What is an RSS Feed and Why it Matters

In this episode of the Podcast Classroom, host Randy Black delves into the essential yet often misunderstood world of RSS feeds in podcasting. Randy explains the fundamental role of RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, in distributing podcast content across various platforms. He compares an RSS feed to a radio station's broadcast frequency, emphasizing its importance in maintaining control and ownership over your podcast's distribution. Randy also highlights the historical context of RSS, tracing its origins back to Dave Weiner and Adam Curry, and discusses the evolution of podcasting through the introduction of audio enclosures.

Randy further explores the significance of owning your RSS feed, contrasting open podcasting with the "walled garden" approach of platforms like YouTube and Spotify. He introduces the Podcasting 2.0 movement, led by Adam Curry and Dave Jones, which aims to preserve the open nature of podcasting by introducing new RSS tags for enhanced features like listener support and transcripts. The episode concludes with practical advice on managing your RSS feed, including tools like PowerPress and Sovereign Feeds, and emphasizes the enduring importance of RSS in maintaining the independence and flexibility of your podcast.