Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)

Taking a seasonal break from your podcast doesn't have to mean losing momentum. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite podcast marketing strategies to keep your downloads coming in and your business making money all summer long. As a podcast coach for women, I know how important it is to build sustainable podcasting strategies that work even when you're not actively recording, and these four app...

If I could sit down with my just-starting-out podcast self, this is exactly what I'd tell her. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the four podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me on day one…from building an email list before your first episode drops to ditching Instagram if it just isn't your thing. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of Friendly Podcast Guide....

If you've been putting off building your email list, this episode is your sign to finally make it happen! I'm sitting down with podcast strategist Kylee Chandler to talk about two of the most powerful (and underused) strategies for growing your email: curated lead magnets and personality quizzes. Kylee shares how podcasters can use these tools to turn casual listeners into superfans, and grow a po...

If you've ever wondered whether you have to be on Instagram to grow your podcast, this episode is for you! I'm sharing five things I've learned from taking Pinterest seriously as my main podcast marketing strategy over the past year, and the results have blown me away. We're talking about a 74% increase in downloads and 200+ new email subscribers, all without stressing over Instagram trends. If yo...

If marketing jargon makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you! I'm breaking down the two types of marketing I use to grow my podcast and make money, no funnels, no KPIs, no marketing bro speak. Just real, simple strategies that actually work. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I've spent the past year using Pinterest as my main growth st...

If you've been avoiding your email list because you're not sure what to say, afraid to send too many emails, or convinced your subscribers don't want to hear from you… this episode is your sign to just start. Allea Grummert is an email marketing strategist who works with small business owners and content creators, and she has a refreshingly no-pressure approach to building an email strategy that a...

Summer is coming fast, and if you're a podcaster, that means your strategy probably needs a little seasonal refresh! In this episode, I'm sharing my best tips for marketing your podcast and creating episodes this summer — without burning yourself out. Whether you want to keep things light, try something new, or give yourself full permission to take a break, this one's for you. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley...

I deleted Instagram off my phone and my podcast downloads didn't drop a single bit. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly why I walked away from Instagram and the podcast marketing strategies I use instead to keep growing my show sustainably. Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I help women grow their podcasts without letting them take over their liv...

What if the secret to growing your podcast wasn't doing more, but experimenting more? In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Whitney, the queen of experiments herself, about how an experimental mindset can completely transform the way you podcast. From hiring contractors and rethinking email strategy to rerunning archive episodes and ditching bonus content, we're sharing the real experiments...

Ever wonder what a podcast coach actually does during a seasonal break? Spoiler: it's not resting! In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on all the podcast marketing strategies and Pinterest experiments I tested during my off-season… the wins, the messy moments, and the ones I'm still not sure about. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows without le...

In this special Podcasthon episode, I’m highlighting an incredible nonprofit that’s making a real impact in the world of literacy. I sat down with Jennifer Jenkins, CEO of Operation Literacy, to talk about how they’re helping kids access books, discover a love for reading, and even see themselves as future authors. From book drop programs to massive storytelling conferences, this conversation will...

Spring is the perfect time to refresh more than just your house, it’s a great opportunity to clean up parts of your podcast that may not be serving you anymore. In this episode, I’m sharing two areas of your podcast that deserve a little spring cleaning so you can grow your show more effectively without piling more work onto your plate. If you want sustainable podcast growth, sometimes the best st...

If marketing your podcast feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing three simple podcast marketing strategies that help you grow your audience without spending all your time promoting your show. These are the exact tools I use to grow my podcast and business while keeping marketing sustainable and manageable. I’m Andi Smiley, a podcast coach who helps women grow their podc...

If you’ve been wondering how to grow a podcast audience without living on social media, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly how Pinterest helped me double my downloads, grow my email list, and have my highest revenue month ever. I’m sharing what changed, what actually worked, and why Pinterest might be the most underrated podcast marketing strategy out there. Meet the Expert Hey, I’...

Season 5 is here and we are diving deep into how to grow a podcast audience in a way that actually works and doesn’t take over your life. In this short trailer episode, I’m sharing what you can expect this season, from podcast marketing strategies that are worth your time to sustainable podcasting strategies that help you grow without burning out. If you’ve been wondering how to grow a podcast in...

Feeling the holiday crunch? In this episode, I share five sustainable strategies for keeping your podcast going strong (without the stress) through the busiest season of the year. Whether you're juggling school parties, wrapping gifts, or just trying to breathe, there's a tip here to help you market and manage your podcast without burning out. Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women who want...

What does it take to grow a podcast audience in a fresh, creative way? In this episode, I’m joined by Hayden Gray, producer of the wildly successful Fantasy Fan Girls podcast. We dive into marketing strategies that feel fun, sustainable, and community-driven. Hayden Gray is the producer and “sanity manager” of Fantasy Fan Girls , a book deep-dive podcast that exploded with 5,000 downloads just day...

Websites feel like a tricky topic in the podcasting world—but they don’t have to be! In this episode, I’m sharing my honest take on whether you really need a website for your show, when it makes sense to invest in one, and how it can actually make podcasting more sustainable. Plus, I’m spilling how Pinterest and SEO play a surprising role in your podcast growth. Hi! I’m Andi Smiley, your podcast c...

Email marketing and growing your email list doesn't have to be intimidating. In this episode, I’m sharing smart and simple ways to grow your podcast email list using creative freebies your audience will actually want. Plus, I give you a sneak peek at how Pinterest is helping me grow my show without leaning on Instagram. Hi, I’m Andi Smiley, your go-to podcast coach for women who want to grow their...

I've been keeping a little secret from you… it's email! In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on one of the quiet powerhouses behind my sustainable podcast marketing strategy—email lists. I’m sharing the why, the how, and one simple action you can take today to start building a deeper connection with your listeners (without burning out or relying on social media). Hi, I’m Andi Smiley—your go-to...

In this insight-packed episode, I sit down with podcast strategist Ana Xavier to unpack our biggest takeaways from Podcast Movement. From sustainable podcasting strategies to surprising gaps in marketing conversations (hello, Pinterest!), we cover all the juicy tips podcasters need to grow their audience without burning out. Meet the Expert Ana Xavier is a podcast growth strategist and the voice b...

Ready to grow your podcast without living on social media? In this episode, I break down four powerful podcast swap strategies, from guesting to feed drops, that will help you market your show and build real connections with other podcasters. These swaps are simple, organic, and yes, totally doable (even if you're new to collaborating). Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your go-to podcast coach for women who...

Pinterest can feel overwhelming, especially after last week’s info-packed chat with expert Megan Williamson. So in this episode, I'm breaking it down with a simple, four-step Pinterest strategy any podcaster can start using today . Whether you're brand new to Pinterest or want a sustainable way to grow your podcast audience without social media—this one's for you! Meet the Expert Hi, I'm Andi Smil...

Ever wonder how people actually find your podcast? In this episode, I’m breaking down the basics of podcast SEO—what it is, why it matters, and how to start using it right now to grow your show. These simple, repeatable strategies will help your podcast get discovered on both podcast apps and Google—without burning you out. Hi, I’m Andi Smiley, your friendly podcast guide and podcast coach for wom...

In this episode, I’m sharing powerful, real-life advice from seven inspiring mom podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience without burning out. From mindset shifts to smart marketing strategies and time-saving tools, these nuggets of wisdom (plus my own commentary) are here to encourage and energize your podcasting journey. I asked seven amazing mom podcasters to share their best sustainab...