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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:

Q + A | Should You Script Your Podcast Episodes? Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

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 for your listeners. We’ll also look at why building real influence as a podcast host has less to do with your script or outline, and everything to do with how you deliver it.
So if you want to create deeper connections that lead to raving fans who can't help but share your episodes, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.
0:03 - Scripting vs. Outlining — Which is Better?

4:15 - Why Building Influence Is Not What You Say But How You Say It

10:30 - Why Engagement Alone Won’t Drive Sales

12:44 - The Secret to Staying Motivated as a Podcast Host

17:37 - How to Structure Episodes That Reflect Your Real Personality

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Steal My High-Converting Episode Framework
BTS: Peek Inside My Latest Voice Coaching Session

→ 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 Psychology Behind Bingeworthy Podcast Episode Titles Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

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 ignore, why using AI for your titles is doing more harm than good, and how to craft episode titles that get the click. Because here’s the thing: no matter how great your content is, if your titles aren’t convincing people that your show is worth their time, they’re never going to hit play.

So if you're ready to break out of less-than-1000-downloads-per-episode jail and start getting the plays, audience growth, and traction your podcast deserves, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:34 - Why Some Episode Titles Get Ignored

4:55 - Common Episode Title Mistakes You Might Be Making

6:03 - Why Using AI to Write Your Podcast Titles Could Be Costing You Listeners

12:36 - The 5 Podcast Content Gatekeepers™ That Determine If Listeners Hit Play (or Not)

15:51 - How to Make Your Episode Titles Hyper-Relevant and Get the Click

18:15 - Do’s and Don’ts for Crafting Bingeworthy Episode Titles

Episode Links:

Grab Your Bingeworthy Episode Title Cheat Sheet

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

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.

How to Train Your Podcasting AI to Sound Like You | Michael Katz Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

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 creation without losing the unique tone and personality that makes your show stand out. So if you’re ready to harness AI to save time, reach more people, and keep your voice front and center, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - How to Stop AI from Making You Sound Generic

1:56 - What Does Quality Really Mean in AI?

4:18 - Your Voice: The Catalyst for Meaningful Impact

7:10 - How to Train Your AI to Sound Like You

9:31 - Practical Tips for Keeping Your Voice *Your Voice* While Using AI

Episode Links:

Connect with Michael Katz
Check out Flowsend.ai (use code 'COURTNEY20' to get 20% off a monthly or annual plan)

→ 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.

Could AI Be Hurting Your Credibility as a Podcaster? | Michael Katz Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

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 sounding like everyone else, and what it really takes to use AI without losing your unique voice.

So if you’re someone who wants to use AI to save time, but you also don’t want to run the risk of devaluing your brand with generic AI outputs, this episode is for you. Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:03 - Is Podcasting AI Helping or Hurting Your Show?

1:34 - The Biggest Mistake Podcasters Make with AI

5:00 - Spotting AI-Generated Content (It’s Easier Than You Think)

8:50 - How AI Could Be Quietly Damaging Your Credibility (and How to Avoid It)

14:14 - Using Podcasting AI Without Losing Your Authentic Voice

Episode Links

Sign up for a free trial at Flowsend.ai (or use code 'COURTNEY20' to get 20% off a monthly or annual plan)
Connect with Michael Katz

→ 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 a Bold Comeback After Hitting Pause on Your Podcast Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

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 aren't sure the best way to do it.

Should you start fresh with a new podcast? Should you keep the old feed and just rebrand it? And most importantly, how do you win back your audience? In this episode, I’m answering all these questions and more. So if you’re ready to relaunch with purpose, reconnect with your audience, and regain the momentum you’ve lost, hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - Hit Pause On Your Podcast? Here’s How to Come Back Strong

2:45 - Is It Better to Keep Your Current Feed or Start a Brand New Show?

8:48 - How to Relaunch and Win Back Your Audience

10:53 - When a New Podcast Feed Actually Makes Sense

18:59 - How to Relaunch a Dormant Podcast the Right Way

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

4 Signs It's Time to Rebrand 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 Right & Wrong Way to Take a Break From Your Podcast Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

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 break down the steps to stay top-of-mind with your audience while you take the time you need, without risking breaking listener trust or having to batch months of content in advance.

So if you’re wondering what to do when you need to step away from the mic but don’t want to lose the traction you’ve already worked so hard to build, hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:17 - How to Hit Pause Without Anyone Noticing
1:23 - Why Batching Isn’t Always the Answer
9:02 - How to Keep Your Audience Engaged Without Creating More
16:24 - How to Take a Longer Break Without Losing Listeners
18:50 - Is a Seasonal Format Right for Your Podcast?
17:01 - Think Netflix, But for Podcasting

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

How to Make a Bold Comeback After Pausing 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.

Are Podcast Sponsorships Worth the Effort for Small Shows? | Joe Casabona Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

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 the trust you've worked hard to build with your listeners.

In this episode, we’re clearing up the confusion. Whether you’re getting 100 downloads an episode or 10,000+, podcast sponsorship coach Joe Casabona is here to show you how to get podcast sponsors without sacrificing listener trust. You’ll learn how to find sponsors that truly align with your audience, craft pitches that make brands say “yes,” and price your sponsorship packages like a pro.

(Grab a pen, you’ll want to take notes.) Ready? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:25 - Why Podcast Sponsorships Might Be Worth It (or Not)
5:29 - The Proven Formula for Finding the Right Podcast Sponsors
8:38 - How to Craft a Winning Podcast Sponsorship Proposal
11:24 - Pricing Your Podcast Sponsorships the Right Way
16:08 - The First Steps to Landing Your First (or Your Dream) Podcast Sponsors

Episode Links:

Save 12 Hours a week with Joe's Podcast Automation Planners
Check out Joe Casabona’s podcast: The Streamlined Solopreneur

→ 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.

Steal This Episode Planning Framework to Cut Your Prep Time in Half | Joe Casabona Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

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 shares a simple framework that’ll help you capture ideas wherever you are (yes, even mid-shampoo) and streamline your episode prep time, free up your creativity, and create episodes that connect and convert — all without accidentally undermining your authority with AI.

If you’re ready to have more fun and enjoy podcasting again with a smarter, faster way to prep your episodes and position yourself as the go-to podcaster in your niche, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:08 - Where Most Podcasters Waste Time Planning Podcast Episodes
2:28 - Stop Waiting for Inspiration to Strike (Do This Instead)
13:32 - The Simple Episode Planning Framework to Cut Your Prep Time in Half
19:45 - The Right Way to Leverage Your Content Across Platforms
22:39 - How to Know Your Content is Hitting the Mark

Episode Links:

Save 12 Hours a week with Joe's Podcast Automation Planners
Check out Joe Casabona’s podcast: The Streamlined Solopreneur

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

How to Grow Your Podcast Without Adding More to Your Plate

→ 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.

5 Ways to Get Your Podcast on the Top Charts Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

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 have a small audience. You’ll also learn how to stop stressing over your download numbers and start using them as data points to build a growth strategy that keeps your listeners hooked and attracts new ones.

Ready to uncover the five key metrics Apple and Spotify use to rank podcasts — and how you can leverage them to get found by new listeners? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.

0:00 - The Real Purpose of Podcast Charts
4:20 - Why Charting Is Like Getting on Page One of Google
7:14 - The Five Key Metrics That Determine Apple and Spotify Ratings
12:15 - Proven Strategies to Increase Your Ranking Potential
16:24 - Why It's Time to Stop Obsessing Over Downloads

Episode Links:

Check out Zach Kristensen's podcast: Your Path to Publish

Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:

Why You Don’t Need Big Numbers to Rank 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.

How Do You Keep Podcast Listeners Listening Longer? Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

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 episodes, and how to increase that all-important listener consumption rate that signals to players like Apple Podcasts and Spotify that you have high listener engagement. Bonus: you can use these same techniques across your social media platforms and email newsletters, too.

Ready to learn exactly how to keep your listeners tuning in episode after episode? Hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.

0:02 - How to Tell if Listeners Are Truly Hooked on Your Podcast

1:01 - What ACTUALLY Drives Listener Engagement

2:45 - The One Metric That’s Changing How to Measure Your Podcast's Success

4:55 - How to Find the Ideal Episode Length to Keep Your Audience Listening Longer

6:47 - The Technique Netflix and Hulu Use to Make You Binge Watch (And How to Use it For Your Podcast)

12:17 - The Simple Technique That Keeps Listeners Coming Back

15:26 - Using These Techniques Throughout Your Entire Content Strategy

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

The Down & Dirty Truth About Episode Length

Special thanks to Flora McCormick of Sustainable Parenting for submitting today’s question. If you have a question you’d like me to answer in an upcoming episode, shoot me a text below.

→ 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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