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

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 Setback6:24 – 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 Off Episode 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.com Other 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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 Show Episode 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.com Other 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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.0:01 - The Real Video Podcasting Backstory (and Who’s Profiting From It) 4:04 - Why 84% of the Top 50 Podcasts Don’t Upload Video to Spotify 6:35 - The Silent Burnout Epidemic Among Podcasters Trying to “Do It All” 9:36 - The Video Wake-Up Call Buzzsprout Didn’t See Coming 11:41 - The Emotional Toll of Trying to Podcast Like a YouTuber 18:45 - 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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.0:01 - Why ‘More Listeners = More Growth’ Is a Lie3:31 - Why Some Podcasts Explode Overnight (and Yours Hasn’t Yet)6:15 - The Podcast Marketing Advice That’s Wasting Your Time13:43 - What Actually Makes Listeners Binge Your Podcast18:14 - 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Spending hours on your podcast but still waiting for it to pay off? PodLaunch® graduate Jen Edmonds was too—booking guests last minute, scrambling to release episodes, and promoting nonstop with nothing to show for it.The fix? A streamlined podcast strategy that turned her show into an audience growth engine. In this episode, we’re breaking down the exact shifts Jen made, what happens when you treat your podcast like an asset instead of an afterthought, and the podcast systems you need to actually drive results. So if you're tired of your podcast feeling like a full-time job with no paycheck, hit play and let's dive in.0:02 – Why Podcasting Feels Like a Full-Time Job With No Payoff1:35 – The Hidden Time Suck That’s Slowing Your Podcast Down7:45 – The Shift That Turns Your Podcast Into a True Business Asset11:50 – The Real Cost of Running Your Podcast Without a Strategy15:31 – The Truth Behind Predictable Podcast Growth Episode Links:Check out Jen Edmond’s podcast: Your Journey to Fertility  Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:Creating a Podcast That Attracts New Clients Every Month→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

If you’ve been told that sharing your podcast on social media will grow your audience—spoiler alert—it won’t. And if you’ve been stuck at the same download count despite posting, guesting, and promoting your show, this episode will show you why.We’re busting the biggest misconceptions about podcast growth, including why consistency alone won’t build your audience (and what will), why guesting on bigger podcasts doesn’t guarantee more listeners, and the one thing you must have in place before any marketing strategy will actually work.So if you’re tired of posting, promoting, and hoping for the best (and you're ready to see a real ROI from your podcast), hit play and let's dive in.0:02 - Why Posting on Social Media Won’t Grow Your Podcast (And What to Do Instead)1:42 - Why Guesting on Big Podcasts Won’t Magically Bring You Listeners4:25 - The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn’t Growing (That Has Nothing to Do With Promotion)7:16 - The 3 Podcast Growth Triggers That Actually Bring in New Listeners12:28 - How to Get Your Podcast Discovered Without Spending Extra Time or Money Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:Why ‘If You Build It, They Will Come’ Isn’t Working for Your PodcastThe Exact SEO Keywords You Need to Get Your Podcast FoundHow to Hit the Top 5 in Apple and Spotify Search ResultsThe Down and Dirty Truth About Episode Length  → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7USupport the showLiked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 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 your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.