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

Here are my top insights and takeaways from attending The Podcast Show in London, the biggest international festival dedicated to the business of podcasting.   In this episode, you’ll hear how podcasting is rapidly evolving in monetization, measurement, and marketing, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.   These lessons underscore a central theme: podcast success today demands smarter, more strategic decisions grounded in real audience behaviour and authentic promotion.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us!   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Links to podcasts and companies mentioned in the episode: Podnews: https://podnews.net The Jordan Harbinger Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jordan-harbinger-show/id1344999619 Bumper: https://wearebumper.com/ Introcast: https://www.introcast.io/ 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Your podcast doesn’t have to drain your time to deliver ROI, here’s how to turn it into a self-sustaining business asset.   Nikki McKnight is an operations and systems strategist who helps creatives simplify complex processes into streamlined systems. With over 15 years of experience in operations, Nikki specializes in designing client experiences that scale, and she’s bringing that same mindset to podcasting.   In this episode, Nikki breaks down how podcasters can stop treating their show like a side hustle and start using it as a strategic asset to support sales, client delivery, and marketing.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why identifying your podcast’s true purpose is the first step to building a sustainable workflow -How to avoid the common trap of optimizing for speed instead of strategy -What it looks like to turn your podcast into a nurturing tool for leads and clients -How Nikki’s clients are using old episodes in smart ways, from email sequences to onboarding -The difference between vanity metrics and meaningful data, and which podcast numbers are worth your time -Nikki’s favorite tools for managing the podcast process, from editorial calendars to automated editing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us!   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Nikki: Website: https://theopsshop.biz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnikkimck/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkimcknight/   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

How much should you spend to win over a podcast subscriber? This host did the math, so you don’t have to.   Philip Pape, host of the top 1% podcast Wits & Weights, is back on Mics to Millions with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how he used Overcast ads to grow his show, and what actually worked.   This episode isn’t just theory. It’s a data-driven breakdown of real campaigns, from ad copy creation to cost-per-subscription metrics, with surprising insights for anyone looking to grow their podcast audience the smart way.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why Overcast stood out among podcast ad platforms like Facebook, Buzzsprout, and Mopod -How Philip tested categories outside his niche (like TV & Film) and still saw results -What ad copy connected best, and how he used AI tools to help write it -The cold, hard numbers: taps, conversions, and actual cost-per-subscription across 4 finished campaigns -Why Philip cares more about subscribers than downloads, and how he tracks long-term listener value If you’ve ever wondered whether paid podcast ads are worth it, or how to run them without wasting money. this episode will give you real answers and even better questions to ask before launching your next campaign.   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us!   ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links/ 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Philip: Website: https://witsandweights.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witsandweights Podcast: https://shorturl.at/xRwdl   💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Tall Poppy Syndrome might silence some creators, but not this one. Kim Crossman is the host of Pretty Depressed, a podcast that began as a personal outlet and grew into a powerful mental health resource. A household name in New Zealand, Kim is an actress, author, comedian, and TV presenter who’s now using podcasting to flip the script on Tall Poppy Syndrome and open up honest conversations around depression, ambition, and creativity.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -How growing up with Tall Poppy Syndrome shaped Kim’s approach to self-promotion, and how she’s learning to shine unapologetically -Why she chose not to monetize her mental health podcast (and what it’s helping her build instead) -How she leverages her acting and hosting career to bring surprising depth and diversity to her episodes -The cultural contrasts between New Zealand and the U.S., and how she’s combining the best of both -Why podcasting from a small country isn’t a barrier to global reach (and how tech and strategy make the difference) -The personal story behind her podcast’s origin, and how it became a weekly self-care ritual   ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review!  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links/   💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Kim: Website: https://kimberleycrossman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimcrossman Podcast: https://episodes.fm/1489499125 IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2522535/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1 Rochelle Moffitt (Her sister): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochellemoffitt/ 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Podcast ad revenue has topped $2.4 billion in the U.S. But securing sponsors that truly fit your show isn’t as easy as flipping a switch.   Heather Osgood, founder of True Native Media, returns to share insider strategies for turning your podcast into a revenue-generating powerhouse, without sacrificing audience trust.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why host-read ads still reign supreme, and when to layer in programmatic ads The one audience size threshold that changes everything about monetization How health & wellness podcasters can ethically navigate supplement sponsorships Smart strategies for small shows to start monetizing (even under 5,000 downloads) Dynamic vs. baked-in ads: how and when to use each for maximum revenue How to build long-term sponsor relationships (hint: it’s about much more than impressions) Why advertisers are treating podcasts more like influencer partnerships—and what that means for your pricing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with Heather: Website: https://truenativemedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/podcastadvertising/ If you enjoyed this, you might also like our previous episodes: How to create a valuable podcast you can sell someday with Heather Osgood | Ep 39 https://shorturl.at/DUu3e   Unveiling the pros and cons of podcasting for new hosts with Katie Fogarty | Ep 04 https://shorturl.at/BlTKG 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

If you want to create sustainable content without burning out, James Cridland has a blueprint you’ll want to steal.   James is the editor of Podnews, a daily briefing covering everything happening in the world of podcasting. He’s built a simple, sustainable system that allows him to publish high-quality content every single weekday (without sacrificing creativity, energy, or mental health).   In this episode, you’ll learn: How James built custom tools and automations to prevent burnout and streamline his workflow Why batching doesn’t work for daily content—and the systems he uses instead How he balances creativity and consistency to keep Podnews fresh after years of daily publishing The three diversified revenue streams that keep Podnews profitable and resilient Why building your workflow around your natural energy cycles is a game-changer How a “test and build” mindset led to unexpected success with self-serve classified ads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/links 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with James: Newsletter: Podnews Personal site: james.cridland.net Socials: Active on Mastodon and BlueSky under @james.cridland 🎧 If you enjoyed this, you might also like our previous conversation with James: 2025 podcasting trends: AI, video podcasting, discoverability, & more with James Cridland | Ep 49 https://shorturl.at/rxcBS 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

This bestselling author and viral TikTok star doesn’t chase downloads, and (spoiler alert) that’s the secret of her success.   KC Davis is the host of Struggle Care, a show that offers compassionate, practical advice for anyone dealing with mental health challenges, chronic illness, or tough life seasons. She’s also the author of the Amazon bestseller How to Keep House While Drowning, with over 200,000 copies sold, and has another powerful book, Who Deserves Your Love?, on the way.   In this episode, you’ll learn: -Why a massive TikTok following doesn’t guarantee podcast success—and how KC deals with that reality -Her top-performing episodes and what makes them so resonant with her audience -How she subtly converts social media followers into loyal podcast listeners (hint: it’s all about value, not promotion) -The ethical challenges of monetizing a mental health podcast—and the ad strategy that lets her sleep at night -Why she rarely markets her podcast directly and how she uses creativity, not consistency, to drive growth -Her refreshing take on podcasting as a slow burn—and why she’s okay with eventually winding it down Whether you're a podcaster with a small but mighty audience, or a creator with a big following looking to expand into long-form content, KC’s insights on authenticity, creative freedom, and sustainable growth will stick with you long after the episode ends. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/ 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with KC:  Website: https://www.strugglecare.com/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@domesticblisters Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strugglecare Podcast: https://episodes.fm/1643931456   If you enjoyed this, you might also like our previous episode: Creating relatable & authentic podcast content with EJ and Tarah Kerwin | Ep 40 https://shorturl.at/5G2iW 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Burnout is real! But it doesn’t have to be the end of your podcasting story. If you’re feeling burnt out and the excitement of podcasting fading, you’re not alone. In this episode of Mics to Millions, we’re joined by Tara Garrison, host of Inside Out Health, a top 1% podcast with over 21,000 monthly downloads. Tara pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to stay in the podcasting game long-term, and how she went from feeling uninspired to rebranding, reigniting her creative spark, and building a podcast that supports both her mission and her business. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling the mid-journey slump, this episode is packed with refreshing honesty, tactical gems, and mindset shifts to help you stay aligned and excited behind the mic. In this episode, you’ll learn:   -How Tara overcame podcast burnout and reconnected with her “why”   -The exact mindset shift that changed how she showed up to record -Why solo episodes became her secret weapon for deeper connection and conversion -How she upgraded her podcast branding and video production to match the show’s value   -Tara’s approach to guest selection, and the pitches that immediately get rejected -Why she doesn’t force guests to promote and still grows her show organically   -How she uses her podcast as a living resource for clients and an authority-builder for her brand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/ 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with Tara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachtaragarrison Website: https://www.taragarrison.com/ Podcast: https://episodes.fm/1468368093 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

Marketing your podcast shouldn’t feel like shouting into the void while burning yourself out in the process.   In this episode of Mics to Millions, we’re joined by Andrea Jones, host of the Mindful Marketing Podcast, founder of the social media agency OnlineDrea, and a prominent voice behind a movement that encourages creators to scroll less, connect more, and grow sustainably.   With a track record of helping 4,000+ students through her Mindful Marketing Lab, Andrea brings a refreshing, intentional approach to online visibility, without the hustle, burnout, or constant comparison.   In this episode, you’ll learn: - What mindful marketing really means, and how it can transform your relationship with social media.   -Why Andrea recommends time-based posting goals (like “spend 1 hour on Threads”) instead of content quotas, and how that shift reduces burnout.   -How she went viral (70K+ views) with a raw, unfiltered moment featuring her 3-month-old baby, and why authentic content often outperforms polished content.   -The difference between signature content (your podcast) and supporting content (social snippets, reflections), and how to use both to build a consistent and aligned brand.   -Why Andrea encourages podcasters to ditch the “shoulds,” narrow their focus to just 1–2 platforms, and create from a place of alignment. not pressure.   -Her favorite tools like Airtable, Metricool, ChatGPT, and Gemini for analyzing what’s working and building a smart, data-backed content plan.   -How Andrea’s client, Dr. Anna Cabeca, used mindful marketing and smart outsourcing to grow her health podcast and business, without trying to do it all. If marketing feels exhausting, overwhelming, or like a full-time job you didn’t sign up for, this episode is here to show you a better way. One rooted in clarity, strategy, and actually enjoying the process. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Love the show? We’d love a review! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more creators find us! ✅ Want to grow your visibility through podcast guesting? Check out how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/ 🎁 Grab your free guide to get booked as a podcast guest in 4 weeks: https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/ 💡 Bonus tips & resources: Blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/ Connect with Andrea: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlinedrea Website: https://onlinedrea.com Podcast: https://episodes.fm/1390672198 💌 Questions or want to say hey? Reach us at sam@podwritten.com

We’re back with part two of our deep dive into LinkedIn growth strategies with Richard van der Blom!    If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to part one, where we covered LinkedIn’s three pillars for success, how to optimize your content strategy, and the biggest mistakes to avoid on the platform.   In today’s episode, we’re going even deeper into LinkedIn’s algorithm and engagement tactics, including: -Why hashtags no longer boost reach but still matter for SEO and event tracking. -The best times to post for maximum engagement (and why consistency beats frequency!). -How to use polls as a powerful lead generation tool. -The role of visuals in your content strategy and what types of images drive the most engagement. -The secret to increasing dwell time and why it matters for LinkedIn’s algorithm. -How to engage strategically before and after posting to boost visibility. -The impact of scheduling posts and how to work around the reach limitations.   Got a minute? We’d love a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visit Apple Podcasts and Spotify to leave us a review and make our day 😍   ✅Interested in podcast guesting to boost online visibility and grow your business? Discover how PodWritten can help: https://podwritten.com/services/ https://podwritten.com/   Get your free guide to get yourself booked as a guest in 4 weeks here: https://podwritten.com/podcastguesting/   💡 For additional tips: Check out our blog: https://podwritten.com/blog/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/   Connect with Richard:  Personal Website: https://www.richardvanderblom.com/ Just Connecting Website: https://www.justconnecting.nl/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardvanderblom/ Wait list to buy the new report: https://www.richardvanderblom.com/algorithm-insights-waitlist/   ❤️ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us an email at sam@podwritten.com.