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

Named the best podcast on podcasting, this isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” show doling out generic podcasting advice. We’re breaking down 30,000+ hours of study into what today’s top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert.

Hosted by Forbes and Rolling Stone–featured podcasting psychology expert, Webby Awards judge, and PodLaunch® founder Courtney Elmer, you’ll get the podcasting tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share (backed by 70+ Top 100 podcast launches).

Expect unfiltered podcasting insights, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice so you can master growing a podcast that listeners can’t stop bingeing (and buying from).

When you’re ready to break out of less-than-200-download-per-episode jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort…

Or if you want a podcast launch strategy that positions you as the authority in your category and drives revenue…

Welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit follow and let’s dive in.

…

Popular Guests Include: Adam Adams, Alex Sanfilippo, Dave Jackson, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and more.

Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcast Messaging, Podcasting Psychology, Podcast Marketing, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Listener Engagement Strategies, Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid, Podcasting Tools, Podcasting Trends, Growing a Podcast, How to Monetize Your Podcast, Podcast Listener Conversion, Video Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in the Top 100, How to Start a Podcast, Podcast Launch Strategy

Copyright: © 2024 PodLaunch®

Latest Episodes:

Why No One Is Clicking Your Podcast (And How to Fix It) Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

You’ve got the mic. You’ve got the mission. So why isn’t anyone listening?

That’s the question Dennis was asking, too. He knew who he wanted to serve, but after publishing his show every week for months on end, he was still struggling to get people to hit play.

In this Fix My Pod coaching session, we’re breaking down the gap between knowing your audience and actually getting them to click play, because nothing kills momentum faster than showing up every week for your audience and getting ignored.

So whether you're launching a podcast or you've been publishing for years and want to get more listeners hitting play on the episodes you’re working hard to create, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

0:05 – Why Your Podcast Isn’t Getting Clicked (Even If Your Content Is Great)

2:15 – Why Your Podcast Might Be Clear to You, but Confusing to Listeners

6:40 – How to Find Your Angle in a Crowded Podcast Niche

10:28 – How People Actually Decide If Your Podcast Is Worth Their Time

14:08 – 5 Things That Make or Break Your Podcast’s First Impression

14:46 – What Your Cover Art, Title, and Description Are Actually Saying to Your Listeners

...

Other Episodes You'll Love:

Why People Find Your Podcast but Don't Hit Follow

...

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

The Hidden Costs of Video Podcasting Most People Don’t Talk About | Alban Brooke, Buzzsprout Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

You’ve been told video podcasting the only way to grow your show—but the ones shouting the loudest about it? They’re the ones profiting from your overwhelm.

In this episode, Buzzsprout’s Head of Marketing Alban Brooke is back to expose what no one is talking about: the hidden costs, the inflated promises, and the hard data that shows how video might actually be hurting your show more than helping it. He also shares what *really* happened behind the scenes when Buzzsprout went all-in on video—and the exact moment he realized they got it wrong.

So if you’ve been wondering why podcasting feels harder than it should (and you're ready to build a podcast you won’t secretly resent) hit play and let’s dive in.

0:01 - The Real Video Podcasting Backstory (and Who’s Profiting From It)

4:04 - Why 84% of the Top 50 Podcasts Don’t Upload Video to Spotify

6:35 - The Silent Burnout Epidemic Among Podcasters Trying to “Do It All”

9:36 - The Video Wake-Up Call Buzzsprout Didn’t See Coming

11:41 - The Emotional Toll of Trying to Podcast Like a YouTuber

18:45 - The Real Question Every Podcaster Should Ask Before Adding Video

Episode Links:

Get a $20 Buzzsprout credit when you sign up through this link—courtesy of Alban and the Buzzsprout team.

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

4 Podcast Growth Myths (and Why Most Podcast Marketing Advice Doesn’t Work) | Alban Brooke, Buzzsprout Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

You could record another episode. You could double down on promotion. You could even guest on a hundred other podcasts. But if your show isn’t built to attract the right listeners? None of it will work.

In this episode, Alban Brooke, Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout, rips apart the most common (and costly) podcast growth myths—like why simply “putting out great content” isn’t enough and why most marketing tactics are a waste of time.

So if you’re ready to quit the endless cycle of more content, more promotion, more whatever—and finally get your podcast in front of the right listeners, hit play and let's dive in.

0:01 - Why ‘More Listeners = More Growth’ Is a Lie

3:31 - Why Some Podcasts Explode Overnight (and Yours Hasn’t Yet)

6:15 - The Podcast Marketing Advice That’s Wasting Your Time

13:43 - What Actually Makes Listeners Binge Your Podcast

18:14 - The Difference Between Podcasters Who Grow vs. Those Who Plateau

Episode Links:

Get a $20 Buzzsprout credit when you sign up through this link—courtesy of Alban and the Buzzsprout team.

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

How to Make Your Podcast Worth Every Second You Spend on It | Jennifer Edmonds Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Spending hours on your podcast but still waiting for it to pay off? PodLaunch® graduate Jen Edmonds was too—booking guests last minute, scrambling to release episodes, and promoting nonstop with nothing to show for it.

The fix? A streamlined podcast strategy that turned her show into an audience growth engine.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the exact shifts Jen made, what happens when you treat your podcast like an asset instead of an afterthought, and the podcast systems you need to actually drive results. So if you're tired of your podcast feeling like a full-time job with no paycheck, hit play and let's dive in.

0:02 – Why Podcasting Feels Like a Full-Time Job With No Payoff

1:35 – The Hidden Time Suck That’s Slowing Your Podcast Down

7:45 – The Shift That Turns Your Podcast Into a True Business Asset

11:50 – The Real Cost of Running Your Podcast Without a Strategy

15:31 – The Truth Behind Predictable Podcast Growth

Episode Links:

Check out Jen Edmond’s podcast: Your Journey to Fertility

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Creating a Podcast That Attracts New Clients Every Month

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Can’t Break 100 Downloads an Episode? Let’s Fix That Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve been told that sharing your podcast on social media will grow your audience—spoiler alert—it won’t. And if you’ve been stuck at the same download count despite posting, guesting, and promoting your show, this episode will show you why.

We’re busting the biggest misconceptions about podcast growth, including why consistency alone won’t build your audience (and what will), why guesting on bigger podcasts doesn’t guarantee more listeners, and the one thing you must have in place before any marketing strategy will actually work.

So if you’re tired of posting, promoting, and hoping for the best (and you're ready to see a real ROI from your podcast), hit play and let's dive in.

0:02 - Why Posting on Social Media Won’t Grow Your Podcast (And What to Do Instead)

1:42 - Why Guesting on Big Podcasts Won’t Magically Bring You Listeners

4:25 - The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (That Has Nothing to Do With Promotion)

7:16 - The 3 Podcast Growth Triggers That Actually Bring in New Listeners

12:28 - How to Get Your Podcast Discovered Without Spending Extra Time or Money

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

What to Include in Your Guest Release Form for Total Protection | Gordon Firemark Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

If you don’t have a guest release form in place, this episode is your wake-up call. If you do have one, are you sure it actually protects you?

Podcasting attorney Gordon Firemark is back to break down why every podcaster (yes, even small shows) needs a rock-solid guest release before hitting record.

He shares exactly what it should include, when your guests should sign it, and the real-life story of a podcaster who skipped this step—and got sued for it. So if you want peace of mind knowing your podcast is legally protected, hit play and let’s dive in.

0:23 - Why Even Small Shows Need a Guest Release Form

3:00 - How Skipping This Step Opens You Up to a Lawsuit

5:28 - What to Include in Your Guest Release for Full Protection

6:34 - The Must-Have AI Clause That Protects Both You and Your Guest

9:13 - The Easiest Way to Get Guests to Sign (with Zero Pushback)

Episode Links:

Check Out Gordon Firemark’s Podcast: Legit Podcast Pro
Gordon’s Book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer's Legal Survival Guide
Free Lawyer-drafted Podcast Guest Release Agreement
Additional Lawyer-drafted Legal Templates & Forms
Easy Legal For Podcasters DIY Legal Training

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

The Legal Blind Spots That Could Shut Down Your Podcast

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

The Legal Blind Spots That Could Shut Down Your Podcast | Gordon Firemark Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

You put in the work. You craft your episodes. You build your brand. But what if someone swoops in and steals it—your content, your show name, even your audience—because you didn’t have the right legal protections in place?

That’s exactly what we’re tackling today with podcast and entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark. From copyrights and trademarks to AI-generated content and guest releases, we’re breaking down the most overlooked legal protections every podcaster needs to have in place before it’s too late.

Even if you’re just getting started or think your audience is too small for this to matter, waiting until it’s a problem is a mistake you don’t want to make. Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:02 - 5 Ways to Protect Your Podcast Before It’s Too Late

1:56 - Copyright 101: Are Your Episodes Actually Protected?

5:21 - Trademarks: Why Your Show Name Isn’t Automatically Safe

9:34 - Music & Fair Use: The Legal Minefield Most Podcasters Ignore

15:36 - AI, Voice Cloning & The Legal Loopholes You Need to Know

Episode Links:

Check Out Gordon Firemark’s Podcast: Legit Podcast Pro
Gordon’s Book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer's Legal Survival Guide
Free Lawyer-drafted Podcast Guest Release Agreement
Additional Lawyer-drafted Legal Templates & Forms
Easy Legal For Podcasters DIY Legal Training

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

What to Include in Your Guest Release Form for Total Protection

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

4 Key Signs Your Podcast Is Hooking Listeners (or Losing Them) Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Ever stare at your podcast stats, searching for proof your show is actually working—only to wonder if anyone even cares?

Pressing play isn’t the same as listening. If people drop off early, skip episodes, or never engage, your podcast isn’t holding their attention. And if your show keeps getting swiped past, it’s time to figure out why.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four unmistakable signs that prove your podcast is resonating with listeners (or not). You’ll learn why downloads don’t tell the full story, the retention metric that actually predicts growth, and the one kind of feedback that proves listeners are hooked and taking action. So if you’re ready to stop guessing and start seeing real proof that your podcast is working, hit play and let’s dive in.

0:49 - Why Download Numbers Deceive You About Your Podcast’s Success

2:54 - 4 Signs That Prove Your Podcast Is Resonating With Listeners

4:40 - The Retention Benchmark That Shows Whether Listeners Are Hooked or Bored

7:43 - The Surprising Reason Listeners Skip Your Show (And How to Stop It)

11:27 - The Listener Feedback That Proves Your Podcast Is Changing Lives

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (Even If Your Content Is Great) Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Ever spent hours crafting a podcast episode packed with expert knowledge, only to watch it get fewer downloads than the one you threw together last minute? Or worse—seen another podcast with generic advice rack up five-star reviews while your in-depth, value-packed episodes keep getting ignored?

In this episode, I’m breaking down why what you think is valuable and what your listeners perceive as valuable are two completely different things. If you don’t bridge that gap, your podcast won’t just struggle to grow—it’ll keep getting overlooked while less helpful shows take the spotlight.

So if you want listeners to stop tuning out halfway, and start seeing your show as a must-listen, hit play and let’s dive in.

0:36 - Why Giving Away Your Best Content for Free Won’t Grow Your Podcast

1:22 - The Messaging Mistake That Makes Listeners Tune You Out

3:31 - Why Your Audience Doesn’t Care How Much You Know (Yet)

9:28 - The Surprising Reason Your Listeners Aren’t Taking Action (And How to Fix It)

17:00 - Why Some Podcasts Feel Addictive (And How to Make Yours One of Them)

Other Episodes You'll Love:

3 Ways to Hook Your Listener Before They Ever Hit Play

This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Podcast Gear Without Overspending | Junaid Ahmed Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

So, you want your audience to see you as a pro? Good news: it’s not about having the latest gear. It’s about knowing when to upgrade and how to maximize what you’ve got. Home studio expert Junaid Ahmed is back to share his simple, no-BS advice on building a home studio setup that grows with you. We’re breaking down when to invest in new gear, when to hold off, and the small tweaks that make a big difference in your sound—without blowing your budget.

If you think better gear is the key to earning authority in podcasting, this episode will change your mind. Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:02 - What Actually Makes You Sound Like a Pro (Hint: It’s Not Expensive Gear)

1:47 - The 4 Stages of Home Studio Evolution (And Where You Fit In)

2:46 - The Right Time to Upgrade Your Mic, Camera, or Lighting

4:30 - Budget-Friendly Fixes for Clearer, More Professional Sound

10:04 - How to Upgrade Your Podcast Gear Without Overspending

Episode Links:

Check out Junaid Ahmed’s Podcast: Hacks to Hobbies
Book Your Free Home Studio Audit with Junaid: HomeStudioMastery.com
Buy, sell or trade used video gear:
- mpb.com
- keh.com

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

The Secret to a Home Studio Setup That Commands Authority

→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U

Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here.

Support the show

Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends.

Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.

Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7.

Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me.

Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack

...

Special thanks to Resonate Recordings, our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it.

Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com

©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

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