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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:

The Secret to a Home Studio Setup That Commands Authority | Junaid Ahmed Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Better gear won’t make you a better podcaster. But you can create a home studio that looks and sounds pro—using what you already have.

Fellow podcaster and tech guru Junaid Ahmed joins me to distill 20+ years of audio and video design into 20 minutes of no-nonsense advice to help you create a home studio that commands authority on any budget, and to prove that how you use your gear matters more than the gear itself. So if you’re worried your setup makes you look unprofessional (or that your audience won’t take you seriously), this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s dive in.

0:01 - Why Better Gear Won’t Make You a Better Podcaster

3:28 - How to Create a Home Studio That Commands Authority—Without Spending a Dime

5:18 - Why Dedication to Your Craft Builds Deeper Trust With Your Listeners

8:26 - Why Gear Placement > Gear Price (Always)

14:54 - How to Get Studio-Quality Audio on Any Budget

Episode Links:

Check out Junaid Ahmed’s Podcast: Hacks to Hobbies
Book Your Free Home Studio Audit with Junaid: HomeStudioMastery.com

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Studio Without Overspending

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 the One Listeners Can’t Ignore | Janine Mix Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

What if one bad review was all it took to silence your podcast for a year? That’s exactly what happened to bestselling author, investor, and financial literacy expert, Janine Mix. But instead of quitting, she came back stronger—revamping her show in a way that made it impossible for the right listeners to ignore.

In this episode, Janine shares how to tell if your podcast is too broad, the biggest messaging mistake that stops listeners from hitting play, and how to create a podcast that commands attention and keeps your audience coming back. So if you're ready to create a must-listen show (and realize that rejection isn’t the end—it’s actually a sign you’re on the right track), hit play and let’s dive in.

0:03 – The Fear That Keeps Listeners From Connecting With Your Podcast

1:10 – How to Tell if You’re Playing It Too Safe With Your Podcast

7:46 – The Messaging Mistake That Keeps Listeners From Hitting Play

12:54 – What to Do When Self-Doubt Stops You From Hitting Publish

17:45 – How to Keep Showing Up When Growth Feels Slow

Episode Links:

Check out Janine Mix’s podcast: Permission to Prosper

Other Episodes You'll Love:

Steal My High-Converting Episode Framework

→ 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.

AI Voice Cloning Will Kill Your Podcast’s Growth. Here’s Why. Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

AI voice cloning sounds like the ultimate shortcut—efficiency, scale, and less time spent recording. But what happens when your listeners can tell the difference and it destroys their trust in you, costing you the credibility, growth, and authority you’ve worked so hard to build?

I’m pulling back the curtain on the hidden dangers of AI voice cloning and why using it could be the biggest mistake you ever make with your podcast. You’ll find out how AI is silently devaluing your expertise, why listeners always know when something feels off (and how that kills engagement), and the five things you should never outsource to AI—unless you want to blend in with everyone else.

If you’re serious about building a binge-worthy Top 100 podcast that actually grows your business (and being seen as the go-to authority in your niche) hit play and let’s dive in.

0:05 - AI Voice Cloning: The “Shortcut” That Could Kill Your Credibility

0:22 - Can You Spot the Fake? Most People Can’t (But Your Listeners Will)

3:01 - The Hidden Cost of Outsourcing Your Voice

6:30 - What Actually Builds Listener Loyalty (Hint: It’s NOT Your Content)

12:55 - Five Things You Should NEVER Let AI Touch—Unless You Want to Blend In

→ 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 Type of Content that Turns Listeners Into Superfans | Bryan Fittin Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Video podcasting is everywhere. But does that mean your podcast needs it? Because let’s be real: we both know that repurposing full-length episodes or posting random clips won’t cut it if you actually want to grow your audience.

In this episode, I’m back with Bryan Fittin of GoRogue Studios to break down the stupidly effective way to leverage video podcasting—aka the type of content that makes listeners fall in love with your show, the one thing you should be sharing to turn casual viewers into superfans, and why you don’t need fancy production to grab attention.

So if you don’t want to hire a full production team, spend hours editing, or post content that looks great but doesn’t actually drive listeners back to your show, hit play and let’s dive in.

0:02 – Video Podcasting Won’t Grow Your Show—But This Will

1:39 – The Type of Content That Makes Listeners Fall in Love With You

5:00 – Why the Smallest Moments Build the Biggest Audience

10:41 – Why Low-Tech, Low-Production Video Delivers More Value Than You Think

18:01 – The Best First Step If You’re Stuck on What to Post

Episode Links:

Connect with Bryan: GoRogueStudio.com

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

How Video Can Make (or Break) 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.

Why Video Podcasting Isn’t a Podcast Growth Strategy (And Why It Backfires for Most Shows) | Bryan Fittin Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

You’ve been told video podcasting will help more listeners find your show, and every platform is pushing it as the next big thing. But podcasters everywhere are finding out fast that adding video only equals longer recording days, more time spent editing, and still seeing the same downloads week after week.

Bryan Fittin (founder of GoRogue Studios) is breaking down why video podcasting requires more than filming your podcast and uploading it everywhere if you want it to work, plus which platform is the best if you want to test video podcasting for your show (hint: it’s not YouTube).

If you’re wondering whether video podcasting is worth the time or whether there are other podcast marketing strategies that can help you grow faster, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

0:03 – Why Adding Video Won't Increase Your Downloads

1:49 – 2 Ways AI Video Clips Undermine Your Authority

3:08 – Why Starting on YouTube Leads to Views but Not Podcast Listeners

5:28 – 3 Things That Have to Change Before Video Will Work for Your Podcast

12:22 – How to Decide If Video Will Help Your Podcast or Hold It Back

...

Episode Links:

Meet Bryan Fittin: Website | LinkedIn

...

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

...

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 Needs to Be True for a Podcast to Turn Listeners Into Buyers Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Making money from a podcast isn’t about hitting a certain number of listeners, because if your podcast isn’t built to turn attention into action, more downloads won’t fix the problem. But the good news is, this isn’t about working harder or publishing more. It’s about fixing what happens after someone hits play so your listeners click, sign up, and buy instead of listening and leaving.

I’ll show you exactly what needs to be in place for your podcast to start driving revenue, so if your podcast isn’t making money yet and you want to know exactly what to fix first, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

0:02 – Why Your Podcast Isn’t Making Money Even If You’re Publishing Consistently

1:41 – Before Your Podcast Makes Money, It Needs to Do This

3:50 – What’s Stopping Listeners From Buying When They Listen to Your Podcast

7:25 – What Needs to Be True for a Podcast to Turn Listeners Into Buyers

11:16 – Where to Focus First If Your Podcast Isn’t Making Money

...

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

Why Your Podcast Isn’t Paying You Yet (And What to Do About It)

...

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 3 Most Common Reasons Your Podcast Isn’t Making Money Yet Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

When your podcast isn’t making the money you expected, it’s easy to assume you just need more listeners. So you focus on growing your audience to fix it. But when the podcast doesn’t grow (or it grows but doesn’t convert) you’re right back where you started, wondering if you’re doing something wrong or if podcasting just doesn’t work.

The reason this keeps happening is because growing your audience isn’t what turns listeners into buyers. But this is completely fixable when you know what's causing the problem and what needs to change.

If you want to understand why your podcast isn’t paying you yet (and what needs to happen before it can) hit play and let’s dive in.

...

1:45 – The Two Biggest Reasons Most Hosts Never Make Money From Their Podcasts

3:16 – Why a Podcast Won’t Fix a Broken Offer (But Will Expose the Problem)

5:15 – The One Question That Determines Whether Your Podcast Will Make Money

7:29 – What You Need in Place Before You Can Monetize Your Podcast

11:46 – What to Fix First If You Want Your Podcast to Drive Sales

...

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

Why Trying to Monetize Your Podcast Too Early Can Backfire (and How to Do It Right)

...

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 Trying to Monetize Your Podcast Too Early Can Backfire (and How to Do It Right) | Kevin Chemidlin Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

Most podcasts don’t make money. Not because they don’t have listeners, but because they’re missing the four pieces that turn listener attention into revenue.

Kevin Chemidlin (founder of Grow The Show) is breaking down the podcasting mistakes that keep your listeners from ever becoming buyers, why trying to monetize your podcast too early can actually limit how much it makes, and what needs to be in place before monetization actually works. Once you understand how these four pieces work together, you can build a podcast that doesn’t just attract listeners, but turns them into customers.

If you want to find out if your podcast is ready to make money, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

0:02 – Why Trying to Monetize Your Podcast Too Early Can Backfire

1:05 – Why “How Do I Monetize My Podcast?” Is the Wrong Question to Ask

6:15 – 3 Signals That Reveal What Your Audience Will Actually Pay For

9:29 – How to Track ROI from Your Podcast the Right Way

15:54 – The One Skill That Brings in New Listeners (and More Opportunities to Monetize)

...

Episode Links:

Meet Kevin Chemidlin: Website | LinkedIn
Listen to Kevin's Podcast: Grow the Show

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

The 2 Podcasting Mistakes That Stop Great Shows From Growing

...

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 2 Podcasting Mistakes That Stop Great Shows From Growing | Kevin Chemidlin Feb 05, 2025

Show notes

In podcasting, there’s a saying: “If you build it, nothing will happen.” Most hosts learn this the hard way, but the upside is that podcast growth problems usually aren’t random. They’re patterns.

Kevin Chemidlin (founder of Grow The Show) is breaking down the two biggest reasons podcasts fail to grow, why publishing more episodes doesn’t automatically create loyal listeners, and the subtle podcasting mistakes that make listeners stop listening. But when you understand what’s causing listeners to disengage, you can start creating the kind of podcast people remember, recommend, and keep coming back to.

If you want to learn how to build a podcast listeners can’t stop talking about, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

1:26 – Why Growing a Podcast is Harder Than Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube

2:18 – The Podcast Growth Metric That Reveals Why Listeners Stop Coming Back

7:22 – The Intro Mistake That Makes Listeners Turn Off Your Podcast in the First 90 Seconds

11:11 – Why Most Podcasters Explain Their Show in a Way That Pushes New Listeners Away

14:28 – The Podcast Marketing Strategies Driving the Fastest Growth Right Now

...

Episode Links:

Meet Kevin Chemidlin: Website | LinkedIn
Listen to Kevin's Podcast: Grow the Show

...

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

Why Trying to Monetize Your Podcast Too Early Can Backfire (and How to Do It Right)

...

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 State of Podcasting Today and Where It’s Headed Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Most podcasting advice still teaches hosts to grow their shows like it’s 2019. But podcasting has changed, listener behavior has changed, and what worked a few years ago won't work today when growing a podcast.

I’m joined by Alex Sanfilippo, Vinnie Potestivo, and Joe Casabona for an honest conversation about where podcasting is headed, why so many independent podcasts struggle to get discovered, and the biggest podcasting mistakes hosts are still making when it comes to podcast marketing and audience growth.

If you want podcasting advice that helps your show stay relevant, discoverable, and competitive as the industry evolves, hit play and let’s dive in.

...

0:02 – Why So Many Podcasters Quit Before Their Show Ever Gets Discovered

6:16 – The Podcasting Advice That Keeps Good Shows From Growing

8:39 – Why Great Content Won’t Fix a Discoverability Problem

18:17 – The Podcasting Mistakes That Keep Hosts Chasing Bigger Numbers

29:57 – The Podcasting Skill That Will Matter Most as the Industry Gets More Competitive

...

Episode Links:

Meet Alex Sanfilippo: PodMatch | Podcasting Made Simple
Meet Vinnie Potestivo: I Have a Podcast.com
Meet Joe Casabona: Streamlined Solopreneur

...

Other Episodes You'll Love:

5 Experts Predict the Future of Podcasting

...

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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