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

Andi Smiley
  • 4.9 (39)
  • Marketing
  • Weekly

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. 1d ago

    Podcast Bucket List: Celebrate Wins & Set Your Next Goal

    Grab a snack, because this one is a little indulgent. I’m sharing my podcast bucket list: what I crossed off this year, what’s still waiting, and a few dreams that feel a little silly to say out loud. This episode is less about strategy and more about pausing to celebrate what you’ve done and setting a podcast goal (or three) for the year ahead. I’m Andi Smiley, a podcast growth coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. I’ve spent 8 years in radio and podcasting, and I love helping you grow your show without letting it rule your life. I’m also a regular podcast guest, a podcast producer, and a Pinterest nerd who helps podcasters set a realistic podcast goal and actually reach it. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why a podcast bucket list is worth making (and revisiting)Being a podcast guest on 20+ shows and why I never want to cross it offProducing a kids podcast, sound effects includedExceeding a Pinterest podcast goal of 12 and helping 26 podcasters insteadBecoming a guest expert in podcast communitiesDream podcast ideas, from starting a book podcast to recording in a weird locationSetting a shoot-for-the-moon goal, like interviewing Michelle ObamaKey Takeaways Looking back at what you’ve done is just as important as planning ahead. Pausing to celebrate makes your next podcast goal feel more exciting.Your podcast bucket list can include business-adjacent wins, like guesting, producing, or helping other podcasters. If it’s podcast-related, it counts.Goals can grow. Mine was to help 12 podcasters with Pinterest, I helped 26, and now my podcast goal is to reach 100 by the end of 2027.Some bucket list items stay on the list because you love them, and that’s okay.Start simple: write down one thing you’ve already done, one realistic thing you want to try, and one shoot-for-the-moon dream for your own podcast bucket list.Timestamps 00:00 This podcast bucket list episode is a little indulgent 01:05 Crossed off: being a podcast guest 02:15 Crossed off: producing a kids podcast 03:17 Crossed off: helping 26 podcasters with Pinterest 03:44 Crossed off: guest expert in a podcast community 04:47 Still on the list: starting a book podcast 06:09 Next year’s podcast goal: help 100 podcasters with Pinterest 06:46 On the list: Recording with a live audience 07:21 On the list: Recording in a weird location 08:13 Shoot for the moon: interview Michelle Obama 08:32 Your turn: make your own podcast bucket list Links & Resources Grab the Is Pinterest Right For Your Podcast? checklistSend me your bucket list: reply to any of my emails or DM me on Threads

  2. Oct 28 ·  Bonus

    Introducing Magnify Your Magnificence with Sue Paulson

    Meet Magnify Your Magnificence, hosted by Sue Paulson, a podcast about moving beyond self-doubt, recognizing your worth, and becoming more fully who you are. Through meaningful conversations and personal stories, Sue explores the experiences, beliefs, and turning points that shape how we see ourselves and what becomes possible next. Listen to Magnify Your Magnificence wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to Magnify Your Magnificence: Explore more episodes and listen on your preferred podcast platform here: https://pod.link/1896880832

    Introducing Magnify Your Magnificence with Sue Paulson

  3. Oct 27

    Podcast Guesting Made Easy with Candace Dudley

    One podcast guest spot once brought me 100 email subscribers in a single week, so yes, I’m a big fan of podcast guesting! This week, Candace Dudley shares how she took her show from 50-70 downloads a week to 250-350 by going on a podcast tour. She walks us through how to be a podcast guest, how to pick shows that actually fit, and the first step to take today. We also chat about how our podcast swap came together. Candace Dudley is a mom of three and a podcast guesting strategist who helps podcasters grow through podcast tours. She spoke on 50 shows in a single year, and the results speak for themselves. I’m Andi, a podcast coach for women who shares sustainable podcasting strategies that won’t take over your life. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why podcast guesting is a smart way to grow your podcastBorrowing a host’s trust (and speeding up the buying process)Choosing podcast speaking topics before you pitch anyoneQuality over quantity: how to pick aligned showsWhat a podcast tour is and how many shows you needFinding guest opportunities on ThreadsTiming your guesting around a launchBeing a credible, confident podcast guestKey Takeaways Podcast guesting turns one recording into lasting content. Your episode becomes searchable and links back to your website, which helps people find you organically.Start with two or three podcast speaking topics. They help hosts see why you’re a fit and help you find the right shows.Aim for aligned shows, not 100 of them. Confused listeners don’t buy, so a smaller podcast guesting strategy built on alignment wins.There’s no magic number for a podcast tour. Even five aligned shows a year can help you grow your podcast, so go with what you can manage.Let people know you want to guest. Share your topics on Threads and make it an easy yes for hosts. That’s the whole secret to how to be a podcast guest.Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:03 Meet Candace and our podcast swap 01:37 Why podcast guesting works 04:11 The first step: know your speaking topics 07:52 Guesting without the social media grind 09:59 What is a podcast tour? 12:19 How to choose aligned shows 16:48 Being a credible podcast guest 20:48 Candace’s one piece of advice 22:42 Where to find Candace Links & Resources Candace DudleyCandace on InstagramCandace on ThreadsFree podcast matchmaking communityMy interview on Candace’s podcast about PinterestAndi on Threads

  4. Oct 20

    My Podcast Marketing Strategy (Pinterest Is Just One Piece)

    If you’ve been hunting for a podcast marketing strategy that doesn’t swallow your whole week, this one’s for you! I’m walking you through the five-part plan I’ve used for about two years to grow my downloads by 83%, gain almost 300 email subscribers, and make more than $6,000 this year. Pinterest for podcasters is a big piece of it, but it’s only one piece, so I’m showing you where it fits alongside Threads, podcast guesting, email, and the podcast itself. I’m Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With eight years in radio and podcasting, I help women build sustainable podcasting strategies that grow their shows without letting marketing run their lives. This episode is my own strategy, tested on my own show. Topics Discussed in This Episode How to grow your podcast with Pinterest using one pin a dayWhy I make about seven pins per episode (and what I do between seasons)Using free Canva and video pins to promote your podcastPosting on Threads and turning comments into real conversationsPodcast guesting and networking as a way to get foundPodcast email marketing that sells without feeling pushyPodcast marketing without overwhelm: scheduling everything on MondaysKey Takeaways Pinterest is one piece of my podcast marketing strategy, not the whole thing.Pinterest for podcasters, Threads, and podcast guesting and networking help people find me. Email is where I share my offers.Podcast email marketing is my main money-maker, and two emails a week is all it takes.Scheduling everything on Mondays is how I keep podcast marketing without overwhelm.If you’re wondering how to promote your podcast, start small: pick one way to get found and one way to sell.Links & Resources Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast? checklistFollow me on PinterestFollow me on Threads

  5. Oct 13

    Why Pinterest for Podcasters Is Worth Your Time

    Pinterest for podcasters is the low-lift way to grow your show without adding hours to your week, and in this episode I’m breaking down exactly why. I quit Instagram this spring and my podcast kept growing, so I’m sharing why adding Pinterest to your podcast marketing strategy might be a better fit for you, plus how to get started with just one pin a week. Hey, I’m Andi Smiley! I’m a podcast growth coach for women podcasters and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With 8 years in radio and podcasting, I love sharing sustainable ways to grow your podcast with Pinterest, without letting your show rule your life. Topics Discussed in This Episode Why I quit Instagram and still grew my podcastWhy Pinterest is a search engine, not social mediaHow one pin a week fits into a low-effort podcast marketing strategyWhy pins last for years (vs. about 72 hours on Instagram)Setting up a Pinterest business account to claim your website and see analyticsPinterest SEO for podcasts: finding keywords on PinterestCreating Pinterest pins for podcast episodes with free Canva templatesHow to set up your whole account in a weekend, then spend about 20 minutes a weekKey Takeaways Pinterest for podcasters works with just one pin a week. There’s no daily posting pressure. Two years in, my downloads are up 83% and I’ve gained almost 300 email subscribers.Pinterest is a long-term podcast marketing strategy. A pin you make today can work for years, while Instagram content lasts roughly 72 hours.Start with a Pinterest business account so you can claim your website and see your analytics. It makes it much easier to grow your podcast with Pinterest.Pinterest SEO for podcasts starts with the search bar. Type in a phrase, let the dropdown fill in, and use those phrases in your profile, boards, and pins.When you create Pinterest pins for podcast episodes, use a vertical image and put your keywords on the image, in the title, and in the description.Links & Resources Pinterest SEO episodePinterest VIP SetupFree pin templates on Canva

  6. Oct 6

    No Website? No Problem! Growing Your Podcast on Pinterest

    Wondering if Pinterest for podcasters is even an option when you don't have a website yet? I'm tackling the big question: do I need a website for Pinterest? Spoiler: nope! In this episode, I walk you through how to use Pinterest without a website, why claiming your site can give your pins a boost and exactly where to link your pins so listeners land on your episode. I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast growth coach for women. After 8 years in radio and podcasting, and five years of hosting The Friendly Podcast Guide, I love sharing the strategies that help you grow your podcast with Pinterest without letting it take over your life. Topics Discussed in This Episode Do I need a website for Pinterest? The short answer (and the nuance)How my first "viral" pin hit 7,000+ impressions and kept bringing in listenersWhy you should claim your website on PinterestWhy each episode needs its own page if you link pins to your websiteWhere to link podcast pins if you're using Pinterest without a websiteThe pros and cons of Podlink, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify linksHow to promote a podcast on Pinterest without overcomplicating itKey Takeaways You don't need a website to use Pinterest for podcasters. All you need is a link that sends people to your episode.If you do have a site, claim your website on Pinterest. It shows you're the real owner, and Pinterest is more likely to share your pins with more people.Episode pages can be simple. Show notes plus an embedded player is enough to promote your podcast on Pinterest.When deciding where to link podcast pins, YouTube and Apple Podcasts are my top picks since about 50% of listeners use Apple.You can grow your podcast with Pinterest whether your website is polished, basic, or not built yet.Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 00:35 Do you need a website for Pinterest? 00:58 My first viral pin 01:28 Why you should claim your website 02:41 A page for each episode 03:32 Where to link pins without a website 04:19 Apple Podcasts and Spotify caveats Links & Resources Pinterest blog post on claiming your websitePodlinkApple Podcasts web playerSpotify web playerYouTubeRate or review The Friendly Podcast Guide

  7. Sep 29

    Sustainable Podcast Experiments w/ Whitney Archibald

    Podcast experiments are my favorite way to find out what actually works for my show, so I'm making this a tradition! I'm catching up with Whitney Archibald on the experiments we planned last season, then sharing the new ones we're trying. From skipping bonus episodes to vibe coding an app, we're sharing honest results so you can borrow our sustainable podcasting strategies and skip our mistakes. I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and host of The Friendly Podcast Guide, where I share podcast marketing strategies that won't take over your life. My guest, Whitney Archibald, hosts two podcasts, has beaten the odds of pod fade, and is the queen of experimenting. Comparing notes with her is always a blast. Topics Discussed in This Episode Looking back at our podcast experiments from last seasonWhy a whole season on one topic can lead to podcaster burnoutBalancing an editorial schedule with flexibility for sustainable podcastingWhat happened when I skipped bonus episodes between seasonsTrusting listeners to dig through your archive (418 downloads with no new episodes!)Vibe coding an app that points to your podcast contentWhy I'm focusing on Pinterest as a podcast marketing strategy this seasonKey Takeaways Build flexibility into your schedule. Whitney found that one deep-dive topic per season keeps her excited, which makes podcast experiments easier to sustain.Look at your numbers. My first month back had the same downloads with or without bonus episodes, so I'm skipping the extra stress.Plan breaks around your burnout cycles. Recording extra episodes ahead isn't a real break, and it's one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies I know.Trust your listeners. People search your archive for what they need, so make your website easy to search by topic.Treat every season as a test. My Pinterest-heavy season is proof that podcast marketing strategies can be tried, tracked, and tweaked.Timestamps 00:00 Intro and why I'm doing a podcast experiments episode 01:46 Whitney's self-reliance season experiment 06:22 Finding balance between structure and flexibility 07:55 My experiment: no bonus episodes between seasons 12:42 Trusting your listeners and your archive 14:43 Whitney's new experiment: vibe coding an app 20:16 My Season 6 experiment: a Pinterest-focused season Links & Resources Connect with Whitney Archibald Connect with me on Threads Follow me on Pinterest

  8. Sep 22

    How Often to Pin on Pinterest to Grow Your Podcast

    Wondering how often to pin on Pinterest to grow your podcast? Spoiler: it's way less than the 5 to 15 pins per day the experts say you need. I'm sharing how I went from one pin a week to one pin a day, plus three realistic tips for using Pinterest to grow a podcast without letting it take over your life. These are the podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me sooner. I'm Andi Smiley, a podcast coach for women and the host of The Friendly Podcast Guide. With 8 years of experience in radio and podcasting, I help you build sustainable podcasting strategies that grow your show without ruling your life. Pinterest is my main marketing method, and I grew my own podcast with it, so everything I share comes from what's actually worked for me and my clients. Topics Discussed in This Episode How often to pin on Pinterest (and why 5 to 15 pins per day isn't realistic for most of us)Why one to three pins per week is a great starting point for podcastersBuilding a Pinterest pinning schedule you can actually stick withHow to grow a podcast audience through consistent pinningHow I went from one pin a week to one pin a dayWhy posting slowly and steadily beats dumping 50 pins at oncePinterest tips for podcasters who feel overwhelmed by marketingWhy Pinterest won't punish you for stepping awayKey Takeaways Start small. When you're figuring out how often to pin on Pinterest, one to three pins per week is a totally legit place to begin. It's a slower start, but it's one you can keep up with.Be consistent. Three pins per week, every week, beats 50 pins in one week followed by a month of silence. Steady pinning helps Pinterest figure out who you are, which makes it one of the most sustainable podcast marketing strategies out there.Add pins slowly. When you're ready for more, scale up bit by bit so your Pinterest pinning schedule stays doable. That's how to grow a podcast audience without burning out.Take breaks without panic. Your views may dip if you stop pinning, but the pins you've already created keep circulating. Pinterest doesn't punish you for stepping away.Timestamps 00:00 My start on Pinterest 00:42 The big question: how many pins should you pin? 01:37 Tip one: start small 02:28 Tip two: be consistent 02:52 Tip three: add more pins slowly 03:40 Pinterest won't punish you for stepping away Links & Resources Join my email list for podcasting tidbits and behind-the-scenes peeks Follow me on Threads Follow me on Pinterest

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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.

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