Podcast Hosting & RSS Feeds: Where Your Show Actually Lives
Here's what you can expect from this episode:
Ever hit “publish” on your brand new episode and then immediately think… wait, do I need to upload this to Apple AND Spotify?
Or maybe you’ve heard the term RSS feed or podcast hosting tossed around and secretly Googled it five times (no shame).
If the tech side of podcasting has ever made you break into a nervous sweat, this episode is your exhale.
In this episode of Podcasting Problem Solver™, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes when someone hits “play” on your podcast. From how your show gets into all the listening apps (nope, you don’t have to upload to each one) to why your host is the real home base—not Apple or Spotify—you’ll walk away with total clarity and a few lightbulb moments.
I’ll also discuss RSS feeds (with a cupcake truck metaphor you won’t forget), what a hosting platform actually does, how to avoid the most common rookie tech mistakes, and why your setup could be the thing holding your show back from strategic growth.
Because here’s the truth: your podcast isn’t just an audio file. It’s part of your brand’s ecosystem—and when it’s set up the right way, it becomes a growth engine on autopilot.
Here’s what’s covered
- [00:03:15] Why your podcast doesn’t live on Apple or Spotify
Learn why your podcast host, not the apps, is your show’s true home base. - [00:02:20] RSS feeds, decoded (with cupcakes, not code)
Finally, understand how episodes get from your host to platforms, with the help of a sweet metaphor. - [00:06:00] How to submit your podcast to apps the right way
Get listed everywhere without the tech panic—just copy, paste, and go. - [00:07:25] The most common tech mix-ups I see (and how to sidestep them)
Avoid rookie mistakes, such as submitting an empty feed, using the wrong link, or panicking over update delays. - [00:04:00] Choosing the right podcast host for SEO, branding, and growth
Why your host matters more than you think—especially for first impressions and long-term visibility. - [00:09:30] A simple quarterly check-in to make sure your podcast is everywhere it should be
Use this 3-step system to update your show’s listings, branding, and performance every few months. - [00:10:30] Why clarity around your tech = confidence as a creator
Knowing how things work behind the scenes empowers you to make smart decisions and grow with ease.
Resources Mentioned:
Where Does Your Podcast Actually Live?
A Strategic Guide to Podcast Distribution and RSS Feeds
Leah Bryant [00:00:04]:
Welcome back to Podcasting Problem Solver. I’m Leah Bryant—podcast producer, strategist, and founder of Leah Bryant Co. We help business owners turn podcast ideas into intentional, strategic shows that support their goals (and don’t become just another item on the to-do list).
Before we dive in, here’s a quick review shoutout from Chrissy, host of Old School Food Freedom.
Client Spotlight: Podcast Growth with a Few Key Tweaks
Leah Bryant [00:01:08]:
Chrissy writes:
“Leah keeps each episode lighthearted, simple, informative, and fun. Our show has seen so much growth since onboarding with her team.”
Thank you, Chrissy! I love seeing what’s possible when we implement even small strategic shifts. Now, let’s get into today’s episode.
Podcast Distribution 101: Where Does Your Show Go?
The Post-Launch Panic Is Real
Leah Bryant [00:01:43]:
You hit publish on your first episode… and then the panic sets in.
- Where does it go?
- Do I need to upload it to Apple and Spotify?
- What even is an RSS feed?
Take a deep breath. We’re breaking it all down today.
What Is an RSS Feed (And Why It Matters)?
Your Podcast = Cupcakes. Let Me Explain.
Leah Bryant [00:02:14]:
Think of your podcast like a box of gourmet cupcakes.
- Your podcast host (like Buzzsprout) is the bakery
- Your RSS feed is the delivery truck
- Apple, Spotify, and Amazon are just the stores that stock your cupcakes
That RSS feed contains your show’s metadata—title, description, artwork, SEO, and each new episode. Every time you upload an episode, podcast apps check your RSS feed and update your show accordingly.
It’s not magic. It’s clever internet plumbing.
Your Podcast Host Is Your Command Center
Why Apple and Spotify Don’t Own Your Content
Leah Bryant [00:03:37]:
Your podcast doesn’t live on Apple or Spotify.
It lives on your host, like Buzzsprout.
Your host is where:
- Your show’s branding is set
- Your SEO lives
- Categories and descriptions are managed
This is all part of the Attraction phase in my SEAMless Framework. If your show isn’t built to attract your ideal listener, you’re missing opportunities right from the first impression.
How to Submit Your Podcast to Apple and Spotify
The Distribution Process Made Simple
Leah Bryant [00:04:11]:
Here’s how to get listed:
- Upload your trailer or first episode
- Copy your public RSS feed
- Paste it into each platform’s submission form and hit submit
Pro tip:
- Apple can take up to 5 days to approve (especially around holidays)
- Spotify is usually instant
Once approved, every episode you upload gets pushed out automatically. No re-uploading required.
Avoid These Common Podcast Tech Mistakes
Rookie Errors That Cost You Time (And Sanity)
Leah Bryant [00:05:03]:
Let’s save you from some tech traps:
- Submitting an empty feed (you need at least one episode or trailer)
- Copying the wrong feed (always use the public one, not a preview link)
- Panicking over slow updates (Apple caches—wait 24–48 hours)
- Using a restrictive host (some, like Spotify for Podcasters, limit control)
All of this falls under Execution in my SEAMless Framework:
Get the tech working with you—not against you.
Your RSS Feed Powers Podcast Growth
Why Technical Setup Is a Strategic Decision
Leah Bryant [00:06:18]:
Your RSS feed is not just a back-end tool—it’s the engine that drives visibility.
When your show is:
- Built with clarity
- Aligned with your voice and offers
- Structured with SEO and messaging in mind
…every episode becomes a tool that builds trust and drives listeners toward working with you.
Not on Every Platform Yet? That’s Okay
Do a Quarterly Distribution Check
Leah Bryant [00:06:18 continued]:
You don’t need to be on Amazon or iHeart right away. Submit later if needed. In fact, I recommend a quarterly check-in to:
- Confirm you’re listed where your audience listens
- Update your show’s description and branding
- Optimize based on performance
Podcasting isn’t set-it-and-forget-it. But with smart systems, it’s manageable—even if you’re not juggling twelve platforms every week.
Why Understanding the Process Matters
The Distribution Process Should Serve Your Strategy
Leah Bryant [00:07:14]:
Getting your podcast out into the world isn’t about wrestling tech.
It’s about understanding the why behind each step—so your show supports your goals instead of draining your time.
Whether you’re prepping for launch or already live, this episode is your tech blueprint.
Your Next Step: Get the SEAMless Podcast Launch Roadmap
Launch With Confidence and Strategy
Leah Bryant [00:07:14 continued]:
Need help mapping out the process step-by-step? Grab my SEAMless Podcast Launch Roadmap with private podcast access. It’s the exact system I use with clients—clear, doable, and strategic.
Want more tips like this delivered weekly? Subscribe to my newsletter for podcast tools, strategy insights, and behind-the-scenes coaching. The link is in the description.
Final Thoughts
Leah Bryant [00:08:05]:
Thanks for tuning in. Until next time, keep it strategic, keep it simple, and keep it seamless.
Hi, I’m Leah
Your go-to guide for making podcasting way less complicated and host of Podcasting Problem Solver™
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