
Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategy for Business Growth
This isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” podcast about podcasting. We’re breaking down 15,000+ hours of study into what top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert. Hosted by Forbes- and Rolling Stone-featured podcast psychology expert and Webby Awards judge Courtney Elmer—who’s helped over 70 hosts launch Top 100 shows—you’ll get the tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share. Expect unfiltered coaching, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and the kind of “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice to help you build a podcast your future clients can’t stop bingeing (and buying from). So if you’re ready to break out of “less-than-200-download-per-episode” jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort—or you want to launch a podcast that positions you as an authority in your niche and drives real business growth—welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit play and let’s dive in. Popular Guests Include: Jordan Harbinger, John Lee Dumas, James Cridland, Tom Rossi, Jeremy Enns, Kevin Chemidlin, Dave Jackson, Alex Sanfilippo, Seth Silvers, Stacy Tuschl, Kate Erickson, Grant Baldwin, Hal Elrod, Gay Hendricks, Brandon Lucero, James Wedmore, and more. Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcasting for Business Growth, Starting a Podcast, Podcast Audience Growth, Podcasting for Profit, Podcasting Psychology, Increasing Listener Engagement, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Lead Generation Through Podcasting, Business Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in The Top 100, Podcast Launch Strategy, Podcast Monetization Strategies, Podcast Messaging, Podcast Positioning
Latest episodes

10 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 35min
4 Podcast Growth Strategies You Haven’t Tried Yet (But Should) | Vinnie Potestivo
Think you’ve tried everything to grow your podcast? Emmy Award-winning media advisor Vinnie Potestivo joins me to share four unconventional podcasting strategies most podcasters have never even considered.From fixing hidden distribution mistakes to using tools like IMDb and LinkedIn to get discovered, Vinnie reveals how to create a podcast narrative that stands out and get your show in front of listeners who are already looking for a podcast like yours.If you’re ready to stand out and grow smarter, hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 - What Most Podcasters Get Wrong About Growth1:19 - Why Your Best Stories Belong at the Top of Your Episode8:56 - IMDb and LinkedIn: The Tools You’re Not Using (But Should Be)12:31 - Discoverability vs. Being Discoverable28:07 - How to Take Control of Your Podcast’s Narrative to Attract the Right Audience Episode Links:vpe.tv/giftsvpe.tv/IMDbvpe.tv/awardsvpe.tv/fascinateihaveapodcast.com/interviewConnect with Vinnie: LinkedIn | Website → 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.

Dec 26, 2024 • 16min
Want More Engaged Listeners? Get Them Talking Back | Pat Cheung
Join Pat Cheung, creator of the innovative app FanList, as he reveals secrets to turning passive listeners into active participants. Discover why most audiences stay silent and learn quick fixes to boost engagement. Pat shares effective strategies, like fostering community and utilizing personal touch in call-to-actions. He dives into the importance of listener feedback and building loyalty, emphasizing that real connection can transform your podcast into a thriving, interactive space. Tune in to energize your audience!

Dec 25, 2024 • 24min
My Biggest Lessons (and Mistakes) from 5 Years and 300 Episodes of Podcasting
Reflecting on five years and 300 episodes, the speaker shares transformative lessons learned along the way. Discover why consistency goes beyond just showing up and the essentials for making your podcast stand out. The journey emphasizes the necessity of authenticity, promoting visibility, and overcoming self-doubt. Personal growth through challenges like trauma and health issues showcases the power of community support. Finally, listeners are encouraged to set bold goals and embrace their own podcasting journeys.

Dec 19, 2024 • 18min
Stop Doing This if You Want to Grow Your Podcast
When it comes to growing a podcast, the common advice tells you to do more: guest on dozens of shows, post daily on social, run ads. But what if doing less could actually get you faster growth?In this episode, we’re debunking outdated podcasting advice that’s slowing your progress (without you realizing it) and I’ll reveal what I’m *not* doing to grow my podcast — and how cutting back has led to up to 32% month-over-month growth.By the time you finish this episode, you’ll know exactly how to apply the same approach to reach more listeners with your message and turn your podcast into a lead-generating machine — all while freeing up your time to actually enjoy the process of podcasting. (Spoiler: That’s Stephen Bartlett’s secret to 1 billion downloads.)Ready to grow your podcast without adding more to your plate (and maybe even taking a few things off)? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:02 - The Problem with Most Podcast Growth “Strategies”1:15 - What's Really Sabotaging Your Podcast Growth3:18 - What I’m Not Doing to Grow My Podcast7:00 - The Real Reason Stephen Bartlett Hit 1 Billion Downloads14:42 - 3 Steps to Find What’s Moving the Needle for Your Show Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How to Grow Your Podcast Without Adding More to Your Plate → 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.

Dec 18, 2024 • 23min
Starting a Podcast That Builds Your Business (and Your Self Belief) | Dr. Christine Li
If you’ve been putting off starting a podcast because you're not sure it’ll actually move the needle for your business, this one’s for you. Fellow podcast host and clinical psychologist Dr. Christine Li joins me to help you overcome the self-doubt, perfectionism, and procrastination that’s keeping you from getting started (hey, we’ve all been there).From building authority right from the start to turning your show into a powerful audience-building tool, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to crush those “Is podcasting really worth it?” fears — because every day you wait is another opportunity for someone else to launch the podcast your audience is searching for.So if you're ready to stop overthinking and finally hit publish on your podcast (or if you just need a kick in the pants to get out of your own way), hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.1:58 - The Real Cause of Perfectionism and Procrastination in Podcasting12:20 - Building Your Authority from Day One with Your Podcast14:32 - Turning Your Podcast into a Powerful Client Acquisition Tool17:23 - Why Waiting to Start a Podcast Limits Your Business Growth19:54 - How to Stop Overthinking and Finally Press Publish on Your Podcast Episode Links:Check out Dr. Christine’s podcast: Make Time For SuccessConnect with Dr. Christine Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Achieving Goals with Ease: Embrace The “Be Do Have” Model → 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.

Dec 12, 2024 • 17min
4 Must-Know Podcasting Predictions to Capitalize On This Year | James Cridland, Podnews
James Cridland, editor-in-chief of Podnews, shares his expertise on the evolving podcasting landscape. He discusses the decline of download metrics as the gold standard and how YouTube is reshaping podcast discovery, despite its limitations. Cridland also emphasizes the necessity of maintaining human creativity in an era increasingly influenced by AI. He warns that defining what truly constitutes a podcast is becoming more complex, urging creators to focus on genuine content that resonates with audiences.

Dec 11, 2024 • 17min
What’s Changing in Podcasting and How to Stay Ahead | James Cridland, Podnews
James Cridland, Editor-in-chief of Podnews and a broadcasting veteran, shares his expertise on the transformative changes in podcasting. He highlights the booming niche podcast trend and discusses how these shows are thriving in today’s market. Cridland challenges the notion that video is essential, asserting audio's primary importance. He provides insights on measuring growth beyond downloads and stresses the keys to long-term success: consistency and community engagement. Essential listening for any aspiring podcaster!

Dec 5, 2024 • 15min
The Exact SEO Keywords You Need to Get Your Podcast Found
Unlock the secrets to making your podcast shine in search results! Discover how to analyze your competitors' keyword strategies and identify the best terms to attract your ideal audience. Learn the importance of strategic keyword placement for maximum impact. Plus, explore essential tools that can help you refine your SEO approach. Get ready to boost your visibility on popular platforms like Apple and Spotify and reach new listeners every day!

Dec 4, 2024 • 14min
How to Hit the Top 5 in Apple and Spotify Search Results
Discover game-changing strategies to boost your podcast's visibility on Apple and Spotify. Learn the art of effective SEO and how to find the right keywords that attract your target audience. Uncover the secrets to ranking higher in search results and building instant credibility. Dive into the importance of adapting to listener behavior for increased downloads and monetization. Get ready to elevate your show and reach new listeners!

Nov 28, 2024 • 12min
Launching a Top Podcast in an Unlikely Niche | Laura Brazan
Worried your podcast idea is too niche, or that maybe your ideal audience doesn’t really listen to podcasts? Those might just be the signs you need to take the leap.In this episode, I’m joined by fellow podcast host Laura Brazan who launched a show in a niche that doesn’t typically listen to podcasts — and crushed it.Breaking into the Top 100 across the US, UK, and Australia, Laura shares how she turned a personal need into a movement while tackling every tech challenge along the way.If you’ve ever doubted your ability to start a podcast from scratch but believe you have a message worth building a movement around, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:04 - Can Your Podcast Thrive in an Unlikely Niche?6:35 - How to Break into the Top 100 (Even Without a Big Audience)8:35 - How to Turn Your Podcast into a Community (Even if You’re Not Selling Anything)13:20 - Why the Tech Side of Podcasting is Easier Than You Think16:25 - The One Thing Keeping You From Getting Bigger Results with Your Podcast Episode Links:Check out Laura’s Podcast: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren → 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.
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