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

How to Know If a Podcast Network Is Right for You | Stephen Perlstein

Jan 7, 2026

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If you think getting picked up by a podcast network is the fast track to podcast growth, this episode will save you from some disappointment (and probably a bad contract).

Stephen Perlstein, Senior VP of Business Development at Libsyn, joins me to break down how podcast networks actually work (and when the right one can be a smart move for your show). We’re unpacking what networks do well, what they don’t do, and the biggest red flags to watch for when evaluating a potential deal.

So if you’ve been curious about podcast networks and want to know how to spot the signs of a partnership that can support long-term growth, hit play and let’s dive in.

1:02 – Why Getting “Picked Up by a Network” Won’t Magically Grow Your Show

3:26 – What a Podcast Network Actually Is (And What It’s Not)

10:08 – Major Red Flags to Watch for in Network Deals

12:41 – Should You Ever Pay to Join a Podcast Network?

13:12 – What Realistic Monetization Timelines Actually Look Like

Episode Links:

Meet Stephen Perlstein: Substack | LinkedIn
Read Stephen’s take on where podcasting is headed: Building the Future of Podcasting

Other Episodes You’ll Love:

Podcast Network Red Flags to Watch For

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

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