
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

Jan 15, 2025 • 16min
So You Got a One-Star Review. Here’s Your Next Move.
So you got a one-star review. Now what?! In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to handle that sucker punch to your podcasting pride. From the emotional sting of watching your perfect five-star rating drop to the counterintuitive (and totally ethical) strategies to bring it back up, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what to do when it happens. Plus, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of how I handled my own one-star saga—and the psychology-backed steps I used to turn it around. So if you’re ready to stop obsessing over that one-star review and turn it into a five-star comeback, hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 - The Five-Minute Rule for Handling a Bad Review1:32 - Turning a Bad Review Into Better Ratings and More Listeners3:35 - How One Bad Rating Can Lead to More Positive Ones7:04 - How to Protect Your Podcast from Trolls & Keep Your Ratings High9:50 - The Right Way to Ask for Reviews (Without Sounding Desperate) Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:3 Easy and Ethical Ways to Get More Podcast Reviews → 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.

Jan 8, 2025 • 25min
How to Build a Podcast Content Strategy That Actually Sells | Jeremy Enns
Forget the "give everything away for free" advice you've probably heard (spoiler: it's a fast track to undercutting your profits).In this episode, Jeremy Enns is back to share his expert take on how to create a podcast content strategy that leads your audience to the point of sale without coming across as salesy.We’re breaking down how to align your content strategy with the business model that’s right for you, and the metrics you need to track to see if your content is actually converting.If you want to turn your podcast (or podcast-to-be) into a revenue-generating machine, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use to grow. Hit play and let's dive in.0:02 – Why Giving Away Your Best Content for Free Kills Your Sales 3:14 – Why Creators and Business Owners Need Different Content Strategies6:17 – How to Align Your Podcast Content with Your Business Goals 9:42 – The Metrics You Need to Track to Know if Your Content is Converting 12:59 – How to Turn Podcast Into a Revenue Generator Without Sounding Like a Sales Pitch Episode Links:Want to dive deeper into the insights Jeremy shared? Check out his detailed video on how to use Spotify’s new analytics Subscribe to Jeremy’s Scrappy Daily Podcasting Newsletter → 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.

Jan 8, 2025 • 24min
The Secret to a Podcast People Can’t Stop Talking About | Jeremy Enns
Starting a podcast is easier than ever. But growing one? That’s a whole different ballgame.In this episode, I sat down with my friend Jeremy Enns to unpack why shows with “decent content” often stall at 28 downloads an episode and what it really takes to create a podcast people can’t stop talking about.From crafting a standout premise to leveraging Spotify’s new analytics and using competitor research to uncover what sets your show apart, we’re breaking down the real work behind making your podcast impossible to overlook.If you’re ready to turn your podcast into one listeners can’t help but recommend to their friends, hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 - Why Simply Releasing Content Won’t Lead to Rapid Podcast Growth1:39 - The Real Reason Most Podcasts Stall at 28 Downloads5:12 - Your Show is Being Seen, So Why Aren’t People Clicking Play?9:07 - How to Take Your Show Concept from Basic to Brilliant13:36 - The Kind of Feedback Your Podcast Needs to SucceedEpisode Links:Want to dive deeper into the insights Jeremy shared? Check out his detailed video on how to use Spotify’s new analytics Subscribe to Jeremy’s Scrappy Daily Podcasting Newsletter → 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.

Jan 1, 2025 • 14min
Q + A | Why "If You Build It, They Will Come" Is the Biggest Lie in Podcasting
As a good friend of mine in podcasting says, 'If you build it, they won’t come.'In this episode, I tackle a listener question about why great content alone doesn’t grow your podcast anymore and why pressing publish is just the beginning.Whether you’re just starting out or have been podcasting for a while, I’ll walk you through the two biggest drivers of podcast growth and show you how to use Spotify’s analytics to pinpoint exactly where the problem is happening—so you can stop guessing and start seeing results.Ready for a podcast that grows your audience and your business? Hit play, and let’s dive in.0:58 - Why “If You Build It, They Will Come” Isn’t Working for Your Podcast1:40 - The Two Big Questions Every Podcaster Should Be Asking6:15 - What Your Messaging Is Really Saying to Potential Listeners7:59 - The Spotify Analytics That Reveal Why Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (and How to Fix It)10:20 - How to Get Clear on What’s Holding Your Podcast Back → 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.

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.