and projects. Most of the creators that I call friends don’t really reciprocate my attempts to connect. I need collaboration. I need someone to bounce ideas
Well, think of it this way: I'm in a worse place where I don't have any creator friends. And honestly, I'm not actively looking.
My journey isn't about building a community; it's more about expressing my thoughts through my videos, creating a sort of legacy or archive, perhaps for my daughter to know me better in the future. It's about leaving something meaningful behind rather than worrying about others' opinions.
Collaboration has been a challenge for me, but it's comforting to know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Let's focus on creating content that fulfills us, Kraig. That's what really matters.
Vertical content isn't fulfilling, is it?
Like you, I've got my reservations about vertical content.
I don't consume Shorts, TikToks, or Reels myself, making me less inclined to create that type of content. There's a real draw towards landscape videos and the depth they offer, much like my preference for documentary films.
They allow me to capture life in a more cinematic way, in a format I truly enjoy creating. It resonates with your approach to hiking videos; you stick to what you love, and that authenticity shines through.
You like hiking, so you make hiking videos (I heard that in an older episode of yours).
I like watching documentaries; so, I make short documentaries about my everyday life.
YouTube shorts becoming more important
Absolutely, Kraig, YouTube shorts and similar vertical video formats on platforms like TikTok are definitely gaining traction. Everyone knows that.
They're becoming key tools for reaching wider audiences. I hear you on Julien2 sparking interest; there's something intriguing about experimenting with new formats and seeing what sticks, isn't there?
Yet they are a driving force to our content creation process, are they?
Everything is for making clips because that's where discoverablity is. Value in the form of user acquisition. Doesn't make money
Giving context to the readers here, Kraig got 1,000-2,000 new subscribers from a YouTube Short that reached 1 million people. Yet, he only made $100 from that video.
While I understand the strategy behind repurposing long-form content into bite-sized pieces for broader reach, it's not my go-to. However, if I were to dive into short-form content, educational snippets would be appealing.
Should I spend time making educational content? I feel like mini tutorials on TikTok would work well. Basically break a full workshop into small chapters. Answer questions that people might Google.
Imagine breaking down complex topics into digestible, 60-second clips, much like mini-tutorials. This could be a way to leverage the format without straying too far from what we're passionate about.
For me, focusing on ambient shorts full of b-rolls that answer frequent questions might be the way to go, saving the meatier discussions for longer formats. It's all about finding that balance between reaching a wider audience and staying true to the content that makes us happy to create.
Upload full horizontal videos to tiktok
Yes, I've seen this latest trend. But I don't see the point. I'll just stick to YouTube. Everything else is noise.
Sponsorships and Licensing music from Artlist vs Musicbed
Now, I am not a big-time YouTuber. I have had no success. I have zero experience with sponsorships and brand deals.
Yet, I appreciate transparency and honesty.
Kraig meant to do three videos sponsored by Artlist, but ended up not incorporating the ad since he didn't agree with the guidelines. In his recent podcast, Kraig says he prefers Musicbed over Artlist in terms of the quality of the music.
Have cancelled the last few integrations. Doing sponsorship differently. Trying to negotiate with better brands on larger campaigns. Basically trying harder.
Yet, I recall Kraig mentioning in one of his podcast episodes that he would ditch Musicbed because some artists terminated their contracts with the music licensing company, effectively creating copyright issues to videos previously made with their songs.
Lame, right?
Taking down the 10 hour comp video
He is taking down his 10-hour-long composition video. That's because some other artists are taking all the revenue due to copyright claims, and Kraig is unable to replace the music due to the video's length.
That was an eye-opener for a beginner YouTuber like me who's been using Artlist for years and has been debating subscribing to Musicbed as well. I have found some killer music there that I would very much like to include in my next videos. But Kraig's experience he genuinely shares makes me have second thoughts about that.
Video and website novel ideas
In his quest for video ideas, Kraig spent some time on Sulek's channel.
Researched Sam Sulek’s channel
If you are a YouTube enthusiast like me or Kraig, you must have come across this young bodybuilder who posts daily vlogs of him working out. Kraig shares a similar view to mine on that kind of content. Maybe because we're both quite older we happen to value different videos nowadays.
But that doesn't negate the fact that Sam's strategy proves very popular in today's YouTube landscape. It's just that I won't go after success, no matter the cost. And if that cost is creating content that doesn't resonate with me, then I'm perfectly fine staying a blur on YouTube.
We often tend to tie success with money. And the dream life is doing something you enjoy and getting paid for it. Yet, Kraig reveals that he no longer enjoys traveling for a living. Or traveling in general.
As I have hated traveling and the nuances it brings along (like packing, stress, breaking routine, etc.) since I was born, I am sorry, but it felt great to hear that! I discussed this with my wife this morning, and her view is that work-from-home individuals tend to be agoraphobic, feeling nervous living outside of their comfort zone.
I simply think that we happen to enjoy freedom and life in our home, being our own boss without the need for unnecessary commuting or taking orders.
In his podcast, Kraig also shares his novel idea for a website that will likely prove useful for YouTubers. You have to listen to his podcast for that, as I don't want to spill the beans here. But that idea may or may not already be in the works! 😏
Depression
Finishing up my feedback to Kraig Adams' podcast, I feel obliged to talk about the dark daemons we all seem to have in our heads.
Why do I feel so unfulfilled? I need help
Dealing with feelings of sadness, depression, and not feeling quite fulfilled is hard. It's something I've been through myself, and I know how tough it can be, even if you make millions (I don't).
There is so much that I could do and make great money from but I just don’t care. Low incentives
It's like carrying a heavy backpack that you can't seem to put down, no matter how hard you try.
General feelings of loneliness and sadness
Remember, it's okay not always to be okay. And you are not alone in feeling that way.
Jim Makos
So, that's all from me. I listened to Kraig's podcast in my evening walk yesterday and felt an urge to share my feedback with him. Who knows, maybe it's the start of sharing more feedback publicly for other creators I've been following.
So, stay tuned for more!
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