Turning Podcast Struggles Into Growth: What 20 Years in Podcasting Taught Me — Demetria Zinga | Ep 92

If you’re a podcaster, thinking about starting your first show, or just looking to bring more heart and strategy into your podcasting journey, this episode is full of down-to-earth wisdom you can use right away. My guest, Demetria Zinga, shares her real, 20-year journey from homeschooling mom to podcast coach and founder of Soul Podcasting Collective. One of the most intriguing parts is how she builds and then transitions podcasts as her life and interests evolve — and what “podfading” really means in practice. You’ll get clear insight into:How to match your podcast’s purpose (education, inspiration, or just fun) to your own goals, so you don’t get lost comparing yourself to big-name shows.Demetria’s tried-and-true workflow tips, including how she uses AI and smart organizing tools to keep multiple shows running without burning out.We also dig into honest talk about monetization: what really works, what depends on your show’s audience, and why not every podcast needs to make money the same way. You’ll come away with some practical ideas and encouragement for finding your own podcastWebsite: https://soulpodcasting.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetriazinga/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/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 From Homeschooling to Podcast Coach01:39 Discovering Podcasting in 200403:19 Podfading: Closing Chapters06:27 Which Shows Are Still Running?07:31 Serving Homeschool Moms and Entrepreneurs09:27 How Soul Podcasting Came Full Circle12:27 Commitment and Podcasting Passion13:37 Podcast Purpose: Beyond the Numbers16:29 Defining Your Own Success18:45 Making Money With Different Shows22:29 Monetizing for Different Audiences23:50 Launching Soul Podcasting Collective24:30 Demetria’s First Podcast Consulting Experience27:10 The Long Game of Podcasting29:22 Evolving Shows and Audiences30:58 Key Growth Levers for Podcasts34:33 Using AI Tools for Productivity36:36 Demetria’s Podcast Workflow40:27 Organizing Three Podcasts42:27 Early Podcast Consulting (2006)45:50 How Podcasting Has Evolved48:27 The Future for Demetria’s Shows50:27 Using Social Platforms for Connection55:44 Advice for Those Hesitating to Start59:28 Where to Find Demetria’s Podcasts