The New Way To Grow a Podcast in 2026 | 112
The Nathan Barry Show
Audit podcast product-market fit
Chris outlines testing packaging, niche size, and using Overcast ads to evaluate listener interest and show promise.
Chris Hutchins, host of the wildly popular All the Hacks podcast, joins us to crack the code on podcast growth. Most creators dream of building a brand, attracting millions of listeners, and monetizing their passion, but Chris has actually done it, transforming his podcast into a powerhouse through meticulous optimization. If you've ever wondered how successful podcasts truly scale beyond the initial buzz, or how to inject startup-level strategic thinking into your creative venture, this episode is a masterclass. Chris reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that catapulted his show to millions of downloads, sharing the unconventional strategies that maximize reach and impact.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
07:08 The Underrated Power of Networking
11:09 Leveraging Your Inner Circle for Connections
15:08 Crafting Pitches That Stand Out
20:00 The Value of Deep Expertise
23:44 Podcast Growth: Beyond the Numbers
28:07 Gauging Podcast Potential with Overcast Ads
32:20 Strategic Guesting on Other Podcasts
37:57 The Art of Asking to Be a Host
42:04 Maximizing Value in Podcast Collaborations
46:19 The Untapped Potential of Post-Roll Ads
51:00 Subsidizing Growth for Maximum Scale
54:15 Reinvestment and Strategic Retreats
58:24 Optimizing for Leverage, Not Just Revenue
1:01:52 Gaming the Podcast Charts
1:08:14 Essential Personal Finance Hacks
1:10:00 The Ultimate Hotel Upgrade Hack
If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe, share it with your friends, and leave a review. I read every single one.
Learn more about the podcast: https://nathanbarry.com/show
Follow Nathan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanbarry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbarry
X: https://twitter.com/nathanbarry
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenathanbarryshow
Website: https://nathanbarry.com
Kit: https://kit.com
Follow Chris:
Website: https://allthehacks.com
X: https://x.com/hutchins
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishutchins
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrishutchins
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chris-hutchins
Featured in this episode:
Kit: https://www.kit.com
All the Hacks: https://allthehacks.com
Highlights:
02:22 Shifting from Entrepreneur to Creator Identity
08:31 The Power Move of Ending a Conversation
12:12 Networking by Adding Value to an Inner Circle
26:35 Podcast Downloads vs. YouTube Views: Engagement Matters
34:04 Treating Your Creator Business Like a Startup
45:15 The Strategy of Buying Post-Roll Ads
1:08:29 Why You Should Never Leave Cash in a Checking Account
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