I Hit Top 1% Podcast Status—Then Got Kicked Off iTunes Overnight—David Brent Downley | Ep 19

In this episode I sit down with David Brent Downley to explore how he built his podcast from the ground up, why he rebranded after years of running it under a different name, and the lessons he’s learned through successes and setbacks—including an unexpected deplatforming on iTunes. Brent shares why he chose podcasting as a way to build an audience for a book he’s still writing, how he fell in love with the intimacy of the medium, and the importance of owning an email list and community so you’re not at the mercy of platforms. We dig into his journey from early fitness podcasts he listened to, to launching the Fallible Man podcast in September 2020, to rebranding as the Driven to Thrive broadcast in January 2024. He opens up about hitting the top 1% of podcasts, then losing most of his downloads overnight, and how audience feedback and personal conviction kept him going. Along the way we discuss choosing a podcast host, integrating video, building a mobile recording setup, and defining your goals as a podcaster from day one. If you’re starting out or facing roadblocks in podcasting, Brent’s story offers practical advice and encouragement to keep going and focus on the people you serve.Want to dive deeper with David Brent Downley? Check these out:Listen to the Driven to Thrive broadcast: https://brentdowlen.com/driven-2-thrive-broadcast/Explore resources and articles on Purpose Driven Men: https://purposedrivenmen.com/If 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/mypodcaststoryChapters0:04 Building an Audience0:17 Meet Brent Darling0:44 Personal Development Focus3:00 Podcast Beginnings6:22 The Journey to Podcasting7:41 Discovering Podcasting's Joy13:25 The Ups and Downs15:18 The iTunes Incident17:25 The Importance of Email Lists28:59 Creating Valuable Content37:50 The Power of Connection41:48 Impactful Moments43:19 The Role of Comedy48:24 Lessons Learned50:23 Weird Recording Locations53:31 Advice for New Podcasters55:39 Connecting with Brent