How to Convert Your Newsletter to Podcast: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

I've been getting a lot of questions lately about converting newsletters to podcasts. It makes sense - newsletters are great, but not everyone has time to sit down and read. I personally listen to podcasts during my commute, while working out, or when I'm doing chores around the house. Converting your newsletter to a podcast format lets your audience consume your content during those times when reading isn't practical.

Plus, there's something about audio that feels more personal. When someone hears your content read aloud, it creates a different kind of connection. You're reaching people who might never open your emails but would happily listen to your podcast.

Converting newsletters to podcasts is pretty straightforward with Podcustom. The system handles most of the heavy lifting - it extracts the content from your newsletter, generates a podcast script, and can even create the audio automatically if you want.

The AI is smart about understanding newsletter structure and removing email-specific elements like unsubscribe links and headers. It focuses on the actual content and converts it into something that works well as audio.

If you're doing a manual conversion (pasting content or uploading a file), you might want to clean it up a bit first - remove headers and footers, break up really long paragraphs, and make sure the content flows well. But for the email forwarding workflow, you can just forward the email as-is and let Podcustom handle it.

Podcustom has a built-in newsletter converter that works through email forwarding. Here's how it works:

• Register your newsletter: In Podcustom, go to the Newsletter to Podcast section and register the email address that sends your newsletters (like noreply@yournewsletter.com)
• Forward emails: When you receive a newsletter you want to convert, forward it to newsletter@mail.podcustom.io
• Automatic processing: Podcustom receives the email, extracts the content, and can automatically generate a script and audio if you have auto-mode enabled

Alternatively, if you want to manually convert a newsletter, you can use the regular podcast creation feature. Just paste the newsletter content, upload it as a PDF, or provide a URL if it's published online. The AI will generate a script from your content.

Choose Your Podcast Structure

You can choose between two formats:

• Standard: Single-voice narration - one voice reads your newsletter content
• Conversation: Multi-speaker dialogue - two voices have a conversation about your newsletter content

Voice Selection: Pick a voice that matches your newsletter's tone. If your newsletter is professional, go with a more serious voice. If it's casual, pick something warmer. Once you find a voice you like, stick with it for consistency across episodes.

Auto-Mode: If you enable auto-mode, Podcustom will automatically generate scripts and audio when newsletters arrive. Otherwise, you can review and edit the script before generating audio.

Written content and spoken content are different. What works on the page might not work in your ears. Here are some things I've learned:

• Simplify complex sentences: If you have a sentence with three clauses, break it up. Shorter sentences are easier to follow when listening.
• Spell out acronyms: In writing, you might say "AI" and assume people know what it means. In audio, say "artificial intelligence" the first time, then you can use the acronym.
• Add transitions: Phrases like "Now, let's talk about..." or "Moving on to..." help listeners follow along when you're changing topics.
• Describe visuals: If your newsletter has charts or images, add a brief description so podcast listeners aren't left out.

Once you hit generate, Podcustom will process everything and create your podcast. This usually takes a few minutes. When it's done, listen to the whole thing before you publish. Check for:

• Any weird pronunciations (especially names or technical terms)
• Whether the pacing feels right - not too fast, not too slow
• Whether the content flows naturally from one section to the next
• If the voice matches the tone you were going for

If something doesn't sound right, you can always regenerate or make adjustments. I usually listen through once, make notes, then do a second pass with tweaks.

Here's the cool part - Podcustom automatically creates an RSS feed for your podcast. This means you can distribute it to all the major platforms:

• Spotify - just submit your RSS feed URL
• Apple Podcasts - same process
• Google Podcasts - works automatically if you have an RSS feed
• Or share the link directly with your newsletter subscribers

If you're using the email forwarding workflow with auto-publish enabled, future newsletter conversions will automatically appear in your podcast feed. Otherwise, you'll need to manually publish each episode after reviewing it.

Do:

• Keep your newsletter's voice and personality - that's what makes it yours
• Publish consistently - whether that's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
• Add a quick intro and outro to your podcasts (even if it's just "Welcome to..." and "Thanks for listening")
• Mention your podcast in your newsletter and your newsletter in your podcast

Don't:

• Include email-specific stuff like "Click here to unsubscribe" - that doesn't make sense in audio
• Reference images or charts without describing them
• Skip the review step - always listen before publishing
• Change voices or styles every episode - consistency matters