In this episode, James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, is back with his bold predictions about where podcasting is headed — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.We’re unpacking why downloads might not hold the top spot as the industry’s gold standard for much longer, YouTube’s growing role in podcast discovery (and its limitations), and how AI is adding convenience but not the creativity needed to stand out. James also explains the growing challenge of defining what a podcast really is as platforms like Spotify and YouTube continue to blur the lines.Whether you're starting a new show or scaling an existing one, you'll walk away from this episode with the know-how you need to stay ahead of industry trends and stay focused on what truly matters: creating content that connects and converts. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.18:00 - Why IAB Downloads Might Soon Lose Their Gold Standard Status19:11 - The Role (and Limits) of YouTube in Podcast Discovery21:41 - What *Actually* Makes a Podcast a Podcast24:06 - Are AI Tools Saving Time or Killing Creativity?33:39 - Adapt or Get Left Behind: How to Capitalize on the Latest Trends in Podcasting Episode Links:Podnews Daily (Podcast)Podnews.net (Daily Newsletter)PodcastBroker.comBuzzsprout.com/statsPodcastBusinessJournal.com/dataMake Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling by Eric Nuzum Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.