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

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

Think your podcast should be making you money by now? Here’s why it’s not—and what to do about it.In part two of this episode series, I’ll help you set accurate expectations for podcast monetization whether you don’t have an offer yet (or don’t plan to), have an offer that’s not converting, or have an offer that is converting and want to scale it.We’ll unpack how your podcast serves you at each stage, the expectations you need to set, and the strategies that separate profitable podcasters from the ones stuck creating content that never pays off (literally). So if you’re ready to build a podcast that actually drives revenue (without guessing, hoping, or waiting forever to see results) hit play and let’s dive in.0:02 – What Separates Profitable Podcasters from the Rest1:41 – No Offer? Here’s What to Focus on First3:50 – Have an Offer, But No Sales? Here’s Why7:25 – Have a High-Converting Offer? Here’s How Your Podcast Can Scale It11:16 – How to Align Your Podcast with Your Monetization GoalsOther Episodes You’ll EnjoyWhy Your Podcast Isn’t Paying You Yet (And What to Do About 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.

Most podcasters want to make money from their show. The problem? Too many assume that having a podcast and making money from it are one and the same—but they’re not.In this two-part episode series, I’m breaking down how to bridge the gap between having the podcast and making money from it, with what you actually need to turn listeners into buyers. Plus, we’ll unpack one of the biggest mistakes podcasters make that causes them to spend hours scripting, recording, and editing, only to refresh their analytics and see no new downloads and no new dollars in their bank account.So if you're ready to build a podcast that actually drives business growth without spending hundreds of hours creating episodes and not getting paid for it, hit play and let's dive in.0:02 – The Real Reason Your Podcast Isn’t Paying You Yet1:45 – The Two Biggest Reasons People Never Make Money From Their Podcasts3:16 – Why a Podcast Won’t Fix a Broken Offer (But Will Expose the Problem)5:15 – The Question That Determines If Your Podcast Will Make Money11:46 – How to Set Accurate Expectations for Podcast MonetizationOther Episodes You’ll EnjoyWhat to Do When Your Podcast Isn’t Converting→ 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.