Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)

Andi Smiley

Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your Friendly Podcast Guide and podcast coach for women! After 6 years in the podcasting world, I know how to help you start a successful podcast as a woman and mom, grow your podcast audience, and actually enjoy the process. On this show, you’ll get podcasting for beginners made simple, podcast tips for women, and sustainable podcast marketing strategies—so you can build a podcast you love without the burnout.

  1. vor 6 Tagen

    Why Pinterest Is a Secret Weapon for Podcast Growth

    If you've ever wondered why Pinterest is a secret weapon for podcast growth, this episode is for you! I'm breaking down exactly why I've spent the last two years using Pinterest to grow my own show, and why it's one of my favorite podcast marketing strategies for podcasters who are ready to grow their audience without relying on Instagram or TikTok. I'll walk you through the biggest reasons Pinterest works so well for podcasters, from how long your content actually lasts to why you don't need to be glued to an app every day to see results. If you've been looking for sustainable podcasting strategies that don't require constant hustle, you're in the right place. I'm Andi Smiley, your host and podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows without letting podcasting take over their lives! I've been using Pinterest to grow my own podcast for almost two years, and in that time my downloads have grown by 86% and I've picked up almost 300 email subscribers. I've also spent the last year helping other podcasters implement these same sustainable podcasting strategies, so I know firsthand what works (and what's just noise). Topics Discussed in This Episode Pinterest users are primed to take action instead of just scrolling for entertainmentHow Pinterest fits into podcast marketing strategies better than short-lived social postsPins can circulate for years instead of disappearing after 72 hoursHow to grow a podcast without social media by leaning into evergreen podcast contentYou can schedule Pinterest content weeks in advance without worrying about the algorithmMost podcast content is already evergreen and perfect for PinterestYou don't need fancy graphic design skills to succeed with Pinterest marketing for podcastersA sneak peek at next week's episode on Pinterest SEO keywords Key Takeaways Pinterest users show up ready to click, learn, and listen; which makes it a powerful tool if you're focused on how to grow a podcast audience that actually takes action.Unlike Instagram or TikTok posts that fade in about 72 hours, pins can keep circulating for years, making Pinterest one of the most sustainable podcasting strategies out there.You can schedule your Pinterest content weeks (or even a month) ahead of time, which is a game-changer if you're building podcast marketing strategies around real life outside of marketing.Most podcast episodes are evergreen by nature, so your content and Pinterest's algorithm are basically a perfect match for long-term podcast growth.You don't need beautifully designed pins to succeed…simple templates work just fine. Timestamps (00:00) Why podcasters keep asking me about Pinterest (00:57) Reason #1: Pinterest users are ready to take action (01:29) Reason #2: Pins last way longer than social media posts (02:28) Reason #3: Schedule content without stressing over the algorithm (03:00) Reason #4: Evergreen podcast content is a perfect match for Pinterest (03:30) Reason #5: You don't need fancy design skills to succeed on Pinterest (04:53) Free checklist: Is Pinterest right for your podcast? Links & Resources Free checklist: "Is Pinterest Right For Your Podcast?"Follow me on ThreadsFollow me on Pinterest

    Why Pinterest Is a Secret Weapon for Podcast Growth
  2. 26. Mai

    Podcast Marketing Strategies for Your Summer Break

    Taking a seasonal break from your podcast doesn't have to mean losing momentum. In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite podcast marketing strategies to keep your downloads coming in and your business making money all summer long. As a podcast coach for women, I know how important it is to build sustainable podcasting strategies that work even when you're not actively recording, and these four approaches are exactly how I'm doing it. From batching Pinterest pins to podcast guesting, I'm pulling back the curtain on what my summer break actually looks like. Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I help women podcasters grow their shows without letting their podcast take over their lives, using sustainable podcasting strategies that don't require you to be glued to social media 24/7. I'm sharing exactly what I'll be doing this summer to keep growing my podcast without social media and without burning out. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why taking a seasonal podcast break doesn't have to hurt your downloads or incomeHow I use Pinterest as a long-term podcast marketing strategy to keep episodes discoverable all yearMy plan for batching a full month of Pinterest pins in one sitting to grow a podcast without social mediaHow to grow a podcast audience through strategic podcast guesting during your off-seasonBeing a guest speaker in podcast communities as a visibility strategy for women podcastersWhy Threads is my favorite social media platform and how I batch-schedule content in about 20 minutes a weekGoing back to evergreen content from past seasons to keep creating pins that drive traffic Key Takeaways Pinterest is one of the most powerful podcast marketing strategies for keeping your episodes getting found, even while you're on a break. Evergreen content means you can keep pinning about old episodes long after they air.Batching your content is a game-changer for sustainable podcasting. Whether it's pins or Threads posts, scheduling out a month at a time gives you serious breathing room and is one of the best podcast tips for women who want a life outside their show.Podcast guesting is one of the smartest ways to grow a podcast in 2026 without creating new episodes. Recording guest appearances during your break means you'll have content ready and new audiences finding you, without the pressure of producing your own show simultaneously.You don't have to be everywhere to grow a podcast without social media. Showing up consistently in a couple of intentional places, like Pinterest and Threads, is enough to keep your audience warm and your business moving.Seasonal breaks are a feature, of a healthy, sustainable podcasting strategy. Planning ahead means you can step away without your podcast skipping a beat. Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:30) Why seasonal podcast breaks are part of a sustainable podcasting strategy (00:49) Pinterest: my go-to podcast marketing strategy during the off-season (02:46) Podcast guesting to grow your podcast audience during a break (04:03) Guest speaking in podcast communities (05:43) Using Threads to stay connected and make sales without social media stress Links & Resources - Listen to my Pinterest for Podcasters episode - Listen to my How to Be a Podcast Guest episode - Join Pod Ground (free community for podcasters) - June Pod Ground Meetup with Andi - Find me on Threads - a hr

    Podcast Marketing Strategies for Your Summer Break
  3. 19. Mai

    Podcast Marketing Advice I'd Give My Past Self

    If I could sit down with my just-starting-out podcast self, this is exactly what I'd tell her. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the four podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me on day one…from building an email list before your first episode drops to ditching Instagram if it just isn't your thing. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of Friendly Podcast Guide. I've been podcasting for nearly five years (wild, right?!) and I'm here to help you grow your podcast audience in a way that actually feels good and fits your real life. I share the podcast tips for women that I wish I'd had from the very beginning. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why starting your email list before your first episode is a total game-changerHow email marketing has become the most effective way I sell my offersWhy Pinterest is one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies for long-term growthThe power of showing up at podcast conferences and in-person networking eventsWhy Instagram might not be the right fit for every podcasterHow I discovered that Threads and Pinterest work so much better for meKey Takeaways Start your email list immediately, even if you only have three subscribers when you hit send on that first email. Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow a podcast audience and sell your offers.Get on Pinterest as soon as you have content, Pinterest content has a much longer lifespan than any other social platform, and starting early means more content out there working for you around the clock.Go to podcast conferences and networking events, the connections you make in person are priceless, and they can seriously level up both your podcast and your mindset.Don't just use Instagram because you think you're supposed to, figure out where your people actually are and show up there instead. For me, that's Pinterest and Threads.Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:37) Tip 1: Start your email list before your first episode (01:20) Tip 2: Start using Pinterest as soon as you have content (02:16) Tip 3: Go to podcast conferences and networking events (03:53) Tip 4: Don't default to Instagram if it's not your fit Links & Resources Episode on growing your email list with Kylee ChandlerEpisode all about why Pinterest is amazing for podcastersConnect with Andi on ThreadsConnect with Andi on Pinterest

    Podcast Marketing Advice I'd Give My Past Self
  4. 12. Mai

    Grow Your Podcast with Email & Quizzes with Kylee Chandler

    If you've been putting off building your email list, this episode is your sign to finally make it happen! I'm sitting down with podcast strategist Kylee Chandler to talk about two of the most powerful (and underused) strategies for growing your email: curated lead magnets and personality quizzes. Kylee shares how podcasters can use these tools to turn casual listeners into superfans, and grow a podcast audience that actually sticks around. Kylee Chandler is a podcast growth strategist and the host of the Podcast Growth Tools podcast. She specializes in helping podcasters, especially women with established shows, grow their email lists and create quiz funnels that convert. Kylee has worked with big names like Amy Porterfield and Kathy Heller, and she brings a creative, podcast-first approach to email marketing that feels anything but boring. Topics Discussed in This Episode What a lead magnet is and why podcasters need one How to create a curated podcast bundle as a lead magnet Why quizzes are one of the most powerful tools for growing your email list How to use a quiz to deliver personalized podcast playlists to new listeners The data quizzes give you about your audience (this one is SO good!) How to write a lifestyle newsletter your subscribers actually want to open Real-life quiz funnel results, including a 77% revenue increase! Why nurturing your email list matters just as much as growing it How Pinterest can amplify your quiz and lead magnet strategy Key Takeaways A curated podcast bundle, episodes grouped around your listeners' biggest pain points or desires, makes a far more compelling lead magnet than a basic checklist, especially if you have a large back catalog. Quizzes work because people love to learn about themselves and when you pair quiz results with a personalized podcast playlist, you create an instant connection with new subscribers. The data from a quiz funnel tells you exactly who is in your audience and what they need, which makes your content and offers so much more targeted. You don't need a huge email list to start. Start nurturing now, so when you're ready to sell (or simply invite people to listen), they're already warm. A lifestyle-style newsletter, one that leads with a story before getting into podcast updates, can dramatically boost your open rates. Kylee's hovers around 60%! Quizzes are a long game, just like podcasting and Pinterest. Set it up, promote it, and let it work for you over time. Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:38) Introducing Kylee Chandler (01:26) What is a lead magnet and why do podcasters need one? (02:32) Curated podcast bundles as lead magnets (04:25) Why your email list needs nurturing, not just growth (05:07) The lifestyle newsletter strategy and Kylee's 60% open rate (08:43) Why quizzes are a game-changer for podcast growth (12:25) The data quizzes give you about your audience (13:44) Where to host your quiz (Interact quiz platform) (14:57) Real results podcasters got from quizzes Links & Resources Kylee's podcast, Podcast Growth Tools Join Kylee's email newsletter Follow Kylee on Instagram Quiz platform mentioned, Interact Quiz Follow Friendly Podcast Guide on Pinte

    Grow Your Podcast with Email & Quizzes with Kylee Chandler
  5. 5. Mai

    5 Pinterest Lessons That Helped Me Grow My Podcast 74%

    If you've ever wondered whether you have to be on Instagram to grow your podcast, this episode is for you! I'm sharing five things I've learned from taking Pinterest seriously as my main podcast marketing strategy over the past year, and the results have blown me away. We're talking about a 74% increase in downloads and 200+ new email subscribers, all without stressing over Instagram trends. If you're looking for sustainable podcasting strategies that actually work, keep listening! Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I'm obsessed with helping you grow your podcast without letting it rule your life. I share strategies that actually work, the stuff I wish someone had told me sooner. This episode is straight from my own experience using Pinterest as my go-to podcast marketing strategy for the past year. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why finding the right platform is more important than being on every platform How Pinterest helped me grow my podcast 74% in one year without Instagram Why Pinterest SEO keywords are the foundation of a successful strategy How I figured out that Pinterest-specific keyword research is a game changer Why pins don't have to be pretty to perform well What sustainable consistency actually looks like (hint: it's NOT 15 pins a day!) Why Pinterest is a long game, and why that's actually great news for podcasters Key Takeaways Find your platform. Not every marketing platform is right for every podcast. Instagram wasn't working for me, Pinterest was. Give yourself permission to go where your people actually are. SEO is everything on Pinterest. Using Pinterest-specific keywords (not just Google keywords) made a huge difference in how my pins performed. Pretty pins are a bonus, not a requirement. Some of my best-performing pins are just text. Focus on clear, keyword-rich descriptions over beautiful graphics. Consistency is personal. I started with one pin a week and slowly worked up to one per day. Find what you can sustain — and stick with it. Pinterest is a long game. Expect to start seeing results around the 2–4 month mark. But unlike social media posts, pins keep working for months or even years. Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (01:47) Lesson 1: Finding the right platform for you  (03:23) Lesson 2: Pinterest SEO is king  (05:01) Lesson 3: Pins don't have to be pretty  (06:23) Lesson 4: Consistency looks different for everyone  (08:58) Lesson 5: Nothing happens overnight  Links & Resources Free checklist: Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast? Connect with Andi on Threads Friendly Podcast Guide on Pinterest Last month's episode with Allea Grummert on email marketing for podcasters

    5 Pinterest Lessons That Helped Me Grow My Podcast 74%
  6. 28. Apr.

    How to Grow Your Podcast and Make Money in 2026

    If marketing jargon makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you! I'm breaking down the two types of marketing I use to grow my podcast and make money, no funnels, no KPIs, no marketing bro speak. Just real, simple strategies that actually work. Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I've spent the past year using Pinterest as my main growth strategy, and my podcast has grown by 74% and gained over 200 email subscribers…all without Instagram. I'm here to share what's actually working so you can grow your podcast sustainably too. Topics Discussed in This Episode The two types of marketing every podcaster needs to know about Why I deleted Instagram and didn't see a drop in downloads How Pinterest fits into my podcast marketing strategy My favorite "get people in the door" marketing tools (Pinterest, Threads, podcast guesting, and SEO) Why my email list is where almost all of my business income comes from How my podcast serves my audience without being a hard sales tool How to grow a podcast without social media in 2026 Why you don't need to be everywhere, just strategic Key Takeaways You need at least two types of marketing: one to get people in the door and one to help them buy from you Pinterest is one of the most sustainable, low-effort ways to grow a podcast without showing up daily Your email list is your most powerful tool for actually making money You don't have to use every platform, pick what works for your audience and your life Sustainable podcasting strategies beat burnout-inducing ones every single time Timestamps (00:00) Welcome (00:49) How Pinterest fits into my growth strategy  (02:14) My favorite "get people in the door" marketing tools  (03:02) Why my email list is where the money comes from  (03:44) How my podcast fits into the bigger picture  Links & Resources Free checklist, Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast? How I Grow My Podcast Without Instagram episode Follow Andi on Threads

    How to Grow Your Podcast and Make Money in 2026

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Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your Friendly Podcast Guide and podcast coach for women! After 6 years in the podcasting world, I know how to help you start a successful podcast as a woman and mom, grow your podcast audience, and actually enjoy the process. On this show, you’ll get podcasting for beginners made simple, podcast tips for women, and sustainable podcast marketing strategies—so you can build a podcast you love without the burnout.