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

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...

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-7U...Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review or share it with your podcasting friends.Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners.Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so that it gets found 24/7.Got Podcasting Questions? Send 'em! We'd love to answer your Q in an upcoming episode.Or, apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from Courtney....Special thanks to our sponsor, Resonate Recordings, our exclusive implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator. If you’re putting out episodes but not seeing listeners, leads, or sales, book a free strategy call to find out what’s not working and how to fix it.Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights:  LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. A...