Episode 58: The “Trust Recession” and Podcast Growth: Why Community Is the New Marketing Strategy with Cait Howard & Amanda Bennett

What does podcast growth actually look like in 2026 — especially for women and mom podcasters who want sustainable growth, real connection, and a business that fits their life?In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I’m joined by Cait Howard and Amanda Benavides, the women behind Podcasting Moms Club and the Mom Friends Media Collective. Together, we’re unpacking what’s changing in podcasting, what’s finally working for women creators, and why community-driven growth is becoming the most powerful strategy moving forward.This conversation is for women building podcasts in real life — between school drop-offs, nap schedules, client work, and everything else. We talk honestly about growing a podcast without hustle culture, why relationships matter more than algorithms, and how mom podcasters are shaping the future of the podcast industry.We also dive into how aligned collaborations lead to stronger visibility, better monetization, and more meaningful opportunities — without cold pitching or chasing downloads. Plus, we explore why in-person connection is making a comeback and what podcasters should actually focus on as we head into 2026.In this episode, we cover:The future of podcasting for women and mom podcastersWhy community-led podcast growth outperforms transactional marketingHow podcast collaborations and swaps really happenSustainable podcast strategies that support real lifeThe shift away from hustle culture in podcast marketingWhy in-person podcast events are becoming more valuableHow women podcasters are monetizing beyond adsBuilding trust, visibility, and long-term authority through podcastingWhat to prioritize now to grow a podcast that supports your business and your lifeTimestamps:5:15 - The future of podcasting in 202610:45 - Amanda’s journey into podcasting15:30 - Cait talks about the importance of community20:00 - Insights on building sustainable podcasting partnerships25:50 - The role of women in shaping the podcasting industry30:10 - Challenges faced by mom podcasters35:25 - Upcoming Podcasting Mom Conference details40:00 - Tips for growing a podcast audience43:00 - Closing thoughts and future hopes for 2026If you’re a woman podcaster who wants growth that feels aligned — not exhausting — this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a completely new lens on what’s possible.This is about treating your podcast like a long-term asset — not just content — and letting it grow with you, not against you.🔗 Explore more podcast growth strategies: https://www.podcastmarketinghub.com📥 Free Podcast Growth Toolkit: https://www.podcastmarketinghub.com/freeTreat your podcast like a product — and build growth that lasts.