
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

7 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 20min
3 Types of Podcasting Advice You Can Totally Ignore
This discussion sheds light on three persistent myths that may be hindering your podcasting journey. It challenges the idea that consistency alone guarantees growth and reveals why blending in can be detrimental. Great content isn’t sufficient anymore; engagement with listeners is crucial. The conversation emphasizes the importance of unique strategies to truly attract and convert your audience, ensuring your podcast stands out in a crowded space.

Oct 17, 2024 • 17min
Which Podcast Ad Strategies are Right For Your Show? | Mike Wiston
Podcast ads can be powerful for growing your show, but success isn't just about picking any ad strategy and throwing money at it. You need to be intentional: understand the different podcast ad types, know how to target the right audience, track your results, and refine your approach based on what’s working.In this episode, I’m back with Mike Wiston from MowPod to dive into the tactical side of using paid ads to grow your podcast. Mike breaks down the different types of podcast ads and explains why not all ads are created equal when it comes to listener growth, to help you decide which ads are right for your show.So if you want to make your podcast ads count and learn which ad strategies can help you reach more listeners, hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:01 - Why Podcast Ads Are Not One Size Fits All4:10 - Podcast Ad Fatigue and What It Means for Your Strategy7:10 - Choosing the Right Ad Targeting to Reach More Listeners11:15 - How to Track Retention and Tell If Your Ads Are Working15:45 - Why Your Ads Aren’t Converting and How to Fix It Episode Links:Want to save on your next MowPod ad campaign? Use our discount link Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy: The Biggest Mistakes Podcasters Make with Paid Ads → 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.

Oct 16, 2024 • 16min
The Biggest Mistakes Podcasters Make with Paid Ads | Mike Wiston
Wondering if paid ads are the right move to grow your podcast, or if they’re a waste of your time and money? In this episode, I'm joined by Mike Wiston, co-founder of MowPod, to dive deep into the right (and wrong) ways to use paid ads to grow your show.We tackle why jumping into paid ads too soon can lead to wasted dollars and disappointing results, and how building a solid organic growth engine is the key to making your ad dollars count. Mike also shares insights on understanding your metrics, avoiding costly mistakes, and creating a listener-centric community that drives genuine engagement.So if you’re wondering when it’s the right time to invest in ads or how to turn paid traffic into a loyal podcast audience, hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.0:26 - Why Running Podcast Ads Too Soon Is a Waste of Money2:05 - Know These Metrics Before You Spend on Podcast Ads4:54 - How to Tell When Your Show is Ready for Paid Growth8:34 - Why a Listener-Centric Show Equals a Higher Podcast Ad ROI10:42 - The Ethics of Running Ads for Your Podcast Episode Links:Want to save on your next MowPod ad campaign? Use our discount link Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How to Know Which Paid Ad Strategies are Right For Your Show → 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.

6 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 19min
Q + A | Should You Script Your Podcast Episodes?
Should you script or outline your podcast? The choice can shape listener engagement and influence. Explore the balance between structure and authenticity, emphasizing how real connection trumps perfection. Discover the importance of delivering content with personality, and learn why engaging your listeners is key to driving sales. Uncover strategies to stay motivated and build a devoted fan base, ensuring your podcast resonates deeply with audiences eager to share.

30 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 24min
The Psychology Behind Bingeworthy Episode Titles
Discover why some podcast titles snag attention while others fall flat. Uncover the psychology that makes episode titles irresistible and learn common mistakes to avoid. Explore the pitfalls of using AI for title creation, which can actually cost you listeners. Dive into strategies that make your titles hyper-relevant and engaging, and find out the key elements that compel listeners to click play. It's all about transforming your podcast journey and boosting audience engagement!

Oct 3, 2024 • 23min
How to Train Your Podcasting AI to Sound Like You | Michael Katz
Michael Katz, an AI expert specializing in helping podcasters, shares transformative insights on using AI to reflect individual voices. He emphasizes the crucial process of training AI to avoid generic outputs, ensuring authenticity in content creation. Katz discusses the true meaning of quality in AI products and the importance of maintaining a personal touch. He offers practical tips for navigating voice training, revealing that the journey involves continuous refinement, much like onboarding a new team member in your creative process.

Oct 2, 2024 • 19min
Could AI Be Hurting Your Credibility as a Podcaster? | Michael Katz
Michael Katz, a former AI skeptic turned innovative company founder, discusses the pitfalls of relying too heavily on AI in podcasting. He warns that while AI can streamline content creation, it risks diluting your unique voice, making you sound generic. Katz highlights common mistakes podcasters make with AI, how to spot AI-generated content, and the potential damage to credibility. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and originality in a world increasingly driven by technology.

Sep 26, 2024 • 16min
How to Make a Bold Comeback After Hitting Pause on Your Podcast
Wondering how to make a bold comeback after hitting pause on your podcast? In this episode, we're breaking down what to do when there's been a shift in your podcast — like a business pivot, a change in audience, change in topic, change in leadership of the show (i.e., you lost a co-host), or if you simply had to pause your show for whatever reason and you want to bring it back, but you aren't sure the best way to do it.Should you start fresh with a new podcast? Should you keep the old feed and just rebrand it? And most importantly, how do you win back your audience? In this episode, I’m answering all these questions and more. So if you’re ready to relaunch with purpose, reconnect with your audience, and regain the momentum you’ve lost, hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.0:02 - Hit Pause On Your Podcast? Here’s How to Come Back Strong2:45 - Is It Better to Keep Your Current Feed or Start a Brand New Show?8:48 - How to Relaunch and Win Back Your Audience10:53 - When a New Podcast Feed Actually Makes Sense18:59 - How to Relaunch a Dormant Podcast the Right WayOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:4 Signs It's Time to Rebrand 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 your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 25, 2024 • 20min
The Right & Wrong Way to Take a Break From Your Podcast
We're diving into a rather taboo topic in the podcasting world: taking a break from your podcast. *Gasp!* Yup, we're going there. I’m showing you how to take a real break without losing your listeners and without anyone ever realizing you’re on hiatus (or sipping a marg on a sunny beach somewhere — who said anyone has to know?).Whether you need a 90-day breather or a longer pause, I’ll break down the steps to stay top-of-mind with your audience while you take the time you need, without risking breaking listener trust or having to batch months of content in advance.So if you’re wondering what to do when you need to step away from the mic but don’t want to lose the traction you’ve already worked so hard to build, hit play and let's make your business bingeworthy.0:17 - How to Hit Pause Without Anyone Noticing 1:23 - Why Batching Isn’t Always the Answer 9:02 - How to Keep Your Audience Engaged Without Creating More 16:24 - How to Take a Longer Break Without Losing Listeners 18:50 - Is a Seasonal Format Right for Your Podcast? 17:01 - Think Netflix, But for PodcastingOther Episodes You’ll Enjoy:How to Make a Bold Comeback After Pausing 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 your business. Connect with Courtney: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunch HQ ©Ⓟ 2018–2025 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 19, 2024 • 20min
Are Podcast Sponsorships Worth the Effort for Small Shows? | Joe Casabona
Many podcasters think, "If I want to make money, I need sponsors." But if you’re a business owner who podcasts, you’ve likely wondered, "Should I have sponsors if I’m already promoting my own stuff?" Here’s the thing: not all podcast sponsorships are created equal. While the right sponsor can help cover production costs and bring in extra revenue, the wrong one can undermine the trust you've worked hard to build with your listeners.In this episode, we’re clearing up the confusion. Whether you’re getting 100 downloads an episode or 10,000+, podcast sponsorship coach Joe Casabona is here to show you how to get podcast sponsors without sacrificing listener trust. You’ll learn how to find sponsors that truly align with your audience, craft pitches that make brands say “yes,” and price your sponsorship packages like a pro.(Grab a pen, you’ll want to take notes.) Ready? Hit play and let’s make your business bingeworthy.0:25 - Why Podcast Sponsorships Might Be Worth It (or Not)5:29 - The Proven Formula for Finding the Right Podcast Sponsors 8:38 - How to Craft a Winning Podcast Sponsorship Proposal 11:24 - Pricing Your Podcast Sponsorships the Right Way16:08 - The First Steps to Landing Your First (or Your Dream) Podcast SponsorsEpisode Links:Save 12 Hours a week with Joe's Podcast Automation PlannersCheck out Joe Casabona’s podcast: The Streamlined Solopreneur→ 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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