Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts

With all the buzz around video podcasting, is audio being left behind? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Rossi, co-founder of Buzzsprout, who pulls back the curtain on why audio-only podcasting still has unique strengths that video can’t match. From deeper listener connections to just saying no to the high pressure of video production, Tom shares why focusing on what works best for *you* is ult...

Thinking about adding YouTube to your podcasting strategy? Hold up — before you dive in, let’s make sure you’re doing it right so you don’t waste your time. In this episode, I’m back with YouTube strategist Erika Vieira to unpack why simply uploading your podcast videos won’t cut it, how to grab your audience’s attention from the start, and what kind of podcast content YouTube viewers *actually* w...

Ever wonder if YouTube could be the missing piece to getting your podcast in front of more people? With its massive user base and undeniable searchability, it sounds tempting — but is it really worth the extra effort? In this episode, I’m joined by Erika Vieira, who’s coached thousands of business owners and podcasters to build profitable YouTube channels. Together, we dig into the upsides of this...

Is releasing one episode a week enough for your podcast? Should you be doing more? Or what if once-weekly episodes feel like A LOT to keep up with? In this episode, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of finding a release cadence that fits your goals and keeps your listeners coming back.  Whether you’re wondering if you should release episodes more frequently or you’re struggling to meet the once-a...

Ever had a podcast guest that seemed incredible on paper but turned out to be a total mismatch on air? In this episode, I asked my OBM and Guest Concierge, Tayler Neeley, to take you behind the scenes and share our exact system for choosing guests who don’t just fill a slot but actually elevate your podcast’s credibility. Plus, we’ll show you a foolproof way to turn down pitches kindly and profess...

Ever had a guest on your podcast with a big audience, and you’re stoked for them to share the episode to help grow your show — only for them to do NOTHING once it airs?! (Hint: it’s not because they’re lazy or forgetful.) In this episode, podcast guesting expert Kelly Mosser explains the surprising reason most podcast guests don’t share their episode, and what’s REALLY going through their mind bef...

You’ve probably heard that podcast guesting is a great way to grow your audience — until you try it and end up with the same size audience you had before (and zero ROI to show for it). You’re not the only one. That’s why I invited Hell Yes Media founder and podcast guesting expert Kelly Mosser to break down why your guest appearances aren’t converting into the followers or clients you were countin...

Thinking about launching a podcast or struggling to grow the one you’ve got? You’re going to LOVE listening in on this conversation with fellow podcast host Flora McCormick. We’re unpacking how her transition away from social media marketing to a strategically-positioned podcast helped her launch a show that’s currently growing five times faster than the average podcast — and attracts new clients...

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of terrible advice floating around about how to start and grow a podcast. Some of it’s outdated, and some of it was never even true to begin with. Yet, it keeps getting repeated like gospel, leading too many hosts down the wrong path — and causing many of them to quit by episode six. In this episode, we’re calling out three common pieces of podcasting advice that aren’...

Podcast ads can be powerful for growing your show, but success isn't just about picking any ad strategy and throwing money at it. You need to be intentional: understand the different podcast ad types, know how to target the right audience, track your results, and refine your approach based on what’s working. In this episode, I’m back with Mike Wiston from MowPod to dive into the tactical side...

Wondering if paid ads are the right move to grow your podcast, or if they’re a waste of your time and money? In this episode, I'm joined by Mike Wiston, co-founder of MowPod, to dive deep into the right (and wrong) ways to use paid ads to grow your show. We tackle why jumping into paid ads too soon can lead to wasted dollars and disappointing results, and how building a solid organic growth e...

Should you script your podcast episodes, or is it better to outline? It’s a valid question, and the answer ultimately depends on what’s more important to you: converting your listeners to leads and clients, or simply sounding polished and professional. In this episode, we’re diving into the pros and cons of scripting vs. outlining so you can decide which approach is better — not just for you, but...

Ever notice how some podcasts make you drop everything to hit play while you scroll right past others without giving them a second thought? In this episode, I’m diving into the psychology behind why this happens — and why bingeworthy episode titles are the crucial trigger to getting new listeners to actually press play on your podcast. Listen now to learn what makes an episode title impossible to...

AI can be a game-changer for scaling your podcast, but it’s only going to work if you take the time to dial in your core message and train the AI to reflect your voice. In this episode, AI expert Michael Katz returns to show you how to train AI to reflect your voice — not churn out the same generic content everyone else is creating. You’ll learn how to use podcasting AI to streamline your content...

Think AI is making your podcast sound smarter? Think again. In this episode, Michael Katz joins us in the studio — a former AI skeptic turned founder of a different kind of AI company — to talk about why leaning too hard on AI could be doing more harm than good for your brand. We’re unpacking the common mistakes podcasters make when they let AI take over their content, the ethical concerns of soun...

Wondering how to make a bold comeback after hitting pause on your podcast? In this episode, we're breaking down what to do when there's been a shift in your podcast — like a business pivot, a change in audience, change in topic, change in leadership of the show (i.e., you lost a co-host), or if you simply had to pause your show for whatever reason and you want to bring it back, but you a...

We're diving into a rather taboo topic in the podcasting world: taking a break from your podcast. *Gasp!* Yup, we're going there. I’m showing you how to take a real break without losing your listeners and without anyone ever realizing you’re on hiatus (or sipping a marg on a sunny beach somewhere — who said anyone has to know?). Whether you need a 90-day breather or a longer pause, I’ll...

Many podcasters think, "If I want to make money, I need sponsors." But if you’re a business owner who podcasts, you’ve likely wondered, "Should I have sponsors if I’m already promoting my own stuff?" Here’s the thing: not all podcast sponsorships are created equal. While the right sponsor can help cover production costs and bring in extra revenue, the wrong one can undermine th...

You’ve probably heard all about how to save time editing, uploading, and promoting — but the real time-suck for most podcasters? Planning the dang episode before you even hit record! But what if you could cut your episode prep time in half, reclaim that mental energy, and never stare at a blank screen wondering what to talk about again? In this episode, podcast productivity guru Joe Casabona share...

Getting on the podcast charts is like ranking on the first page of Google. It's an incredibly powerful way to get found by new listeners, and surprisingly? It's easier than you might think. In this episode we're unpacking why charting is key for discoverability beyond word-of-mouth or organic search, and why it's not out of reach for you even if you're just starting out or...

Want to know how to keep your listeners hooked from start to finish? In this episode, we’re diving into the psychology of how platforms like Netflix and Hulu create bingeworthy content — and how to apply these same principles to your episodes to keep your listeners hooked and coming back for more.  Learn how to open loops that leave listeners hanging (in a good way), the best way to tease future e...

Think you need a massive number of downloads to rank your podcast? Think again. In this episode, fellow podcaster Zach Kristensen reveals how he relaunched his podcast and landed on the Apple Podcast charts with fewer downloads than you'd expect. We’re unpacking the challenges that led him to rethink his show, the unexpected lessons he learned about crafting the right message, and the specifi...

If you want your podcast discovered by new listeners, you need three key things to stand out in today’s increasingly crowded space. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really takes to attract new listeners daily  — and revealing the one growth metric most podcasters aren’t tracking (but should be). Ready to learn how to get listeners choosing your show over the competition and go from unheard...

Can you have a successful podcast without video? Short answer: Absolutely. But are you missing out on podcast growth by sticking to audio only? It depends. Podcasting hall-of-famer Dave Jackson is back to set the record straight on video podcasts. We’re tackling questions like: Is it worth putting a podcast on YouTube? What advantages are there to having a video podcast? Can you start with audio a...

People often say that monetizing a podcast is all about growing your audience and landing sponsors and advertisers. But if it were that simple, then why are so many podcast hosts still struggling to make real money? The truth is, there are over 20+ ways to monetize a podcast *without* sponsors or ads — yep, even if you have a small audience, don't have a business, or are just a few months int...