Growth Accelerator Podcast

Traci Long DeForge

Do you want your podcast to become your gateway to transforming your business or company’s podcast into a dynamic lead generation and marketing powerhouse? Are you using your podcast growth to increase visibility as a thought leader helping you secure more stages and opportunities as a subject matter expert? Are you ready to turn your podcast into a conversion machine that directly boosts the sales of your products, services, courses, and programs? If you want to accelerate your podcast for business growth, this podcast is for you! Welcome to The Growth Accelerator Podcast! I’m Traci DeForge. With me as your guide, we’ll elevate your podcast from good to exceptional, unlocking its full potential to drive both audience growth and business growth. You’ll learn tested methodologies on how to simplify and elevate your audience's journey from initial download to becoming a loyal client. Inside this podcast, I’ll give you behind-the-scenes access to interactive workshops, where you’ll explore strategies to refine your content delivery, enhance your calls-to-action, and amplify your distribution channels for exponential audience growth. This is the perfect opportunity to take your podcast to the next level and create lasting audience growth that leads to measurable podcast business growth. What I truly want is for your podcast to become a cornerstone of your content marketing strategy. It should be your unwavering ally, consistently generating leads and driving sales. We’ll also dive deep into monetizing your podcast with strategies like sponsorships and advertisements, helping you secure these partnerships while maintaining your brand's integrity. I’ll coach you on how to engage authentically with your audience, build relationships, and create the foundation for audience growth that mirrors your business’s success. Together, we’ll explore the most effective ways to leverage your podcast for both content marketing and lead generation that seamlessly ties into your business’s overall marketing and sales goals. Ready to dive into monetizing your podcast? Whether it’s sponsorships, advertisements, or creating premium content, you’ll learn how to integrate monetization strategies into your podcast in a way that adds value and enhances your brand. Plus, we’ll use content marketing techniques to expand your reach across social media and digital platforms, further driving audience growth and engagement. Consider this podcast your all-access pass to the tools and strategies you need to optimize your podcast and align it with your business objectives. As your podcast grows, so will your business. Let’s eliminate the frustrations of stagnant listener numbers and uninspired content, and instead, create a lead generation powerhouse. Start where you are. You’re here. Let’s get started and accelerate your podcast and business to new heights!

  1. YouTube Shorts, Video Podcasts, and the Truth About Monetization

    3D AGO

    YouTube Shorts, Video Podcasts, and the Truth About Monetization

    Video podcast strategy is no longer optional if you want real podcast growth, better discoverability, and sustainable monetization. On the Growth Accelerator Podcast, Traci DeForge breaks down how short form content, YouTube Shorts, and strategic video integration are transforming how new listeners find your show, engage with your brand, and convert into customers. You’ll learn why you don’t need massive downloads to monetize your podcast, how YouTube functions as a discovery engine, and the biggest mistake podcasters make when recording video and audio together. If you’re serious about growing a podcast in 2025 and beyond, this episode gives you the real playbook. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN ✅ Why video podcast strategy matters even if audio still drives most downloads ✅ How short form content acts as the gateway to new podcast listeners ✅ Why YouTube is the second largest search engine and a major podcast discovery tool ✅ How to create inclusive video and audio experiences for all listeners ✅ Why small, niche audiences can monetize faster than large general audiences ✅ How sponsorship visibility works beyond traditional CPM advertising ✅ How to use YouTube Shorts, Reels, and clips to fuel long-term podcast growth Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit produceyourpodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset Timestamps: 00:00 Why every podcast needs a strategic video plan01:05 The truth about full-length video versus short form clips02:20 The Taylor Swift example and why audio listeners felt left out05:29 How short form content introduces your brand to new audiences06:53 Why YouTube is a discovery machine for podcasts07:27 Using YouTube Shorts for brand awareness and growth09:11 Monetizing podcasts without massive download numbers12:42 Why business podcasts win with smaller, engaged audiences14:14 Final takeaways on video, growth, and monetization Key Takeaways: 🔹 Short form video is the new front door for podcast discovery 🔹 YouTube should be treated as a search engine, not just a hosting platform 🔹 Video needs strategy, not just cameras and uploads 🔹 Audio listeners must always feel included in visual conversations 🔹 Niche audiences monetize faster than broad entertainment audiences 🔹 Sponsorship success comes from visibility across content and platforms 🔹 Engagement matters more than raw download numbers ABOUT THE HOST Traci DeForge is the founder and CEO of Produce Your Podcast and the host of the Growth Accelerator Podcast. She helps business owners, brands, and thought leaders launch, grow, and monetize podcasts that generate real visibility, leads, and revenue. Traci specializes in podcast strategy, audience growth, monetization models, and scalable production systems. Featured InterviewLarry Aldrich is a co-host of Aqua...

    16 min
  2. 3 Proven Ways to Grow and Monetize Your Podcast

    JAN 22

    3 Proven Ways to Grow and Monetize Your Podcast

    Want to grow your podcast faster and finally monetize your podcast without chasing download numbers? The Growth Accelerator Podcast host Traci DeForge breaks down three proven strategies that consistently drive podcast growth, improve podcast discoverability, and help creators increase podcast downloads in a sustainable way. You’ll learn why storytelling builds trust and audience loyalty, how to optimize the foundational elements that make your podcast searchable across platforms, and why guesting on like-minded podcasts accelerates visibility and authority. Plus, Traci reveals a powerful monetization bonus that proves you do not need massive downloads to monetize your podcast successfully. If your show has plateaued or you’re launching a new podcast and want real traction, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately to grow your podcast and turn your content into a long-term revenue engine. In This Episode You Will Learn ✅ Why storytelling creates deeper audience connection and retention ✅ How to strengthen podcast discoverability so new listeners can find your show ✅ The metadata and platform mistakes that stall podcast growth ✅ Why guesting on aligned podcasts expands reach and credibility ✅ How to monetize your podcast with any audience size ✅ Why quality listeners outperform high download counts Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit produceyourpodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset Key Timestamps (00:00) Why monetization is the bonus strategy(00:24) The three powerful ways to grow your podcast(01:10) Why storytelling drives emotional connection(02:01) How discoverability impacts podcast growth(03:30) Metadata and platform optimization explained(05:10) Why guesting fuels organic growth(06:18) How to be a high-value podcast guest(07:36) Monetization myths busted(08:45) How brands actually evaluate podcasts(10:09) How to get support growing your podcast Key Takeaways 💎 Storytelling builds trust and strengthens long-term audience loyalty 💎 Podcast discoverability depends on consistent SEO and platform optimization 💎 Guesting on like-minded podcasts introduces your brand to high-intent listeners 💎 You can monetize your podcast successfully without massive downloads Featured Interview Jason Swenk Host of the Smart Agency Masterclass and agency growth expert specializing in storytelling, visibility strategy, and scalable business development. Smart Agency Masterclass Podcast ResourcesConnect with Traci and the Produce Your Podcast team:a href="https://produceyourpodcast.com"...

    11 min
  3. 700 Episodes: George Bryant's Authentic Podcasting Blueprint

    JAN 8

    700 Episodes: George Bryant's Authentic Podcasting Blueprint

    Podcast growth strategies take center stage as Traci DeForge welcomes George Bryant to the Growth Accelerator Podcast. With over 700 episodes of the Mind of George Podcast, George shares his journey of podcast consistency and authentic podcasting. This conversation explores the power of content iteration, from adjusting intro lengths to restructuring episode formats based on audience engagement. George reveals why he chose not to pursue podcast monetization through sponsorships, instead focusing on community building and deepening connections, which led to massive business growth. Learn how to grow your podcast audience authentically through purpose-driven content and meaningful guest interviews that serve your listeners first. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:    ✅ Why content iteration and strategic format changes can dramatically improve your podcast production quality and listener retention rates ✅ Defining your “why” or podcast purpose before launching is essential for maintaining podcast consistency through hundreds of episodes, but first, you must start.  ✅The importance of producing for your audience, not yourself, and why it is critical for long-term success  ✅ How building a podcast community without sponsorships by prioritizing authentic connection and audience engagement over transactions led to massive business growth  ✅ Proven techniques for leveraging guest interviews as networking opportunities that expand your reach and create business growth Ready to use your podcast to support measurable growth? Visit ProduceYourPodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset. TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 George Bryant and his 700-episode journey with the Mind of George Podcast, exploring podcast growth strategies 03:28 George shares his spiritual awakening moment, the deep podcast purpose that drove him to launch his podcast while staying true to his convictions 09:42 Upleveling your podcast with content iteration, including intro adjustments, episode structure modifications, and format experimentation 11:56 Choose what is best for your audience over your ego 19:33 Build your podcast around your audience, not algorithms 20:23 Why opening the door matters more than perfection when starting a podcast, and debunking the myth of the market being saturated 29:30 Trust-driven podcasts create long-term business growth by generating podcast monetization through community building and authentic connections 34:23 Podcast marketing approach focusing on community building, depth over width, and networking through guest interviews 43:16 George leaves his final tip on getting your podcast rolling KEY TAKEAWAYS:   💎 Authentic podcasting requires the right energy, staying true to your core purpose, being flexible, and listening to feedback. 💎 The power of growing your business through podcasting comes from creating depth of connection rather than transactional relationships, embracing your show as a networking tool that opens doors to billionaires and industry leaders 💎 Success in podcast consistency stems from removing attachment to immediate results and embracing your show as a legacy project—focusing on the ripple effect your voice creates rather than download metrics alone ABOUT THE GUEST:  George Bryant is a visionary entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and host of a top-ranked podcast that inspires millions to scale with soul. From his roots as an active-duty United States Marine for 13 years to his role as a celebrated food blogger and marketing genius, George has turned his raw, authentic...

    50 min
  4. Your Top Four Podcast Growth Questions Answered

    12/18/2025

    Your Top Four Podcast Growth Questions Answered

    Your podcast marketing strategy shouldn't rely solely on organic reach. In this episode of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, host Traci DeForge answers the four most frequently asked questions about growing your podcast—starting with the critical mistake most podcasters make during their launch: treating it as a separate entity rather than integrating it into their overall content strategy. She addresses why your audience growth strategy must extend beyond organic social media and include newsletter integration, paid advertising, and dedicated budget allocation. Traci tackles the questions podcasters ask most: How do I get listeners beyond my existing audience? What's the fastest way to grow? Should I invest in paid promotion? And how do I turn my podcast into a content marketing asset? Her answer: Your podcast serves as the hub of your content marketing ecosystem, creating opportunities across all platforms. Learn how to grow your podcast audience with an integrated marketing approach by getting answers to the questions that matter most. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:    ✅ Why relying solely on organic social media for podcast promotion limits your growth potential, and how to expand your reach ✅ Why it is critical to integrate your podcast into your complete marketing budget, including newsletter integration, social media integration, and paid podcast ads ✅ Why treating your podcast as the central hub of your content strategy creates exponential opportunities across all marketing channels ✅ The importance of budgeting for podcast advertising alongside traditional platforms like Meta advertising and Instagram marketing to accelerate growth Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit ProduceYourPodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset. TIMESTAMPS:   (00:00) Four questions most commonly asked about everything podcasting(00:43) Question One: What is your why? Define your ideal target audience(03:05) Question Two: Common podcast launch mistakes and audience and building growth strategy oversights(03:59) Question Three: How do you measure the success of your podcast? Do you rely on organic social media(05:19) Question Four: Common growth strategy mistakes. The need for a dedicated marketing budget, buying ads for podcast promotion(06:15) Your podcast is the central hub of your content strategy, creating business opportunities KEY TAKEAWAYS:   💎 Before launching your podcast, start with your why and clearly define your ideal listener—understanding who you're serving shapes every decision from content topics to marketing strategy and audience growth strategy approaches. 💎 Treat your podcast launch like introducing a new product line to market, complete with a comprehensive go-to-market plan, dedicated marketing budget, and integrated marketing across newsletter integration, social media integration, and podcast ads. 💎 Define your own benchmark for podcast success rather than comparing yourself to others—whether that's downloads, business growth, engagement rates, or lead generation, your metrics should align with your unique goals and content strategy. RESOURCES MENTIONED:  Produce Your Podcast - Website  Book Your Strategy Call  Connect with Traci and the Produce Your Podcast...

    7 min
  5. Which Growth Strategy Will Scale Your Podcast in 2026?

    12/04/2025

    Which Growth Strategy Will Scale Your Podcast in 2026?

    If you want to scale your podcast in 2026, this episode breaks down the proven growth strategy Traci DeForge uses with top-performing shows across every niche. Traci shares how to optimize your podcast for podcast SEO, how to show up in AI Overviews, and why guesting on like-minded podcasts accelerates discoverability faster than chasing massive audiences. You’ll also get a deep dive into audio ad campaigns, a strategy that amplifies your visibility by connecting ads directly to your RSS feed for immediate conversion. Whether you're trying to grow downloads, increase leads, or drive more visibility, this episode gives you the tactical roadmap and mindset shifts you need. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅How to optimize your podcast for real podcast SEO ✅ Why AI Overviews reward repetition and niche authority ✅ How guesting on the right shows boosts discoverability ✅ When audio ad campaigns become the game-changer for growth Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit produceyourpodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset Timestamps(00:00) Which Growth Strategy Will Scale Your Podcast in 2026?(00:29) What foundational growth really mean(01:04) Why podcast SEO matters more than Google SEO(01:54) How to structure your show description for discovery(02:34) Why episode titles and descriptions impact AI visibility(03:34) The difference between Google search and AI Overviews(04:19) How frequency helps you get indexed by AI(04:55) Guesting on like-minded podcasts as a growth engine(06:05) Why the biggest audiences aren’t always the best(07:08) Breaking through plateaus with audio ad campaigns(08:24) How audio ads connect directly to your RSS feed(09:44) Why growth never happens by accident(10:29) Where to explore deeper podcast growth resources(10:49) Call to action: connect with Producer Podcast Key Takeaways 🔷 Podcast SEO is a must for discoverability Most creators optimize for Google, but podcast SEO has its own rules. Long descriptions, keyword-rich intros, guest names, and topic lists all help your show surface when listeners search for niche content.🔷 AI Overviews reward frequency and expertise AI doesn’t just look for keywords. It scans who shows up...

    11 min
  6. How Real Connection Drives Podcast Revenue & Growth with Aransas Savas

    11/06/2025

    How Real Connection Drives Podcast Revenue & Growth with Aransas Savas

    Your podcast is a powerful business growth engine for your business and your brand. This week, learn how to launch, brand, and grow a podcast that accelerates business results, attracts sponsorships, and builds an engaged community. In this episode of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, host Traci DeForge welcomes Aransas Savas, the dynamic force behind The Uplifters Podcast, to share how she transformed her lifelong dream into a thriving business and connected community. Discover how Aransas leveraged podcasting to attract sponsors, fill retreats before launch, and build demand for her coaching and consulting services, all by focusing on human connection, consistent execution, and innovative strategy. Together, they discuss the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to turn a podcast into a content and community hub, the keys to a winning launch strategy, and the importance of bringing your unique story to the mic. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to transition your podcast from “dream” to tactical business accelerator, grow your business through podcasting ✅ Why bringing your authentic self and community into your show drives revenue ✅ Secrets to filling retreats, securing book deals, and landing sponsorships through podcast engagement ✅ Strategies for harnessing guest nominations to grow your network and create a self-sustaining show ✅ Podcast growth strategies: How calls to action (CTAs) and strategic partnerships convert audience into loyal clients Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit produceyourpodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset TimeStamps: 02:00 Introduction to Aransas Savas, host of The Uplifters Podcast 02:35 Consulting for companies such as Best Buy, U.S. Bank, and Disney. 03:10 Aransas Savas shares her background in behavior change and coaching. 04:58 Aransas discusses overcoming insecurities and starting her podcast. 07:52 The Uplifters Podcast and its purpose. 13:55 Going “all in” and working with experts. 18:37 Involving audience to shape the show. 20:58 Why impact, not downloads, is the main motivator. 27:59 Aransas Savvis shares her guest nomination strategy to build connections. Key Takeaways: 💎 1. Focus on Impact: Don’t chase download numbers, chase transformation and real engagement 💎 2. Build Community Into Everything: From cover art to episode intros, center authentic voices 💎 3. Use Your Podcast as a Living Portfolio: Let your episodes demonstrate your coaching and consulting expertise 💎 4. Consistency Compounds: Water the garden and watch your podcast yield clients, sponsors, and opportunities over time. 💎 5. Strategic Collaboration: Invest in expert partnerships and leverage ongoing strategy to accelerate growth About The Guest: Aransas Savas is a veteran Wellbeing and Leadership Coach, certified by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and The International Coaching Federation. She has spent her career at the intersection of research, behavior change, and coaching, with a mission to help women build what I call "courage capital" - the deep confidence in our value and strengths that we need just as much as financial capital to do big, brave things. Through The Uplifters Podcast and coaching practice, Aransas has discovered that what stops most women isn't lack of money, support, or knowledge - it's the limiting beliefs that tell us we're not ready, not enough, or that it's too late. Aransas has created a uniquely holistic and proven approach to coaching that blends practical, science-backed techniques with energy...

    47 min
  7. 5 Self Checks to Elevate Your Podcast and Drive Revenue

    10/23/2025

    5 Self Checks to Elevate Your Podcast and Drive Revenue

    Your podcast isn't just content, it's a growth engine for your business. In this episode of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, Traci DeForge breaks down five podcast growth strategies to repurpose content, master SEO optimization, boost production quality, craft calls to action, and drive revenue. From leveraging your podcast as a content hub to mastering SEO optimization, Traci shares insider tips that will amplify your reach and boost your ROI. You'll learn why production quality matters for sponsorships, how to craft calls-to-action that convert, and the secrets to turning listeners into leads. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to repurpose podcast content for maximum impact across platforms ✅ Why you should make your show more discoverable on Google and AI overviews ✅ Why production quality can make or break sponsorship deals ✅ The art of crafting calls-to-action that convert listeners into leads ✅ How to implement these strategies for immediate podcast growth Ready to scale your podcast into a lead-generating machine? Visit produceyourpodcast.com to schedule a Growth Accelerator Strategy Call. Let’s turn your show into your most powerful business asset. Key Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction: Think of your podcast is a content generation hub 1:47 Your podcast deserves the same branding investment as the rest of your marketing 2:34 SEO optimization tactics for podcast growth 4:06 The critical importance of production quality to drive revenue 5:37 Mastering the call-to-action for audience engagement 7:40 Implementing growth strategies and next steps Key Takeaways: 💎 1. Mindset Shift: Remember, your podcast is a content generation hub, plan to repurpose from day one 💎 2. Invest in branding your podcast as you would other marketing assets. 💎 3. SEO-optimized show notes and episode titles are crucial for discoverability. 💎 4 . High production quality reflects your brand and opens doors to sponsorships. 💎 5. A strong call-to-action is your key to turning listeners into leads and driving revenue Featured Guest Interview Podcast & Brand Strategist, Jason Cercone, Founder of Bombtrack Media. Bombtrack Featured Interview Bombtrack Media Podcast Professionals Association Resources & Links: Book a strategy call here.Connect with Traci and the Produce Your Podcast team: produceyourpodcast.comGrowth Accelerator Podcast: How to Make Your Call to Action Actually WorkLinkedIn: tracilongdeforge Instagram : produceyourpodcastli...

    8 min
  8. Turn Your Podcast Into the Growth Engine That Drives Your Business

    10/08/2025

    Turn Your Podcast Into the Growth Engine That Drives Your Business

    Your podcast isn’t just content—it’s a podcast marketing strategy and growth engine that drives visibility, leads, sales, and ROI for your business. In this episode of the Growth Accelerator Podcast, host Traci DeForge shares proven strategies to help you transform your podcast into a powerful marketing and revenue-generating tool. From building a solid foundation to mastering short-form content, Traci reveals how to position yourself as a thought leader, attract the right audience, and generate ROI that goes far beyond vanity metrics. If you’ve been wondering how to connect podcasting directly to your business strategy, this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ Why your podcast must be part of your marketing strategy, not just an add-on ✅ How to align podcast ROI with business growth, lead generation, and sales funnels ✅ The role of short-form content in boosting visibility, engagement, and conversion ✅ How to differentiate your show in a crowded market and turn episodes into a business growth asset Is your podcast generating the leads you want? Let’s fix that. Book a strategy session with our team at produceyourpodcast.com and start building a marketing funnel that works.Key Timestamps (0:00) Why your podcast must become a growth engine for your business(0:18) Building a foundation that drives growth and ROI(1:10) Podcasting as a “need-to-have” in today’s marketing strategy(2:30) Leveraging podcast content to write books and build thought leadership(4:15) The importance of defining your podcast ROI before you launch(6:00) Choosing the right content formats for growth and visibility(7:20) Why short-form episodes are critical for podcast growth and lead generation(9:40) How balancing long-form interviews and short-form content creates impact(10:35) Top takeaways for making your podcast a true business growth engine Key Takeaways 💎 Build a podcast foundation strategy with the same focus you’d use to launch a product or service 💎 Use short-form content to position yourself as the go-to expert and give your audience snack-sized value 💎 Don’t let the number of competing podcasts intimidate you, your content is unique and targeted 💎 Tie every podcast episode to a clear call-to-action that supports lead generation and ROI Resources & Links Connect with Traci and the Produce Your Podcast team: produceyourpodcast.comEpisode 4: How to Turn Your Podcast into a Book with Tina Dietza...

    13 min

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5
out of 5
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About

Do you want your podcast to become your gateway to transforming your business or company’s podcast into a dynamic lead generation and marketing powerhouse? Are you using your podcast growth to increase visibility as a thought leader helping you secure more stages and opportunities as a subject matter expert? Are you ready to turn your podcast into a conversion machine that directly boosts the sales of your products, services, courses, and programs? If you want to accelerate your podcast for business growth, this podcast is for you! Welcome to The Growth Accelerator Podcast! I’m Traci DeForge. With me as your guide, we’ll elevate your podcast from good to exceptional, unlocking its full potential to drive both audience growth and business growth. You’ll learn tested methodologies on how to simplify and elevate your audience's journey from initial download to becoming a loyal client. Inside this podcast, I’ll give you behind-the-scenes access to interactive workshops, where you’ll explore strategies to refine your content delivery, enhance your calls-to-action, and amplify your distribution channels for exponential audience growth. This is the perfect opportunity to take your podcast to the next level and create lasting audience growth that leads to measurable podcast business growth. What I truly want is for your podcast to become a cornerstone of your content marketing strategy. It should be your unwavering ally, consistently generating leads and driving sales. We’ll also dive deep into monetizing your podcast with strategies like sponsorships and advertisements, helping you secure these partnerships while maintaining your brand's integrity. I’ll coach you on how to engage authentically with your audience, build relationships, and create the foundation for audience growth that mirrors your business’s success. Together, we’ll explore the most effective ways to leverage your podcast for both content marketing and lead generation that seamlessly ties into your business’s overall marketing and sales goals. Ready to dive into monetizing your podcast? Whether it’s sponsorships, advertisements, or creating premium content, you’ll learn how to integrate monetization strategies into your podcast in a way that adds value and enhances your brand. Plus, we’ll use content marketing techniques to expand your reach across social media and digital platforms, further driving audience growth and engagement. Consider this podcast your all-access pass to the tools and strategies you need to optimize your podcast and align it with your business objectives. As your podcast grows, so will your business. Let’s eliminate the frustrations of stagnant listener numbers and uninspired content, and instead, create a lead generation powerhouse. Start where you are. You’re here. Let’s get started and accelerate your podcast and business to new heights!