Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast with Courtney Elmer | Podcasting Strategies for Growing a Podcast That Converts

Hosted by Courtney Elmer | PodLaunchHQ.com

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Episodes

423

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Named the best podcast on podcasting, this isn’t another “share great content and stay consistent” show doling out generic podcasting advice. We’re breaking down 30,000+ hours of study into what today's top hosts do differently to create bingeworthy podcasts that convert. Hosted by Forbes and Rolling Stone–featured podcasting psychology expert, Webby Awards judge, and PodLaunch® founder Courtney Elmer, you’ll get the podcasting tools and strategies other shows won’t dare to share (backed by 70+ Top 100 podcast launches). Expect unfiltered podcasting insights, behind-the-scenes breakdowns, and “why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?!” advice so you can master growing a podcast that listeners can’t stop bingeing (and buying from). When 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 if you want a podcast launch strategy that positions you as the authority in your category and drives revenue... Welcome to the podcast that’s about to change the game for you. Hit follow and let’s dive in. ... Popular Guests Include: Adam Adams, Alex Sanfilippo, Dave Jackson, James Cridland, James Wedmore, Jeremy Enns, John Lee Dumas, Jordan Harbinger, Kevin Chemidlin, Seth Silvers, Tom Rossi, and more. Popular Episode Topics Include: Podcast Messaging, Podcasting Psychology, Podcast Marketing, Creating Bingeworthy Podcast Content, Listener Engagement Strategies, Podcasting Mistakes to Avoid, Podcasting Tools, Podcasting Trends, Growing a Podcast, How to Monetize Your Podcast, Podcast Listener Conversion, Video Podcasting, Ranking Your Podcast in the Top 100, How to Start a Podcast, Podcast Launch Strategy

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 42324 min

What Your Podcast Metrics Aren't Telling You

If your podcast isn't growing, your metrics are the last place you should look. Every download, play, and retention graph only tells part of the story. Which means you can spend months improving your podcast without ever knowing whether you're fixing the right problem. Every podcast's performance is shaped by two key decisions. Once you understand how they work, you'll never think about growing a podcast the same way again. Ready to find out what your podcast metrics aren't telling you and why most podcast growth strategies never deliver the results they promise? Hit play and let's dive in. … 0:51 – The 2 Decisions That Determine Your Podcast's Performance 2:25 – What Your Podcast Metrics Aren't Telling You 10:40 – Why Most Podcast Growth Strategies Fail 17:13 – The PodLaunch Performance Model Explained 21:53 – The Difference Between Measuring Performance and Driving It … Episode Links: See the PodLaunch Performance Model® … Other Episodes You’ll Love: This Changes Everything We Know About Growing a Podcast How to Pinpoint Where Your Podcast Performance Is Breaking Down … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

August 12, 2026Episode 42218 min

This Changes Everything We Know About Growing a Podcast

Everyone’s trying to teach you how to grow your podcast. Do SEO. Add video. Write better titles. Improve your production. But what if almost everything you thought you knew about growing a podcast is backwards? That's the question I've spent the last six years working to answer. Because until you understand what drives predictable podcast performance, every decision you make for your show is still a best guess. Let's fix that. Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:01 – The Truth About Why I Started This Podcast 10:08 – The 3 Questions That Change What We Know About Podcast Growth 11:45 – The Blind Spot That Makes Growing a Podcast Unpredictable 14:02 – Why the Podcast Industry Keeps Solving the Wrong Problem First 17:16 – The One Thing Every High-Performing Podcast Has in Common … Episode Links: Follow the Podcast Performance Journal on Substack Other Episodes You’ll Love: What Your Podcast Metrics Aren't Telling You How to Pinpoint Where Your Podcast Performance Is Breaking Down … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

August 6, 2026Episode 42125 min

The New Rules for Growing a Podcast in 2026 | Roger Nairn

Knowing where listeners discover podcasts is only half the battle. The bigger challenge is turning that knowledge into a repeatable strategy that helps more people find your show month after month instead of hoping people stumble across your podcast. Roger Nairn from JAR Podcast Solutions is back to break down how to turn one podcast episode into multiple ways to get discovered, why more podcasters are building for YouTube first, and how to create viral podcast moments people can't wait to send to a friend. Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:03 – The 4 Biggest Podcast Discovery Trends Happening Right Now 3:08 – The 2-Week Podcast Launch Mistake That Limits Long-Term Growth 8:08 – Why One Podcast Episode Should Create Multiple Ways to Get Discovered 11:16 – Why More Podcasters Are Building for YouTube First 18:04 – How to Create Podcast Episodes People Want to Share … Episode Links: Meet Roger Nairn: JAR Podcast Solutions | LinkedIn Listen to Roger’s Podcast: Dead Dads … Other Episodes You’ll Love: Podcast Discovery Has Changed. Here's What the New Data Says. … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

August 5, 2026Episode 42022 min

Podcast Discovery Has Changed. Here's What the Data Says | Roger Nairn

New data reveals that podcast discovery has changed, but most podcasters haven't changed with it. If you're still expecting new listeners to find your show inside Apple Podcasts or Spotify, you're overlooking the top places podcast listeners are discovering new shows today. Roger Nairn from JAR Podcast Solutions is here to unpack why podcast apps are not best place to grow your audience, how to choose the right platforms to market your show, and three podcast marketing strategies circa 2015 you can stop obsessing over (and what to focus on instead). Hit play and let's dive in. … 1:14 – Why Podcast Apps Are No Longer the Best Place to Grow Your Audience 2:18 – The Top Places Podcast Listeners Are Discovering New Shows 5:38 – Why Your Podcast Doesn't Need to Be Everywhere 14:35 – How to Choose the Right Platforms to Market Your Show 18:31 – 3 Podcast Marketing Strategies You Can Stop Obsessing Over … Episode Links: Meet Roger Nairn: JAR Podcast Solutions | LinkedIn Listen to Roger’s Podcast: Dead Dads … Other Episodes You’ll Love: The New Rules for Growing a Podcast in 2026 … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 29, 2026Episode 41918 min

Use These 3 Communication Patterns to Help Listeners Trust You Faster

If your podcast needs to deliver measurable reach and revenue for your business or brand, then the fastest way to do that isn't publishing more episodes. It's learning how to communicate in a way that helps listeners trust you enough to act. I'm handing you three Podcast Psychology frameworks you can use inside your next episode so your listeners don't just agree with you. They act because of you. If you want to stop publishing episodes that lead nowhere and start creating content people act on, hit play and let's dive in. … 0:04 – Why Human Behavior Drives Podcast Performance 4:44 – Why Listeners Agree With You But Never Take the Next Step 9:19 – The Fastest Way to Get Listeners to Trust What You Say 13:40 – How to Change Someone's Mind Without Arguing With Them 15:49 – Make People Want What You Offer Without Pitching … Other Episodes You’ll Love: How to Speak the Language of Your Ideal Listener 3 Ways to Hook Your Listener Before They Ever Hit Play … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 23, 2026Episode 41821 min

What to Do After Guesting on a Podcast to Get More Referrals and Clients | Sam Brake Guia

Most people think landing the podcast guest interview is the win. It's not. If your podcast guest appearances end with a thank-you email and a social media post, that's exactly why they never lead to more clients, referrals, or repeat invitations. In this episode, Sam Brake Guia is back to share the follow-up strategies that turn a single guest appearance into repeat invites, referral partners, and long-term business relationships. You'll learn how to stay top of mind with podcast hosts and the simple habits that transform one interview into a network of future collaborators. If you want a practical roadmap for turning every guest interview into the start of your next opportunity, hit play and let's dive in. … 3:44 – What Great Podcast Guests Never Do After the Interview 8:13 – Why Most Podcast Guest Appearances Produce Zero ROI (and How to Fix It) 11:01 – Why Your Next Guest Appearance Might Come From Your Last One 12:48 – Why Podcast Guesting Rewards Patience 14:33 – The Follow-Up Strategy That Turns Hosts Into Referral Partners … Episode Links: Meet Sam Brake Guia: PodWritten.com | LinkedIn Listen to Sam’s Podcast: Mics to Millions … Other Episodes You'll Love: What Top Hosts Look For Before They Say Yes to Your Guest Pitch … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 22, 2026Episode 41723 min

What Top Hosts Look for Before They Say Yes to Your Guest Pitch | Sam Brake Guia

After sending nearly 2,000 podcast pitches that have landed his clients on top podcasts, Sam Brake Guia knows exactly what separates the guest pitches that get deleted from the ones that get an immediate "yes" (and the answer has less to do with your credentials than you probably think). Sam's breaking down the simple 3-part framework behind guest pitches that top hosts actually respond to, what to put in your P.S. to build instant credibility, and the one habit that makes hosts want to book you. If you want to know exactly what top hosts look for before they invite you on their show, hit play and let's dive in. … 1:56 – The 3 Things Every Podcast Host Looks for in a Guest Pitch 2:48 – Why Shorter Guest Pitches Get More Replies 4:35 – What to Put in Your P.S. to Build Instant Credibility 8:36 – How to Choose the Right Podcasts to Guest On 16:09 – The Interview Prep Mistake That Makes You Forgettable 18:04 – The One Habit That Books You More Guest Appearances … Episode Links: Meet Sam Brake Guia: PodWritten.com | LinkedIn Listen to Sam’s Podcast: Mics to Millions … Other Episodes You’ll Love: What to Do After Guesting on a Podcast to Get More Referrals and Clients Why Guesting on Podcasts Won’t Grow Your Show (Unless You Do This) … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 15, 2026Episode 41616 min

7 Podcasting Skills That Separate Good Hosts from Great Ones

What separates an average podcast interview from a bingeworthy one isn't the guest. It's the host. Sam Brake Guia, host of Mics to Millions and co-founder of PodWritten, has interviewed hundreds of guests and studied the world's best interviewers to uncover what separates average podcast hosts from the ones you can't stop listening to. He's about to share seven podcast hosting skills you can apply right away to ask better questions, lead more engaging conversations, and create interviews your audience actually wants to finish. Whether you're just launching a podcast or you've been hosting interviews for years, you'll walk away with ideas you can put to work the very next time you hit record. Hit play and let's dive in. … 2:04 – The Interview Planning Mistake Most Hosts Make 2:44 – How to Ask Questions Your Guest Has Never Been Asked 5:08 – The Interview Skill That Unlocks Bingeworthy Conversations 7:23 – The Simple Communication Habit That Makes You Sound More Confident 9:43 – The Editing Skill That Turns Good Interviews Into Great Ones … Episode Links: Meet Sam Brake Guia: PodWritten.com | LinkedIn Listen to Sam’s Podcast: Mics to Millions ... Other Shows Mentioned In This Episode: Where Should We Begin with Esther Perel Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett Creator Science with Jay Klaus 10% Happier with Dan Harris Charisma on Command The Tim Ferris Show … Other Episodes You’ll Love: What Top Hosts Look for Before They Say Yes to Your Guest Pitch What to Do After Guesting on a Podcast to Get More Referrals and Clients … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 8, 2026Episode 41520 min

Why Your Podcast Feels Valuable to You, But Not to Listeners

If your podcast feels valuable to you but listeners are dropping off halfway through your episodes, the issue might not be your content but the way you’re communicating it. Most experts think valuable podcast content means sharing more of what they know. But your listeners won't care how much you know until they understand what your knowledge can do for them. I'll walk you through the 3-part formula for turning your expertise into content listeners care about so more of the right people hit play, stay engaged, and come back for more. Hit play and let’s dive in. … 2:33 – Why Your Podcast Feels Clear to You, But Confusing to Everyone Else 6:18 – Why Listeners Won't Care What You Know (Until You Do This) 10:37 – The One Content Mistake That Makes Great Shows Forgettable 15:21 – The 3-Part Formula That Makes Listeners Think, "This Podcast Gets Me" 17:00 – How Specificity Makes Your Expertise Impossible to Ignore … Episode Links: Next Thing You Know by Jordan Davis ... Other Episodes You’ll Love: 3 Ways to Hook Your Listener Before They Ever Hit Play … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.

July 2, 2026Episode 41422 min

Why Your Next Dollar Should Come From Your Last Episode | Jordan Blair, Buzzsprout

What if you could monetize your podcast without creating more content, growing your audience, or landing sponsors? Most podcasters are sitting on revenue opportunities they don't even know they have. Jordan Blair, Buzzsprout's Podcast Producer and host of Dreamful Bedtime Stories with 13M+ downloads, is back with three low-effort ways to monetize your podcast using content you've already created. She's unpacking why your back catalog may be a hidden revenue asset, how she started monetizing before her podcast even launched, and the mistake that prevents many podcasters from ever earning a dime from their show. So if you want to monetize your podcast without adding more to your plate, hit play and let's dive in. … 0:45 – Where Most Hosts Overcomplicate Podcast Monetization 3:46 – Why the Easiest Podcast Revenue Comes From Content You've Already Created 8:58 – Why Your Episode Back Catalog Is a Hidden Revenue Asset 10:40 – How to Monetize Your Podcast Before You Launch It 13:10 – Why Most Monetization Problems Are Actually CTA Problems … Episode Links: Meet Jordan Blair: Buzzsprout | LinkedIn Listen to Jordan’s Podcast: Dreamful Bedtime Stories Listen to Buzzsprout’s Podcast: Buzzcast … Other Episodes You’ll Love: Before You Chase Sponsors to Monetize Your Podcast, Listen to This 6 Ways to Earn Money with Buzzsprout Subscriptions … Got Podcasting Questions? Send them to me here. Support the show Love this show? Leave a review to say thanks in true podcasting style, or share it with your podcasting friends. Podcast Health Score™ See exactly where your show is losing listeners. Podcast SEO Mastery Optimize your show so it can get found 24/7. Apply for a spot on the show to get live podcasting help from me. Want more podcasting advice? See what I’m testing on Substack ... Special thanks to Resonate Recordings , our implementation partner for PodLaunch® Accelerator . If your podcasting efforts aren't bringing you the listeners or sales you expected, book a strategy call for help to fix it. Follow for more podcasting insights: LinkedIn | PodLaunchHQ.com ©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.