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

If you’re still airing interviews you wouldn’t listen to yourself—just because you feel obligated toward your guests—you’re not building trust with your listeners. You’re breaking it. And once your audience feels like their time isn’t valued? They won’t complain. They’ll just stop listening.If you want a podcast that builds authority and drives loyalty, you need to lead interviews that earn attention. In this episode, you’ll learn how to ask questions your guest hasn’t answered a dozen times, pull out insights your audience can *actually* use, and create one-of-a-kind conversations that make your show worth returning to, following, and sharing.So if you’re done settling for polite interviews that don’t convert (and ready to lead ones that earn trust and ultimately grow your show) hit play and let’s dive in.📘 My Go-To Books on Leading Better Interviews:Talk to Me by Dean NelsonStop Asking Questions by Andrew WarnerWant to save time on your podcast production workflows? Reach out to Joe Casabona and mention you heard about him here!Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:The 3 Biggest Reasons Your Listeners Tune Out During Your Guest EpisodesSteal This Episode Planning Framework to Cut Your Prep Time in Half→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

If your guest could’ve given the same answers on five other podcasts, you didn’t lead the interview—you hosted a rerun. And when every guest episode sounds the same? Listeners don’t blame the guest. They stop trusting you. In this episode, you’ll learn the three host mistakes that quietly erode your authority, why “just letting the convo flow” leads to copy-paste content your audience has already heard, and how to stay in control of the conversation without sounding stiff or losing rapport. Because great interviews don’t just happen, and they’re what separates podcasts that get skipped from the ones that get shared. So if you want to lead interviews that hook your listeners and keep them coming back (without sounding scripted or stiff), hit play and let’s dive in. 📘My Go-To Books on Leading Better Interviews:Talk to Me by Dean NelsonStop Asking Questions by Andrew WarnerOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:🎙 How to Lead Guest Interviews That Make Listeners Want to Binge Your Show🎙Exactly What to Say to Get Your Podcast Guests to Share Their Episode→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Most podcasters know they need a website. But the wrong kind of site can bury your show in search and cost you the listeners, leads, and visibility you're working so hard to earn.In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about podcasting websites—from what to include (and what to avoid), to where it should live, to the one mistake that could be sending all your search traffic (and Google authority) to someone else’s site instead of yours.So if you’ve ever Googled “Does my podcast need its own website?” or “Should I buy a domain for my podcast?”—and you’re podcasting to grow your brand and want your show to get found online—hit play and let’s dive in.0:07 – Do You Really Need a Website for Podcasting?2:15 – Can You Use the Free Website From Your Podcast Host?3:50 – What’s the Best Way to Set Up a Website for Podcasting?5:43 – Do You Need a Domain Name for Your Podcast?8:12 – What Should You Include on Your Podcast Website?12:45 – Should Your Podcast Live on a Separate Site or Your Main Brand Site?14:08 – When Third-Party Podcasting Sites Like PodPage Make Sense (and When to Avoid Them)Episode Links:See our podcast blog in action: PodLaunchHQ.comIf you meet the criteria I shared in the episode for using PodPage, click here to choose a plan (and tell Brandon and Dave that Courtney @ PodLaunch sent you!)Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:4 Podcast Growth Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet (But Should)→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Krissy Bold launched a parenting podcast with a confusing name, hour-long episodes no one finished, and a message no one was clicking on.Then she made a few key changes and hit #3 in Parenting—outranking Big Bird, Blippi, and Frozen in under a week—and she’s been ranking on the top podcasting charts ever since.What changed?In this episode, we’re unpacking the key differences between a podcast people scroll past and one they binge, share, and rave about. Even better? You'll learn how to apply this to *your* show so you can stop refreshing your stats like it’s going to change something and start building a podcast listeners want to support and shout from the rooftops.So if you’ve been wondering what your podcast is missing, this episode has your answer. Hit play and let’s dive in.0:07 – What to Look for When Your Podcast Isn’t Working (and You’re Doing Everything Right)4:52 – Why Listeners Aren’t Finishing Your Episodes (Even If the Content Is Good)6:40 – The Messaging Fix That Finally Got Krissy’s Audience to Lean In10:28 – The Relaunch Plan That Took Her to the Top Parenting Charts19:30 – Why Most Podcasters Overlook the Easiest Way to Reach Their AudienceEpisode Links:Check out Krissy Bold Bold’s Podcast: Mom’s Guide to Finding HerselfLearn More from Krissy: MomIdentityProject.comOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How to Make Your Podcast the One Listeners Can’t Ignore→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Still waiting to feel “ready” before you start pitching the guests or sponsors you really want?In this episode, HuffPost contributor and media expert Alice Draper is back to show you the exact process she uses to turn rejection into a measurable growth strategy for your podcast. You’ll learn how to build your “rejection muscle,” set rejection goals that lead to more yeses, and use data from ignored or declined pitches to refine your messaging and land bigger and better opportunities.So if you’ve been overthinking your pitch or convincing yourself you need a bigger audience before you can pitch bigger guests or sponsors—and you’re ready to be the kind of host people say yes to without hesitation—hit play and let’s dive in.1:08 – The Surprising Growth That Can Happen When You Treat Rejection as a Strategy, Not a Setback 6:24 – How to Use Pitch Rejections to Improve Your Messaging 9:17 – A Simple Way to Make Your Pitches More Specific (and Stand Out) 12:24 – What it Really Means When No One Replies to Your Pitch (and How to Handle It) 14:15 – If Pitching Feels Intimidating Right Now, Here’s How to Take the Pressure OffEpisode Links:Steal Alice’s pitch templates—the same ones that have helped her clients land interviews on 500+ top shows like WorkLife with Adam Grant.Check Out Alice Draper’s Podcast: My Rejection StoryLearn More from Alice: hustlingwriters.comOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:The Real Reason You’re Still Sitting on That Guest or Sponsor Pitch→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You know that pitch you *almost* sent? Or that big guest or sponsor you’re telling yourself you’ll reach out to “once you’re ready”? That idea you keep researching but haven’t acted on yet? This episode is about that moment—when you're stuck between wanting more for your podcast and actually going after it.HuffPost contributor and media expert Alice Draper has helped clients land guest spots on 500+ podcasts, including WorkLife with Adam Grant and UnF*ck Your Brain. She joins me to unpack the psychology behind rejection, why your brain sees “no” as a survival threat, and how this fear keeps you from the visibility, credibility, and growth you deserve.So if you’re tired of watching other people land the guests, sponsors, and traction you want—and you're ready to start pitching bigger names and getting your show into the rooms it deserves to be in (even if it scares you a little)—hit play and let’s dive in.1:36 – The Real Fear Behind “My Show Isn’t Big Enough Yet”6:15 – How Visibility Triggers Imposter Syndrome (and What to Do About It)9:09 – “They’ll Probably Say No Anyway”—And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves15:46 – Why You Don’t Need More Downloads to Pitch Big Guests or Sponsors17:58 – The One Thing You’re Not Doing That Could Actually Grow Your ShowEpisode Links:Steal Alice’s pitch templates—the same ones that have helped her clients land interviews on 500+ top shows like WorkLife with Adam Grant.Check Out Alice Draper’s Podcast: My Rejection StoryLearn More from Alice: hustlingwriters.comOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How to Train for Rejection and Use It to Grow Your Podcast Faster → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You’ve heard “niche down” is the key to podcast growth. But what if your niche is actually too narrow to scale? In this live coaching session, I walk Dennis through why his podcast wasn’t attracting the audience he really wanted—and the simple repositioning moves we made to fix it.We're breaking down how his show's branding was confusing listeners instead of converting them, and how these core podcast content gatekeepers will either earn the click or cost you the download. So if you’re tired of seeing single-digit downloads on episodes you spent hours producing (or you’ve been publishing weekly but your numbers haven’t budged in months) this episode will show you exactly what to change. Hit play and let’s dive in.Want my expert eyes (and ears) on your show? Apply for on-air coaching here (spots are limited).0:04 – When “Niche Down” Backfires and Stops Your Podcast From Growing1:12 – What You Think Your Podcast Is About vs. What Listeners Actually See3:18 – Why Your Podcast Name Might Be Turning the Right Listeners Away5:26 – Why Listeners Aren’t Clicking (Even If You Know Your Content Is Valuable)9:03 – The Fix: How to Reposition Without Losing the Heart of Your MessageSupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You’ve got the mic. You’ve got the mission. So why isn’t anyone listening?That’s the question Dennis—high school athletics coach turned podcaster—was asking when he came to me for help. He knew who he wanted to serve, but a few months in, he was still struggling to get people to notice his show.In this first-ever Fix My Pod on-air coaching session, we’re breaking down the gap between knowing your audience and actually getting them to click play—because nothing kills momentum faster than showing up every week and still getting ignored.So if you’ve launched (or you’re about to) and want to get more of the right listeners hitting play on the episodes you’re working hard to create, hit play and let’s dive in.Want my expert eyes (and ears) on your show? Apply for on-air coaching here (spots are limited).0:05 – Why Your Podcast Isn’t Getting Clicked (Even If Your Content Is Great)2:15 – Why Your Podcast Might Be Clear to You, but Confusing to Listeners6:40 – How to Find Your Angle in a Crowded Podcast Niche10:28 – How People Actually Decide If Your Podcast Is Worth Their Time14:08 – 5 Things That Make or Break Your Podcast’s First Impression14:46 – What Your Cover Art, Title, and Description Are Actually Saying to Your Listeners→    This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You’ve been told video podcasting the only way to grow your show—but the ones shouting the loudest about it? They’re the ones profiting from your overwhelm.In this episode, Buzzsprout’s Head of Marketing Alban Brooke is back to expose what no one is talking about: the hidden costs, the inflated promises, and the hard data that shows how video might actually be hurting your show more than helping it. He also shares what *really* happened behind the scenes when Buzzsprout went all-in on video—and the exact moment he realized they got it wrong.So if you’ve been wondering why podcasting feels harder than it should (and you're ready to build a podcast you won’t secretly resent) hit play and let’s dive in.2:01 - The Real Video Podcasting Backstory (and Who’s Profiting From It) 4:34 - Why 84% of the Top 50 Podcasts Don’t Upload Video to Spotify 6:43 - The Silent Burnout Epidemic Among Podcasters Trying to “Do It All” 8:17 - The Video Wake-Up Call Buzzsprout Didn’t See Coming 10:23 - The Emotional Toll of Trying to Podcast Like a YouTuber 15:07 - The Real Question Every Podcaster Should Ask Before Adding Video Episode Links:Get a $20 Buzzsprout credit when you sign up through this link—courtesy of Alban and the Buzzsprout team. Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Podcast Growth Myths Debunked by Buzzsprout’s Head of MarketingWhy Audio-Only Podcasting Still Dominates  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You could record another episode. You could double down on promotion. You could even guest on a hundred other podcasts. But if your show isn’t built to attract the right listeners? None of it will work.In this episode, Alban Brooke, Head of Marketing at Buzzsprout, rips apart the most common (and costly) podcast growth myths—like why simply “putting out great content” isn’t enough and why most marketing tactics are a waste of time.So if you’re ready to quit the endless cycle of more content, more promotion, more whatever—and finally get your podcast in front of the right listeners, hit play and let's dive in.0:45 - Why ‘More Listeners = More Growth’ Is a Lie3:15 - Why Some Podcasts Explode Overnight (and Yours Hasn’t Yet)8:45 - The Podcast Marketing Advice That’s Wasting Your Time14:30 - What Actually Makes Listeners Binge Your Podcast21:10 - The Difference Between Podcasters Who Grow vs. Those Who Plateau Episode Links:Get a $20 Buzzsprout credit when you sign up through this link—courtesy of Alban and the Buzzsprout team. Other Episodes You’ll Love: The One Thing Podcasters Should Track Instead of DownloadsThe Dark Side of Video Podcasting (And Why Many Podcasters Regret It)  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with a fellow podcaster! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review.Register for Courtney's Free Podcasting Workshop: How to 10x Your Business with a Podcast in 2025Schedule a 1:1 Podcasting Audit with Courtney. Curious about PodLaunch®? Book a Demo to see if our podcasting mentorship is the right fit for your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.