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

If you don’t have a guest release form in place, this episode is your wake-up call. If you do have one, are you sure it actually protects you? Podcasting attorney Gordon Firemark is back to break down why every podcaster (yes, even small shows) needs a rock-solid guest release before hitting record.He shares exactly what it should include, when your guests should sign it, and the real-life story of a podcaster who skipped this step—and got sued for it. So if you want peace of mind knowing your podcast is legally protected, hit play and let’s dive in.0:23 - Why Even Small Shows Need a Guest Release Form3:00 - How Skipping This Step Opens You Up to a Lawsuit5:28 - What to Include in Your Guest Release for Full Protection6:34 - The Must-Have AI Clause That Protects Both You and Your Guest9:13 - The Easiest Way to Get Guests to Sign (with Zero Pushback) Episode Links:Check Out Gordon Firemark’s Podcast: Legit Podcast ProGordon’s Book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer's Legal Survival Guide  Free Lawyer-drafted Podcast Guest Release Agreement Additional Lawyer-drafted Legal Templates & Forms Easy Legal For Podcasters DIY Legal Training   Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:The Legal Blind Spots That Could Shut Down Your Podcast   → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

You put in the work. You craft your episodes. You build your brand. But what if someone swoops in and steals it—your content, your show name, even your audience—because you didn’t have the right legal protections in place?That’s exactly what we’re tackling today with podcast and entertainment lawyer Gordon Firemark. From copyrights and trademarks to AI-generated content and guest releases, we’re breaking down the most overlooked legal protections every podcaster needs to have in place before it’s too late.Even if you’re just getting started or think your audience is too small for this to matter, waiting until it’s a problem is a mistake you don’t want to make. Hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 - 5 Ways to Protect Your Podcast Before It’s Too Late1:56 - Copyright 101: Are Your Episodes Actually Protected?5:21 - Trademarks: Why Your Show Name Isn’t Automatically Safe9:34 - Music & Fair Use: The Legal Minefield Most Podcasters Ignore15:36 - AI, Voice Cloning & The Legal Loopholes You Need to Know Episode Links:Check Out Gordon Firemark’s Podcast: Legit Podcast ProGordon’s Book: The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer's Legal Survival Guide  Free Lawyer-drafted Podcast Guest Release Agreement Additional Lawyer-drafted Legal Templates & Forms Easy Legal For Podcasters DIY Legal Training   Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:What to Include in Your Guest Release Form for Total Protection   → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Ever stare at your podcast stats, searching for proof your show is actually working—only to wonder if anyone even cares?Pressing play isn’t the same as listening. If people drop off early, skip episodes, or never engage, your podcast isn’t holding their attention. And if your show keeps getting swiped past, it’s time to figure out why.In this episode, I’m breaking down the four unmistakable signs that prove your podcast is resonating with listeners (or not). You’ll learn why downloads don’t tell the full story, the retention metric that actually predicts growth, and the one kind of feedback that proves listeners are hooked and taking action. So if you’re ready to stop guessing and start seeing real proof that your podcast is working, hit play and let’s dive in.0:49 - Why Download Numbers Deceive You About Your Podcast’s Success2:54 - 4 Signs That Prove Your Podcast Is Resonating With Listeners4:40 - The Retention Benchmark That Shows Whether Listeners Are Hooked or Bored7:43 - The Surprising Reason Listeners Skip Your Show (And How to Stop It)11:27 - The Listener Feedback That Proves Your Podcast Is Changing Lives Other Episodes You’ll Love:Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (Even If Your Content Is Great)Steal This Strategy to Keep Your Audience Coming Back4 Reasons Why Podcast Guesting Isn't Working for YouThe Down & Dirty Truth About Episode Length → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Ever spent hours crafting a podcast episode packed with expert knowledge, only to watch it get fewer downloads than the one you threw together last minute? Or worse—seen another podcast with generic advice rack up five-star reviews while your in-depth, value-packed episodes keep getting ignored?In this episode, I’m breaking down why what you think is valuable and what your listeners perceive as valuable are two completely different things. If you don’t bridge that gap, your podcast won’t just struggle to grow—it’ll keep getting overlooked while less helpful shows take the spotlight.So if you want listeners to stop tuning out halfway, and start seeing your show as a must-listen, hit play and let’s dive in.0:36 - Why Giving Away Your Best Content for Free Won’t Grow Your Podcast1:22 - The Messaging Mistake That Makes Listeners Tune You Out3:31 - Why Your Audience Doesn’t Care How Much You Know (Yet)9:28 - The Surprising Reason Your Listeners Aren’t Taking Action (And How to Fix It)17:00 - Why Some Podcasts Feel Addictive (And How to Make Yours One of Them) Other Episodes You'll Love:3 Ways to Hook Your Listener Before They Ever Hit Play  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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

So, you want your audience to see you as a pro? Good news: it’s not about having the latest gear. It’s about knowing when to upgrade and how to maximize what you’ve got. Home studio expert Junaid Ahmed is back to share his simple, no-BS advice on building a home studio setup that grows with you. We’re breaking down when to invest in new gear, when to hold off, and the small tweaks that make a big difference in your sound—without blowing your budget.If you think better gear is the key to earning authority in podcasting, this episode will change your mind. Hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 - What Actually Makes You Sound Like a Pro (Hint: It’s Not Expensive Gear)1:47 - The 4 Stages of Home Studio Evolution (And Where You Fit In)2:46 - The Right Time to Upgrade Your Mic, Camera, or Lighting4:30 - Budget-Friendly Fixes for Clearer, More Professional Sound10:04 - How to Upgrade Your Podcast Gear Without Overspending Episode Links:Check out Junaid Ahmed’s Podcast: Hacks to HobbiesBook Your Free Home Studio Audit with Junaid: HomeStudioMastery.comBuy, sell or trade used video gear:mpb.com keh.com Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:The Secret to a Home Studio Setup That Commands Authority → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Better gear won’t make you a better podcaster. But you can create a home studio that looks and sounds pro—using what you already have.Fellow podcaster and tech guru Junaid Ahmed joins me to distill 20+ years of audio and video design into 20 minutes of no-nonsense advice to help you create a home studio that commands authority on any budget, and to prove that how you use your gear matters more than the gear itself. So if you’re worried your setup makes you look unprofessional (or that your audience won’t take you seriously), this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s dive in.0:01 - Why Better Gear Won’t Make You a Better Podcaster3:28 - How to Create a Home Studio That Commands Authority—Without Spending a Dime5:18 - Why Dedication to Your Craft Builds Deeper Trust With Your Listeners8:26 - Why Gear Placement > Gear Price (Always)14:54 - How to Get Studio-Quality Audio on Any Budget Episode Links:Check out Junaid Ahmed’s Podcast: Hacks to HobbiesBook Your Free Home Studio Audit with Junaid: HomeStudioMastery.com Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:4 Ways to Upgrade Your Home Studio Without Overspending  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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

What if one bad review was all it took to silence your podcast for a year? That’s exactly what happened to bestselling author, investor, and financial literacy expert, Janine Mix. But instead of quitting, she came back stronger—revamping her show in a way that made it impossible for the right listeners to ignore.In this episode, Janine shares how to tell if your podcast is too broad, the biggest messaging mistake that stops listeners from hitting play, and how to create a podcast that commands attention and keeps your audience coming back. So if you're ready to create a must-listen show (and realize that rejection isn’t the end—it’s actually a sign you’re on the right track), hit play and let’s dive in.0:03 – The Fear That Keeps Listeners From Connecting With Your Podcast1:10 – How to Tell if You’re Playing It Too Safe With Your Podcast7:46 – The Messaging Mistake That Keeps Listeners From Hitting Play12:54 – What to Do When Self-Doubt Stops You From Hitting Publish17:45 – How to Keep Showing Up When Growth Feels Slow Episode Links:Check out Janine Mix’s podcast: Permission to Prosper Other Episodes You'll Love:Steal My High-Converting Episode Framework → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

AI voice cloning sounds like the ultimate shortcut—efficiency, scale, and less time spent recording. But what happens when your listeners can tell the difference and it destroys their trust in you, costing you the credibility, growth, and authority you’ve worked so hard to build?I’m pulling back the curtain on the hidden dangers of AI voice cloning and why using it could be the biggest mistake you ever make with your podcast. You’ll find out how AI is silently devaluing your expertise, why listeners always know when something feels off (and how that kills engagement), and the five things you should never outsource to AI—unless you want to blend in with everyone else.If you’re serious about building a binge-worthy Top 100 podcast that actually grows your business (and being seen as the go-to authority in your niche) hit play and let’s dive in.0:05 - AI Voice Cloning: The “Shortcut” That Could Kill Your Credibility0:22 - Can You Spot the Fake? Most People Can’t (But Your Listeners Will)3:01 - The Hidden Cost of Outsourcing Your Voice6:30 - What Actually Builds Listener Loyalty (Hint: It’s NOT Your Content)12:55 - Five Things You Should NEVER Let AI Touch—Unless You Want to Blend In  → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Video podcasting is everywhere. But does that mean your podcast needs it? Because let’s be real: we both know that repurposing full-length episodes or posting random clips won’t cut it if you actually want to grow your audience.In this episode, I’m back with Bryan Fittin of GoRogue Studios to break down the stupidly effective way to leverage video podcasting—aka the type of content that makes listeners fall in love with your show, the one thing you should be sharing to turn casual viewers into superfans, and why you don’t need fancy production to grab attention.So if you don’t want to hire a full production team, spend hours editing, or post content that looks great but doesn’t actually drive listeners back to your show, hit play and let’s dive in. 0:02 – Video Podcasting Won’t Grow Your Show—But This Will1:39 – The Type of Content That Makes Listeners Fall in Love With You5:00 – Why the Smallest Moments Build the Biggest Audience10:41 – Why Low-Tech, Low-Production Video Delivers More Value Than You Think18:01 – The Best First Step If You’re Stuck on What to Post Episode Links:Connect with Bryan: GoRogueStudio.com Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How Video Can Make (or Break) Your Podcast → 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Video podcasting is not the magic growth hack you’ve been sold. In fact, too many podcasters are finding out the hard way that adding video is costing them nothing but time, energy, and listeners.That’s why I invited Bryan Fittin, founder of GoRogue Studios, to break down exactly what adding video can and can’t do for your show—and the risks no one’s talking about when you don’t approach it strategically.We cover AI video editors (spoiler: they’re not a shortcut), which platform is actually best for getting started with video (hint: it’s not YouTube), and why adapting your podcast content for video takes more than flipping your iPhone around and hitting record.So if you’re wondering whether video is the next big move for your podcast or another recipe for burnout, hit play and let’s dive in.0:03 Why Video Podcasting Might Cost You More Than It Gains You1:49 The Truth About AI Video Editors (And Why They Won’t Save You Time)3:08 The Best Platform for Video Podcasts (Hint: Not YouTube)5:28 Why You Can’t Just Flip Your Camera and Hit Record12:22 Should You Add Video or Stick to Audio? Here’s How to Decide Episode Links:Connect with Bryan: GoRogueStudio.com Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:The Type of Content that Turns Podcast Listeners Into SuperfansSteal My High-Converting Episode FrameworkThe Pros & Cons of YouTube for Podcast GrowthWhy 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 you and get the podcasting advice you need to grow your show. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.