Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategy for Business Growth

One Surprising Way to Reach New Listeners Without Guesting or Social Media | Lauren Passell, Tink Media

Nov 20, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Most podcasters think growth comes from hustling guest appearances or endlessly turning episodes into short-form videos for social media. But guesting eats up hours you don’t have, and social posts won't grow a show. So when you’re an independent podcaster without a big budget for ads (and without a lot of extra time), what actually works?

Lauren Passell of Tink Media is back to reveal one of the most overlooked organic strategies for podcast growth that lets you repurpose content you’re already creating and put it in front of new perfect-fit listeners. You’ll learn why this little-known approach works even for small shows, how to find the right partners, and how to set it up to grow your podcast in as little as 15 minutes a week. So before you waste another second chasing guest spots or grinding out clips that no one watches, hit play and let’s dive in.

3:01 – Why Guesting and Social Media Don’t Deliver Long-Term Growth

7:12 – The Real Reason Newsletter Swaps Work Even for Small Shows

12:34 – Why Your Own Email List Makes Every Swap More Valuable

19:57 – What to Offer Collaborators Even If You Think You Have Nothing to Give

23:41 – How to Tell If a Newsletter Swap Actually Worked

Episode Links:

Rephonic.com/graph
Meet Lauren Passell: TinkMedia.co | LinkedIn
Read Lauren’s Podcast The Newsletter

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

The Audience-Borrowing Strategy That Turns Strangers Into Listeners
3 Low-Lift Ways to Get New Listeners Without Living on Social Media

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

Support the show

Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends!

Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review.

Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first.

Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time.

Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it.

Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more.