Growing a podcast isn’t just about hitting record and hoping for the best. If you’ve been tuning in, you know we’re all about making remarkable content that actually resonates with listeners. Last week, we dug deep into what successful shows are doing differently, and trust me, it’s not rocket science. It’s about conversation, not just broadcasting.

Today, I’m sharing free tools and insights to help connect with your audience better and some juicy news from Spotify that might just change the way you think about your podcast. Spoiler alert: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

I looked at some of the big names in the biz and guess what? Most of them have one thing in common — they interact with their listeners. They don’t just talk at you; they want to talk with you. We’re talking newsletters, voicemails, and even knowing the eye color of your audience. Because if you can relate to your listeners on that level, you’re doing something right. I even had a hilarious blunder with my email list that turned into a goldmine of feedback — the kind of feedback that makes or breaks your show. So, if you’re still wondering why your podcast isn’t growing, it might be time to roll up those sleeves and get face-to-face with your audience, even if it’s over Zoom.

The best way to find out what your audience wants is to ask them. I’m inviting you into my podcast kitchen to help shape future episodes. Because at the end of the day, your podcast should feel like a recipe that everyone can enjoy together. Join me for a live chat on October 16th where we’ll dive into what you want to hear, and let’s make this show the best it can be. Remember, if you want to grow, you have to listen first. Now, go out there and start those conversations!

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I am still in shock about the loss of Todd Cochrane.

I just saw him a few weeks ago 30 lbs lighter and looking great. I've known Todd for 20+ years. The man who wrote the very first book on podcasting. In looking for pictures, I only have this one in a group. Why? Because you always think a person will be there to do it next time.

Todd was a character. Unique. There will never be another one. At every event I would end up at a table with Todd, "The Robs" (Greenlee and Walch) and other OGs. Always great to catch up and share insights with the goal of making sure the podcast space was doing OK.

I will remember Todd as the courageous advocate of the independent podcaster. At one point he would get deals by grouping shows together. This was a HUGE nightmare of paperwork, but he wanted to see the "indies" make some money. I was one of those indies, and it was one of the first times I made money with a podcast. That wouldn't have happened without Todd.

On a recent show he talked about he wouldn't do a deal where the podcaster made less than 70%. Other companies are taking deals of 50%. Not Todd. The podcaster must be paid.

I loved that he had a wider view of the podcast space as the CEO of Blubrry and was always sharing what he saw. My favorite phrase to hear Todd say was, "I probably shouldn't say this but..." because you knew what was coming was a doozy. When you hear the stat, "Most podcasters don't make it past episode seven" that was first delivered by Todd Cochran. He was always open to share so if there was a problem so we could all solve it together.

Todd was the man behind the People's Choice Podcast Awards. When some shows didn't win, he received death threats. Did it stop him from holding the awards next year? No. Todd earned next to nothing for doing those awards, but did it for the indies (noticing a pattern yet?). Lots of work for next to no pay as long as the indie would benefit.

One of my favorite memories of Todd was way back at the New Media Expo. There was an off site party at a bar. I was running the podcast track, and got there late. The bar was at the top of a slope, so I was walking up this slight hill as Todd exited the bar. I believe the ol' sailor had consumed some spirits.

Todd had not made it down the two or three steps to the parking lot, so there I was gazing up at Todd who looked 10 feet tall. They had been talking about bigger companies getting into podcasting. Before I could even say hello, Todd raised his fist in the air and shouted, "There is a fox in hen house boys! VIVA LA REVOLUTION!"

So there he was, larger than life, fist in the air, up against the dark Vegas sky fighting for the indies.

There will never be another Todd Cochrane.

RIP My Friend.

• Todd Cochrane shared insights from 10 years of podcasting, covering 1024 episodes
• Spent 7,291 hours (303 days) creating content
• Emphasized the importance of audience relationship and engagement

Key Topics:

Audience Relationship

• Concept of "Ohana" (family) - treating listeners like close family
• Building trust and personal connection with audience
• Sharing personal stories and being authentic

Podcasting Journey

• Started in 2004 after a military injury
• Grew from zero to 45,000 listeners within 60 days
• Developed relationships with sponsors (e.g., GoDaddy for 10 years)

Monetization

• Showed actual earnings from podcasting
• Discussed sponsorship models (CPM, flat rate, CPA)
• Emphasized creating value for sponsors

Podcasting Challenges

• Need for accurate download statistics
• Importance of content...

Over the 20 years there are certain questions that get asked over and over, and today I share my thoughts on How Do I Grow My Podcast Audience? The part that will get me in hot water, is I'm pointing my finger at your content (and delivery).

Get the Remarkable Episode Checklist

Who and Why

When it comes to growing your podcast, there are two things that drive the content and the first one is who is your audience. It can’t be “everybody” and it can’t be “men 25 to 50” as there is a big difference between those two men. There is one situation that I’ll talk about in a minute that is an exception.

The Three R’s

Relative Content: Shows the audience, ““I understand where you are, and here’s something useful for you today.”

Remarkable Content: Create episodes worth talking about or sharing. A good podcast reliably informs or entertains with quality, while a remarkable podcast emotionally connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression through exceptional storytelling, unique content, or innovative presentation

When you have relative, remarkable content it resonates with your audience (and they tell a friend).

Examine Your Show

podcastsconnect.apple.com and creators.spotify.com allow you to check your completion rate.

Community, Community, Community

You can use tools like Heartbeat, Systeme, and Circle (Systeme has a free version) to build a community.

How many checks does your episode check on the Remarkable Content Checklist?

Create a survey for your audience (to find out what they want, and how you're doing delivering value). Podpage has a built in survey based on the book The Audience is Listening by Tom Webster ( a must read).

More Ways to Grow Than Downloads

Your podcast leads to relationship which lead to opportunity.

Your network grows.

You can become THE person in your niche - if you don't quit.

Feel Like Giving Value Back?

Say thanks by giving back (it makes you feel wonderful)

Mentioned In This Episode

• Growthinreverse.com
• schoolofpodcasting.com