Mics To Millions: Podcast Growth & Monetization Strategies for Health & Wellness Podcasters

Here is a quick taste of what you can expect from next week's episode with Dan Misener, co-founder of Bumper. This is what you can expect to hear in our conversation with Dan: Why “average lifetime value” and loyalty are often more useful than raw download numbers How he thinks about new vs returning listeners, and the danger of fixing the wrong problem What happens when you publish more episodes in response to declining downloads, and why that can quietly hurt your show The “worst butcher shop in the world” and what it reveals about how we buy and sell podcast ads Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! 

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest lessons I learned in 2025, insights that completely reshaped how I approach podcasting and the way we run PodWritten.    From why changing my show’s title backfired, to the real cost of being “cheap” with your tools, to why summer is the worst time for guest outreach, and why downloads are never the true goal, this episode gives you a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what actually moved the needle for the show and our business.    If you’re planning your podcast strategy for 2026, these lessons will help you make smarter decisions, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and build a show that genuinely supports your brand and your growth.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Sam Brake Guia: Website: https://podwritten.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelbrakeguia/ Email: sam@podwritten.com 💌 Questions, feedback, or just want to connect? Reach out at sam@podwritten.com or via LinkedIn.

Welcome back to Mics to Millions, the go-to show for health and wellness podcasters who want to grow and monetize their podcasts with strategy, not guesswork.   This season, we’re diving deeper than ever into what it truly takes to turn your podcast into a real business asset, one that drives revenue, authority, and opportunities far beyond the download numbers.   You’ll hear my own insights, experiments, and hard-earned lessons from my podcasting journey and client work.     Plus conversations with top health and wellness podcasters who are regularly bringing in half a million monthly downloads, have racked up 8 figure download numbers starting from scratch, and are making hundreds of thousands of dollars from sponsors.   Hit the subscribe and follow so you don’t miss out on the incredible stories and strategies from top podcast hosts and experts that can inspire your own work, including: How one host has used their podcast to bring in 60% of their client to their business Another who started small with sponsorship deals for his podcast, and now regularly closes six figure deals, along with an inside look at how he does this. And the head of an agency specializing in podcast ads and sponsorship sales who shares insider secrets that will show you how to make your podcast profitable.   And I'll be openning up about my mistakes, wins, and my best strategies from the past year, and I’ll let you know what I am doubling down on this year and what I’m leaving behind.   Be sure to follow now so you never miss out.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Sam Brake Guia: Website: https://podwritten.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelbrakeguia/ Email: sam@podwritten.com 💌 Questions, feedback, or just want to connect? Reach out at sam@podwritten.com or via LinkedIn.

We will be back on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 with new episodes.   We are currently working on some big things behind the scenes for this show, and we can’t wait to share with you in the new year. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Sam Brake Guia: Website: https://podwritten.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelbrakeguia/ Email: sam@podwritten.com 💌 Questions, feedback, or just want to connect? Reach out at sam@podwritten.com or via LinkedIn.

In this episode, we share a special interview featuring Sam Brake Guia on Podcast Growth Tools, hosted by Kylee Chandler.   You’ll hear: -How to write a standout podcast pitch that actually gets a “yes” -Creative ways to use your podcast as a strategic networking tool -The connection between podcast guesting and lead generation -How to use your podcast as a networking machine (not just a content machine) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Sam Brake Guia: -Website: https://podwritten.com/podcast-interviews/ -Email: sam@podwritten.com A special thank you to Kylee Chandler for having Sam on Podcast Growth Tools. You can check out her podcast here: https://pod.link/1790335826   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Signing with a podcast advertising networks can be a tempting for those wanting to make money from their podcast, but is signing with one really the best way to monetize your show?   In this episode, Sam Brake Guia explores the pros and cons of joining a podcast advertising network and why, for many independent creators, going solo (or hiring a specialist) might actually be the smarter move.   You’ll hear: -Why joining a network can sometimes limit your monetization potential -Real stories from podcasters like Janey Lee Grace, Cass Dunn, and KC Davis on their experiences with (and without) networks -How to take control of your podcast’s revenue through direct sponsorships or expert management ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   🎧 Past episodes mentioned in this episode: -Improve Your Guest Episodes Using Adaptive Interviewing with Sarah Rosensweet | Ep 80: https://shorturl.at/6QRYc   -How to create a valuable podcast you can sell someday with Heather Osgood | Ep 39 https://shorturl.at/CjNQU   -Using ads to monetize your podcast with Heather Osgood | Ep 66 https://shorturl.at/UdB6B   -How Smart Podcasters Scale and Become Profitable with Zora Benhamou | Ep 78: https://shorturl.at/MwupQ   -Turn Your Audience Into a Loyal Community with Janey Lee Grace | Ep 75: https://shorturl.at/ynz86   -The Inside Scoop on Signing with a Big Podcast Network with Cass Dunn | Ep 76: https://shorturl.at/GFnRa   -The hard truth about podcasting with 1.7M TikTok followers with KC Davis | Ep 64: https://shorturl.at/sJ8p7   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Every podcaster wants more listeners. Here’s how to get them.   In this episode, Sam Brake Guia shares some of the most powerful lessons and strategies from past Mics to Millions guests, along with his own proven insights, to help you grow your show, reach more listeners, and have a greater impact.   You’ll hear: -Why repurposing your best podcast moments can outperform your new content -How personalized voice messages and authentic outreach can skyrocket engagement -The #1 thing every independent podcaster should focus on before chasing growth tactics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   🎧 Past episodes mentioned in this episode:   -The game-changing podcast marketing hacks NOBODY is talking about with Lauren Passell | Ep 50: https://shorturl.at/7Lecx   -How to Attract High-Quality Podcast Guests | Ep 72:  https://shorturl.at/NhvFS   -Podcast marketing tips to drive organic growth and secure clients with Adam Schaeuble (Part 1) | Ep 51: https://shorturl.at/jCsI3   -Podcast marketing tips to drive organic growth and secure clients with Adam Schaeuble (Part 2) | Ep 52:  https://shorturl.at/EbqIv   -How much would you pay for a new podcast subscriber? Here’s the true cost, with Philip Pape | Ep 68:  https://shorturl.at/AA7Ff   -Do Ratings Matter for Your Podcast Growth? | Ep 79:  https://shorturl.at/n4Bpx   -Stop trying to reach new listeners. Do THIS instead with Harry Morton | Ep 57: https://shorturl.at/P2ZdO 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

What separates the best podcast hosts from the rest,  and how can you get there yourself?   In this solo episode, Sam Brake Guia breaks down the key skills, mindset shifts, and techniques that turn good podcast hosts into great ones. Drawing from hundreds of interviews and thousands of hours studying top shows, Sam shares what he’s learned about how to become a more confident, curious, and impactful interviewer.   You’ll hear: -Why acknowledging your weaknesses is the first step to becoming a better host -How preparation and research set top interviewers apart -The secret to deep listening and staying fully present during interviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   🎧 Resources mentioned in this episode:   -How Tim Ferriss prepares for interviews (YouTube):  https://tim.blog/2015/06/09/speed-reading   -Keanu Reeves’ powerful pause (YouTube):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1UyBkLuh0U   -Charisma on Command YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@CharismaonCommand   - Charisma on Command Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmOAznOQX-g&t=2s   -The Diary of a CEO with Charlie Houpert:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg4Ta7vXiIM -Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel:  https://pod.link/1237931798 -Creator Science:  https://pod.link/creator 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Discover the strategy to help you nail your next podcast guest interview!     In this episode, we speak with Sarah Rosensweet, Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach and host of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast. Sarah helps parents end power struggles and create calm, connected homes, and she brings that same empathy and intuition to her interviews.   You’ll hear: -How Sarah uses Adaptive Interviewing to quickly read guests and adjust her approach in real-time for natural, engaging conversations. - Techniques for balancing curiosity, excitement, and active listening without interrupting your guest. -How aligning your podcast with your core values builds listener trust, and why saying no to the wrong guests matters as much as saying yes to the right ones.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: -https://podwritten.com/services/ -https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Free Podcast Guesting Framework: -https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/ 💡 Bonus tips & resources: -Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with Sarah Rosensweet: -Substack: https://sarahrosensweet.substack.com  -Podcast: https://pod.link/1572343021  -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrosensweet/   If you enjoyed this, you might also like our previous episode: Thriving as a podcaster with ADHD with Tracy Otsuka: shorturl.at/F5mU7   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at: sam@podwritten.com

You’ve heard it a hundred times: “Leave a rating or review, it really helps grow the show.” But does it actually? In this episode, we dig into this podcast marketing myth and explore how much ratings and reviews really impact podcast growth.   In this episode, we hear from: - James Cridland, Editor of Podnews - Lauren Passell, Founder of Tink Media - Kylee Chandler, CEO and Founder of Podcast Marketing Hub - Chris Stone, Podcast Strategist and Founder of Podcast Crew   You’ll hear: Why Apple and Spotify reviews don’t directly influence discovery algorithms The underrated ways ratings and reviews still help your show grow How social proof shapes listener behavior (and why it matters more than ever) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Get Booked on Podcasts with PodWritten’s Podcast Guesting Framework (Free): https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with those mentioned: Steve (Simple English News Daily): https://www.send7.org/ James Cridland: https://podnews.net/ Lauren Passell: https://www.tinkmedia.co/ Kylee Chandler: https://www.podcastmarketinghub.com/podcast Chris Stone: https://podcastcrew.com/   Previous episodes mentioned: 2025 podcasting trends: AI, video podcasting, discoverability, & more with James Cridland | Ep 49 - https://shorturl.at/rxcBS   Consistency problem? Follow these steps to optimize podcast workflow with James Cridland | Ep 65 - https://shorturl.at/2SVkc   The game-changing podcast marketing hacks NOBODY is talking about with Lauren Passell | Ep 50 - https://shorturl.at/7Lecx   Grow Your Show Using The Podcast Marketing Map with Chris Stone | Ep 74 - https://shorturl.at/BrGfD    Podcast Growth Expert Behind Amy Porterfield and Cathy Heller Shares Top Insights with Kylee Chandler | Ep 71 - https://shorturl.at/GrPnS   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com