The decision of whether or not to run ads on your podcast isn't an easy one. Nor should it be. Smart podcasters understand the risks and rewards. And they give their most loyal listeners an escape route.  How many ads or sponsored messages are too many ads or sponsored messages in a podcast episode? Last summer, I made the decision to make the current season of Podcast Pontifications sponsor-supported. There's the message from the title sponsor right after my cold open, and then another shorter sponsor block mid-way through the episode.And it's not just the audio. Articles published on the show's website and on Medium have a text-version of those sponsor blocks as well. That article—with sponsor messages—is also emailed to a few hundred people who get the free "in your inbox" version. I'm a completist! I recently activated a few "escape routes" for those who don't want to suffer through the relevant sponsor messages. Supporting members of BuyMeACoffe.com/evoterra, a few who pay for a premium subscription on Apple Podcasts, and absolutely no one (yet?) paying for a premium subscription on Spotify. I decided to add those premium options when I started getting complaints. Thanks for your candor, Patrick and April! If the two of you aren't happy, then at least 20 others aren't either. Or more.Because yes, 20–30% of an episode dedicated to sponsor messages and calls-to-action is a lot. Even though that's on par with broadcast TV and commercial radio. In the coming weeks, I'll probably lighten that load a bit. Because I agree; it's excessive. Until that time,  you can always pull the rip-cord and choose one of the sponsor-free options, either on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or via Buy Me A Coffee. At least that's how I'm feeling about things right now. Like everything that I do on Podcast Pontifications, this is a work in progress. Who knows when I'll decide to change my mind and do things differently? :)-----LinksLooking for a remote recording solution that handles both audio and video? You need Riverside.fm!Over 100K active podcasters trust BuzzsproutLooking to skip the sponsor messages? Premium, sponsor free options at:BuyMeACoffe.com/evoterraApple PodcastsSpotifyGot a podcasting service? Become a sponsor of Podcast Pontifications.Serious about podcasting? Join the Advancing Podcasting Community today!------ Podcast Pontifications is a production of Simpler Media. New episodes are released four times a week, providing ideas and questions every serious podcaster should be thinking about.It's created and hosted by Evo Terra. Follow him on Twitter for more podcasting insights as they come. Allie Press assists with the production and transcription of the show.If you received value from today's episode of Podcast Pontifications, return some of that! We call it value-for-value, and there are many ways to show your support. Mentioned in this episode:Support For Abortion RightsWhile Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety, and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations4abortion.com. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources: 1. ShoutYourAbortion.com is a campaign to normalize abortion. 2. DontBanEquality.com is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. 3. Abortion.cafe has information about where to find clinics. 4. PlanCPills.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. 5. Choice.CRD.co has a collection of these resources and more. We encourage you to speak up! And spread the word.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy