As It Relates to Podcasting with Simona Costantini

Simona Costantini
  • 4.6 (13)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Looking for expert tips on how to launch, grow, and monetize your podcast? You’re in the right place! As It Relates to Podcasting is your go-to resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, content creators, coaches, and consultants who want to leverage podcasting to build their brand, boost their business, and create meaningful connections with their audience. Hosted by full-time podcast strategist and producer Simona Costantini, this show dives into everything you need to know—from successfully starting your podcast to growing your listener base and turning your show into a revenue-generating machine. Whether you’re looking to optimize your strategy or hitting record for the first time, you’ll find practical insights that cut through the noise. Each episode breaks down actionable strategies for burning questions like: - How do I successfully launch my podcast and stand out from the crowd? - What are the most effective ways to increase my downloads and grow my audience? - How can I monetize my podcast without overwhelming my listeners? - What steps should I take to attract sponsors, partners, and collaborations? - How can I use my podcast to drive clients, customers, and revenue for my business? - What are the best tools and systems for running a smooth, stress-free podcast? This show isn’t about fluff or recycled advice—it’s all about providing real-world tips, tested strategies, and expert guidance to help you avoid burnout, stay consistent, and scale your podcast into a successful platform. Through solo episodes and deep-dive roundtables, you’ll gain access to insider knowledge that helps you sidestep common podcast pitfalls and maximize your impact. Tune in weekly as we cover everything from content creation and audience engagement to advanced marketing tactics and monetization methods that actually work. Plus, get exclusive backstage access to tips and resources you won’t find anywhere else, so you can fast-track your growth and start seeing results. Subscribe now and take the next step in turning your passion for podcasting into a profitable venture that reaches and resonates with your ideal audience!

  1. 21H AGO

    Should You Start a Video Podcast? What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why Audio Still Wins

    Video podcasting is everywhere, but most creators are adding video without understanding what problem it actually solves. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini breaks down when video actually helps your podcast grow, when it quietly hurts your momentum, and why audio still does the heavy lifting when it comes to trust, retention, and long-term loyalty. This episode dismantles the myth that every podcast must be video-first. You’ll learn why video is a distribution strategy, not a requirement, how YouTube really evaluates content, and why clarity, structure, and consistency matter more than flashy visuals. Simona explains how bad video can stall growth faster than no video at all, why audio completion rates remain higher, and how your voice is the true relationship-builder behind every successful show. If you’ve been feeling pressure to add video, questioning whether it’s worth the effort, or wondering how to grow without burning out, this episode will help you choose a format that supports your voice instead of draining it. This is a grounded, strategic take on podcast growth in 2026, built for creators who want sustainability, not resentment. Inside this episode: Should you start a video podcast, and who video actually benefitsWhy video is a distribution strategy, not a growth requirementHow YouTube rewards clarity, consistency, and structure over visualsThe difference between discoverability and listener loyaltyWhy bad video can hurt your podcast more than no video at allWhat production issues erode trust with viewersWhy audio still wins for intimacy, retention, and completion ratesHow multitasking drives consistent listening habitsWhy your voice builds familiarity faster than visualsWhen and how to use a strategic hybrid podcast approachRecording audio-first to protect quality and sustainabilityUsing video for discoverability and audio for relationshipsWhy sustainability beats trends every timeChoosing a format that supports your creativity instead of draining it Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 Why video podcasting is misunderstood01:10 Video as a distribution strategy, not a requirement02:05 Discoverability vs depth and loyaltyspan class="ql-ui"...

    13 min

  2. JAN 29

    Stop Posting, Start Ranking, How I’d Grow a Podcast From 0 to 1,000 Downloads in 2026

    Growing a podcast in 2026 has nothing to do with posting everywhere or chasing virality. It has everything to do with being findable, useful, and sticky. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini breaks down exactly how she would grow a podcast from zero to 1,000 downloads today, without burning out or flooding social media. This episode is a practical roadmap for creators who want sustainable, search-driven growth instead of short-lived spikes. You’ll learn why discoverability beats marketing, how to choose topics people are actively searching for, and how to structure episodes so platforms understand your show and listeners stay longer. Simona explains how clarity builds authority faster than variety, why retention matters more than reach, and how your back catalog becomes the engine that compounds growth over time. If your podcast feels invisible, inconsistent, or stuck, this episode will help you diagnose what’s really holding it back and show you how to fix it. Inside this episode: How to grow a podcast from 0 to 1,000 downloads in 2026Why chasing virality is slowing your growthHow to choose podcast topics people are actively searching forValidating episode ideas using search, not guessesTurning search queries into episode titlesWhy repetition builds authority faster than varietyHow clarity signals trust to algorithms and listenersCreating bingeable entry points for new listenersWhy your back catalog compounds growthTight, outcome-focused intros that increase retentionPrioritizing listen time and watch time over reachStructuring episodes to reduce cognitive overloadEnding episodes with intention so listeners return Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 Why posting everywhere fails in 202601:10 How I’d approach growth from zero downloads02:00 Choosing problems people are actually searching for03:15 Validating topics in search bars and AI tools04:20 Turning repeated phrasing into episode titles05:30 Why repetition beats variety for growth06:30 Creating bingeable entry points for new listenersli...

    14 min

  3. JAN 22

    How to Grow a Podcast in 2026, Why Discoverability Beats Marketing

    How to grow a podcast in 2026 isn’t about posting everywhere or marketing harder. It’s about podcast discoverability, building a show that platforms can understand and listeners can find through search. In this solo episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini explains why discoverability beats marketing in 2026, and how to grow a podcast organically by improving the parts most creators ignore: podcast titles for search, the first two lines of your episode description, consistent topic signals, and a simple SEO approach that helps Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube categorize your content correctly. If your podcast isn’t growing, this episode will help you diagnose the real issue. You’ll learn how to stop publishing episodes that disappear, how to write searchable episode titles (not “Episode 5 with Dan”), how to choose one main keyword per episode, and how to structure episodes to increase retention, because listen time and watch time fuel discoverability. Inside this episode: How to grow a podcast in 2026 without posting everywhereWhy podcast discoverability beats podcast marketingPodcast SEO basics, one main keyword per episodePodcast titles for search (clear, specific, outcome-led)Episode descriptions that pass the skim test (first two lines framework)Consistency signals that build algorithm trustWhy multi-topic episodes dilute your search signalStructure + retention, how to increase listen time for growthHow to grow a podcast organically with long-tail search traffic Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 Why “post your podcast everywhere” is failing in 202601:20 The shift creators don’t want to admit about growth03:00 Titles that get found (and the titles that disappear)05:10 Description skim test, the first two lines framework06:40 Consistency as an algorithm signal08:00 One keyword per episode (stop diluting the signal)10:10 Structure + retention, why attention drives discoverability11:40 Marketing as amplification (not a rescue mission)13:10 Long-tail listens, search working while you sleep14:10 Closing, build discoverability first MORE RESOURCES: li...

    16 min

  4. JAN 15

    How I’d Launch a Podcast in 2026 If I Had to Start Over (Zero Audience, Zero Momentum, No Shortcuts)

    If you had to launch a podcast in 2026 with zero audience, zero momentum, and no shortcuts, you wouldn’t start with fancy gear or “clever” branding. You’d start with being found. In this solo episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini breaks down exactly how she’d launch from scratch today, using what actually works now: search-first episode design, a trailer plus a 3-episode drop, content buckets that help platforms categorize you, and a distribution workflow built before you ever hit publish. You’ll learn how to write titles that match what people are already searching, how to craft a keyword-rich show description that makes it instantly clear who the show is for (and why they should care), and how to build an ecosystem where every episode becomes YouTube content, clips, email, and a repeatable publishing checklist. The goal is simple, and it’s the whole thesis of this episode: growth stops feeling like a grind when your podcast is designed to be discovered. Inside this episode: Why launching in 2026 starts with search, not gear, branding, or hypeHow to design episodes for discovery before you recordWhy “clever” show names can confuse both audiences and algorithmsWhat to include in a keyword-rich podcast description (and how to answer “why should they care?”)The 3 content buckets strategy that helps platforms categorize your show fasterWhy one-off, random-topic episodes can stall growth (algorithm confusion is real)How to title episodes based on what the conversation actually became (not what you planned)Launching with intent: trailer timing + dropping 3 episodes at once for binge behavior and retentionThe 3 biggest audience questions approach (and why they should be your first three episodes)Why your “Episode 0” should be a solo episode that builds trust and connectionTitles that perform in 2026: question-based and outcome-driven, written like Google searchWhy to submit to Apple + Spotify early (indexing matters)How to build distribution into your workflow (YouTube, clips, blog, email, guest sharing)The simple, repeatable publishing checklist that prevents burnoutThe core launch truth: podcasts aren’t built on trends or luck, they’re built on clarity Resources: 🎧 Free Podcast Launch Blueprint (Launch or Relaunch): https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025 Learn about: 00:00 Start with search (not gear)span class="ql-ui"...

    14 min

  5. JAN 8

    What Your Podcast Producer Wants You to Know in 2026 (Producer Tips That Save Time, Money & Burnout)

    Podcasting in 2026 is less about flashy tools and more about sustainable workflows, clean execution, and respecting the listener experience. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini is joined by Emily, Lead Editor at VOLT Productions, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what podcast producers actually notice, fix, and wish creators understood sooner. Drawing from years of editing experience across hundreds of episodes, this episode breaks down producer-level insights around retakes, recording habits, microphones, headphones, lighting, clothing, ad reads, AI editing tools, and how small production decisions quietly impact listener retention, completion rate, and long-term growth. This is not about perfection or expensive setups. It’s about understanding how your choices behind the mic affect editing time, audience trust, and burnout over time. If you want to grow a podcast that feels easier to maintain, performs better across platforms, and still sounds human in an AI-heavy landscape, this episode lays the groundwork. Inside this episode: What podcast producers notice immediately when editing an episodeWhy stopping and restarting recordings creates unnecessary editing frictionHow to do seamless retakes without losing energy or flowWhen it’s appropriate to stop a guest and re-ask a questionWhy headphones matter more than microphones for guest interviewsCommon guest audio mistakes editors see every weekHow lighting shifts mid-recording and what creators can do to prevent itWhy clothing contrast matters for video podcast qualityHow to batch record episodes without changing outfits constantlyWhy rigid ad reads reduce listener trust and increase skip behaviorHow storytelling-based mentions outperform traditional ad blocksThe difference between baked-in ads and dynamic ad insertionWhere AI editing tools help podcasters and where they fall shortWhy AI cannot replace editorial judgment or audience awarenessHow poor editing decisions affect completion rate and retentionWhat sustainable podcast production actually looks like in 2026 🎧 Join the Podcast Success Vault: A low-ticket mastermind-style membership designed to help podcasters grow with strategy, support, and real community. https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 What podcast producers wish creators understood sooner li...

    44 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    How Podcasts Will Really Grow in 2026, Community, YouTube, and AI Explained with Kendall of Riverside.FM

    Podcast growth in 2026 will not be driven by hacks, viral clips, or chasing charts. It will be built through community, discoverability on YouTube, intentional use of AI, and sustainable creator ecosystems. In this forward-looking episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini sits down with Kendall from Riverside.FM to unpack what is actually changing inside the podcasting industry and what creators must adapt to now in order to grow next year and beyond. They explore the rise of YouTube as the dominant podcast discovery engine, the shift toward mid-form video, the truth about podcast analytics, and how community-led growth is now outperforming algorithm-only strategies. You will also hear how Riverside’s all-in-one platform is changing podcast workflows by combining recording, editing, and now hosting into a single system. If you want to reduce burnout, grow with intention, and build a podcast that compounds in audience and authority, this episode gives you the roadmap for what is coming next. Inside this episode: Why community is becoming the most powerful driver of podcast growthHow YouTube has replaced traditional apps as the top discovery platformThe real limitations of podcast analytics and what creators must track manuallyHow mid-form video is overtaking short-form clips for audience conversionWhere AI truly helps podcasters and where it requires human oversightWhy all-in-one platforms are reducing creator burnoutThe future of monetization through memberships, communities, and owned platformsWhy sponsorships are no longer the fastest path to sustainable incomeThe psychology behind listener loyalty and long-term audience retentionHow creators should structure content ecosystems for 2026Audio-only versus video-first podcasting and how to chooseWhy consistency and connection now outperform production polish 🎧 Join the Podcast Success Vault: A low-ticket mastermind-style membership designed to help podcasters grow with strategy, support, and real community. https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership  🎙️ Try Riverside for Recording, Editing, and Hosting: Explore Riverside’s all-in-one podcast production and hosting platform. https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=simona  Learn about: 00:00 Why podcast growth is shifting toward community02:00 Riverside’s new hosting update and what it means for creators05:00 The true problem with modern podcast workflows08:00 Why YouTube now dominates podcast discovery11:00 The reality of podcast analytics and tracking growth14:00 How to intentionally build engaged podcast communities18:00 AI in podcasting and preventing creator burnout22:00 Why mid-form video is outperforming short clips26:00 Audio-first versus video-first podcast strategies30:00 Monetizing through ownership instead of sponsorship34:00 What sustainable podcast growth will require in 202638:00 Final advice for creators building for the long game MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: a href="https://www.voltproductions.co/contact"...

    41 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    The Truth Behind Podcast Rankings, Retention, and Growth in 2026

    Podcast rankings look glossy on the surface, but what do they actually mean for your growth, your revenue, and your long-term visibility? In this data-rich episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini is joined by Megan Dougherty, creator of the State of Business Podcasting Report, and Ana Xavier, founder of The Podcast Space, to unpack the real truth behind podcast rankings, retention, and sustainable growth heading into 2026. Together, they dissect what the Top 100 Business Podcasts data truly reveals about churn, completion rates, publishing frequency, discoverability, video adoption, guest strategy, and why so many shows rise fast and disappear just as quickly. They also explore how algorithms actually interpret engagement, how AI is changing the backend of podcast strategy, and why human connection is now the most powerful growth metric of all. If you want to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building a podcast that compounds in authority, audience, and income, this conversation gives you the roadmap behind the rankings. Inside this episode: What podcast rankings really measure and what they completely ignoreWhy nearly half of top-ranked business podcasts rotate off the charts each yearThe difference between downloads, completion rate, and real listener qualityHow retention directly shapes algorithmic discoverabilityThe most common publishing frequency among the Top 100 showsHow short-form daily publishing fits into long-term strategyWhy guest strategy now functions as a growth engine, not just contentHow cross-promotion and relationships drive measurable ROIThe hidden truth about show notes, SEO, and discoverabilityWhat the data reveals about video podcasting adoptionWhere AI supports podcasting and where it quietly erodes trustWhy humanity now outperforms polish in listener connectionThe real factors behind scalable podcast growth in 2026 ✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks. https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025  Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks Course: https://voltproductions.co/launch-podcast-8-weeks-course-offer  State of Business Podcasting Report: https://podcastingforbusiness.com/the-state-of-business-podcasting-report/  #PodcastRankings #PodcastRetention #PodcastGrowth2026 #PodcastAnalytics #PodcastMetrics #PodcastStatistics #PodcastDiscoverability #PodcastSEO #BusinessPodcasting #PodcastTrends #PodcastMarketingData #VideoPodcasting #PodcastGuestStrategy #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #VOLTProductions #PodcastROI #PodcastChurn #PodcastResearch Learn about: 00:00 Why podcast growth opinions often conflict with real data02:00 What the State of Business Podcasting Report actually measures04:00 The surprising churn rate behind Top 100 podcasts07:00 Publishing frequency trends among high-ranking shows09:00 Completion rate vs download volume as quality signals11:00 Subscriber growth and discoverability indicators13:30 Guest strategy as a long-term growth lever15:30 Cross-promotion, referrals, and relationship-driven ROI18:00 Show notes performance and SEO...

    49 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    Launch Is Step One. Growth Is Everything. Here’s How to Scale Your Podcast in 2026.

    Your podcast is live, but now the real journey begins. Growth is where your show becomes a brand, a business asset, and a tool that compounds in visibility and authority. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, host Simona Costantini wraps up the 10-week launch series by diving into the strategies that take your show beyond day one. You’ll learn how to interpret your podcast analytics, measure the right KPIs, refine your content with intention, and evolve your show based on listener behavior and performance trends. Simona also dives into how to build a powerful guest strategy, how to track ROI, how to use completion rates and retention to shape future episodes, and why iteration turns your podcast into a platform that grows your authority and revenue over time. If you’re ready to scale your podcast with clarity and consistent momentum, this episode gives you everything you need to strengthen your direction, refine your voice, and grow your show with strategy instead of guesswork. Inside this episode: The analytics that matter most for long-term podcast growthDownloads, completion rate, and subscriber trends explainedHow retention reveals your strongest topics and formatsWhy audience behavior guides your future contentHow to refine your show for longevity and authorityWhat agile creators do differently to stay relevantBuilding a strategic guest lineup that expands your networkHow cross-promotion doubles your reachHow to nurture relationships that lead to ROIWhy iteration is the secret advantage of top podcastersHow your podcast becomes a business asset, not a weekly taskInvitation to join the Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks course If you’re ready to launch your podcast with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that actually gets you seen, this episode will show you exactly how. ✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks. https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025  Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks Course: https://voltproductions.co/launch-podcast-8-weeks-course-offer  #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #PodcastAnalytics #PodcastingTips #PodcastEducation #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #VOLTProductions #PodcastMonetization #PodcastLaunchTips #PodcastContentStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastGuests #PodcastForBusiness #PodcastMarketing #SpotifyPodcasters #YouTubePodcasts #PodcastWorkflow #PodcastPerformance Learn about: 00:00 Launching versus growing your podcast00:40 Why post-launch strategy determines long-term success01:20 Going deeper with the 8-week podcast launch course02:00 Understanding analytics without overwhelm03:00 Downloads per episode and what they actually signal04:00 Why completion rate reveals true listener quality04:30 How subscriber growth boosts discoverability05:00 Tracking leads, traffic, and inquiries05:45 Using retention to guide future content06:30 Refining your format for longevity07:00 How your audience shapes your evolution08:00 Spotting patterns that influence your message09:00 Using guest strategy as a powerful growth lever10:00 Cross-promotion and expanding your reach11:00 Relationship-building as a podcast growth engine12:00 Tracking guest ROI for long-term collaboration13:00 Iteration and how it creates industry...

    17 min
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4.6
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Looking for expert tips on how to launch, grow, and monetize your podcast? You’re in the right place! As It Relates to Podcasting is your go-to resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, content creators, coaches, and consultants who want to leverage podcasting to build their brand, boost their business, and create meaningful connections with their audience. Hosted by full-time podcast strategist and producer Simona Costantini, this show dives into everything you need to know—from successfully starting your podcast to growing your listener base and turning your show into a revenue-generating machine. Whether you’re looking to optimize your strategy or hitting record for the first time, you’ll find practical insights that cut through the noise. Each episode breaks down actionable strategies for burning questions like: - How do I successfully launch my podcast and stand out from the crowd? - What are the most effective ways to increase my downloads and grow my audience? - How can I monetize my podcast without overwhelming my listeners? - What steps should I take to attract sponsors, partners, and collaborations? - How can I use my podcast to drive clients, customers, and revenue for my business? - What are the best tools and systems for running a smooth, stress-free podcast? This show isn’t about fluff or recycled advice—it’s all about providing real-world tips, tested strategies, and expert guidance to help you avoid burnout, stay consistent, and scale your podcast into a successful platform. Through solo episodes and deep-dive roundtables, you’ll gain access to insider knowledge that helps you sidestep common podcast pitfalls and maximize your impact. Tune in weekly as we cover everything from content creation and audience engagement to advanced marketing tactics and monetization methods that actually work. Plus, get exclusive backstage access to tips and resources you won’t find anywhere else, so you can fast-track your growth and start seeing results. Subscribe now and take the next step in turning your passion for podcasting into a profitable venture that reaches and resonates with your ideal audience!

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