PRESS PLAY PODCASTING

If you’ve made it to 10 podcast episodes, first of all — congratulations. That’s a big milestone, and you should absolutely be proud of yourself.In this episode of Press Play, I walk you through what I call the 10 Episode Checkpoint. This is the point where you pause for a moment, look at what you’ve created so far, and evaluate a few important things about your podcast strategy.Now let me be clear: 10 episodes is not the time to decide your podcast isn’t working. It’s way too early for that. This checkpoint isn’t about quitting — it’s about learning, adjusting, and fine-tuning your podcast so it can keep growing.After 10 episodes, you finally have a little bit of experience and some early data. You’ve gotten a feel for recording, publishing, and how much time everything takes. That makes this the perfect moment to reflect and make small improvements.Here are four things I recommend evaluating at the 10 episode mark.1. Your Podcast PositioningFirst, look at the clarity of your podcast positioning.Ask yourself:Can someone describe what your podcast is about in one sentence?Are your episodes clearly focused on one core topic or problem?Are your episode titles aligned with what you want to rank for in podcast SEO?Sometimes the content is great, but the titles could be stronger or more searchable. This can be a great time to refine your episode titles or descriptions so they better attract your ideal listener.2. Your Publishing ConsistencyNext, evaluate how consistent your publishing schedule has been.Did you release episodes when you planned to?Did recording feel rushed or stressful?If your current schedule feels overwhelming, this is the time to adjust it. Maybe you need to batch record, or maybe you need to move from weekly episodes to biweekly. The most important thing is choosing a schedule you can maintain consistently.3. Your Podcast ContentNow look at the content itself.Are your episodes focused on solving the same core problem for your audience? Or are you experimenting with too many different topics?At this stage, repetition is actually a good thing. Reinforcing your main topic helps strengthen your positioning and build authority with your listeners.You can also start checking your consumption rates to see if people are listening through your episodes. This gives you early insight into whether your content is resonating.4. Listener Feedback and EngagementFinally, pay attention to early feedback signals.This isn’t just about downloads. Look for signs that people are engaging with your podcast, such as:Messages or DMs from listenersReviews on your podcastPeople responding to your call-to-actionListener numbers slowly increasingThese are early indicators that your podcast is connecting with the right people.Celebrate the MilestoneThe most important thing at this stage is recognizing that you’ve already done something many people never do: you actually started and published 10 episodes.That’s huge.Now it’s time to make a few tweaks, keep going, and continue building momentum with your podcast.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

One of the questions I hear all the time is this: Can you grow a podcast without social media?And honestly, I get why people ask this. A lot of podcasters start their show because they want a marketing channel that doesn’t rely on the constant grind of social media.So let’s talk about it.The short answer is yes — but it depends.It really comes down to your goals and where you’re starting from. Ideally, the goal of your podcast should be organic growth outside of social media. That means people finding your podcast through search engine optimization (SEO), podcast apps, and Google searches. When your podcast is optimized correctly, listeners can discover you even if they’ve never followed you on social media.That’s one of the biggest advantages of podcasting. Your podcast can become a standalone marketing channel that brings in new listeners through search instead of relying on social media algorithms.However, there is one big caveat.If you already have a social media audience, it makes sense to leverage that audience when you launch your podcast. Those people already know you, trust you, and are more likely to support your show in the beginning.If you don’t have a social media following, you can still grow your podcast. It will just take longer because you’re starting from zero visibility.In that case, your strategy needs to focus heavily on things like:Podcast SEO and keyword optimizationGuest podcast appearancesCollaborations with other creatorsEmail list partnerships or newsletter featuresAdvertising on other podcastsGoogle or YouTube adsYou can absolutely grow a podcast without social media, but you need a clear strategy to get your podcast in front of new listeners.The key is remembering that social media isn’t the only way to grow. SEO, collaborations, podcast guesting, and paid promotion can all bring new listeners to your show.So if you hate social media or simply don’t want to rely on it, you still have options.Your podcast can grow — you just have to be intentional about how people discover it.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode of Press Play, I want to give you permission to do something that a lot of podcasters struggle with: changing your mind.When you start a podcast, it’s easy to feel like every decision you make is permanent. You might stress about the name of your podcast, the format, whether you should do interviews or solo episodes, or how long your episodes should be. All of those choices can feel really heavy at the beginning.But the truth is, the only guarantee in the podcast journey is that you will change.You’ll grow.Your ideas will evolve.Your content will shift.And your podcast will likely change right along with you.Maybe you start a 30-day podcast series and realize halfway through that it doesn’t feel aligned anymore. Maybe you launch your podcast thinking it’s going to focus on one topic and later realize you want to pivot. That’s completely normal.Changing direction doesn’t mean you’re flaky or not committed. It means you’re learning. Podcasting is something you figure out by doing, not by planning everything perfectly ahead of time.You won’t know what format you enjoy, what topics resonate most, or what workflow works best for you until you actually start creating episodes.So if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to make the “perfect” decisions before launching your podcast, I want you to take the pressure off. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now.Start where you are.Learn as you go.And give yourself the space to evolve.Being committed to your podcast doesn’t mean locking yourself into decisions forever. It means showing up, learning through the process, and adjusting as you grow.Your podcast will evolve because you will evolve — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to work.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you’re wondering how long it takes for your podcast to grow, here’s the realistic answer.After about six months of consistently publishing, you should start to see steady growth. Not viral growth. Not overnight success. But consistent increases in downloads, followers, and unique listeners.By the six-month to one-year mark, you should be able to track month-over-month progress in:Unique listenersFollowersDownloadsIf you’re not seeing growth by then, it’s usually a positioning, SEO, or promotion issue — not that podcasting “doesn’t work.”But here’s the bigger truth: growth isn’t just about numbers. If your podcast is clearly positioned and solving one real problem, you may start converting listeners into clients even before your downloads skyrocket.Podcast growth takes time. Six months for traction. A year to see patterns. Long-term consistency to see real results.Keep going — and keep tracking your data.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you’ve been wondering how often you should release a podcast episode to grow your show, make money, or see real results in your business, this episode is for you.In this episode of Press Play, I’m answering one of the most common podcasting questions: How often should I publish podcast episodes?Here’s the honest answer — it depends. But also… it doesn’t.Podcasting can absolutely be a numbers game. The more episodes you release, the more opportunities you create for downloads, discoverability, and algorithm momentum. More content means more entry points into your show. It can increase your downloads and make your podcast look more established and active.But frequency only works if you can stay consistent.If you’re asking me for a minimum, I recommend releasing at least one episode per week. Once a week should be your baseline if you want steady podcast growth and real traction.Could you release two episodes per week? Absolutely.Could you do daily episodes? Sure — I do.But that only works if it fits your capacity and your content strategy.If you love interviews but also want to build authority with solo content, you could release:One solo episode per weekOne interview episode per weekThat’s a simple, powerful strategy that keeps your show active and diverse.But here’s what matters more than frequency: consistency.If you can only manage one episode every other week, then commit to that and stick to it. I would rather you release consistently every two weeks than burn out trying to post weekly and quit entirely.Podcast growth, podcast monetization, and podcast success all rely on momentum. And momentum comes from consistency.So if you want the best results:Aim for once a week minimumIncrease frequency only if you can sustain itBuild a content system that supports your scheduleDon’t overcommit and disappearThe best release schedule is the one you can maintain long term.Start there.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you want to launch a Top 10 podcast, I’m going to give you the real truth about what it actually takes to rank in the top charts — especially if you want to hit the Top 10 in your category.In this episode, I break down exactly how I launched my podcast and reached #3 in the United States in Marketing, and what you need to consider before you set that goal for yourself.Let’s start here: yes, it’s possible. But it’s not accidental.If you want to rank a podcast in the Top 10, here’s what you need to understand.1. You Need an Existing Audience (Even a Modest One)If you want to launch high in the charts organically, you need an audience already paying attention to you.When I launched, I had around 6,000–7,000 combined followers across email and social platforms. That’s not massive, but it wasn’t zero. More importantly, they were engaged.If your audience is ghosted or disengaged, you won’t see the traction you need. A Top 10 podcast launch relies heavily on leveraging your current audience to drive downloads quickly.If you don’t have an audience yet, build that first.2. You Need a Strategic Podcast Launch PlanRanking in the charts is a numbers game. You can’t casually launch and hope for the best.You need:A clear launch strategyA structured rolloutA coordinated push during launch weekDropping multiple episodes at once is critical. The more episodes you publish on launch, the more downloads you generate per listener.For example:If someone finds your show and you’ve released 10 episodes, that’s 10 downloads.If you’ve released 1 episode, that’s 1 download.Minimum recommendation? Launch with at least 10 episodes and continue releasing consistently.3. You Must Create a Lot of Content UpfrontIf you want to launch a Top 10 podcast, you cannot drip content slowly in the beginning. You need momentum.Be prepared to:Batch record episodesPublish multiple episodes on launchMaintain consistent release cadenceThe first 6–8 weeks matter more than almost any other period.4. You Need Reviews, Shares, and Direct OutreachReviews matter during launch.Ask everyone:FriendsFamilyClientsColleaguesEmail subscribersCreate a giveaway. Personally message people. Drop the link in DMs. Be proactive.You cannot be passive and expect chart results.5. Your Podcast Content Must Be GoodNo launch strategy can save weak content.If your positioning isn’t clear…If your niche isn’t tight…If your episodes don’t deliver…You won’t sustain ranking even if you spike early.A Top 10 podcast launch requires:Clear niche positioningStrong episode titlesCompelling, valuable contentA defined target audienceThe Bottom LineLaunching a Top 10 podcast isn’t magic. It’s leverage + strategy + volume + execution.If you want to rank, you need:An engaged audienceA structured launch planMultiple episodes at launchAggressive promotionStrong contentIt’s doable. But it’s intentional.If you want the step-by-step launch plans I use, I break those down inside my school community, including the traditional launch strategy that helps you build momentum and rank higher in your category.Now you know what it takes. The question is — are you willing to do it?If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you want to know how to convert your podcast listeners into clients faster, this episode is for you.In this episode of Press Play, I break down the one thing you must do if you want your podcast to actually generate sales, leads, and real business results — not just downloads.And it comes down to this:You have to focus on solving one clear problem.I talk all the time about niching down your podcast, having a clear angle, and tightening your positioning. And I know it feels hard. I know it feels restrictive. But if you want to grow your podcast and convert listeners into buyers, clarity wins every single time.If your content feels scattered…If you’re talking about five different topics…If your listeners enjoy your show but aren’t taking action…This is likely why.When you want to convert podcast listeners into clients, you have to:Identify the one core problem your audience desperately wants solvedUnderstand what they currently believe about that problemCreate episodes that shift those beliefsConsistently highlight your expertise as the solutionThat’s it.You don’t need more random content ideas.You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every week.You don’t need to stop repeating yourself.Marketing is repetition. Converting faster means drawing a straight line from problem → belief shift → solution → your offer.Inside your podcast episodes, you should be:Telling stories that show transformationBreaking down myths and misconceptionsDemonstrating how you’ve helped others solve the same problemClearly connecting the dots to how you helpWhen you focus your content around one urgent, relevant problem, everything gets easier. Your messaging tightens. Your authority grows. Your listeners start seeing themselves in your stories. And that’s when conversions happen.If you’re not seeing clients from your podcast yet, I want you to pause and ask:Am I solving one clear problem consistently?If not, go back and rebuild your next two months of content around that one thing.Clarity converts.Repetition builds trust.Focused content drives sales.And that’s how you convert your podcast listeners faster.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you’re a business owner, you don’t have time to waste. So if you’re podcasting, you want to know it’s actually giving you a return on your time and energy.In this episode, I break down the fastest way to get instant ROI from your podcast — and it’s not about waiting for sponsors or downloads to grow.It’s about turning your podcast into your marketing system.Instead of creating content from scratch every day, you start with one podcast episode and let it fuel everything:Record it on video.Pull clips for Reels, TikTok, and Shorts.Turn the main points into carousel posts.Use the transcript for written content.One episode can easily become 15–20 pieces of content.That means your podcast becomes the anchor of your content marketing strategy. It saves you time, brain power, and energy — and that alone is immediate ROI.Before your podcast ever signs a client, it should already be making your marketing easier.If you want your podcast to feel worth it, this is how you do it.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but haven’t recorded anything yet, this is your sign. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact first three podcast episodes you can record right now so you can stop planning and actually launch your show.If you’re stuck wondering what to talk about on your podcast, how to structure your first few episodes, or how to position your show clearly from the start, this is for you.Let’s keep it simple.Here are the first three podcast episodes I want you to record.Episode 1: Why This Podcast ExistsYour very first episode should answer a few core questions:Why does this podcast exist?Who are you?Who is this for?And honestly… why should we care?This is your positioning episode. This is where you clearly state the purpose of your podcast, the audience you’re speaking to, and the transformation or result you’re here to help create. If someone lands on your show for the first time, they should instantly understand what your podcast is about and whether it’s for them.When you’re starting a podcast, clarity is everything. This episode sets the tone.Episode 2: The Core Problem You SolveIf you want to grow your podcast and eventually monetize it, you need to be known for solving one clear problem.In this second episode, I want you to talk about that core problem.What is the main struggle your ideal listener is dealing with?Why does that problem exist?What have they already tried?What’s not working for them?Then start positioning yourself as the person who understands this problem deeply and can guide them toward a solution.This episode builds authority. It shows your expertise. It tells your listeners, “I see you. I understand this. And I can help.”If you want better podcast growth and stronger conversions, this is not optional. This is foundational.Episode 3: A Quick Win for Your ListenerYour third episode should give your audience a quick, actionable win.This could be:A simple strategy they can implement todayA mindset shift that changes how they see their problemA practical tip that relieves pressure immediatelyA journal prompt, exercise, or small action stepThe goal is to create momentum and build trust. When someone listens to your podcast and gets a tangible result right away, they think, “Okay, she knows what she’s talking about.”That’s how you build credibility fast. That’s how you create engagement. And that’s how you turn listeners into loyal fans (and eventually clients).If you’ve been stuck in planning mode, overthinking your podcast launch, or waiting for the “perfect” idea, these three episodes are your starting point.Why this podcast existsThe core problem you solveA quick win for your listenerGo record them. Keep it simple. Take action.Your podcast doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be clear.Now go press play.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I’m answering a question that almost every podcaster has asked at some point: How do I know if my podcast content is actually good?Because here’s the truth — podcasting doesn’t give you instant validation. You don’t get a flood of likes. You don’t get constant comments. Most of the time, it feels like you’re talking into the void. You check your downloads and see one episode got 10 listens and another got 3… and you’re left wondering: does that mean it’s better? Worse? What does it even mean?So let’s break this down.First, downloads alone do not tell you if your podcast content is good. A catchy episode title and strong positioning can absolutely get people to click. But clicks don’t equal quality. Someone could press play and drop off five seconds later. That’s not a content win — that’s just a good hook.If you really want to know whether your podcast content is working, you need to look at your consumption rates.Go into Apple Podcasts Connect (yes, you need an Apple account), and look at how much of each episode people are actually listening to. For solo episodes, you should consistently be seeing 80% or higher consumption rates. If you’re not? That’s a signal.Now, that signal could mean one of two things:You have a content problem.You have a positioning problem.If your consumption rates are low, maybe you’re rambling. Maybe you’re taking too long to get to the point. Maybe your episodes are too long. Maybe you’re not clearly telling people what they’ll get by the end. All of that affects retention.But sometimes it’s not the content itself — it’s who you’re attracting.I’ve made this mistake before. When I marketed something under the name “Podcast That Pays,” I attracted people who wanted to start a podcast and make money directly from sponsorships — not business owners who wanted to use podcasting as a marketing tool. Wrong audience. Great content. Bad fit. Bust.If you’re attracting the wrong people, your consumption rates will suffer even if your content is solid.The other major indicator of whether your podcast content is good? Action.Are people clicking your call to action? Are they joining your email list? Are they booking calls? Are they buying your offers?If no one is taking action, then your content isn’t compelling enough yet. That’s not a judgment — it’s just data. And data is power. It tells you what to tweak.So here’s the bottom line:If you want to know whether your podcast content is good, stop obsessing over downloads and start paying attention to:Consumption ratesAudience positioningCalls to actionConversionsYour analytics are telling you a story. You just have to look at the right numbers.Go check your data. Be honest with yourself. Make the tweaks. And then keep going.That’s how you build a podcast that actually works.

In this episode, I’m giving you one question that could completely change the trajectory of your podcast.If you feel like your podcast isn’t growing, isn’t converting, or isn’t resonating the way you hoped it would… this is probably why.The question is simple:What is the one problem I solve for my podcast listeners?Not five problems.Not “I talk about business and mindset and marketing and life.”Not “I help ambitious women live their best lives.”One. Clear. Problem.If someone lands on your podcast page and takes a five-second glance at your title, your description, and your episode names, will they immediately know:Who this podcast is forWhat problem it solvesWhy they should careOr is it vague?Because here’s the truth: if it’s not crystal clear, people will not do the mental work to figure it out.Your podcast should have one job. One clear promise. One core problem that you consistently solve.That’s how you know you’ve niched down enough.That’s how you know your podcast positioning is strong.That’s how you start seeing better growth and better conversions.And I get it. Especially if you’re creative, nicheing down feels restrictive. You feel like you have so much more to say. You don’t want to be put in a box.But clarity creates traction.When your positioning is tight, when your message is focused, when your promise is undeniable, your podcast becomes easier to grow, easier to market, and easier to monetize.So here’s your homework:Go look at your podcast right now.Ask yourself:What is the biggest problem I solve for my listeners?Is that obvious within five seconds?Would someone outside my industry understand exactly what this show is about?If the answer is no, it’s time to refine your niche, your messaging, and your podcast description until it’s painfully clear.It might feel uncomfortable. You might resist it. But clarity is what moves the needle.One problem. One promise. One clear solution.Start there.

In this episode, I break down exactly how to repurpose one podcast episode into 20 pieces of content — without creating anything from scratch. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with social media, YouTube, blogging, and podcasting all at the same time, this is how you work smarter instead of harder.Here’s the truth: your podcast is not just a podcast. It’s a content machine. And if you’re not squeezing every drop out of each episode, you’re leaving visibility, growth, and leads on the table.Let me walk you through the simple content repurposing strategy I use.First, I record my podcast episode — and I turn the camera on. That immediately gives me two pieces of content: the audio podcast and the video version for YouTube. From there, I grab the transcript and run it through ChatGPT to turn it into an SEO-optimized blog post written in my voice. Now I have three core assets: podcast, YouTube video, and blog.Next, I take the full video and clip it into at least five short-form videos. These become Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts — whatever platform I’m focused on. Now we’re up to eight total pieces of content from one episode.Then I go deeper. I break the episode into three main subtopics. From each of those topics, I create four additional pieces of short-form content using different angles:A storytelling video sharing a real example or client storyA B-roll style video with text overlay highlighting key takeawaysA simple how-to breakdownA “what not to do” or mistake-focused pieceThat’s 12 more pieces of content from the same episode.Eight plus twelve equals twenty.One podcast episode. Twenty pieces of content. No reinventing the wheel. No staring at a blank screen trying to figure out what to post.This is how you build momentum with your podcast, grow your audience across platforms, improve your podcast SEO, and stay consistent without burning out. Your podcast should be the foundation of your content marketing strategy — not just another task on your to-do list.If you’ve been wondering how to repurpose podcast content, how to create social media content from your podcast, or how to turn your podcast into a content machine, this is your blueprint.Now go record that episode — and squeeze it for everything it’s worth.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In today’s episode of Press Play, I wanted to pause and remind you why you started your podcast in the first place and who you’re really doing this for. When we start a podcast, most of us aren’t doing it just to hear our own voice. We’re doing it because we want to make an impact. We want our words, our stories, and our experiences to actually help someone else.But somewhere along the way, it’s so easy to get stuck in disappointment, perfectionism, and that constant feeling of “this isn’t working.” We overthink the details, we worry about doing it wrong, and we convince ourselves we need everything to be perfect before we show up. And when that happens, we forget the most important thing: this podcast isn’t about us.Every time you delay recording, every time you hold yourself back because it doesn’t feel ready yet, there are people missing out on the message you’re meant to share. The more you stay stuck in your head, the more opportunities you lose to actually reach the people who need you. And I’ve seen this over and over again with my clients—the people with the most powerful messages are often the ones who struggle the most with getting started and being vulnerable.This episode is a reminder to zoom out. To stop making this about perfection and start remembering the impact you’re here to make. Ask yourself who this podcast is for, why you felt called to start it, and what you truly want someone to feel, learn, or do after listening. When you lead from that place instead of fear or self-doubt, it becomes so much easier to get out of your own way.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or paralyzed by the details, let this be your permission to come back to your why. Your message matters. The people you’re meant to reach are waiting. And the impact you want to make only happens if you actually show up and press play.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to gain real momentum with your podcast without burning yourself out or trying to do everything at once. Whether you’ve already launched your podcast or you’re still sitting on the idea of one, this applies to you.One of the biggest things I see holding podcasters back is a lack of clear, focused goals. Most people are just kind of coasting—publishing episodes, hoping something clicks, and telling themselves their goal is something vague like “I want 1,000 downloads” or “I want more listeners.” The problem is those goals don’t actually tell you what to do next, and without clarity, momentum stalls fast.Instead, I walk you through how to create momentum by choosing one specific goal to focus on for a short period of time. One goal. One direction. One clear focus. That’s it. Trying to improve everything at once—SEO, consistency, content quality, promotion, downloads, social media—will overwhelm you and keep you stuck.I explain how this looks whether you haven’t launched yet or you already have episodes out. If you’re pre-launch, your goal might be something like mapping out your podcast launch, reconnecting with your audience for two weeks, or finally recording your first episodes. If your podcast is already live, your goal might be improving podcast SEO, rewriting episode titles and descriptions, tightening up your show notes, or working on episode flow and listener retention.The key is that this goal sits on top of your normal podcast routine. You still show up, record, and release. But you choose one area to intentionally work on for the next 30 to 90 days so you can actually see progress and build momentum instead of spinning your wheels.Podcast growth doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing the right thing consistently. When you focus on one clear goal at a time, you reduce overwhelm, stay in action, and finally start seeing movement in your podcast.If your podcast feels stuck or slow right now, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and move forward with clarity.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In today’s episode of Press Play, I’m breaking down one of the biggest questions I hear about podcasting: how to make money from your podcast — and more specifically, the fastest way to do it.Let’s be real for a second. Podcasting is a huge investment. It takes time, energy, consistency, patience, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I literally just saw someone on TikTok talking about shutting down their podcast because it “wasn’t worth it” for how much effort it took. And honestly? I get why people feel that way — if their podcast isn’t making them money.That’s why I believe so strongly that your podcast should be treated as an extension of your business, not just a passion project. Your podcast should be making your marketing easier and helping you sell your offers. If it’s not doing at least one of those things, it’s going to start feeling heavy really fast.Here’s the truth: the quickest way to monetize your podcast is to sell your own offers. Not sponsorships. Not waiting to hit some magical download number. Not ads. Sponsorships take a long time to become worth it, and for most podcasters, the payout just isn’t there — especially when you factor in how much work it takes to grow a show to that level.If you want to make money sooner rather than later, you need to use your podcast as a sales and marketing tool. That means running a solo show, highlighting your expertise, shifting beliefs, creating content that converts, and clearly talking about what you sell. Your podcast should be drawing the shortest possible line from someone listening to someone buying.If you start a podcast just to “have conversations” or talk about random topics with no strategy, you’re signing up for a long road with little to no return — and burnout usually isn’t far behind. Strategic podcasting is what keeps this sustainable. You need to be able to see how your podcast fits into your business, how it supports your offers, and how it’s helping you generate revenue.You don’t need a huge audience to make money from a podcast. Ten listeners is enough if one person buys. I’ve seen people make sales in their very first week of podcasting simply because they were clear, intentional, and actually selling.If you want your podcast to be worth the effort, this is the path. Use it as the powerful marketing machine it’s meant to be — and let it work for your business, not against your energy.If you are ready to create a podcast that pays for your business, come join the 7 day accelerator over on my Skool community! It's free for the first 7 days. Head over to www.podcastthatpays.comFollow me on TikTok @podcastlaunchbestieMusic credit: Mavericks by Harrison Amer. A Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do if you miss a podcast episode release date, because let’s be real—life happens. Maybe you planned to release every Tuesday and Tuesday came and went with no episode. If that’s you, I want you to hear this loud and clear: it’s not a big deal, and you don’t need to make it one.I walk you through why missing a podcast episode does not mean you’ve failed, why you don’t need to announce it or apologize, and why the worst thing you can do is let one missed episode turn into weeks or months of silence. The solution is simple—just keep going. You don’t have to wait until your “normal” release day again. You can publish the episode the very next day, later that week, or whenever you’re able. The key is momentum, not perfection.I also talk about how perfectionism and overthinking keep podcasters stuck, and why making a missed episode mean something about you or your commitment is what actually derails consistency. Podcasting isn’t about flawless schedules—it’s about showing up, even when things get messy. Whether you missed one episode, two weeks, or even six months, the move is the same: turn the mic on, record, and publish.If you’ve ever wondered what to do after missing a podcast release, how to restart a podcast after a break, or how to stay consistent with your podcast without burning yourself out, this episode is your permission slip to stop spiraling and start moving again. No big relaunch. No explanations. No apologies. Just hit publish and keep it pushing.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m breaking down one of the simplest ways to make podcasting easier and more sustainable: recording your podcast episodes in one take. If you’re constantly stopping, restarting, or re-recording your episodes from the beginning because you made a mistake, this episode is for you.I’m sharing a real story from early in my podcast production business when I realized a client was completely stuck because she thought she had to record a “perfect” episode from start to finish without messing up. Every time she stumbled over a word, she started over. And that’s when it clicked for me how many podcasters are making this way harder than it needs to be.Recording your podcast in one take isn’t about being flawless. It’s about momentum, ease, and getting out of your own head. No one listening knows what you meant to say. No one knows where you think you messed up. And no one is judging your episode the way you are. The only thing stopping you is perfectionism disguised as “doing it right.”I talk about why one-take recording is the path of least resistance, especially if you want to stay consistent with your podcast. If you have an editor, even better, because small mistakes can be cleaned up later. But even if you don’t, learning to keep going, pause when you need to, and pick back up without starting over will save you hours of time and mental energy.I also walk through different ways to approach one-take podcast recording depending on how your brain works. Whether you prefer bullet points, light scripting, or talking it out naturally, the goal is the same: keep moving forward instead of stopping every time things aren’t perfect.This episode is a reminder that podcasting doesn’t have to be complicated or exhausting to be effective. The fastest way to build momentum is to simplify the process, trust yourself, and hit record without overthinking every word. Record the episode, keep it moving, and let progress win over perfection.

In this episode of Press Play, I want to say something that might sound a little backwards at first: we don’t actually need more podcasts. We don’t need more information. What we really need is more you. More real opinions. More lived experience. More personality. More honesty.If you’re starting a podcast or already have one and you’re wondering why it’s not resonating, why it feels flat, or why traction feels slow, this episode is for you. The truth is, authority doesn’t come from pumping out information or trying to sound like an expert every single episode. We already have Google. We already have AI. We already have endless how-to content. What people connect to is perspective.I talk about a client I worked with who made a massive shift when she stopped treating her podcast like a lecture and started showing up as a real human. The moment she allowed herself to be vulnerable, to share stories instead of just teaching, everything changed. Her podcast finally sounded like her, and that’s when it started working.I also share why authenticity has been the biggest reason I’ve avoided bad-fit clients over the years. I don’t try to be polished. I don’t hide how I talk, what I believe, or how I work. That means people either resonate with me or they don’t—and that’s a good thing. Your podcast should act as a filter, not a performance.This episode is a reminder that you don’t need to compete on information. You don’t need to be more educational than everyone else. You need to be more you. Your stories, your opinions, your way of seeing the world—that’s what separates your podcast from every other one in your category.If you’ve been holding back, trying to sound “professional,” or editing your personality out of your podcast, let this be your permission to stop. We don’t need another generic show. We need your voice, exactly as it is.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m answering a question I get all the time: should you be doing video for your podcast or not? With platforms like Netflix now hosting video podcasts and video content becoming more visible across YouTube and search, it’s a fair question to ask if turning your camera on actually matters. I share why my answer today is different than it would’ve been five years ago and why video podcasts are becoming such a powerful growth tool.I break down why audio-only podcasts aren’t going anywhere and why ease of listening is still one of the biggest advantages of podcasting. At the same time, I explain why adding video when you can can significantly help your podcast grow, expand your reach, and improve your podcast SEO. Video gives your content more places to live and more ways for people to find you, even if you’re not doing anything fancy with it yet.I also talk about the most important caveat: video should never stop you from publishing. If turning on a camera adds friction, pressure, or perfectionism that keeps you from being consistent, skip it. Consistency always matters more than format. You’re allowed to do some episodes on video and some without, and you’re allowed to keep things simple while you build momentum.I share how I personally approach video for my own podcasts, why I still record video even when I don’t have time to publish it everywhere yet, and how thinking long-term can set you up for future growth. If you’re wondering whether video is required, how it affects podcast SEO, or how to balance video and audio without burning out, this episode will help you decide what makes sense for your podcast right now.If video feels accessible to you, turn the camera on. If it doesn’t, keep showing up anyway. Your podcast can grow either way as long as you stay consistent and remove unnecessary barriers.

In today’s episode of Press Play, I’m keeping things simple and action-focused. I want you to do one thing today that will actually move your podcast forward—and that thing is podcast SEO.Whether your podcast is already live or you’re still in the planning phase, search engine optimization is one of the most important foundations you can set up early. Podcast SEO is how people actually find your show inside Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and even Google. If your podcast isn’t optimized for what your ideal listener is searching for, you’re making it way harder than it needs to be for the right people to discover you.In this episode, I walk you through a very practical step you can take right now: reviewing and updating your podcast description with clear, searchable keywords and phrases. I talk about how to think through what your ideal listeners are actually typing into search bars, how to identify keyword phrases (not just single words), and how to use tools like Google Keyword Planner to guide your decisions.I also share how I personally recommend using ChatGPT as a tool to refine your podcast description. I explain exactly how to prompt it so your description is SEO optimized without sounding robotic or keyword-stuffed, while still speaking directly to the clients you want to attract.This episode is your reminder that podcast growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from doing one strategic thing really well. Updating your podcast description with the right keywords can make your show more discoverable, more searchable, and more aligned with the people who actually need what you’re saying.Your homework from this episode is simple: review your podcast description, optimize it for search, identify your core keyword phrases, and start using them consistently. Do that, and you’ve already taken a meaningful step forward.

Is podcasting saturated? Is there still a demand for podcasts? That’s exactly what I’m digging into in this episode of Press Play, because this question comes up all the time—and honestly, it’s one of the biggest mindset blocks that keeps people from starting or sticking with a podcast.This episode was inspired by something I saw while doom-scrolling Facebook (because let’s be real, we all do it). Someone asked whether podcasting is still relevant now that “everyone has a podcast.” And I want to be very clear about this: podcasting is not saturated, it’s still growing, and there is absolutely room for you.When you actually look at the numbers, podcasts aren’t even close to being overcrowded. There are tens of millions of YouTube channels compared to a fraction of that number of active podcasts. Podcasts are still one of the least saturated forms of content we consume, which means there is still massive opportunity for growth, visibility, and impact.Beyond the data, there’s something even more important. No one else has your voice, your experiences, your perspective, or your way of explaining things. No two podcasts are ever exactly the same, even if they cover similar topics. That’s why saturation is never the real issue—clarity, consistency, and positioning are.Podcast listenership continues to rise globally, new platforms are integrating podcasts in bigger ways, and this medium isn’t going anywhere. Just like YouTube, TikTok, and social media in general, there is no “cap” on who gets to show up. New creators break through every single day, even in spaces people claim are overcrowded.If you’ve been holding back because you’re worried podcasting is too competitive or too late to start, this episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking it. There is room for your voice. There is demand for meaningful, clear, and specific content. And podcasting is still one of the most powerful tools you can use to build trust, visibility, and authority.Let’s officially put the “podcasting is saturated” myth to bed. I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m breaking down what actually moves the needle in your podcast, because there is so much noise out there about what you should be focusing on. For today, I want to simplify this and talk about the two things that truly matter if you want your podcast to grow, gain traction, and actually support your goals. If you focus on just these two things, you’ll start seeing movement, no matter what stage your podcast is in.The first thing that matters is consistency, and it’s first for a reason. You simply cannot move your podcast forward without it. Consistency doesn’t magically guarantee growth, but it is the baseline for any growth to happen at all. You have to find a way to show up consistently in a way that works for you, whether that means releasing episodes weekly, biweekly, or even monthly. What matters most is that you stick to it.Consistency also isn’t just about publishing episodes. It’s about how you show up behind the scenes. You need a rhythm and a routine for working on your podcast. I always recommend having a dedicated podcast day or block of time each week where you sit down and focus on recording, planning, or prepping episodes. When you build this into your schedule and treat it like a non-negotiable habit, it becomes much easier to stay consistent long-term.The second thing that actually moves the needle is data. Once you’re consistent, you can start paying attention to the right data to understand what’s working and what’s not. Without consistency, your data isn’t reliable, so these two things work together. In the early stages, you’re not going to have meaningful insights right away. It usually takes at least 90 days of consistent publishing to gather enough data to really see patterns.Instead of obsessing over downloads, I recommend tracking things like followers or unique listeners month over month, because that shows you whether your audience is actually growing. I also like looking at episode consumption rates, which tell you how much of each episode people are listening to. High consumption rates mean your content is resonating, while lower rates can signal that something needs to shift.Another important data point is your call to action. Are people clicking your links, visiting your landing pages, booking calls, or purchasing your offers? That information tells you whether your podcast is doing its job as a marketing and lead-generation tool. When you consistently show up and pay attention to these numbers, you can make smarter decisions about your content and direction instead of guessing.At the end of the day, consistency and data are what actually move your podcast forward. There are a lot of metrics you could look at, but these are the ones that truly matter. If you focus here, you’ll build momentum, clarity, and real results over time.

In this episode of Press Play, I want to give you permission to change your mind about your podcast. One of the biggest things I see holding podcasters back is the belief that once they pick a niche, a format, a title, or a direction, they’re locked into it forever. And that just isn’t true. As you grow, as you record more episodes, and as you actually get into the rhythm of podcasting, you’re going to learn new things about what you like, what works, and what you want to say. Your podcast is allowed to evolve right along with you.When you’re starting a podcast, especially if it’s your first one, it’s normal to feel like narrowing your message or simplifying your structure is putting you in a box. But the truth is, starting with a clear focus helps you build momentum faster. It helps listeners understand what your podcast is about and why they should care. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck there forever. It just means you’re giving yourself a solid place to begin.In this episode, I talk about why it’s okay to pivot your podcast direction, change your format, adjust your messaging, or even rebrand entirely as you go. You might record a few episodes and realize the format doesn’t feel right. You might get a month in and notice that what you thought you wanted to talk about isn’t actually what lights you up. You might even decide that your podcast name, cover art, or niche needs to change. All of that is allowed.I also want to call out how waiting for everything to feel “just right” is one of the biggest reasons people never launch their podcast in the first place. You don’t need to have it all figured out forever before you start. You only need to start. Clarity comes from doing, not from overplanning. The more you record, the more confident and clear you’ll become about what you want your podcast to be.If you’re worried about choosing the wrong podcast niche, picking the wrong format, or boxing yourself into something you’ll outgrow, this episode is for you. Your podcast is not a lifetime contract. It’s a tool that gets better as you use it. You’re allowed to change your mind, shift directions, and grow in real time. That’s not failure, that’s part of the process.Listen in if you need reassurance that you’re not doing podcasting “wrong” just because your vision is evolving. I’ll see you in the next episode.

Your podcast is allowed to be simple. In this episode, I’m giving you full permission to stop overcomplicating podcasting and to let this whole thing be way easier than you’re making it. One of the biggest reasons people never launch their podcast isn’t lack of knowledge or talent — it’s overwhelm. Too many rules, too much tech, too many things you think you’re “supposed” to do before you’re allowed to start.I’m here to remind you that you don’t need fancy equipment, expensive microphones, or a perfectly sound-treated room to start a podcast. You can record with one mic. You can record on your phone. You can record on your couch, in your bed, or wherever you can actually show up consistently. I’ve done all of those things, and they worked just fine.I talk about why complexity tricks your brain into thinking you’re making progress when you’re actually just spinning your wheels. Researching, planning, waiting for the perfect setup — all of that feels productive, but none of it gets your podcast out into the world. Simplicity forces movement, and movement is what creates momentum.In this episode, I also explain why I recommend skipping guests when you’re starting out, how removing barriers makes consistency easier, and why your podcast doesn’t need segments, heavy editing, or even an intro and outro to be effective. What matters most is finding a system that fits your real life, your actual capacity, and the way you naturally work.I share how my own podcasting process evolved over time — from recording casually with minimal setup to eventually layering in video and more structure — and why trying to do everything perfectly from day one is usually what stops people from starting at all.This episode is especially for you if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast for years but haven’t launched yet, or if you keep stopping and restarting because it feels like too much. Your podcast doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be simple enough that you’ll actually do it.If you’re stuck, dial it back. Make it easier. Choose the simplest way you can record, the simplest format you can maintain, and let consistency build from there. You can always upgrade later — but you can’t grow a podcast you never start.

In this episode, I’m saying what a lot of podcasters need to hear but don’t want to hear: stop quitting. Stop quitting on yourself, stop quitting on your podcast, and stop starting over every time you feel bored, unsure, or like things aren’t moving fast enough.Most podcasters quit right before momentum kicks in. Seriously. Most people don’t even make it past 20 episodes, and it’s not because their podcast is bad, it’s because they decide it’s “not working” too soon. They’re not seeing ROI yet, so they stop, rethink everything, change direction, and then confuse the algorithm, their audience, and themselves in the process.Here’s the truth: marketing requires repetition. You are going to say the same things over and over again. You are going to feel bored with your own message long before your audience is. That doesn’t mean it’s not working. That means you’re doing marketing. I talk about podcasting all the time, across multiple platforms, and yes, I repeat myself constantly. That’s the job.This episode is really about letting go of perfection, letting go of the need for constant reinvention, and focusing on what you’re putting in instead of obsessing over outcomes. Momentum comes from staying in the game long enough to let your efforts compound. The harvest doesn’t show up if you keep stopping before anything has time to grow.You don’t need a brand new strategy. You don’t need to burn everything down and start over. You don’t need to quit. You need to keep going, allow yourself to evolve as you go, and trust that clarity comes through action, not restarting.Half of success in podcasting is simply not quitting. Keep going.

In this episode, I’m talking about something that honestly doesn’t get enough credit in podcasting or business in general: consistency. And not in the “you’re either born disciplined or you’re not” way, because that’s not real. Consistency is a skill. It’s something you build, practice, and strengthen over time.I’m recording this in the middle of doing a daily podcast, so trust me when I say I’m in it right now. It’s hard. And I wanted to talk about this because so many podcasters quit—not because they’re bad at podcasting, but because they never learned how to stay consistent when it stops feeling exciting.We talk about why consistency isn’t a personality trait, why motivation will fail you, and why systems matter more than willpower. If you’re trying to “record when you feel like it,” that’s the fastest way to fall off. Consistency requires structure. Calendars. Habits. Non-negotiable time blocked out to show up, even when you don’t feel inspired.I also talk about what consistency really looks like in real life. Sometimes schedules shift. Sometimes the day changes. That doesn’t mean you quit. And missing a week doesn’t mean you failed. The only way you actually fail is if you decide it’s over and stop showing up completely.This episode is a reminder that nobody is watching you as closely as you think they are, and nobody is keeping score the way you are in your own head. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is momentum.By the end of this episode, I challenge you to take action. Block time on your calendar for the next 30 days. Not just for releasing episodes, but for actually showing up to record. One or two hours a week. That’s it. If you want this podcast to work, you have to treat it like something that matters.Consistency is built by showing up when it’s inconvenient, when it’s uncomfortable, and when it would be easier to skip. That’s how the skill gets stronger. And if you really want this, you’ll build it.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m breaking down podcast SEO and why it absolutely cannot be skipped if you want your podcast to grow long term. As you’re getting ready to launch and set everything up behind the scenes, SEO is the piece that helps people actually find your podcast after the launch buzz fades. Social media is great, but podcast SEO is your evergreen strategy that keeps working for you over time.I walk you through the two main types of podcast SEO you need to understand. The first is how your podcast and episodes get discovered inside podcast apps like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The second is how your show shows up in Google search results. These work together, and both rely heavily on clear keywords and intentional positioning.The most important place to start is your episode titles. This is where I want you to stop being cute and start being clear. Podcast SEO depends on people instantly understanding what your episode is about. If someone were searching for help, what would they actually type into the search bar? That exact phrase should guide how you title your episode. Clear, specific titles are one of the biggest ranking factors you can control.I also talk about why your podcast description matters so much. The first one to two sentences are critical because that’s what podcast platforms use to understand what your show is about. You want your description to sound natural while still using the main phrases your audience would search for. This helps podcast apps and Google correctly categorize and recommend your show.SEO is a long-term play, and it compounds over time. You may not see massive growth right away, but when you do this correctly, even your older episodes can continue bringing in new listeners months or years later. Every optimized episode strengthens the overall authority of your podcast.I also share how to approach SEO in a way that fits your workflow. You can either plan your episode titles and goals before recording or record first and optimize afterward. There is no one right way, but you do need to be intentional either way. The key is to start practicing now so SEO becomes part of your normal podcast process.Your action step from this episode is simple: take one episode and intentionally write the title, description, and show notes with SEO in mind. Getting into this habit early will make your podcast easier to grow and easier for the right people to find.Join me over in my free Skool community

Yes — here’s a clean, SEO-optimized rewrite with no emojis and no extra line breaks, while keeping Angie’s voice conversational and clear.In this episode of Press Play, I’m talking about podcast downloads and why you need to stop letting them mean anything about your self-worth or the quality of your podcast. If you’ve ever checked your stats, felt discouraged, or started questioning whether your podcast is even worth continuing, this episode is for you.So many podcasters tie their confidence to their numbers, but the truth is that downloads are not a reliable indicator of success, impact, or income. They don’t tell you who’s listening, who trusts you, or who is actually taking action after hearing your message.I want you to remember why you started your podcast in the first place. Most of the time, it’s because you want to make an impact and use your podcast as a tool to support your business. And the number of downloads you have has no direct correlation to how much money you can make or how many offers you can sell. It only takes one listener for your podcast to be worth it.Marketing is just data. Podcast stats are information, not judgment. Low downloads don’t mean your podcast is bad, and high downloads don’t automatically mean it’s working. What actually matters is whether listeners are joining your email list, reaching out to you, engaging with your content, or buying from you. Those actions matter far more than the number you see in your analytics dashboard.If you find yourself obsessing over downloads, I want you to practice shifting your focus. Instead of asking how many people are listening, start asking what people are doing after they listen. When you stop attaching your self-worth to your stats, you create space to grow, refine your message, and use your podcast in a way that actually supports your business.Join the Skool community here.

24. The most underrrated way to get more reviews when you launch[00:00:00] What's up? Welcome back to another episode of Press Play. I'm your host, Angie, and in this episode we're gonna talk about the most underrated way to get reviews for your podcast. And yes, you want reviews for your podcast Now it's debatable whether reviews actually help to push your podcast and the algorithm.Um, that is debatable. However, reviews are the only way that we have any sort of social proof or , it's the only gauge that people have when they come to your podcast to say, Ooh, this is really popular. Everybody likes this. And it naturally makes people think that your podcast is better and it makes it feel more acceptable.Like that's just how we are as. Human nature. So when you go to a, you click over to a podcast and there's no one there and there's no reviews. It feels kinda like cricket. So we think that naturally this must not be that good or popular. On the flip side, when we go somewhere and we see a ton, we think [00:01:00] that it's really popular.So it is important to get reviews, super important. , I talk about a lot of different strategies over in my school community, like through my course like material, but the most underrated strategy, and it's gonna sound really silly, but it really is to just ask for them. And by ask for them, I mean ask really straightforward and direct.And I also mean ask everyone. I remember listening to a clubhouse room once where this guy who was talking about having at this top ranked podcast, and like how literally he dropped into hundreds of people's dms and asked for reviews, and I was like, wow. Like that's a lot. But also it was effective in what he was doing, .So I am telling you that it is an actual effective strategy, so. Who? Who do you ask? Well, I tell all my clients that whenever you're launching your podcast to write down 50 people that you can ask [00:02:00] personal business besties people in your family, your mom, your dad, your cousins sister, whoever. And actually just ask them for reviews.Give them, make it easy for them. Give them something easy to say. Tell them how to do it. Take their phone, do it for them. But at least have that as a part of your strategy whenever you're launching is to simply. Reach out and ask for reviews. So that's it. That's the strategy and even if right now you already have your podcast launched, you can go and do this right now.Make a list of 25 to 50 people who you can reach out to and ask for review and like, yeah, you'll probably have to follow up and yeah, , you might feel like you're annoying, but who cares? you need to ask or you don't get, quite honestly, especially when it comes to these reviews for your podcast, especially when you're just starting out.So you can go do that. This is an action step. You can go make your list of people. If you already have your podcast, you can go start asking, so you should be able to drum up 20, reviews, [00:03:00] at least 10 reviews in the next week. You should be able to get that, but you have to go and you have to actually ask for that if you haven't launched yet.Make sure you go and write your list out and get ready for the people that you know that you're going to ask for reviews. And that's it. I'll see you in the next episode.Come Join me in the Skool Community https://www.skool.com/podcast-launch-bestie/about?ref=0edde4d48b014b3e81098befb554df32

In this episode, I’m giving you my honest take on how long you should be promoting your podcast before you actually launch it—because this is one of those questions I get all the time. The short answer? About two weeks. The real answer? It depends on your goals, your audience, and where you’re starting from. I wanted to walk you through what actually matters here, because there’s a big difference between generic advice you find online and what’s actually going to work for you and your business.I talk about why launching to a completely cold audience makes things harder than they need to be, and why having some kind of audience or visibility before you launch your podcast really helps. If you already have a warm audience, two weeks of intentional promotion can be plenty. But if you’re starting from scratch—or you’ve been ghosting your audience for a while—you may need more runway. That could look like a 30–60 day audience-building phase before you even start talking about your podcast, followed by a few weeks of teasing, asking questions, and getting people involved in the process.We also get into the reality that your listeners have to come from somewhere. If you’re not planning to drive people from social media, then you need another strategy—like running ads or intentionally building an audience elsewhere. Podcasts don’t magically grow on their own, especially at launch, and pretending they do usually leads to frustration.If you’re feeling unsure about how long you should be promoting your podcast, this episode will help you zoom out and think more strategically instead of guessing. And if you want personalized guidance based on your actual goals and situation, I invite you to come hang out with me in my school community and ask your questions there. That’s where we can really dial this in together.https://www.skool.com/podcast-launch-bestie

In this episode, I want to talk about something that comes up for almost everyone when they start recording a podcast: overthinking.If you’ve ever sat down to record and suddenly felt stuck, unsure, or like you don’t know what you’re saying anymore—this episode is for you. Everyone records differently. Some people thrive with a full script. Others (me included) get totally thrown off trying to read and talk at the same time. There is no “right” way to record—there’s only the way that works for you.One of the biggest things I want you to hear is this: your first episode is not supposed to be your best episode. It won’t be as good as your 10th, your 50th, or your 100th—and that’s normal. Podcasting is a skill. You get better by doing it, not by waiting until you feel perfect or prepared.Your business does not rise or fall on one single episode. No one piece of content is carrying that much weight. Everything you create works together over time. That’s why the best thing you can do is show up as yourself and say what’s actually on your heart instead of trying to force a script or hit every “rule” you think you’re supposed to follow.If recording feels hard, start with what feels easy. Pick a topic you care about, something you already talk about naturally, and just talk. Don’t worry about structure, selling, storytelling, or doing it “the right way” yet. You can layer those things in later once you feel more comfortable behind the mic.And if it still feels intimidating, take the pressure off. Open your voice memos and talk it out first. Practice without the expectation that it’s final. That’s often the fastest way to get out of your head and into a flow.I promise you—no one is listening with a checklist. No one is tracking what you didn’t say or judging your structure. That’s all internal. The only way through overthinking is action.

In this episode, I want to talk about something that almost everyone experiences when they’re launching, relaunching, or growing a podcast—but rarely says out loud. You’re going to feel lost. You’re going to feel overwhelmed. And honestly? That’s completely normal.As you move through this process, there’s a lot coming at you. A lot of ideas. A lot of “best practices.” A lot of outlines, frameworks, and strategies that can start to feel like a checklist you have to complete perfectly. And when you’re learning from someone who’s been there before, it’s easy to think you need to do all of it—and do it right the first time.But the truth is, you don’t.What matters most isn’t doing everything perfectly. What matters is getting started and staying consistent. You can refine later. You can adjust later. You can relaunch, restructure, or double down later. But you can’t refine something that doesn’t exist yet.I recorded this episode because I feel this way too. I still get overwhelmed. I still don’t always have everything planned out perfectly. My brain doesn’t work that way. But I do know how to take action—and that’s what actually moves things forward. Even when I’m not 100% sure it’s the “right” action.If you’ve mapped out your mission episode or your season and it still feels messy or disconnected, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It usually just means you’re judging yourself way harder than anyone else ever would. Your listeners don’t know what your original plan was. They don’t know what you think you missed. They’re not hearing the gaps you’re worried about—you are.This episode is your reminder that feeling lost is part of the process, not a sign to stop. Progress beats perfection every single time. As long as you’re moving from planning into action—putting pen to paper, recording, and sharing your work—you’re doing the thing.So if you’re feeling unsure, confused, or like it’s not all clicking yet, keep going. Celebrate every step forward. It doesn’t need to be perfect to be progress.

If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve already talked about mapping out an entire season. But in this episode, I wanted to slow things down and focus on what actually matters right now: getting your first three episodes recorded.Because action beats perfection every single time.You don’t need a full content library to move forward—you just need momentum. So in this episode, I walk you through exactly how to outline and approach your first three podcast episodes so you can stop overthinking and start recording.Here’s how I recommend structuring your first three episodes:Episode 1: Your Mission EpisodeThis is where you introduce your podcast and set the tone. I break down how to clearly share:What this podcast is aboutWho you are and who you helpWhat your mission is and why you careA bit of your story (without turning it into a full autobiography)This episode helps listeners understand why they should care and what’s in it for them—both immediately and in the bigger picture.Episode 2: Your Story or a Belief-Shifting EpisodeYour second episode can go one of two ways:A deeper dive into your personal story (especially if it’s central to your mission), orA belief-shifting episode where you challenge a common myth in your industryI walk you through how to structure these episodes so you’re not just sharing opinions—you’re actually shifting how your audience thinks.Episode 3: Clarifying the Problem or the PossibilityThis episode is about helping your listener see themselves in the work you do. You might:Explain a concept that feels confusing or overwhelming to themShow what’s possible when they stop doing things the hard wayExpand on a myth or belief that’s keeping them stuckThe goal here is clarity, not teaching everything at once.By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple outline for your first three episodes—and more importantly, you’ll know exactly what to record next.If you want support, feedback, or help outlining your episodes, come join me inside the school community. It’s free, and it’s where we’re actually putting this stuff into action together.I’ll see you there—and I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m getting really honest with you about something that a lot of people don’t want to hear when it comes to launching a podcast: how many episodes you actually need if you want your launch to work.Here’s the truth—your podcast launch is a numbers game. And if I were launching a brand new podcast today, knowing what I know now, I would do it very intentionally. I’d launch with at least 10 episodes already recorded and ready to go, and I’d plan to release two episodes per week for the first eight weeks. That eight-week window matters more than most people realize because that’s when podcast platforms consider your show “new” and are deciding whether or not to push it to more listeners.I walk you through why more episodes at launch increase your chances of ranking, getting suggested by podcast apps, and building real momentum early on. We also talk about how downloads actually work—especially auto-downloads—and why having more episodes when someone follows your show can instantly multiply your download numbers without you doing any extra work.This isn’t about vanity metrics for the sake of ego. It’s about understanding how podcast platforms work and using that knowledge strategically. One person finding your show when there are 10 episodes available can instantly become 10 downloads instead of one. That kind of activity signals to podcast apps that your show is worth promoting.I also explain why front-loading the effort matters. When you start with strong momentum, you’re not just launching an episode—you’re building a follower base that your future episodes get pushed to automatically. That’s how podcasts grow faster, with less effort over time.If visibility, growth, and long-term success matter to you, this episode will help you rethink how you approach your podcast launch—and why doing a little more work upfront can completely change your results.If you have questions or want to talk through your launch strategy, come find me on Instagram at @AngieMSpearman.

In this episode, I’m doing a real check-in with you—because this podcast isn’t just about listening, it’s about taking action. I’m asking you to pause for a second and honestly look at how much time you’ve spent planning, thinking, and consuming… versus how much you’ve actually done.If you haven’t taken action yet, I want you to get curious about why. Are you stuck in planning mode? Procrastinating because it all feels overwhelming? Not sure what to do next? Or are you hiding a little bit—behind perfectionism, fear, or vulnerability?I talk about something that doesn’t always get said out loud: putting yourself out there can feel really vulnerable. For some people, turning on a microphone or hitting record feels terrifying. Perfectionism often shows up as a shield, but underneath it is usually fear of being seen or judged. And here’s the truth—you’re thinking about yourself way more than anyone else is. Most people aren’t judging you. They’re not throwing tomatoes. In fact, at first, barely anyone is listening—and that’s actually a gift.If you’re overwhelmed, I encourage you to go back to the basics. Break it down. One step at a time. If fear is what’s stopping you, I gently challenge you to rip the bandaid off. The more you show up, the easier it gets. Confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel ready.And I also give you permission to be honest with yourself. If podcasting truly doesn’t feel aligned and another platform feels easier or more natural for you, that’s okay. But if this is something you want—and fear is the only thing in the way—this episode is your nudge.Before you move on with your day, I want you to do one small thing. Open your voice notes. Pretend you’re recording your intro. Just start talking. That’s it.And if you’re feeling stuck, vulnerable, or in your head about all of this, come join us in the School community and share what’s coming up. You don’t have to do this alone.Take some action today. I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m walking you through exactly how to map out your very first podcast season—step by step—so you’re not staring at a blank page wondering what to talk about.This episode builds directly on the last two conversations we’ve had about messaging and whether or not to use seasons, because your first season should never be random. It should be intentional, strategic, and designed to introduce you, your perspective, and your work in a way that actually moves listeners toward trusting you.If you’re brand new to podcasting—or if you already have a podcast that feels scattered or unclear—this framework works for both. Think of this as your “reset button.”Here’s how I break down your first podcast season:Start with a mission episodeYour very first episode is all about buy-in. I walk you through how to clearly share who you are, who you help, why you care, and what you stand for—so listeners immediately understand your bigger mission and why they should keep listening.Create episodes that show what you believeNext, you’ll use your messaging work to create episodes around what you want your audience to stop doing, start doing, and rethinking. These episodes help you stand out, call out bad advice in your industry, and clearly communicate what you believe.Teach your frameworkThe back half of your season focuses on how you actually help people get results. I show you how to break your process into episodes that demonstrate your expertise and move listeners from point A to point B.End with a sales (aka “girlfriend chat”) episodeThe final episode of your season is where you speak directly to the person who’s been listening, nodding along, but still hasn’t taken action. This isn’t a hard sell—it’s a real, honest conversation about what’s possible if they finally say yes to themselves.The goal of your first season isn’t to go viral or be perfect. It’s to clearly position you, build trust, and create momentum—for you and for your listeners.I’ve dropped the First Season Framework inside my school community so you can follow along and map this out easily. Once you’re in, let me know where you’re at in your podcast journey—I’d love to see what you’re building.If you have questions, come find me on Instagram or inside the community. I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode, I’m answering a question I get all the time: Should your podcast have seasons, or should you just keep publishing episodes week after week with no breaks? If you’ve been stuck overthinking this decision, this conversation is meant to help you move forward without letting structure slow you down.I walk through how to think about podcast seasons in a way that actually supports consistency, sustainability, and momentum — because at the end of the day, the best podcast structure is the one you can stick with. This episode isn’t about rules. It’s about choosing the approach that makes podcasting feel lighter instead of heavier.I also share why I personally love seasons for most podcasters, especially when you’re just getting started. Seasons make it easier to focus your content, avoid burnout, and stop feeling like you need to come up with infinite episode ideas forever. When you think in seasons, you can narrow your focus, create with intention, and guide your listeners toward a specific result instead of talking about everything all at once.In this episode, I talk about:Whether you should structure your podcast with seasons or notWhy sustainability matters more than podcast formatHow seasons can make content creation feel easier and more focusedWhen having no seasons might actually work better for youHow podcast seasons can support launches, offers, and marketingWhy seasons don’t have to be public or labeled to be effectiveI also explain how seasons can work even if your podcast is still numbered continuously, and how you can quietly use seasons behind the scenes to plan smarter content. If the idea of committing to endless weekly episodes feels overwhelming, this episode will help you reframe podcasting in a way that feels doable and aligned with how you actually work.At the end of the day, I vote for seasons — unless that structure becomes the thing that holds you back from starting. If seasons feel supportive, use them. If they feel restrictive, skip them and start talking. Forward momentum always wins.If you have questions about podcast structure, seasons, or planning your content, come find me on Instagram @angiemspearman, or check out the links in the show notes. I’ll see you in the next episode.

In this episode of Press Play, I’m kicking off the conversation around podcast content — starting with the most important piece: your messaging.Before we talk about episode ideas, content frameworks, or how long your episodes should be, we have to get really clear on who you’re talking to, what you stand for, and what you want your listeners to do differently because of your podcast. That’s exactly what we’re diving into here.I’m walking you through the foundational questions I want you to actually sit down and write out — the ones that will shape every episode you record moving forward.In This Episode: Why your messaging has to come before your podcast content strategyHow to define your mission and who you actually help (beyond demographics)Where your dream listeners are in their journey — and how to speak directly to themWhat you want your audience to stop doing and start doing right nowHow calling out bad advice in your industry can become powerful podcast contentWhy your framework is the backbone of your podcast messagingIf you’ve been stuck wondering what to talk about on your podcast, chances are the issue isn’t content — it’s clarity. When your messaging is dialed in, creating podcast episodes becomes so much easier (and more intentional).This episode sets the foundation for everything that comes next in your podcast launch. Once you work through these questions, you’ll stop guessing and start creating content that actually connects and converts.Take the time to actually work through these questions — journal them out, brain dump, get messy with it. This is how we’ll build your podcast content in a way that feels aligned, intentional, and effective.I’ll see you in the next episode.

If you’re stuck in planning mode and can’t seem to press record, this episode is for you. In this episode of Press Play, I’m walking you through how to start recording your podcast, even if you feel awkward, unprepared, or unsure of what to say.We’ve already talked about podcast descriptions, trailers, intros, and outros — but none of that matters if you never actually start recording. This episode is all about building confidence behind the mic, practicing without pressure, and finally taking action so you can move your podcast forward.In This Episode: Why pressing record is the hardest (and most important) step in podcastingHow to practice recording your podcast without publishing anythingScripted vs. unscripted podcast episodes — how to find what works for youWhy voice memos are the best tool for beginner podcastersHow to sound natural, confident, and conversational on your podcastThe mindset shift that helps you stop overthinking and start recordingMost podcasters don’t fail because they lack strategy — they get stuck because they never start recording. Confidence doesn’t come before you press record. It comes because you press record. This episode helps you move past perfectionism, stop hiding behind planning, and start building real momentum with your podcast.If you’ve been asking yourself “How do I start recording a podcast?” or “What if I don’t sound good?” — this episode will help you take that first step.

In this episode of the Press Play Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly how to write your podcast intro, outro, and commercial — what they’re for, how long they should be, and how to use them strategically without adding fluff or losing listeners.If you’ve ever wondered whether you even need an intro or outro, how to keep them short and effective, or how to promote your offer without feeling awkward, this episode will walk you through it step by step. This builds directly off our last episode about recording your podcast trailer and helps you create a clear, repeatable structure for every episode you publish.In This Episode:What a podcast intro, outro, and commercial actually doHow long your podcast intro should be (and why shorter performs better)What information listeners actually need in your introWhy most people don’t listen to the end — and how to use your outro anywayHow repetition helps build podcast brand recognitionWhy every podcast needs a commercial (especially if you want to make sales)Many podcasters spend too much time overthinking their intros and avoid talking about what they sell altogether — then wonder why their podcast isn’t growing or making money. In this episode, I help you simplify your podcast structure so your intro, outro, and commercial support your goals instead of distracting from them. When your podcast is clear, concise, and listener-focused, it’s easier to grow trust, retention, and revenue.

If you’re launching a podcast and wondering whether you really need a trailer (or what the heck you’re even supposed to say in it), this episode is for you. I’m breaking down exactly what a podcast trailer is, why it matters way more than people think, and how to record one that actually does its job.Your trailer isn’t just a quick intro — it plays a huge role in getting your podcast approved, distributed, and positioned before you ever hit launch day. In this episode, I walk you through the simple formula I use for myself and my clients so you’re not overthinking it or winging it.In this episode, I cover:What a podcast trailer actually is and why every podcast needs oneHow your trailer acts as a placeholder so you can control your launch dateThe exact components to include so listeners immediately know if your show is for themHow to introduce yourself and your credibility without sounding awkwardWhy sharing your deeper mission creates connection (and buy-in) with listenersWhat to include logistically, plus the call to action that invites people into your movementI also mention the trailer template I use with my clients — it’s linked in the show notes so you can plug in your own details and record your trailer with confidence.If you have questions or want feedback, come hang out with me on Instagram @AngieMSpearman. I’ll see you in the next episode.Creating Your Trailer Worksheet

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through how to write a really strong podcast description—the kind that helps the right people instantly know your show is for them. If you’ve been following along, this is a continuation of taking real action as you build toward your podcast launch. These are the foundational pieces that matter, and your description is one of them.Your podcast description is often the very first impression someone has of your show. It’s what they read when they click on your podcast in their app, and people are making snap decisions in seconds. Your job is to help them immediately raise their hand and say, “Yep, this is for me.”In this episode, I break down the key elements you need to include so your description is clear, compelling, and actually does its job:How to write a clear hook that immediately says who the podcast is for and what problem it solvesA simple formula you can use to make your listener feel seen without overcomplicating itHow to expand on the big picture of your show and explain your unique angle or perspectiveWhy your podcast description is the perfect place to share who you are and build trust (yes, this is where you brag a little)What listeners should expect to walk away with from each episodeWhy every podcast description needs a clear call to action—and what to invite people to do nextThis episode is all about making your podcast easier to say yes to. When your description is clear, confident, and focused on the listener, it does the heavy lifting for you before anyone even presses play.If you’re building your podcast right now, I want you to actually sit down and write this out after listening. Don’t overthink it—just start. You can always refine it later.And if you have questions or want feedback, come hang out with me over on Instagram @angiemspearman. I’ll catch you in the next episode.

In today’s episode, I wanted to do a simple check-in—and maybe give you the nudge you need to actually take action on your podcast. This one isn’t about strategy overload or doing everything at once. It’s about momentum. Because what I know for sure (and what I see over and over again with my clients) is this: if it’s not on your calendar, it doesn’t get done.So I’m inviting you to start small. I’m talking about one hour a week. Just one. That’s 52 hours in a year dedicated to your podcast—and that time alone can completely change what’s possible for you if you actually protect it and show up.That hour doesn’t have to look perfect. It might be planning. It might be recording. It might be going through a training, listening back to episodes, or finally putting pen to paper. The point is building the muscle of consistency and showing yourself that you’re serious about this.In this episode, I walk you through a few concrete actions you can take right now to move your podcast forward, especially if you’re in the launch phase:Getting clear on your podcast goal and what you actually want this show to do for youDefining your niche, angle, and who you’re really talking toDeciding how your show will be structured (solo, interviews, or a mix)Playing around with podcast names and checking availability (URL, trademark, etc.)Creating a simple space in your Google Drive to start organizing everythingThis podcast is all about taking action—because overwhelm and inaction are what keep most people stuck. You don’t need to do everything today. You just need to do something.So after you listen, I want you to pause. Put time on your calendar. Write something down. Record a rough draft. Take one small step that moves your podcast forward.And if you have questions or want to tell me what you worked on, you can always find me on Instagram @angiemspearman. I’ll catch you in the next episode.

In this episode I am answering the question- should I be doing interviews on my show? Or just solo episodes?

In this episode I briefly go over what you should start considering when it comes to launching your podcast. I teach 3 styles of launching: The traditional launch The offer launchThe Beyonce launch Tune in to see which one you should be considering for your podcast.

Here's all you need as far as software and equipment to get your podcast going.Sign Up For Captivate Hosting HereMy Amazon Store with Podcast Recs

Is having good audio for your podcast really important? In this episode I dive into my thoughts about the quality of your audio .

What you name your podcast is a crucial part of your positioning and your brand. In this episode I share with you 4 ways you could go about naming your podcast. If you want the free naming guide, find me on Instagram @angiemspearman and drop the words "Naming Guide" in my dms and I will send you over the free worksheet to help get you started. Thanks for being here Happy Podcasting

This is probably one of the most important topics to cover when it comes to launching your podcast. The way your show is positioned is so important to achieving what goals you have for your podcast. Listen to this episode and then head over to my IG @angiemspearman and let me know what you think. Happy Podcasting

In this episode I am asking a very important question: what do you really want from your podcast? You can't build a podcast that works for you if you can't be honest about what you truly want and what you have the capacity to create- and more importantly- know what strategy to implement.