As It Relates to Podcasting with Simona Costantini

Hosted by Simona Costantini

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Feb 2026

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About the show

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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February 26, 202613 min

AI for Podcasters in 2026: The Right Way to Use AI Without Losing Your Voice

AI for podcasters is everywhere in 2026. But faster does not automatically mean better. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting , Simona breaks down the right way to use AI in your podcast workflow without sacrificing originality, emotional nuance, or trust with your audience. AI can help you move faster. It can help you outline episodes, generate show notes, draft captions, pull timestamps, and simplify editing. But when you let AI lead your thought leadership, storytelling, or point of view, your show becomes generic. And generic podcasts do not grow. This episode walks you through where AI fits into a modern podcast strategy, where it should never lead, and how to protect the one thing that makes your show scalable in 2026, your voice. If you are building a podcast this year and wondering how to balance efficiency with authenticity, this is your roadmap. Inside this episode: Why AI for podcasters should remove admin, not replace perspective The difference between automated podcasting and human-led strategy Why publishing raw AI output makes your show forgettable How to run a “voice check” before releasing AI-assisted scripts Where AI works best, outlines, summaries, timestamps, first drafts Why your final edits must always be human-led How to use AI for show notes without killing SEO Testing titles against real search behavior Why AI-generated clips often miss the emotional hook Protecting trust in the age of automation Why your voice is the product and AI is the assistant Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 AI can make you faster or forgettable 01:00 The goal is not automated podcasting 02:00 AI is a tool, not your voice 03:00 Where AI helps with outlines and structure 04:00 Why you should never publish raw AI output 05:00 The voice check rule 06:00 Keeping final edits human-led 07:00 AI for show notes, summaries, and timestamps 08:00 Why most AI content is not optimized for search 09:00 Titles, testing, and discoverability 10:00 AI clip tools and weak hooks 11:00 Why thought leadership cannot be automated 12:00 Emotional nuance and storytelling 13:00 Protecting trust with your audience 14:00 Your voice is the product MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast #AIForPodcasters #Podcasting2026 #PodcastStrategy #PodcastGrowth #ContentCreators #PodcastMarketing #AIContent #PodcastTips #CreatorEconomy #PodcastProduction

February 19, 202616 min

How to Grow a Podcast in 2026 From Scratch (What I’d Do Differently)

How do you grow a podcast in 2026 when you have no team, no momentum, and no audience? If I had to start from zero today, I would not try to do more. I would not try to be everywhere. And I definitely would not chase algorithms. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting , I walk you through exactly how to grow a podcast in 2026 from scratch and what I would do differently if I were rebuilding everything from the ground up. This is not about hacks. It is not about volume. It is not about posting more. It is about clarity, sustainability, and making your podcast easy to find, easy to follow, and easy to stick with. You will learn how to choose the right primary platform, simplify your production stack, define your audience with precision, structure episodes around one clear promise, batch for consistency, create repeatable formats, and use real listener data to guide smarter decisions. If your podcast feels scattered, fragile, or harder than it should be, this episode will help you rebuild it with intention. Because the podcasts that grow in 2026 will not be the loudest. They will be the clearest. Inside this episode: How to grow a podcast in 2026 without a team Why simplifying is the fastest growth strategy Choosing one primary discovery engine, YouTube vs Apple and Spotify Why mastering one platform beats being invisible on five How to define exactly who your podcast is for Why creating a “not for” statement sharpens your message Structuring each episode around one clear promise The “one episode, one job” rule Building habits before ambition How batching protects your publishing consistency Choosing a release cadence you can maintain for 12 weeks Simplifying your mic, camera, and editing tools Creating a streamlined production checklist Repeatable formats that reduce decision fatigue How to read listener retention data Identifying which episodes people finish in full Using comments, DMs, and search terms to shape future content Why clarity, repeatability, and retention drive sustainable podcast growth Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 If I had to start over in 2026 01:00 Stop chasing more 02:00 Pick one primary discovery platform 03:00 YouTube vs audio-first growth strategy 04:00 Define who your podcast helps 05:00 One clear promise per episode 06:00 One episode, one job 07:00 Build habits before ambition 08:00 Batch your episodes 09:00 Simplify your tech stack 10:00 Use one editing flow 11:00 Create repeatable formats 12:00 Let the data guide you 13:00 Double down on what retains listeners 14:00 Why clarity wins in 2026 MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast #HowToGrowAPodcast #PodcastGrowth2026 #PodcastStrategy #PodcastMarketing #PodcastDiscovery #PodcastRetention #SustainablePodcastGrowth #PodcastSystems #PodcastWorkflow #AsItRelatesToPodcasting

February 12, 202614 min

Your Podcast Is NOT the Product (And That’s Why It’s Not Growing)

Why is my podcast not growing in 2026? Most creators think they need better promotion, more episodes, or more content. The real issue is structural. Your podcast is not the product, and treating it like one is quietly stalling your growth. If your podcast is the only thing you’re building, your growth will always feel fragile. Most creators are trying to grow downloads, followers, and subscribers. But they’re building their podcast like it’s the final product instead of what it actually is: the front door to everything else they do. In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting , Simona Costantini breaks down the biggest mindset shift in podcast growth for 2026. Your show is not the business. It’s the introduction to your thinking. It shapes belief. It builds trust. It opens the relationship. And when you treat it like the end goal instead of the ecosystem entry point, growth stalls. You’ll learn why trust always precedes conversion, how episodes build authority over time, and why the real value of your podcast happens after the listen. This episode also covers why owning your audience matters more than chasing algorithms, how clear call to actions increase momentum, and why strategy will always beat volume. If your podcast feels stuck, this conversation will help you rebuild it as an asset instead of a fragile content stream. This is about building something that compounds. Inside this episode: Why your podcast is the front door, not the product How episodes shape belief before they sell Why trust precedes conversion every time The mistake of selling too early Why the real value happens after the listen Email lists, communities, and owning your audience Why algorithms cannot replace direct relationships How clear call to actions increase conversions Why too many CTAs kill momentum Strategy over volume in podcast growth Intent over output How to align your show with your larger ecosystem Why systems and clarity create sustainable growth Resources: Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership Learn about: 00:00 Why podcast growth feels fragile 01:00 The “grow, grow, grow” trap 02:00 Your show as the front door 03:00 Authority compounds over time 04:00 Trust before conversion 05:00 The real value happens after the listen 06:00 Owning your audience vs fighting algorithms 07:00 Email lists and communities 08:00 Clear next steps and CTAs 09:00 Why strategy beats volume 10:00 Intent over output 11:00 Supporting your ecosystem 12:00 Sustainable systems for growth MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast #PodcastGrowthStrategy #PodcastGrowth2026 #PodcastMarketing #PodcastMonetization #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastBusiness #PodcastStrategy #PodcastEcosystem #PodcastAuthority #AsItRelatesToPodcasting

February 5, 202613 min

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 benefits Why video is a distribution strategy, not a growth requirement How YouTube rewards clarity, consistency, and structure over visuals The difference between discoverability and listener loyalty Why bad video can hurt your podcast more than no video at all What production issues erode trust with viewers Why audio still wins for intimacy, retention, and completion rates How multitasking drives consistent listening habits Why your voice builds familiarity faster than visuals When and how to use a strategic hybrid podcast approach Recording audio-first to protect quality and sustainability Using video for discoverability and audio for relationships Why sustainability beats trends every time Choosing 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 misunderstood 01:10 Video as a distribution strategy, not a requirement 02:05 Discoverability vs depth and loyalty 03:10 How YouTube actually evaluates content 04:15 Why clarity and structure matter more than visuals 05:20 How confusing formats stall podcast growth 06:15 When video hurts more than it helps 07:20 Why audio wins for retention and intimacy 08:20 Multitasking, habits, and higher completion rates 09:10 How voice builds trust and familiarity 10:05 A strategic hybrid podcast approach 11:05 Sustainability, consistency, and avoiding burnout 12:05 Choosing a format that supports your voice MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast #VideoPodcast #AudioPodcast #PodcastStrategy #PodcastGrowth #PodcastRetention #PodcastDiscoverability #Podcasting2026 #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastSEO #PodcastFormats #SustainablePodcasting

January 29, 202613 min

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 2026 Why chasing virality is slowing your growth How to choose podcast topics people are actively searching for Validating episode ideas using search, not guesses Turning search queries into episode titles Why repetition builds authority faster than variety How clarity signals trust to algorithms and listeners Creating bingeable entry points for new listeners Why your back catalog compounds growth Tight, outcome-focused intros that increase retention Prioritizing listen time and watch time over reach Structuring episodes to reduce cognitive overload Ending 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 2026 01:10 How I’d approach growth from zero downloads 02:00 Choosing problems people are actually searching for 03:15 Validating topics in search bars and AI tools 04:20 Turning repeated phrasing into episode titles 05:30 Why repetition beats variety for growth 06:30 Creating bingeable entry points for new listeners 07:45 Using your back catalog to compound downloads 08:45 Tight intros and naming the outcome fast 09:50 Retention over reach, why fewer drop-offs matter 10:50 Episode structure as a trust signal 11:45 Ending episodes with a reason to return 12:30 The fastest way to grow a podcast in 2026 MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast #PodcastGrowth #PodcastSEO #PodcastDiscoverability #PodcastStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastingTips #PodcastGrowthTips #PodcastSEOTips #PodcastTitles #EpisodeTitles #PodcastDescription #PodcastShowNotes

January 22, 202615 min

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 everywhere Why podcast discoverability beats podcast marketing Podcast SEO basics, one main keyword per episode Podcast titles for search (clear, specific, outcome-led) Episode descriptions that pass the skim test (first two lines framework) Consistency signals that build algorithm trust Why multi-topic episodes dilute your search signal Structure + retention, how to increase listen time for growth How 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 2026 01:20 The shift creators don’t want to admit about growth 03:00 Titles that get found (and the titles that disappear) 05:10 Description skim test, the first two lines framework 06:40 Consistency as an algorithm signal 08:00 One keyword per episode (stop diluting the signal) 10:10 Structure + retention, why attention drives discoverability 11:40 Marketing as amplification (not a rescue mission) 13:10 Long-tail listens, search working while you sleep 14:10 Closing, build discoverability first MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

January 15, 202614 min

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 hype How to design episodes for discovery before you record Why “clever” show names can confuse both audiences and algorithms What 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 faster Why 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 retention The 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 connection Titles that perform in 2026: question-based and outcome-driven, written like Google search Why 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 burnout The 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) 02:00 Part 1, Design for search before you record 03:10 Show name + podcast description SEO (who it’s for, why it exists, why they should care) 04:10 Content buckets for the first 10 episodes (stop confusing the algorithm) 06:00 Title after recording for relevance (match title to what you actually said) 06:50 Part 2, Launch with intent (not hype) 07:20 Trailer timing (1 week or less before launch) 08:00 Drop 3 episodes at once for binge + retention signals 08:40 Make the first 3 episodes the top 3 audience questions 09:10 Episode 0 should be solo (connection to host drives show success) 10:00 Titles that work in 2026 (question based, outcome driven) 10:40 Submit to Apple/Spotify early for indexing 11:15 Part 3, Build distribution into the workflow ahead of time 11:45 Create a repeatable publishing checklist (podcast, blog, email, promotion) 12:30 The takeaway, clarity makes growth feel inevitable 13:20 Closing + Launch Blueprint reminder MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

January 8, 202643 min

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 episode Why stopping and restarting recordings creates unnecessary editing friction How to do seamless retakes without losing energy or flow When it’s appropriate to stop a guest and re-ask a question Why headphones matter more than microphones for guest interviews Common guest audio mistakes editors see every week How lighting shifts mid-recording and what creators can do to prevent it Why clothing contrast matters for video podcast quality How to batch record episodes without changing outfits constantly Why rigid ad reads reduce listener trust and increase skip behavior How storytelling-based mentions outperform traditional ad blocks The difference between baked-in ads and dynamic ad insertion Where AI editing tools help podcasters and where they fall short Why AI cannot replace editorial judgment or audience awareness How poor editing decisions affect completion rate and retention What 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 01:55 Retakes, continuity, and energy shifts 05:10 Why stopping recordings hurts editing flow 09:45 Re-asking guest questions the right way 13:40 Headphones, microphones, and guest audio expectations 18:05 Lighting mistakes producers see constantly 22:10 Clothing choices that hurt video quality 25:55 Why storytelling beats structured ad reads 29:45 Listener fatigue and over-monetization 33:30 AI podcast editing tools vs real editorial oversight 38:10 Completion rate, retention, and sustainable growth 41:20 Final producer advice for podcasters in 2026 MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

December 11, 202540 min

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 growth How YouTube has replaced traditional apps as the top discovery platform The real limitations of podcast analytics and what creators must track manually How mid-form video is overtaking short-form clips for audience conversion Where AI truly helps podcasters and where it requires human oversight Why all-in-one platforms are reducing creator burnout The future of monetization through memberships, communities, and owned platforms Why sponsorships are no longer the fastest path to sustainable income The psychology behind listener loyalty and long-term audience retention How creators should structure content ecosystems for 2026 Audio-only versus video-first podcasting and how to choose Why 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 community 02:00 Riverside’s new hosting update and what it means for creators 05:00 The true problem with modern podcast workflows 08:00 Why YouTube now dominates podcast discovery 11:00 The reality of podcast analytics and tracking growth 14:00 How to intentionally build engaged podcast communities 18:00 AI in podcasting and preventing creator burnout 22:00 Why mid-form video is outperforming short clips 26:00 Audio-first versus video-first podcast strategies 30:00 Monetizing through ownership instead of sponsorship 34:00 What sustainable podcast growth will require in 2026 38:00 Final advice for creators building for the long game MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Kendall: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbreitman/ Website: https://riverside.fm YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiversideFM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riverside-fm/ Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

November 27, 202548 min

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 ignore Why nearly half of top-ranked business podcasts rotate off the charts each year The difference between downloads, completion rate, and real listener quality How retention directly shapes algorithmic discoverability The most common publishing frequency among the Top 100 shows How short-form daily publishing fits into long-term strategy Why guest strategy now functions as a growth engine, not just content How cross-promotion and relationships drive measurable ROI The hidden truth about show notes, SEO, and discoverability What the data reveals about video podcasting adoption Where AI supports podcasting and where it quietly erodes trust Why humanity now outperforms polish in listener connection The 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 data 02:00 What the State of Business Podcasting Report actually measures 04:00 The surprising churn rate behind Top 100 podcasts 07:00 Publishing frequency trends among high-ranking shows 09:00 Completion rate vs download volume as quality signals 11:00 Subscriber growth and discoverability indicators 13:30 Guest strategy as a long-term growth lever 15:30 Cross-promotion, referrals, and relationship-driven ROI 18:00 Show notes performance and SEO realities 21:00 AI, automation, and what creators must fact-check 23:30 Video podcasting as a future-proof strategy 26:00 What the data says about sustainable growth in 2026 28:00 The one trend that will be unavoidable next year MORE RESOURCES: Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Ana: Website: https://www.thepodcastspace.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodcastspace/ Podcast: https://www.thepodcastspace.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjB4ztIRQBFadQ3C8OVZvDA/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaxavierr/ Connect with Megan: Website: https://onestonecreative.net/ Podcast: https://onestonecreative.net/spotlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughertymegan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscpodcasting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneStoneCreative/ Connect with Simona here: Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/ Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast