How We Podcast on Substack Podcast

Blair Kaplan Venables
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How We Podcast on Substack with Blair Kaplan Venables is a no-fluff, behind-the-scenes publication that shows creators exactly how to launch, grow, and monetize a podcast on Substack, blending smart strategy, simple tech, and real-world lessons from the front lines of publishing. howwepodcast.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Jun 17

    How to Podcast on Substack: What 4,500 Downloads Taught Me About Short-Form Audio

    I want to talk about something I have not covered in a while: how to podcast on Substack. Not many people are talking about this yet, but more and more creators are doing it, and the early results are hard to ignore. The numbers do not lie, so let me show you some. TL;DR * You can host a podcast on Substack for free and push it out to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other players automatically. * My grief podcast has over 4,500 downloads across just 24 short episodes, and it is about to cross 5,000. * Short episodes (8 to 10 minutes) are outperforming my 30 to 40 minute show, which took two and a half years to reach about 3,000 downloads. * One client went from an email list of six people to almost 2,500 downloads across 40 episodes, with no large audience to start. * The growth engine is a publish-everywhere strategy built on search optimization, the Substack Notes feature, and consistency. My grief podcast: 24 episodes and 4,500-plus downloads I have a podcast called How We Navigate Grief. I set it up for free on Substack and integrated Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast players. When a new episode goes live, I publish it once through Substack and Substack does the rest, pushing it out to the other networks for me. Here is the honest part. I uploaded an email list of maybe 700 emails and started posting three times a week. Then life got lifey. I traveled, got sick, came back, and traveled again. I have been inconsistent for a little while. And yet, every single day I am getting a few new people subscribing to the publication, which comes out in both writing and audio, so you can read it or listen to it. It gets pushed out to the Substack algorithm, and I have a Notes strategy running alongside it. The results so far: * Fewer than 25 episodes published (24 to be exact) * Episodes are about 8 to 10 minutes, some shorter * Some episodes have over 400 downloads, some only 120 * Total: over 4,500 downloads I expect to hit 5,000 downloads soon, likely within the next week, which is bananas. I never thought I would see that many. Why shorter episodes are winning Here is the comparison that changed how I think about audio. Alana and I run another podcast for the Global Resilience Project called Resilient AF with Blair and Alana. We record 30 to 40 minute episodes, mostly with guests. We publish it, it gets pushed to subscribers and podcast players, and a member of our team sends it to our email list. After two and a half years, that show sits at around 3,000 downloads. My short grief podcast passed that in less than a year, with far less consistency. What does this tell me? People want shorter content. They want something they can finish from point A to point B in the car or while doing a chore. Attention spans are changing. Yes, I will still listen to a long episode if the conversation is genuinely fascinating and riveting. But short episodes that feel like a voice note to your best friend are getting real traction, growing my email list, and even earning paid subscribers I have never met. The client result that proves it is not just me I am seeing the same pattern with the people I work with. One client started with an email list of zero. She had six subscribers. Here is where she is now: * Close to 80 followers * Over 30 subscribers * More than 40 episodes, published two to three times a week * Almost 2,500 downloads She built that without a large email list. We simply published the transcript optimized for search, paired it with an audio element, put it on Substack, and promoted it on LinkedIn, on Notes, and on Instagram. The Notes feature is extremely important to this. Starting from six subscribers and reaching almost 2,500 downloads across 40 episodes is an insane result. Why podcasting on Substack works: SEO, AEO, and GEO The secret is not just the audio. It is publishing a transcript that is optimized for three things at once: * SEO (Search Engine Optimization): so people can find your episode through Google. * AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): so tools that answer questions directly can surface your content. * GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): so AI systems can pull from and reference your work. You publish that optimized transcript with an audio element on Substack, then promote it across LinkedIn, Notes, and Instagram. The written piece does the discovery work, the audio builds the relationship, and Notes amplifies the reach. That combination is what creates compounding growth and authority. How I record (you need far less than you think) I am recording this on my phone. You do not need a microphone. You do not need to pay for special software. The barrier to entry is almost nothing, which is exactly why I am so jazzed about it. Right now I am analyzing my posts to see what is resonating: the time of day, the content, the title. I will keep refining the formula and sharing what I learn. Want help getting started? If you are thinking, “Whoa, Blair, I need help,” I can help you. Live workshop: On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, I am leading a 90-minute workshop at 3 p.m. Pacific. It is $99 CDN. I will walk you through everything and take you behind the scenes. I have built this strategy and set it up for many clients, and I am watching them grow their audience and authority fast. Secure your spot HERE. Free virtual summit: I am also leading a behind-the-scenes session on how to use AI to podcast on Substack at the Unleash AI for Business Summit, Series 17. It is a free virtual event on June 23 and 24, 2026, featuring me and other top entrepreneurs who are using AI in their businesses right now. You will learn things like using personalized AI agents to turn ideas into revenue faster, how to build a 10,000 dollar offer with AI, how to land a TEDx talk faster using AI, and how to podcast on Substack with AI. The interviews are short and to the point. Frequently asked questions Can you host a podcast on Substack? Yes. You can set up a podcast on Substack and integrate it with Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast players. When you publish, Substack distributes it to those networks for you. Is podcasting on Substack free? Yes. You can set up and run a podcast on Substack for free, and still earn money through paid subscriptions over time. How long should a Substack podcast episode be? Short episodes work very well. My 8 to 10 minute, voice-note-style episodes have outperformed a 30 to 40 minute show. Aim for something a listener can finish during a short drive or a chore. What equipment do I need to start a podcast on Substack? Very little. You can record on your phone. You do not need a separate microphone or paid software to begin. How do you grow a Substack podcast without a big email list? Publish a transcript optimized for SEO, AEO, and GEO alongside the audio, then promote each episode on LinkedIn, Substack Notes, and Instagram. Notes is especially important for reach. The bottom line If you do not have a Substack yet, what are you waiting for? Start a podcast, record a short little note to your best friend, just like this one, and let the platform do the heavy lifting. So, about that free AI Summit….Are you ready to take your business to the next level with AI (Artificial Intelligence)? My friends, Bob Dietrich and Pamela Dunn, have created an incredible resource that will help you do just that. Introducing the Unleash AI For Business Summit: Series 17 - a FREE virtual event featuring me and other top entrepreneurs who are currently using AI in their businesses. We will share the strategies we have developed and are currently using in our businesses to implement AI successfully. And the best part? You have a complimentary ticket to attend! Register now using this link and join the event on June 23 and 24. (Recordings will also be available) In this event, top entrepreneurs will show you how to: - AI That Can Automate 50% of Your Daily Business Operations- Use Personalized AI Agents to Turn Ideas Into Revenue Faster- Create an AI Coach to Learn Anything- How to Build a $10,000 Offer with AI- How to Get Found in AI Searches- Create High Impact Video Content Faster Using AI Tools- Land a TEDx Talk Faster Using AI to Find Stages and Craft a Standout Idea- Use AI to Turn Your Ideas Into a Book That Drives Revenue Growth- Use AI to Craft a Compelling Brand Story That Drives Connection and Sales- Create Scroll Stopping Video Content Faster With AI- Design your AI-Powered Client Nurture Engine in 60 Minutes- How Coaches Use AI to Create Predictable Sales Without Chasing Leads- And many more... These interviews are short, to-the-point conversations with real entrepreneurs who are creating amazing results with AI. And you can watch it all for free from anywhere! But don’t wait too long - grab your complimentary ticket now before they’re all gone. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Here we grow, xx Blair Kaplan Venables P.S. I can help you build this out. I will create your podcast, set everything up and create a 3-month plan for you, while supporting you in creating and publishing your content. Don’t let overwhelm stop you from getting your content into the world! HIRE ME and don’t stress. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com

    8 min

  2. Mar 19

    I Stopped Podcasting for Weeks… and My Substack Still Grew (Here’s Why That Matters)

    Let’s talk about something no one really admits out loud: I disappeared for a few weeks and dropped the ball on this podcast. Not strategically. Not intentionally. Just… life. When Life Happens (And Your Content Plan Doesn’t) I had every intention of staying consistent. Instead, here’s what actually happened: * I was in the Maldives and got sick * Led a grief retreat * Went into my annual grief week with my sister * Got caught in a stressful situation while travelling * Launched a book in New York * Caught another bug * Flew to LA for an Oscars event And somewhere in there… podcasting for myself took a back seat. My usual cadence for How We Navigate Grief is three short episodes per week. My last episode before the pause? March 6.This recording? March 19. So yes, there was a gap. Here’s What Blew My Mind… Even though I stopped posting consistently: * I kept gaining new subscribers daily * I kept getting new followers on Substack * I’m nearing 3,000 downloads * I gained paid subscribers while inactive The coolest stat, IMO: 67% of my podcast listens are coming from Apple Podcasts Not Substack. Not social. Apple. Let that sink in. Why Podcasting on Substack Works (Even When You’re Not Perfect) What I’m doing is simple: * Recording short, 5–10 minute episodes * Publishing them on Substack with: * Audio * Written content * An image or two * Letting Substack distribute to platforms like: * Apple Podcasts * Spotify So while Substack is the hub… The reach extends far beyond it. Which means your content keeps working even when you’re not. Real Data From a Brand-New Podcast For How to Podcast on Substack: * Only 3 episodes published * Last episode was over a month ago * Still reached 183 downloads Breakdown: * 57% from browser * 32% from Apple Podcasts * The rest from other platforms Not viral. Not massive. But consistent traction without constant effort. That’s the game. The Lesson Most Creators Need to Hear Yes, consistency matters. But here’s the nuance: Consistency builds momentum.But systems sustain it. Because I had: * Content already working * Distribution built in * A clear strategy …I didn’t lose everything when I paused. I just… slowed down. And the machine kept running. What I’m Changing Moving Forward Because let’s be honest, disappearing every time life gets chaotic isn’t a strategy. So here’s what I’m doing next: 1. Batch Creating Content I’m recording multiple episodes at once so I’m never scrambling. 2. Building Evergreen Episodes Content that stays relevant whether it’s published today or next month. 3. Scheduling Ahead So even if I’m: * Traveling * Hosting retreats * Or life just life-ing …my podcast stays consistent. Because consistency shouldn’t rely on your energy. It should rely on your systems. What I’m Seeing With My Clients This is where it gets really interesting. One client: * 700+ downloads * Only 17 subscribers That’s huge. Most people struggle for months to get that kind of traction. Another client told me: “I don’t like Instagram anymore. It feels inauthentic.” After starting on Substack? “I actually love creating again.” Because this isn’t about chasing algorithms. It’s about: * Sharing your expertise * Telling real stories * Building connection And yes… still growing your audience The Bigger Shift: From Performance to Presence Podcasting on Substack works because it removes the pressure to perform. You don’t need: * Perfect lighting * Fancy edits * Viral hooks * A mic (I use my phone) * Extra money (everything I use for my Substack podcasts are free) You need: * A voice * A perspective * And a willingness to hit record Final Thought (If You’ve Been Overthinking This) You don’t need to be perfect.You don’t even need to be consistent 100% of the time. But you do need to start. Because even when I stopped… My content didn’t. Your Next Step If this gave you clarity: * Follow the show * Subscribe on Substack * Leave a quick review And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your podcast? This is it. Now stop overthinking it…and go hit record. Here we grow, xx Blair Kaplan Venables P.S. I can help you build this out. I will create your podcast, set everything up and create a 3-month plan for you, while supporting you in creating and publishing your content. Don’t let overwhelm stop you from getting your content into the world! HIRE ME and don’t stress. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com

    7 min

  3. Feb 4

    What Is the Ideal Substack Podcast Frequency and Episode Length?

    Hi there. Before you keep reading, I want you to know that if you listen to the audio, you will get a BTS look at my podcast stats and lessons learned from the last few days. It is raw and juicy. Learn from my hard lessons…. If you’re wondering how often to post a podcast to grow an audience without burning out, here’s the short answer: * 2 to 3 episodes a week. * 5 to 9 minutes each. * Informative, edutaining, and delivered like you’re gossiping with a smart friend over coffee. That’s the magic formula. And yes, it works. I’ve tested this across my own podcasts and with clients in different industries. Every time someone stops overthinking length, production, and “sounding professional,” their downloads go up and their confidence follows. Let’s break down why this works so well. Why 5–6 Minute Episodes Perform Better Than Long Ones People don’t need more content. They need content that fits into their actual lives. Five to six minutes is:• A walk around the block• A commute to the store• A coffee refill moment• A mental reset between meetings Short episodes lower the commitment barrier. Listeners are far more likely to hit play when they know they can finish before life interrupts them. Completion rates go up. Trust builds faster. Habit forms quicker. Why 2–3 Episodes a Week Beats “Once a Week” Consistency Weekly episodes are fine. But frequency is what creates familiarity. When you show up 2 to 3 times a week:• Your voice becomes familiar• Your ideas stay top of mind• Your audience builds listening habits• You stop relying on one “perfect” episode This is especially powerful on Substack, where podcast episodes land directly in inboxes and live alongside your writing. You’re not fighting for attention. You’re building a rhythm. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Informative + Edutaining Is the Sweet Spot This is not a lecture series.And it’s definitely not a motivational rant. The goal is edutainment. Education with personality. That means:• Sharing insight without jargon• Teaching through stories• Explaining things the way you’d explain them to a friend• Letting your tone be warm, real, and human If it sounds like you’re gossiping with a friend who happens to be very smart, you’re doing it right. People don’t connect with perfection. They connect with presence. Why This Format Builds Thought Leadership Faster Thought leadership is built through repetition and clarity, not length. Short, frequent episodes allow you to:• Share one clear idea at a time• Respond quickly to trends and questions• Reinforce your frameworks in digestible pieces• Build trust without overwhelming your audience Instead of one big episode trying to do everything, you create a library of focused insights that compound over time. Search engines love this. Answer engines love this. And audiences love this because it feels usable. How This Works on Substack Specifically Substack amplifies this formula because:• Episodes are paired with written posts for SEO and AEO• Subscribers receive episodes directly via email• Your content is archived and searchable• You’re building owned media, not renting attention Each short episode becomes part of a larger body of work that positions you as clear, consistent, and credible. The Bottom Line You don’t need a 60-minute episode.You don’t need fancy production.You don’t need to sound like a broadcaster. You need:• 2–3 short episodes a week• 5–6 minutes of focused insight• A conversational, human tone• A platform that supports consistency This is the magic formula that’s working for me and my clients. It’s sustainable. It’s effective. And it actually fits real life. If podcasting has felt heavy or intimidating, this is your permission slip to make it simpler. Short. Smart. A little gossipy.And surprisingly powerful. Here we grow, xx Blair Kaplan Venables P.S. I can help you build this out. I will create your podcast, set everything up and create a 3-month plan for you, while supporting you in creating and publishing your content. Don’t let overwhelm stop you from getting your content into the world! HIRE ME and don’t stress. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com

    9 min

  4. Jan 29

    How Podcasting on Substack Positions You as a Thought Leader in Your Industry

    Hi! It’s Blair. You are receiving this post/email because you subscribed to my email list along the way. I’m using tools, like Substack, to share my social media marketing and PR info and updates. You may not have heard from me for a while, and that is because I retired from social media marketing. Well, Substack and its podcasting feature are so fascinating and impactful that I have come out of retirement to share the goods with you. If this type of content no longer interests you or you don’t want these updates from me on Substack, please unsubscribe below. Thanks for the love over the last 20 years. xx B And now, the post… If you want to be seen as a thought leader or leading expert in your industry, visibility alone is not enough anymore. People are overwhelmed with content. What they are actually looking for is context, consistency, and credibility. Podcasting on Substack delivers all three. Why Podcasting Builds Thought Leadership Faster Than Social Media Alone Social media is great for discovery.Podcasting is where trust is built. When someone listens to your voice week after week, something shifts. They don’t just recognize your name. They understand how you think. They hear your nuance. They learn your frameworks. They begin to associate you with clarity in your field. A podcast allows you to:• Go deeper than a caption• Explain your thinking, not just your opinions• Share lived experience alongside expertise• Build familiarity, which accelerates trust Trust is the foundation of thought leadership. Without it, visibility is just noise. Why Substack Is Different for Thought Leaders Substack is not just a podcast hosting platform. It is an owned media ecosystem. When you podcast on Substack, you are not relying solely on algorithms to distribute your ideas. Your episodes land directly in your subscribers’ inboxes. They live alongside written posts that reinforce your expertise and make your ideas searchable and scannable. This matters for thought leadership because:• Your ideas are archived and searchable• Your audience opts in to hear from you• Your thinking compounds over time• Your content works for both SEO and AEO You are building a body of work, not just episodes. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. How Podcasting on Substack Positions You as an Expert A podcast does not make you an expert. Your insight does. The podcast is the vehicle. When used intentionally, podcasting on Substack helps you:• Teach your frameworks and methodologies• Respond to industry trends in real time• Clarify complex ideas in plain language• Share behind-the-scenes thinking and decisions• Become known for a specific point of view Thought leaders are not the loudest voices. They are the clearest ones. Substack allows you to reinforce that clarity through repetition and depth. Audio Plus Writing Equals Authority One of the most powerful aspects of podcasting on Substack is pairing audio with written posts. Audio builds connection.Writing builds credibility. Together, they:• Improve search visibility• Support answer engine results• Meet different learning styles• Reinforce your expertise across formats People can listen while walking, then return to read and reference your ideas later. That is how influence compounds. Consistency Builds Recognition Thought leadership is not built in one viral moment. It is built through consistent presence. Podcasting on Substack supports consistency because:• The platform removes technical friction• Publishing becomes a habit, not a production• Your audience expects and anticipates your voice When you show up consistently with valuable insight, your name becomes associated with your niche. Over time, people begin to say, “You should listen to their podcast” or “They always explain this so clearly.” That is thought leadership in action. Who This Strategy Works For Podcasting on Substack is especially powerful if you are:• A coach or consultant• A founder or entrepreneur• A professional building a personal brand• A writer or educator• A speaker or subject-matter expert If your work relies on trust, credibility, and long-term relationships, a podcast is not optional. It is strategic. The Bottom Line Thought leadership is not about having the loudest platform. It is about having the clearest voice in the room. Podcasting on Substack allows you to:• Own your audience• Share your thinking without distortion• Build a searchable body of work• Strengthen trust at scale If you want to be known not just for what you do, but for how you think, a podcast is one of the most effective tools you can use. And Substack makes it easier than ever to do it well. Inside How We Podcast on Substack, I share exactly how I use podcasting to build authority, grow community, and position myself as a leading voice in my industry, without burnout or complexity. This is not about chasing influence.It is about earning it. Here we grow, xx Blair Kaplan Venables P.S. If you are reading this and haven’t listened yet, you are missing out. In the audio, I share an update on stats and lessons learned. Have a listen (it’s a quickie). Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com

    10 min

  5. Jan 27

    How We Podcast on Substack: Behind the Scenes of Building a High-Download Podcast Ecosystem

    That’s the question that this publication and podcats exists to answer. What happens when you stop treating podcasting like a content chore and start treating it like a strategic ecosystem? I’m Blair Kaplan Venables. I’ve spent more than two decades working in social media, publicity, and storytelling. I’m considered a pioneer in the social media marketing world, and I’ve built brands, grown communities, launched global movements, and helped people get visible without selling their soul or burning out in the process. And I love podcasting. Not in a “hit record and hope for the best” way. In a systems, strategy, and storytelling kind of way. Over the years, I’ve launched six podcasts across different themes, formats, and audiences. Some were interview-based. Some were conversational. Some were deeply personal. All of them taught me something important about attention, trust, and how people actually consume content now. Then I discovered podcasting on Substack.And everything changed. Why Substack Changed the Way I Podcast Traditional podcasting often feels like shouting into the void. You upload an episode, post it on social media, and cross your fingers. The algorithm decides your fate. The audience relationship stays mostly one-sided. Monetization comes later, if at all. Substack flipped that model on its head. On Substack, podcasting is not just audio. It is audio plus writing, context, community, and consistency. It is a direct relationship with your audience, not a rental agreement with an algorithm. When I launched my latest podcast using Substack as the primary platform, I followed a specific formula that I created. And it worked! Clear positioning. Strategic cadence. Intentional integration of audio and written posts. A focus on habit-building rather than virality. I write my post, optimize it, and then record it on my phone. Easy peasy. The result? Nearly 1,000 downloads in the first two and a half weeks. No massive ad spend. No viral moment. Just clarity, consistency, and connection. That experience is the reason this publication exists. What Is How We Podcast on Substack? How We Podcast on Substack is a behind-the-scenes look at building a podcast using Substack as the engine, not the afterthought. This is not a highlight reel.It is not generic podcast advice.And it is definitely not another “just be consistent” pep talk. Twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, I take you inside the real decisions behind podcast growth on Substack. What worked. What tools I use. What flopped. What surprised me. What I would never do again. And what I am doubling down on because the data and the audience both say yes. This publication blends strategy and story. Because podcasting is both. What You Can Expect From Me Here is what I share openly inside this publication: • How I structure podcast episodes for Substack listeners• Why audio and written posts perform better together than separately• The cadence that builds habit without burnout• How to grow downloads without chasing algorithms• What actually converts listeners into subscribers• Behind-the-scenes metrics and insights• Mistakes I made launching multiple shows, so you do not have to• How to build a podcast that supports your business, not drains it I also talk honestly about the emotional side of podcasting. Showing up. Finding your voice. Staying visible when life is messy. Creating when perfectionism whispers that you should wait. Because podcasting is not just a technical skill.It is a relationship-building practice. Who This Publication Is For This space is for you if: • You are curious about podcasting on Substack but overwhelmed by the how• You already have a podcast and want more traction without more noise• You are a writer who wants to add audio in a sustainable way• You are a coach, creator, or thought leader building a long-term platform• You want a strategy that respects your time, budget, nervous system and your audience You do not need a huge audience to start.You need clarity, structure, and a plan that fits how people consume content now. Why I Am Sharing This Publicly I believe we learn faster when people stop gatekeeping their process. Podcasting does not need to be mysterious or expensive to work. It needs intention. It needs rhythm. And it needs a platform that supports connection, not just distribution. Substack gives creators something powerful. Ownership of audience. Depth over volume. And the ability to build something that compounds over time. How We Podcast on Substack is my way of pulling back the curtain and saying, “Here’s how this actually works.” No fluff.No performative hustle.Just real insight from the middle of the work. If you have ever thought about starting a podcast, restarting one, or finally making yours feel aligned with your life and business, you are in the right place. Welcome behind the scenes. Here we grow, xx Blair Kaplan Venables P.S. I want to answer all of your questions. Please share them in the comments below so I can answer them. P.P.S Have a podcast from Substack? Let’s follow eachother. Thanks for reading How We Podcast on Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com

    9 min
  • 5 Episodes

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How We Podcast on Substack with Blair Kaplan Venables is a no-fluff, behind-the-scenes publication that shows creators exactly how to launch, grow, and monetize a podcast on Substack, blending smart strategy, simple tech, and real-world lessons from the front lines of publishing. howwepodcast.substack.com

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