The Creator's Log | Podcast on RSS.com

The Creator's Log

The Creator's Log

by Krloz Ruben

Business Technology

What I Learned After 10 Podcast Episodes (Mistakes, AI & Podcast Growth)

In this milestone episode, I'm looking back at the biggest lessons, mistakes, frustrations, and surprises from my first ten episodes as a podcaster. From obsessing over hosting platforms and recording software to learning why community matters more than download numbers, this episode is an honest reflection on what it's really like to build a podcast from scratch. I talk about why there is no perfect podcast host, why every recording platform will eventually let you down, how research can become procrastination, and why publishing an imperfect episode will teach you more than spending another week planning. I also share how my views on AI have evolved, how I use it as a tool rather than a replacement, and why I believe your voice and experiences are still the most valuable parts of any podcast. Other topics include: • Why you don't need everything figured out before you start • The importance of building community over chasing downloads • Creating a workflow that actually works for you • Why podcasting is much more than just recording • Using YouTube as part of your podcast strategy • The realities of promoting a podcast • Collaboration, networking, and connecting with other creators • Learning to improve with every episode instead of chasing perfection Whether you're launching your first podcast, struggling through your first few episodes, or simply curious about the creator journey, this episode is a reminder that progress matters more than perfection. Thanks for being part of these first ten episodes. This is only the beginning. The Creator's Log is hosted by Carlos and documents the real-world process of building podcasts, learning new skills, making mistakes, and figuring things out one episode at a time. Follow me on Instagram and visit us at KRPodLab.com. Check out Dave's How to Podcast content. Check out the DJI2 microphone and the Shure MV7+. For free podcast hosting check out RSS.com and Descript for 50% off on recording software for two months!

How I Actually Use AI for Podcasting (Without Letting It Take Over)

AI is everywhere right now. Some creators see it as a threat, others think it's overhyped. In this episode of The Creator's Log, I share how I actually use AI in my podcasting workflow, and why I view it as an assistant rather than a replacement for creativity. From developing episode ideas and refining outlines to creating show notes, social media captions, thumbnails, and even building a podcast website, I break down the real ways AI has helped me save time while keeping my voice and creative decisions intact. I also talk about the mistakes creators make when relying too heavily on AI, why transcripts have become one of the most valuable tools in my workflow, and how I balance technology with the human side of podcasting. Whether you're launching your first podcast, growing a creative project, or simply curious about how AI fits into content creation, this episode offers a practical look at what works, what doesn't, and where the creator still needs to stay in control. In this episode: How I use AI to brainstorm podcast topics Creating outlines without scripting episodes Turning transcripts into SEO-friendly show notes Using AI for social media captions and marketing Building a podcast website with AI assistance Creating podcast artwork and thumbnails The limits of AI in creative work Why maintaining your voice matters Balancing efficiency with authenticity as a creator If you've been wondering how AI can fit into your creative workflow without replacing your ideas, this episode is for you. Try Descript for 2 months at 50% off the Creator plan, and check out RSS.com for free! Build a professional website for your podcast with Beamly. Follow along at KRPodLab.com and connect with me on Instagram @KRPODLAB.

Overcoming The Pressure To Go Video | Video Podcasting on YouTube

In this episode Krloz discusses the growing pressure to add video to podcasts as platforms and communities promote it, while he questions whether video’s popularity matches audio-only numbers. He asks listeners about their batch recording process, sharing concerns about forgetting an episode’s central point during editing and the strain of recording many episodes. He explains why video could help his physical media/film podcast (showing covers, transfers, and hauls) but lists barriers: discomfort being on camera, lack of a “video” setup, steep learning curves in video editing, lighting and camera challenges, storage demands, added burnout from a one-person production workflow, and costs of hosting video (preferring free YouTube or Spotify over paid hosts like Captivate). He emphasizes taking baby steps, preserving identity, asking audiences how they consume episodes, and preparing for increased criticism on YouTube. In this episode: • The pressure creators feel to start a video podcast • My first experience with batch recording • Camera anxiety and learning to be on video • Video editing, lighting, and production challenges • YouTube vs traditional podcast platforms • Hosting costs and storage concerns • Creator burnout and promotion fatigue • Why I'm taking baby steps into YouTube • Staying true to your identity as a creator Try Descript out for two month at 50% off the Creator plan, and check out RSS.com for free! If you're navigating the same questions about video podcasting, I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you balance growth, creativity, and sustainability? Follow along at krpodlab.com and connect with me on Instagram @krpodlab 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 02:10 Batch Recording Experiment 03:22 Editing Fears and Workflow 06:13 Why Video Feels Necessary 06:52 Showing Physical Media on Camera 09:06 Face on Camera Discomfort 11:34 Podcast vs Vlog Debate 13:04 Influencer Pressure in Media 14:20 Video Editing and Lighting Hurdles 17:38 Thumbnails and YouTube AI Tools 21:08 Camera Anxiety and Procrastination 22:37 Where to Host Video Podcasts 25:12 Overwhelming Video Advice Online 28:16 Storage Costs and Burnout Risk 30:21 Promotion Burnout 31:20 DM Spam Etiquette 34:25 Notion List Pressure 36:52 Is Video Worth It 39:59 YouTube Algorithm Edge 43:29 Baby Steps Into Video 46:48 Keep Your Identity 48:12 Likes Addiction Trap 53:00 Criticism And Caution 54:18 Descript Discount Plug 55:54 Final Thanks And Outro

My Podcast Gets More Plays on YouTube Than Podcast Apps

One of the biggest surprises I've had while building The Creator's Log is that one of my episodes gained more traction on YouTube than it did on traditional podcast platforms. In this episode, I talk about why every podcaster should consider uploading their episodes to YouTube, even if they're not creating a video podcast. I share what happened when I started distributing my audio-only episodes to YouTube, why discoverability works differently there, and how it changed the way I think about publishing content. I also walk through my simple workflow for optimizing podcast episodes for YouTube, including transcripts, thumbnails, SEO-friendly titles, descriptions, and hashtags. If you're an independent creator, podcaster; or content producer trying to grow an audience, this episode may help you rethink where your content should live. Topics discussed: • Why YouTube matters for podcasters • Audio-only podcasts on YouTube • Podcast discoverability and search • Creating SEO-friendly podcast titles • Using transcripts to improve visibility • Thumbnail strategy for podcast episodes • My workflow using RSS.com, Adobe Podcast, Descript, and ChatGPT Follow The Creator's Log for more conversations about podcasting, content creation, workflow systems, and building creative projects from the ground up. And check out our website at krpodlab.com Listen to the episode mentioned of The Physical Cut: The Lost Episode

Podcast Hosting Platforms (P.2): Captivate, Buzzsprout, Transistor & RSS.com

If you're starting a podcast in 2026 or thinking about switching hosts, this episode offers a real-world look at what each platform does well, and where they may fall short. In Part 2: I'm comparing four of the most talked-about podcast hosts for independent creators: Captivate, Buzzsprout, Transistor, and RSS.com. In This Episode Why Captivate remains one of the strongest growth-focused podcast hosting platforms The AI assistant feature that almost kept me on Captivate Customer support experiences and billing challenges Captivate pricing, download limits, and podcast network options Transistor's user-friendly interface and podcast website features Buzzsprout's strengths for solo creators and mobile podcasters Buzzsprout's podcast education resources and active community Audio vs. video podcast hosting costs Free podcast hosting options that still allow you to own your content RSS.com features including unlimited podcasts, AI transcripts, and monetization Hosting Platforms Covered Captivate Unlimited podcasts and episodes Strong marketing and growth tools AI-powered podcast assistant Podcast network support Monetization options Download-based pricing structure Transistor Clean and intuitive interface Podcast websites and podcast networks Advanced analytics Dynamic ad insertion (higher-tier plans) Unlimited podcast hosting Buzzsprout Beginner-friendly podcast hosting Mobile app support Video podcast publishing Strong educational resources Active creator community Transparent pricing RSS.com Free podcast hosting option Unlimited podcasts and episodes AI-generated transcripts Podcast websites Listener donations and monetization Podcast network support Independent creator-friendly approach Key Takeaway The best podcast hosting platform isn't necessarily the one with the most features; it's the one that fits your workflow, budget, and goals. Other Resources Mentioned Adobe Podcast Descript Riverside Connect Follow the show on Instagram: @krpodlab Visit: krpodlab.com

Podcast Hosting Platform (P.1) | Spreaker, Podcastle, Castos & Podbean

In this episode of The Creator’s Log, Krloz breaks down four podcast hosting platforms he tested while building multiple podcasts from scratch: Spreaker, Podcastle, Castos, and Podbean. If you’re trying to figure out where to host your podcast in 2026, this episode dives into the real experience of testing these platforms: from pricing and analytics to customer support, website integration, AI tools, video podcasting, storage limits, and ease of use. Krloz shares why some platforms felt too complicated, why certain pricing models became deal breakers, and which hosting sites are better suited for beginner podcasters, video-first creators, or growing podcast networks. From confusing storage caps and AI credits to unlimited hosting plans and monetization features, this episode focuses on the things creators actually care about when choosing a podcast host. You’ll also hear thoughts on: Podcast analytics and why simplicity matters Podcast distribution to Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeartRadio Free vs paid podcast hosting Video podcasting and YouTube integration Dynamic ads and podcast monetization Customer support experiences Website builders included with podcast hosts Hosting multiple podcasts under one subscription Why some podcast hosts feel overwhelming for beginners The hidden costs of podcast growth This episode is perfect for beginner podcasters, indie creators, and anyone comparing podcast hosting services before launching their show. Platforms Discussed Podcastle / Async Castos Podbean Spreaker Coming in Part 2 Krloz continues the hosting platform series with deeper reviews of: Captivate Buzzsprout Transistor RSS.com If you’re overwhelmed trying to pick the “perfect” podcast host, this episode is a reminder that the most important thing is to start creating and learn as you grow. If you want to support the show, follow us on Instagram @krpodlab Visit krpodlab.com for new episodes.

Podcast Recording Tools | Riverside vs Descript vs Adobe Podcast

In this episode of The Creator’s Log, Krloz Ruben dives into the reality of modern podcast creation while comparing three popular podcasting platforms: Riverside.fm, Descript, and Adobe’s Adobe Podcast Studio. What started as a straightforward podcast tools comparison quickly turned into a creator nightmare after Adobe corrupted the original WAV file for the episode, forcing Krloz to rebuild the entire recording from the transcript. This episode explores the real-world frustrations of solo podcasting, AI editing tools, remote recording software, transcription-based editing, workflow problems, corrupted audio files, and the growing complexity of content creation platforms. Topics covered include: Riverside FM remote recording experience AI transcription and editing problems Magic Clips issues and export delays Why Riverside workflows slowed down productivity Editing podcasts through transcription vs waveform audio Descript’s transcription accuracy and AI editing tools Adobe Podcast Studio’s beta limitations Corrupted WAV files and lost recordings Podcast editing workflows for solo creators Intro music, sound design, and podcast atmosphere Monetization concerns and podcast ad overload Building the KR Pod Lab podcast network The creation of The Creator’s Log, The Physical Cut, and Roll Credits Krloz also reflects on learning podcast production in public, experimenting with AI creator tools, and trying to balance creativity with the technical realities of podcasting. If you’re starting a podcast, looking for the best podcast editing software, curious about Riverside vs Descript vs Adobe Podcast, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes chaos of independent content creation, this episode offers an honest creator diary perspective rarely talked about online. Check out Beamly for free!

Time Management, Guest Episodes & Podcast Editing Chaos

In this episode of The Creator’s Log, Krloz reflects on a major lesson learned after recording the first guest episode for The Physical Cut podcast: time management. What started as a planned afternoon recording session turned into a two-and-a-half-hour deep conversation about physical media, cover art, and collecting. Krloz shares the behind-the-scenes reality of hosting a guest for the first time. From preparing audio in Riverside to balancing conversation flow, managing outlines, and realizing how quickly a great interview can throw off an entire production schedule. This episode dives into: The pressure of juggling multiple podcasts at once Learning how interviews can completely reshape your workflow Editing frustrations with Riverside Switching editing workflows to Adobe Audition and Descript Trying out the Spreaker Studio / Rec app for travel recording Testing the DJI Mic 2 for portable podcasting The mental side of batch recording, scheduling, and burnout Why creators need systems that work with them, not against them More than anything, this is an honest look at the chaos that can happen behind the scenes when you're trying to build something creatively while balancing time, work, editing, and consistency. If you’re starting a podcast, recording interviews, or trying to stay consistent with creative projects, this episode will probably feel very familiar. If you want to support the show, follow us on Instagram @krpodlab Join RSS.com today for free: https://rss.com/?via=9e489f Save 50% off two months of Descript!

How I Organize My Podcast With Notion (Free Creator Workflow)

In this episode of The Creator’s Log, Krloz Ruben talks about one of the biggest beginner podcasting mistakes imaginable: recording an entire episode… only to realize Adobe never actually hit record. After losing fifteen minutes of audio, Krloz shares an important warning for creators using Adobe Podcast Studio and explains why creators should always double-check their recording status before starting a session. The episode then dives into a practical breakdown of how to use Notion as a free organization tool for podcasters, content creators, and solo entrepreneurs. From managing multiple shows and organizing episode ideas to building task boards and content workflows with AI, this episode covers how creators can set up a clean and efficient production system without spending extra money. Krloz also explains: How to use ChatGPT to build your Notion layout Why solo creators probably don’t need the paid version of Notion How to organize multiple podcasts under one workspace Creating episode trackers, idea banks, and weekly goals Mistakes to avoid when editing your Notion templates Why creators should avoid overspending on tools early on Tips for beginner podcasters building their workflow from scratch Whether you're launching your first podcast, building a creator network, or trying to stay organized while juggling multiple projects, this episode gives a real-world look at affordable podcast workflow management for independent creators. Topics Covered Podcast workflow organization Notion setup for podcasters Free tools for content creators Adobe Podcast Studio recording tips Podcast production systems Solo creator productivity AI tools for creators Podcast planning and task management Mentioned in This Episode Notion Adobe Podcast ChatGPT Follow KR Pod Lab on Instagram: @krpodlab Join RSS.com today for free: https://rss.com/?via=9e489f Save 50% off two months of Descript!

Procrastination; or Fear of Podcasting?

In this deeply honest episode of The Creator’s Log, Krloz opens up about one of the biggest struggles facing new creators and indie podcasters: procrastination fueled by fear. From overthinking intros and audio quality to comparing yourself to established podcasts, this episode dives into the mental roadblocks that stop creators from hitting “record.” Krloz shares his real-time experience building podcasts from scratch, navigating perfectionism, creator anxiety, and the overwhelming amount of podcasting advice online. This is not a “guru” podcast. It’s a raw conversation about learning as you go, making mistakes publicly, and creating even when you’re scared. If you’re an aspiring podcaster, writer, YouTuber, filmmaker, artist, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will remind you that your first step does not need to be perfect; it just needs to exist. In This Episode: Why procrastination is usually rooted in fear The pressure of trying to sound “professional” too early Comparing yourself to established podcasts and creators Creator burnout from consuming too much advice Perfectionism vs. actually publishing your work The fear of judgment when starting a podcast Building a creative community around films, books, and culture Why indie creators should stop chasing gurus How podcast hosting platforms shape the beginner experience Learning podcasting by doing instead of endlessly researching Starting over after losing a social media account Creating authentic content without sponsorship pressure Advice for first-time podcasters and creators Mentioned in This Episode: Notion RSS.com Descript Riverside Adobe Suno Joe Casabona The How To Podcast Series by Dave Campbell Whether you’re recording on your phone, struggling with your first episode, or questioning whether your voice deserves to be heard, this episode is your reminder to keep creating anyway. Because creating while scared is still creating. Support our show by following us @krpodlab Join RSS.com today for free: https://rss.com/?via=9e489f Save 50% off two months of Descript!

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