School of Podcasting

What School of Podcasting does

School of Podcasting is a privately held digital education business founded in 2005 by Dave Jackson and based in Cleveland, Ohio. It serves aspiring, existing, and committed podcasters through a self-serve online platform comprising more than nineteen short-form courses (each designed to be completed in under one hour), a members-only community (community.schoolofpodcasting.com), and a weekly long-running podcast that has published 1,004 episodes and accumulated 3.1 million-plus downloads as of 2022. Course offerings span the full podcasting lifecycle, including planning, content creation, equipment selection, remote recording (Squadcast, Descript, Zoom), audio editing (Audacity, Hindenburg Journalist), publishing workflows (Libsyn, Captivate, Buzzsprout, Podpage), directory syndication (Apple, Spotify, Amazon), audience growth, and monetization models.

The underlying technology is a standard online course delivery and subscription platform paired with RSS-based distribution of its own podcast across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Overcast, Podurama, and other listening clients. There are no publicly documented APIs, SDKs, MCP endpoints, or proprietary AI/ML components; the educational IP is delivered through recorded video and curated curriculum, organized via the ADDIE instructional-design model.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring monthly membership subscriptions that grant access to all courses, the community, and resource library, supplemented by individual one-time course purchases, a $1 introductory 'Podcasting in Six Weeks' entry class designed as a conversion funnel, and a 20% lifetime affiliate program. In March 2026, the company was acquired by Podpage, a podcast website platform, at which point Dave Jackson retained an operational role alongside Podpage's Brenden Mullen and the company announced an incoming free tier, expanded course catalog, and expert connection features.

Name

School of Podcasting

Legal name

School of Podcasting

Website

https://schoolofpodcasting.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

School of Podcasting, founded in 2005 and acquired by Podpage in March 2026, runs a subscription-based online education platform offering short courses, a member community, and a long-running podcast that teaches aspiring, existing, and committed podcasters how to plan, launch, grow, and monetize shows globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Podcasting Education

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Audio Learning Content (Podcasts, Audiobooks, Listening Programs) (EDAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Audio Production & Podcasting (BPAFAIAE)

Keywords

• Podcasting education
• Online podcast courses
• Audio content training
• Podcast production learning
• Creator education platform

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel

Revenue model

1. Course Memberships: Subscription-based membership providing access to all courses, community, and ongoing resources. Members receive practical skills they can apply immediately.
2. Affiliate Program: 20% lifetime commission for referring new members to the School of Podcasting. Earn recurring income by sharing the program in a natural, trustworthy way.
3. Individual Course Sales: Individual courses available for purchase, covering specific topics like Planning Your Podcast, Content is King, Podcast Equipment, Remote Recording, All Things Interviews, and more.
4. $1 Entry Class: Low-cost entry point class 'Podcasting in Six Weeks' at $1 to get beginners started and introduce them to the full membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

School of Podcasting operates a membership-based online education platform offering short, focused courses (each under one hour) that teach aspiring and existing podcasters how to plan, launch, record, edit, publish, grow, and monetize podcasts. The platform supplements its course catalog with a paid membership community, cohort-based learning programs, and a free weekly podcast (over 1,000 episodes) covering podcasting topics. It also distributes individual courses on third-party tools such as Podpage, Audacity, Hindenburg Journalist, Notejoy, Libsyn, Captivate, and Buzzsprout.

Product overview

School of Podcasting is an educational platform founded in 2005 by Dave Jackson, offering a comprehensive podcasting education ecosystem. The core offering is a membership-based platform combining short, focused courses (under 1 hour each) taught in a 'geek-speak free' teaching style with an educator-first approach. The portfolio includes over 20 distinct course modules covering the full podcasting lifecycle: planning, content creation, equipment, recording, editing, hosting platform guides (Libsyn, Buzzsprout, Captivate), publishing, syndication, growth, and monetization. Supplementary offerings include cohort-based education programs, a community platform for peer support and Q&A, and free weekly podcast episodes. The platform also offers courses on third-party tools including Podpage website builder, Audacity and Hindenburg Journalist audio editing software, Notejoy for notes, and remote recording via Squadcast/Descript/Zoom. All content emphasizes practical skills, real-world application, and the 'why' behind techniques rather than just the 'how'.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School of Podcasting Membership Monthly subscription that unlocks the full course catalog covering planning, equipment, content creation, interviews, remote recording, hosting platforms, syndication, growth, and monetization, plus members-only community access and resources.
• Cohort-Based Education Programs Structured, long-term learning programs that combine guided curriculum, live instruction, and peer interaction to help podcasters stay accountable and make steady progress.
• Community Platform Access Online community at community.schoolofpodcasting.com where members ask questions, share experiences, and access ongoing resources, documentation, and events.
• Podcasting in Six Weeks ($1 Entry Class) Low-friction $1 class that introduces beginners to the podcasting process and funnels them toward the full School of Podcasting membership.
• Planning Your Podcast Course Individual course covering pre-recording planning questions including defining target audience, format selection, and realistic cost assessment before launching a podcast.
• Content is King Course Individual course teaching how to generate episode ideas, hook listeners in the first 60 seconds, and deliver storytelling content that keeps audiences returning.
• Podcast Equipment Course Individual course on selecting the right microphone for voice and space, proper equipment setup, and microphone placement techniques for professional audio quality without expensive gear.
• Remote Recording Course Individual course covering high-quality remote audio recording approaches using Squadcast/Descript for studio-quality results and Zoom for flexible recording with guests and co-hosts.
• All Things Interviews Course Individual course covering the full spectrum of podcast interviews including finding right guests, booking on other shows, conducting engaging conversations, and promoting guest appearances.
• Learn Podpage Course Individual course providing a complete walkthrough of Podpage podcast website builder, from setup and customization to capturing emails, listener voicemails, search optimization, memberships, and social automation.
• Audacity Free Audio Editing Software Course Individual course teaching Audacity installation, microphone connection, four essential editing skills, EQ for voice enhancement, background noise removal, and proper MP3 export for podcast episodes.
• Hindenburg Journalist Course Individual course covering Hindenburg Journalist audio recording/editing software including microphone connection, advanced editing, Voice Profiler for audio improvement, and built-in transcription with speaker splitting.
• Understanding Media Hosts Course Individual course explaining podcast hosting mechanics, business model differences, stat interpretation, dynamic content insertion, and honest overviews of major hosting platforms.
• Publish Your Podcast With Libsyn Course Individual course providing a complete guide to Libsyn podcast hosting covering dashboard navigation, episode uploading/scheduling, directory submission, stats interpretation, embeddable players, advertising setup, and Libsyn Connect remote recording.
• Publishing Your Podcast With Captivate Course Individual course providing a comprehensive walkthrough of Captivate hosting platform including show setup, AMIE dynamic content insertion, monetization features, tips, memberships, and bulk editing across back catalog.
• Publishing Your Podcast Using Buzzsprout Course Individual course providing a complete guide to Buzzsprout hosting platform covering setup, episode publishing with chapters and ad placements, dynamic content, AI tools, stats reading, player customization, and directory listing.
• Podcast Syndication Course Individual course on submitting podcasts to directories including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, covering artwork requirements, descriptions, and step-by-step submission walkthroughs.
• Growing Your Podcast Course Individual course on podcast growth strategies including Google/Bing discoverability, cross-promotion networks, email leverage, compelling episode titles, and creative opportunities often overlooked by podcasters.
• Podcast Monetization Course Individual course covering all major podcast monetization models including affiliate marketing, advertising, courses, communities, Amazon Associates, and media kits with guidance on which models suit different audience sizes.
• Capturing Your Genius With Notejoy Course Individual course on setting up Notejoy as a podcasting brain for capturing ideas, guest notes, episode outlines, and research with Gmail integration, folder structure, and note import from other apps.
• Before You Start: The Road to Podcast Success Course Individual step-by-step beginner course covering podcast idea clarification, equipment selection, naming/branding, website and feed setup, intro music selection, and launching confidence.
• Podcast Foundations Course Introductory individual course with a module explaining how podcasts work.
• Free Podcast Episodes Free weekly podcast episodes covering starting, growing, and monetizing podcasts, with over 1,000 episodes available across 8 categories including Starting a Podcast, Growing Your Audience, Monetization Tips, Content Creation, Podcasting Tools, Marketing Strategies, and Interviews.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3.1 million+ podcast downloads
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• PodpageflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026School of Podcasting has been acquired by Podpage, a podcast website platform. This acquisition brings changes including a new free tier, more courses, and expert connection features. Dave Jackson continues with Brenden Mullen (Podpage) to continue the mission of making podcasting education accessible. Podpage provides the website infrastructure for schoolofpodcasting.com.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Podcast Host: Long-running podcasting education platform run by Colin Gray offering courses, blog content, and resources for podcasters at every stage. Directly comparable to School of Podcasting in mission, audience, and product format (structured courses plus community).
• Podcraft: Founded by Colin Gray as a podcasting education show and resource, covering equipment, planning, content, and growth. Closely comparable in offering deep, structured courses and serving the same aspiring and existing podcaster audience.
• She Podcasts: Podcast education community for women podcasters, offering courses, live events, and a peer community. Comparable as an educator-led, community-based model serving hobbyist and professional podcasters.
• Buzzsprout Academy: Free podcasting education resource from hosting platform Buzzsprout covering setup, equipment, growth, and monetization. Comparable in curriculum scope, though provided as a free, vendor-aligned product.
• Castos Academy: Free podcasting education resource from hosting platform Castos covering production, hosting, and growth. Comparable in content focus and free/educational positioning to incumbent hosting vendors.
• A Sound Education: Podcasting education platform run by Darren Fleming, offering courses and resources on podcast production and growth. Comparable as a creator-led, individual-driven podcasting education business.

Broad incumbents

• Amy Porterfield: Online course creator teaching digital marketing and podcasting to entrepreneurs. Comparable as a large-scale, individual-led online education business, broader in topic coverage but overlapping on podcast-related courses.
• Smart Passive Income (Pat Flynn): Education platform helping creators build online businesses, including podcasting as a core channel. Comparable as a creator-led education business with overlapping content on podcast monetization, growth, and audience building.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/schoolofpodcasting
• Xx.com/davejackson

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about School of Podcasting