Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategy for Business Growth

Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com
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This isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” podcast about podcasting. We’re breaking down 15,000+ hours of study into what top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert.        Hosted by Forbes- and Rolling Stone-featured podcast psychology expert and Webby Awards judge Courtney Elmer—who’s helped over 70+ hosts launch Top 100 shows—you’ll get the tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share. Expect unfiltered coaching, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and the kind of “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice to help you build a podcast your future clients can’t stop bingeing (and buying from).        So if you’re ready to break out of “less-than-200-download-per-episode” jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort—or you want to launch a podcast that positions you as an authority in your niche and drives real revenue—welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit play and let’s dive in.          Popular Guests Include: Jordan Harbinger, John Lee Dumas, James Cridland, Tom Rossi, Jeremy Enns, Kevin Chemidlin, Dave Jackson, Alex Sanfilippo, Seth Silvers, Stacy Tuschl, Kate Erickson, Grant Baldwin, Hal Elrod, Gay Hendricks, Brandon Lucero, James Wedmore, and more.          Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcasting for Business Growth, Starting a Podcast, Podcast Audience Growth, Podcasting for Profit, Podcasting Psychology, Increasing Listener Engagement, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Lead Generation Through Podcasting,  Business Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in The Top 100, Podcast Launch Strategy, Podcast Monetization Strategies, Podcast Messaging, Podcast Positioning

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Turn a ‘Nice’ Podcast Into a Must-Listen Show | Lauren Penna

    Your podcast might be fine. People listen. They say it’s “nice.” And then… nothing happens. You’re 30, 50, maybe 100 episodes in, and the show looks more or less the same as it did at episode 5. In this episode, I sit down with PodLaunch grad Lauren Penna to unpack why smart, consistent hosts still struggle to grow, and how a simple positioning shift can turn your podcast into a show listeners actively seek out and share. Lauren breaks down what went wrong with her first show, what changed during her relaunch, and how that shift helped her break the Top 100 in four countries (including #4 in the U.S.), and what that shift looks like when you apply it to your own show. So if you’re done spending hours recording and editing just to hear “love the show” and nothing else, hit play and let’s dive in. 2:03 – Why Some Podcasts Get Played but Never Shared 2:10 – What Listeners Do When They Can’t Tell Who Your Show Is For 6:47 – Why Overthinking Your Podcast Makes It Harder to Grow 8:58 – The Outreach Strategy Behind a 1,000-Download Relaunch 11:56 – What Changes When Your Podcast Becomes a Weekly Non-Negotiable  Episode Links: Listen to Lauren’s Podcast | Intentionally Single  Other Episodes You’ll Love:  3 Types of Podcasting Advice You Can Totally IgnoreThe Difference Between Hitting Publish vs. Launching a Podcast    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    18 min

  2. DEC 17

    Fix My Pod | Why “I Love Your Show” Doesn’t Lead to Growth

    If listeners tell you they love your podcast but you’re 50+ episodes in and you’re *still* not sure where (or if) people are finding your show, or how to connect podcast growth to revenue, we’re about to fix that. In this Fix My Pod coaching session, I’m helping Jill uncover why her podcast wasn’t driving signups or sales, and showing you how to: Track exactly where your listeners are coming fromHow to know which episodes are driving signups to your email list (and which ones aren’t)The 90-day marketing rule every podcaster should follow, andThe simple-but-overlooked metrics that can help you attribute revenue to your show. So if you’re ready to run your show like someone who knows what’s working and why, hit play and let’s dive in. 4:01 – Why Your Podcast Isn’t Paying You Yet (Even If People Say They Love It) 14:49 – The Podcast SEO Plan That Grows Your Show While You Sleep 18:29 – The 90-Day Marketing Rule Every Podcaster Should Follow 23:03 – 3 Episode Patterns That Predict Future Podcast Growth 34:28 – The Partnership Strategy That Brings in High-Intent Listeners Fast  Episode Links: Listen to Jill’s Podcast: The Death Readiness Podcast    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    30 min

  3. DEC 10

    How to Diagnose Exactly Where Your Podcast Is Losing Listeners

    If your podcast isn’t bringing in more listeners month over month, the problem usually isn’t your content. It’s the invisible leaks inside your podcast funnel that no one’s taught you how to find yet. And in this episode, we're changing that. I'm walking you through the exact steps to diagnose where listeners are dropping off inside your show from the moment they first see your podcast to the moment they decide whether or not to follow, return, or buy. You’ll also learn how to measure the three decisions listeners make as they move through your show, and pinpoint the one that needs attention first. So if you want a clear, data-backed way to understand where your podcast is losing listeners (and how to fix it STAT), hit play and let’s dive in. 4:49 – Content Problem or Traffic Problem? Here’s How to Tell  5:22 – What Your Retention Rate Actually Tells You About Your Episodes  9:36 – The Gatekeeper Mistake That Costs You New Listeners  14:10 – A Simple Way to Pressure-Test Your Podcast Messaging for Clarity  20:10 – The Podcast Health Score That Shows You What to Fix First  Other Episodes You’ll Love:  Q + A | My Podcast Isn't Converting. Help!3 Cover Art Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were MakingHow to Choose a Bingeworthy Name for Your PodcastHow to Turn Your Podcast Description Into a Listener MagnetNot Getting Listens? It Could Be Your Episode TitlesSteal My High-Converting Episode FrameworkHow Long Should Your Episodes Be? The Answer Might Surprise You    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    21 min

  4. DEC 3

    Q + A | My Podcast Isn't Converting. Help!

    Most podcast hosts chase “growth” without understanding how a podcast funnel actually works. And if you’re only looking at downloads or list sign-ups, you’re missing the two earlier moments that decide whether anyone ever hits play in the first place. So let’s fix it.  I’m breaking down the three conversion points that determine your podcast’s ability to attract new listeners, keep them listening, and drive revenue long-term. You’ll see exactly what “good” actually looks like (with real benchmarks), and how to read your data inside of Spotify and Apple so you can spot the exact moment listeners are silently dropping off inside your podcast funnel and fix the leaks fast. So, if you’re done crossing your fingers every time you publish and you want a show that actually converts, hit play and let’s dive in. 0:02 – Why Your Podcast Isn’t Converting Even If Listeners Say They Love It  2:43 – The One Conversion Metric Every Host Ignores (And Why It Kills New-Listener Growth)  4:30 – The Spotify Numbers That Instantly Tell You If Your Cover Art and Title Are Working  12:49 – The Apple Metrics That Show Exactly Where Your Episodes Lose Attention  21:40 – The Easiest Way to Spot Early Revenue Signals From Your Podcast  Other Episodes You’ll Love:  How to Stop Losing Listeners to Your CompetitionThe Secret to a Podcast People Can’t Stop Talking About    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    25 min

  5. NOV 26

    One Positioning Shift That Can Take Your Podcast Top 10 Overnight | Amy Castro

    Amy Castro had already rebranded her podcast once, and her show still wasn’t reaching the right people. So she made one simple shift in how she positioned her show that landed her a Top 10 chart debut in her category with hundreds of new downloads in a single day. In this episode, you’ll hear how Amy uncovered the gap keeping her from new listeners, and how you can make the same change to start attracting people who are already searching for a podcast like yours. So if you’re ready to stop talking to the same 100 people every week (as much as you love them!) —hit play and let’s dive in. 1:02 – Why Most Podcasts Struggle to Reach the Right Listeners 5:11 – The Common Mistake That Makes Your Podcast Harder to Find 10:46 – What Can Happen When Your Podcast Finally Matches What Listeners Are Looking For 19:22 – How to Turn Podcast Launch Data Into a Weekly Listener Growth Plan  Episode Links: Meet Amy: PetParentHotline.com Listen to Amy’s Podcast | Pet Parent Hotline  Other Episodes You’ll Love: Why Podcast SEO Makes It Easier Than Ever for Niche Shows to Get Discovered    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    20 min

  6. NOV 20

    One Surprising Way to Reach New Listeners Without Guesting or Social Media | Lauren Passell, Tink Media

    Most podcasters think growth comes from hustling guest appearances or endlessly turning episodes into short-form videos for social media. But guesting eats up hours you don’t have, and social posts won't grow a show. So when you’re an independent podcaster without a big budget for ads (and without a lot of extra time), what actually works? Lauren Passell of Tink Media is back to reveal one of the most overlooked organic strategies for podcast growth that lets you repurpose content you’re already creating and put it in front of new perfect-fit listeners. You’ll learn why this little-known approach works even for small shows, how to find the right partners, and how to set it up to grow your podcast in as little as 15 minutes a week. So before you waste another second chasing guest spots or grinding out clips that no one watches, hit play and let’s dive in.  3:01 – Why Guesting and Social Media Don’t Deliver Long-Term Growth 7:12 – The Real Reason Newsletter Swaps Work Even for Small Shows 12:34 – Why Your Own Email List Makes Every Swap More Valuable 19:57 – What to Offer Collaborators Even If You Think You Have Nothing to Give 23:41 – How to Tell If a Newsletter Swap Actually Worked  Episode Links: Rephonic.com/graph Meet Lauren Passell: TinkMedia.co | LinkedInRead Lauren’s Podcast The Newsletter   Other Episodes You’ll Love: The Audience-Borrowing Strategy That Turns Strangers Into Listeners3 Low-Lift Ways to Get New Listeners Without Living on Social Media    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    14 min

  7. NOV 19

    Turn Strangers Into Listeners With This Audience-Borrowing Strategy | Lauren Passell, Tink Media

    Podcast growth won’t come from convincing the same people who already know, like, and trust you to finally listen. Real podcast growth comes from turning strangers into listeners. But with no budget for ads and no time for social media, how do you actually make that happen? In this episode, Lauren Passell of Tink Media breaks down the audience-borrowing strategy smart hosts use to get their shows discovered, recommended, and shared so your podcast doesn’t stay invisible while others in your niche take off. So if you’re ready to grow beyond the same 50 loyal listeners and finally start reaching new ones, hit play and let’s dive in. 3:12 – Why Catering to Your 50 Loyal Listeners Stops New Ones From Finding You  11:44 – The Hidden Shortcut to Finding Podcasts With Your Exact Audience 15:27 –A Zero-Cost Way to Get Promoted on Other Shows Every Week Without Podcast Guesting 18:59 – The Pitching Fix That Gets More Collaborators Saying Yes to You  22:36 – How to Turn One Small Collaboration Into Ongoing Listener Growth  Episode Links: Rephonic.com/graph Meet Lauren Passell: Website | LinkedInRead Lauren’s Podcast The Newsletter  Other Episodes You’ll Love: 3 Low-Lift Ways to Get New Listeners Without Living on Social MediaOne Surprising Way to Reach New Listeners Without Guesting or Social Media    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    21 min

  8. NOV 12

    Why Episode Numbers Don’t Belong in Your Episode Titles (and What to Do Instead)

    Should you put episode numbers in your podcast titles? Some podcasters swear it makes episodes easier to find. Others argue it kills discoverability. And turns out, this one simple choice could shape how listeners see your entire show. In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of episode numbers and showing you the simplest way to help listeners navigate your show without wasting valuable title space or hurting your podcast search rankings. So if you want listeners to discover more of your episodes (and see your podcast as professional and worth binging), hit play and let's dive in. 1:02 – Do Episode Numbers Really Help Listeners? 4:11 – The Surprising Pros and Hidden Cons of Episode Numbers 8:39 – How Episode Numbers Affect SEO and Discoverability 13:56 – 2 Smart Ways to Help Listeners Find Old Episodes 18:42 – The Simple Test to Know if Episode Numbers Are Right for Your Show  Other Episodes You’ll Love: The Exact Strategy Behind 15M Podcast Downloads a Month with Jordan Harbinger    → This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U Support the show Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends! Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review. Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first. Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time. Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it. Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more. Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

    13 min
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About

This isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” podcast about podcasting. We’re breaking down 15,000+ hours of study into what top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert.        Hosted by Forbes- and Rolling Stone-featured podcast psychology expert and Webby Awards judge Courtney Elmer—who’s helped over 70+ hosts launch Top 100 shows—you’ll get the tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share. Expect unfiltered coaching, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and the kind of “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice to help you build a podcast your future clients can’t stop bingeing (and buying from).        So if you’re ready to break out of “less-than-200-download-per-episode” jail and stop settling for downloads that don’t reflect your effort—or you want to launch a podcast that positions you as an authority in your niche and drives real revenue—welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit play and let’s dive in.          Popular Guests Include: Jordan Harbinger, John Lee Dumas, James Cridland, Tom Rossi, Jeremy Enns, Kevin Chemidlin, Dave Jackson, Alex Sanfilippo, Seth Silvers, Stacy Tuschl, Kate Erickson, Grant Baldwin, Hal Elrod, Gay Hendricks, Brandon Lucero, James Wedmore, and more.          Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcasting for Business Growth, Starting a Podcast, Podcast Audience Growth, Podcasting for Profit, Podcasting Psychology, Increasing Listener Engagement, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Lead Generation Through Podcasting,  Business Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in The Top 100, Podcast Launch Strategy, Podcast Monetization Strategies, Podcast Messaging, Podcast Positioning

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