Roast My Podcast | Podcast Marketing Teardowns & Growth Strategy

Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson | Podcast Growth, Marketing & Promotion Experts
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing

You only get one shot to win over a new podcast listener. Which means you need to make your first impression count. That's where we come in. In every episode, we roast one of our listener's show's podcast packaging to identify what they're doing well to attract new listeners... and where they're likely turning people off. Step by step, we walk through the typical podcast listener acquisition process and dissect each show's title, cover art, show description, episode titles & descriptions, and more. Along the way, we break down the hidden psychology that causes listeners to choose one show over another, offer personalized marketing suggestions, and share our opinions on what works when it comes to podcast growth. If you're looking to increase your discoverability and improve your podcast listener acquisition, we'd love for you to join us, and—if you dare—submit your own show to be seasoned, skewered, and roasted by leaving us a review with your show name.

  1. Oct 2 ·  Video

    Roasting a Music Podcast that Shows Why Most Interview Shows Fail

    Almost every interview-based podcast host imagines that if they could just get bigger, better, more well-known guests, their show would take off. But while celebrity guests certainly do lend credibility to a show, they rarely lead to growth. In fact, they may even hold it back… at least if you approach your show the way most interview hosts do. In this roast, we dissect a show that interviews well-known musical legends… but falls into a familiar interview-show trap that makes it hard to grow. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to A Breath of Fresh Air Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:0:00 Introduction0:44 First impressions & gut reactions to the show3:09 Show titles & keywords analysis4:38 Episode title teardowns5:32 Understanding listener behavior and search for celebrity interview shows6:27 Podcast description teardown11:47 Growth challenges for celebrity interview shows14:51 Podcast intro listen-through & feedback18:54 Tips for improving listener engagement24:42 Video podcasting opportunities & pitfalls25:59 Addressing discoverability issues32:03 Final thoughts and recommendations

    Roasting a Music Podcast that Shows Why Most Interview Shows Fail

  2. Oct 1 ·  Video

    Roasting a Show About Work That's Being Undone by a Single Word in its Title

    Sometimes, one word is all it takes to make or break your podcast. The right word can perfectly capture the essence of what your show is and who it's for. The wrong word, on the other hand, can instantly plant enough doubt and confusion in your potential listener's minds for them to pass your show by in search of something else. In this episode of Roast My Podcast, we're breaking down a show with a solid theme and an interesting premise… that unfortunately falls into the second category when it comes to both the title and overall framing of the show. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to Monster in My ClosetDark Horse Advertising AgencyApple Podcasts Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:56 First impressions01:18 Artwork and title analysis04:22 Podcast description teardown06:23 The importance of framing your theme correctly08:53 Branding missteps13:59 Trailer review & recommendations17:49 Cliche differentiation & messaging to avoid25:31 Episode title & description analysis31:35 Final thoughts and recommendations

    Roasting a Show About Work That's Being Undone by a Single Word in its Title

  3. Sep 30 ·  Video

    Roasting a Nerdy Games Podcast with a Content Strategy Mistake that Kills Listenership

    The most marketable shows are built around a consistent premise that tells listeners what they can expect from each and every episode. Consistently delivering on that premise allows listeners to build a listening habit and even a sense of anticipation around the show, as well as making it easier for them to recommend the show to others. But sooner or later, every show faces a situation where a topic or guest comes up that is too good to pass up… but also doesn’t quite fit with the show’s premise. So what do you do? Break your premise to shoehorn the topic or guest in? Or pass up an opportunity for a potentially phenomenal episode to stick with your formula. Let’s find out. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to Hey, Good GameNate KadlacHey, Good Game design breakdownYouLean Loudness MeterDescriptSpotifyApple Podcasts Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 RMP - Hey Good Game00:43 Introducing Hey, Good Game01:12 Cover art & title analysis03:10 Dissecting the show description07:27 Exploring brand messaging on the website10:37 The hidden dangers of "breaking your premise"15:42 Episode title breakdowns18:10 Trailer teardown23:19 Using music to brand your show effectively26:13 Custom episode artwork review27:44 Ideas to get more social proof30:07 Using timestamps in your show notes31:34 Wrap up and how to submit your show

    Roasting a Nerdy Games Podcast with a Content Strategy Mistake that Kills Listenership

  4. Sep 29 ·  Video

    Roasting a Language Podcast & the Killer Concept Hack that Makes it Irresistible

    People listen to podcasts for one reason and one reason only: They’re selfish. In other words, listening to the show gives them some kind of tangible benefit. These benefits can be anything from making them smarter to teaching them a skill to making them laugh, or even putting them to sleep. Some shows, however, take this idea a step further, however, layering and stacking multiple “Jobs” their show does for listeners, making them truly irresistible (not to mention highly marketable). Today’s roastee is one of them. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to English Learning for Curious Minds Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introducing today’s roastee00:59 First impressions of English Learning for Curious Minds01:36 The power of branding (and a clever SEO hack?)02:54 Understanding the podcast's target audience03:49 Personal experience with language learning podcasts07:52 Combining education with entertainment10:35 Analyzing episode structure and hooks15:10 The art of podcast mashups20:38 Episode artwork and episode descriptions23:24 SEO and discoverability in podcasting32:07 The role of visual branding in podcasts33:17 Podcast SEO strategies35:52 Competing in a crowded market38:31 Final thoughts on podcast strategies38:55 How to submit your podcast for a roast

    Roasting a Language Podcast & the Killer Concept Hack that Makes it Irresistible

  5. Sep 28 ·  Video

    Roasting (and re-writing) a Confusing Podcast's Messaging in Real Time

    The math is pretty straightforward: The easier it is for people to understand what your show’s about and what’s in for them… the faster you’ll grow. The problem is that messaging and copywriting are, well… super f&@#ing hard. So in this episode, we’re picking apart Compromising Positions’ show packaging, messaging, and website copy to help them improve it in real-time. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to Compromising Positions"On Writing Well" by William ZinsserClarity FlowLoom Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introducing Compromising Positions01:28 First impressions & cover art critique05:34 Podcast description analysis07:37 Target audience and messaging10:16 Tips to improve podcast descriptions22:43 Episode titles breakdown27:35 Custom episode artwork32:41 Improving podcast website messaging & copywriting46:00 Gathering listener feedback50:57 Final thoughts and recommendations

    Roasting (and re-writing) a Confusing Podcast's Messaging in Real Time

  6. Sep 25 ·  Video

    Roasting a Startup Podcast to Find Out How Indie Creators Can Beat Bigger Shows

    Chances are, your show isn’t the biggest or the best in your niche. You don’t have the budget to outspend the big shows, nor the production team to put out a higher production show. So what do you do? Is it even possible to compete or should you pack it now and save yourself the trouble. In this roast, we dissect the Explore Podcast, a show competing with some of the most popular shows on the planet, to identify the right (and wrong) approaches for building an audience in a crowded space dominated by deep-pocketed behemoths. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to Explore PodcastLenny RachitskyNathan BarryAcquired Podcast Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:48 First impressions of 'Explore Podcast'01:50 Analyzing the podcast cover art02:55 Leveraging listener psychology in cover art design06:47 How to test and iterate on your podcast artwork09:20 Podcast description analysis11:24 What it takes to compete in the podcast space16:20 Assessing the podcast intro23:19 Episode title analysis24:08 A common trap hosts fall for with guest episodes25:33 Identifying and highlighting universally relevant stories27:46 Workshopping Justin’s upcoming episode title30:30 Researching other popular shows in the tech space35:54 Leveraging connections and credibility40:51 The power of a compelling host “quest”

    Roasting a Startup Podcast to Find Out How Indie Creators Can Beat Bigger Shows

  7. Sep 24 ·  Video

    Roasting a Mental Health Show that's Making Itself Impossible to Recommend

    Word of mouth can be one of the biggest sources of podcast growth. But in order to benefit from listener recommendations, you need to make it easy for them to share by giving them the language and eliminating potential confusion and reputational risk. In this roast, we break down Advancing With Amy, a promising show with a few key mistakes that are likely holding the show back from acquiring new listeners. 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to Advancing With Amy Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:25 Introducing Advancing with Amy00:55 First impressions: Title and cover art05:25 How to generate more word of mouth recommendations08:46 Evaluating the show description13:56 Trailer episode review30:42 Episode titles and custom artwork34:05 Final thoughts and recommendations

    Roasting a Mental Health Show that's Making Itself Impossible to Recommend

  8. Sep 23 ·  Video

    Roasting a Beer Podcast to Find Out if "Two Guys Talking" Can Actually Work

    It seems like "Two guys/girls chatting" style shows are the butt of every joke in podcasting. These shows are often seen as vapid, meandering shows that don't deliver any value. And yet many of the most popular shows in the world appear to follow this exact format. Which begs the question: What does it take to do this format well? And more importantly, does today's roastee, The Brewery Explorers pass the test? 🛠️ ResourcesSubscribe to The Brewery Explorers PodcastAnthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Subscribe to Roast My Podcast Subscribe to our other shows:Killer Concept — a podcast breaking down the dark art and subtle science of making marketable podcasts, where in every episode, we start with a generic topic… and step-by-step, develop it into a must-listen, category-dominating show.Podcast Marketing Trends Explained — a data-driven podcast growth show, where in every episode, we unpack a different piece of podcast marketing data to help you make smarter decisions about your show instead of relying on recycled advice and surface-level tactics. 📈 More from Podcast Marketing AcademySubscribe to The Scrappy Podcasting NewsletterGet your free personalized podcast marketing auditJoin the Podcast Marketing Academy Membership for ongoing podcast marketing support 🎙️ More from @TransistorPodcastingTry Transistor podcast hosting free for 14 daysFollow @TransistorPodcasting for more podcasting tips & tutorials Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:21 Introducing the Brewery Explorers podcast01:49 First impressions02:12 Evaluating the cover art05:50 The challenge of standing out in a crowded genre08:02 Brainstorming unique angles for conversational shows10:24 Trailer assessment12:23 Adding layers of interest to the show14:43 Brainstorming show concept ideas25:53 Proof of what you need: a clear target audience28:01 What can we learn from the ratings and reviews30:27 Final thoughts and recommendations

    Roasting a Beer Podcast to Find Out if "Two Guys Talking" Can Actually Work
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You only get one shot to win over a new podcast listener. Which means you need to make your first impression count. That's where we come in. In every episode, we roast one of our listener's show's podcast packaging to identify what they're doing well to attract new listeners... and where they're likely turning people off. Step by step, we walk through the typical podcast listener acquisition process and dissect each show's title, cover art, show description, episode titles & descriptions, and more. Along the way, we break down the hidden psychology that causes listeners to choose one show over another, offer personalized marketing suggestions, and share our opinions on what works when it comes to podcast growth. If you're looking to increase your discoverability and improve your podcast listener acquisition, we'd love for you to join us, and—if you dare—submit your own show to be seasoned, skewered, and roasted by leaving us a review with your show name.

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