Have you ever wondered how to grow your podcast audience—or if you should even start one? In today’s episode, Melissa sits down with Rae Irelan, co-founder and CEO of Evolve Podcasting, to talk about practical strategies for podcast growth, monetization, and sustainability. Rae shares her journey of launching a podcast back in 2017, how she shifted her mindset from chasing download numbers to focusing on revenue per listener, and the surprising lessons she learned about ads, sponsorships, and building a loyal audience. Whether you’re an established podcaster feeling stuck, or you’ve been debating if podcasting is right for you, this conversation will encourage you to reframe your perspective and give you strategies you can apply today. What you'll walk away with: Why podcasting still has massive opportunity (it’s not as saturated as you think). Practical monetization strategies beyond sponsorships. The two phases of podcast monetization: nurturing listeners into your business and moving them onto your email list. How to repurpose your podcast into a content waterfall—blogs, reels, YouTube videos, emails, and more. Why gratitude and energy in your voice matter more than you realize.

Rae Irelan Website: https://www.raeirelan.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/raeirelan/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelJaniceIrelan

Heard in Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaTh7gvfH97xy-uORKi1iYYWv-tIAD1dd

Get Your Ticket for Firebrand Storyroom Here: https://melissaleahughes.com/firebrand-story-room

Grab your Free Guide Tools here: https://melissaleahughes.com/free-guides

Website: www.melissaleahughes.com

Social Channels:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaleahughes

Melissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaleahughes/

Rise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risesocialmediaagency/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.harrington.758

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissaleahughes