Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth


Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn’t the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

  • Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed
  • Viral moments: why fame doesn’t equal loyalty
  • $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what?
  • Famous parents, forgotten children
  • Coaches promising millions
  • Build longing: make a podcast worth missing
  • Small hinges, big doors 

Why You Should Listen

  • How podcasters burn thousands on ads
  • Why “famous” is worthless (and what really drives listener obsession)
  • The jaw-dropping viral video contract
  • The real reason coaches push “the basics” (and why the lazy are secretly drawn to them)
  • When $15,000 in ads only gets you 178 listeners
  • How podcast consultants charge $7500
  • The seductive power of a giant antenna (and why you’ll never buy your way to the top)
  • What social media “gurus” won’t tell you about YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcast growth
  • Why unlocking listener loyalty unleashes total control over your audience (and their wallets)
  • The envy-fueled drama behind working with “competitors” (and why it’s no real competition)
  • How churches and religious groups quietly dominate media ... and the secrets you can steal
  • What Fox News-style audience swapping reveals for hungry podcasters
  • The lazy podcaster’s shortcut: Think you can survive without changing? Think again
  • How “air checks” from the pros create radio envy ... and a path to dominating your niche
  • Why the “small hinges, big doors” formula can make power, greed, and loyalty swing YOUR way

Episode Timestamps

  • [00:02] The letter from a frustrated podcaster: Is there really very little you can do to grow a show unless you’re lucky or famous?
  • [06:05] “Viral moments won’t get you loyal listeners” ... the Nashville Hawk Tuah girl story and the myth of overnight success
  • [07:18] Spending $15,000 on ads for 178 downloads per day: Is audience growth really for sale?
  • [09:16] Why even the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll can’t leverage fame into real influence ... and what that teaches us about podcasting
  • [13:16] The hard truth about religious and niche shows: why your topic might get you ignored no matter how much you spend
  • [15:06] The $4000 guitar mistake: Why buying the fanciest tools won’t make your podcast sing if you skip this one thing
  • [22:24] The secret to becoming a better podcaster that most will never try ... what SiriusXM jocks do that you probably don’t

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