Building Podcast Growth From Scratch—What No One Tells You About Starting Out— Debra Bowers | Ep 93

If you’re a podcaster who’s ever wondered what really happens when you have to pivot your show, this episode is for you. I sit down with Deborah Bowers, host of Deals with Heels Where Female Entrepreneurs Thrive, and explore her story of reinvention—from building her own home studio (without breaking the bank) to pushing through major changes when her co‑host left the show. You’ll get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how Deborah transformed her podcast workflow, made smart content decisions, and embraced solo hosting, even when it felt intimidating.Listen in for relatable lessons on how to keep your podcast going through big transitions and dig into practical tips on booking guests, setting up a studio, and getting your episodes out there. If you’re trying to find the right podcasting routine or thinking about how to evolve your show, you’ll come away with specific ideas on:Building a functional home studio on a budgetHow to keep your content fresh after a major format changeDeborah’s honest reflections might just give you the encouragement—or little push—you need to keep telling your own story.Connect with Debra BowersWebsite: https://dealswithheels.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@Dealswithheels444/videosIf My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Welcome and Deborah’s Journey01:10 Introducing Deals with Heels02:00 The Podcast’s Serendipitous Start05:01 Navigating Co‑Host Changes07:06 Going Solo and Building a Home Studio10:01 Setting Up the Studio on a Budget12:08 Lighting, Tech, and Learning Curves14:38 How Long the Podcast Has Been Running15:47 Guest Highlights and Unplanned Magic19:01 Deborah’s Podcast Workflow24:48 Origins of “Deals with Heels”27:46 Moving On from “Queen of the Week”28:17 Going Solo as Host—Emotions and Lessons34:07 Looking Ahead to Season Four35:29 Mindset and New Projects37:22 Will There Be More Solo Episodes?40:01 Sharing Stories and Podcasting Insights42:39 Audience Demographics and YouTube Growth44:04 Behind the Scenes: YouTube and Thumbnails48:07 Milestones and the Mindset Journey50:22 SEO, Search, and Audience Growth52:10 Digital Ads and Podcast Promotion54:55 Guests, Episodes, and Listener Trends55:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections59:19 Advice for New Podcasters01:00:14 Where to Find Deborah01:01:05 Wrap‑Up and Thanks