Membership Geeks Podcast with Mike Morrison

In this episode, I dive into the most common reasons why membership site owners lose members—and more importantly, what you can actually do to prevent it. Taking a trip into the Membership Geeks archives, I unpack actionable strategies to tackle member cancellations, improve retention, and boost overall engagement in your community. xWhether you’re battling churn or simply want to keep your member...

In this episode, I take you back into the Membership Geeks Podcast vault to revisit one of the most pressing challenges facing membership owners today: subscription fatigue. I share insights into why consumers are becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer number of subscriptions and how this impacts membership-based businesses. I break down practical strategies for making your membership esse...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in the membership world: why member lifetime value is actually more important than focusing solely on churn rates. I share my insights on reframing how we look at member retention and challenge the idea that churn makes the membership model less viable than courses or other digital products. Whether you’re struggling to boost...

In this episode, I dive into the concept of "off-platform engagement" and why it's becoming essential for membership owners. I discuss how member behaviors have evolved and why relying solely on getting people to log in to your site is no longer the only—or even the best—way to deliver value. I share practical strategies for removing friction and ensuring your membership stays relevant and engagin...

In this episode, I dive into the crucial role member onboarding plays in the overall success and retention rates of your membership business. I share why retention efforts need to begin from the very moment a new member joins and not just when cancellation looms. We’ll explore the three essential pillars every onboarding process must include to supercharge your members’ long-term engagement. If yo...

In this episode, I dive into the two fundamental strategies for increasing the revenue of your membership business. I break down why making more sales and boosting the lifetime value of each member are the only real ways to grow your income, and share actionable tips for improving both areas. From smart marketing adjustments to retaining your members for longer, I offer proven, practical advice yo...

In this episode, I dive into what it really means to try and be a good boss to my membership team. I share my personal experiences, challenges, and the mindset shifts that have shaped my approach to leadership in a growing and virtual business. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how I balance flexibility, accountability, and compassion with my team, plus the practices and policies that keep us...

In this episode, I share some of the coolest and most innovative ideas I've recently encountered in the world of memberships. I dive into real-life examples from other membership sites that have inspired me, highlighting creative ways they’re engaging their members, improving onboarding, and making their communities stand out. Whether you’re looking to refresh your own membership or just want some...

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I dive into the world of personal branding, exploring why it's crucial for membership owners and online experts to show up intentionally and authentically. Joined by personal brand strategist Bob Gentle, we have an honest conversation about the human side of building your brand—dealing with confidence, comparison, and imposter syndrome—while navigat...

In this episode of the Membership Geeks Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the major changes happening inside Membership Academy this year. After a decade of running our membership, I want to share how we're shifting our focus to better serve a rapidly evolving market and meet the needs of membership owners looking not just to launch, but to grow and thrive. From streamlining our content and embr...

In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be a productive membership owner with special guest Louise Miller. We explore why traditional approaches to productivity might be missing the mark and how to create more space and intention in your day-to-day operations. This conversation is packed with practical insights for redefining productivity, regaining focus, and helping both yourself an...

In this episode, I get on my soapbox about one of the most persistent myths in the membership world: the idea that scarcity marketing and closed-door enrollment are absolutely necessary to grow a successful membership. I break down why this notion is misleading, how it can harm your business in the long run, and why good marketing should never rely on manipulative gimmicks. I share real-world exam...

In this episode, I dive into the ever-evolving world of podcasting with special guest Colin Gray, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu. Together, we unpack the new rules of the podcasting landscape in 2024, explore how independent creators can still stand out in a space now dominated by big names and AI-generated content, and discuss strategies for using podcasts to grow and deepen your membershi...

In this episode, I dive into my top five priorities that will fuel your membership success in 2026. I share the key actions and mindset shifts that every membership owner, whether just starting out or looking to scale, should be focusing on to ensure lasting growth. From getting a grip on your numbers to embracing a results-driven approach, experimenting more, and building the right support networ...

In this episode, I explore the importance of truly stepping away from your membership business over the holiday season. I share personal stories and practical advice on setting boundaries and embracing rest, debunking the myth that constant hustle is required for success. I also discuss how taking a real break not only protects your wellbeing, but can spark creativity and increase your effectivene...

In this episode, I discuss the most critical mistake that I see far too many membership business owners making—neglecting their new member onboarding process. I emphasize why onboarding isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a fundamental pillar for ensuring member retention and long-term business success. Drawing on over a decade of experience, I break down actionable strategies to set new members up for...

In this episode, I tackle the rise of AI-generated "slop" and what it means for those of us running membership businesses. I share practical strategies for standing out in an era where generic, low-effort content is flooding the internet. I discuss why your real voice, perspective, and personal touch are more valuable than ever—and how to leverage these strengths both in your content marketing and...

In this episode, I dive into the power of feedback loops and how they've been instrumental in driving membership growth for our community. I share exclusive insights from my session at Retain Live 2025, breaking down how to effectively gather, analyze, and act on feedback at every stage of the member lifecycle. You'll learn practical tactics for not only getting useful member input, but also using...

In this from the vault episode, I dive into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of running a membership business: managing stress. As memberships grow and evolve, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, and trying to do everything yourself. I share eight actionable tips from the archives on how to ease that pressure and prevent burnout,...

In this from the vault episode, I dive into the essential steps every membership site owner should take after launching their membership. It’s not just about getting started—the real work begins once your site is live, and what you do next can make or break your success. I revisit some timeless strategies for keeping your momentum strong, nurturing your new members, and planning for steady growth....

In this special "From the Vault" episode, I dive deep into the biggest and most frustrating marketing myths that circulate in the world of membership sites. After more than a decade of helping membership owners, I've heard it all—from secret silver bullets to outdated pressure tactics. I unpack the myths, the nonsense, and the misleading advice that could be steering your membership off course. Jo...

In this episode, I dive into the often-overlooked group within membership communities: the "lurkers"—those quiet members who rarely participate publicly but remain subscribed and engaged in their own ways. I break down why silence doesn't mean disengagement, how these silent members may actually be some of your most valuable, and what you as a membership owner can do to serve and retain them. I al...

In this episode, I dive into one of the toughest aspects of running a membership business: spotting the signs that someone is about to leave your membership. I discuss the clear and subtle warning signals you need to watch for and share practical strategies you can use to proactively re-engage at-risk members before it’s too late. From leveraging technology to understanding behavioral patterns and...

In this episode, I give you a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at a major strategic shift at Membership Academy: why I decided to discontinue our lowest-priced membership tier. I dive deep into the challenges, member feedback, and business data that informed this big decision. I share the lessons learned, the impact on our community and sales, and why simplifying our offerings makes more sense...

In this episode, I dive into three crucial things I want every membership owner to know about AI. Drawing on insights from a recent Membership Academy roundtable, I break down some common misconceptions about how AI tools like ChatGPT actually work, the real impact they’re having on memberships, and how to adapt your approach to make the most of these changes. Whether you’re excited about AI or fe...