Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://www.simplepodstudios.com/newsletter

Justin tackles the critical question every podcaster should ask: is your content actually resonating with listeners? Moving beyond surface-level feedback from super fans, he introduces a data-driven approach centered on retention metrics—the one metric that's nearly impossible to manipulate or buy. Justin breaks down the three essential retention measurements he tracks on every episode: average consumption (the baseline content quality score), opening retention (whether your intro hooks listeners in the first two minutes), and episode completion rate (who's still there to hear your call to action). He provides specific benchmarks for each metric, explains what high and low scores reveal about your content, and shares actionable strategies to improve performance across all three areas. Plus, he walks through exactly where to find these metrics in Spotify for Creators, Apple Podcasts for Creators, and YouTube Studio.

Key Takeaways:

• Retention is the most valuable podcast metric because attention is the hardest resource to capture and nearly impossible to fake

• Average consumption of 70%+ means your content is strong and ready for growth

• The biggest drop-off happens in the first two minutes—opening retention above 75% indicates a strong hook

• Episode completion rates put your call-to-action strategy in perspective—only 1-5% of end-listeners take action

• Making episodes tighter and focusing on one main takeaway per episode improves average consumption

• Standard intros over 30 seconds are likely too long and hurt opening retention

• Shorter episodes (20-30 minutes) are trending as listeners prefer content that fits within single activities

• Access retention data through Spotify for Creators, Apple Podcasts for Creators, and YouTube Studio analytics

Key Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Is Your Podcast Content Really Resonating with Listeners?

(00:00:51) - Is Retention the Only Podcast Metric That Matters?

(00:03:45) - Retention Metric #1: Average Consumption

(00:05:35) - Retention Metric #2: Opening Retention

(00:07:46) - Retention Metric #3: Episode Completion Rate

(00:10:58) - How Can Podcasters Improve Their Episode Retention?

(00:14:29) - How to Access These Podcast Analytics

(00:16:33) - Retention is Proof Your Podcast Is Working

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Retention, Retention Metrics, Content Quality, Average Consumption, Opening Retention, Episode Completion Rate, Podcast Analytics, Listener Engagement, Podcast Data, Audience Attention, Content Performance, Rating and Reviews, Social Media Followers, Podcast Downloads, Download Quality, Content Marketing, Podcast Strategy, Listener Retention, Episode Pacing, Storytelling, Podcast Intros, Hook Strategy, Call to Action, Conversion Rates, Podcast Benchmarks, Content Improvement, Pattern Breaks, Episode Segmentation, Standard Introductions, Episode Length, Spotify for Creators, Apple Podcasts for Creators, YouTube Studio, YouTube Analytics, Video Podcasts, Retention Charts, Podcast Growth, Super Fans, Audience Growth, Listener Loyalty, Content Value, Episode Structure, Podcast Hosting, Justin Peters, SimplePod Studios, Retention Graphs, Analytics Tutorial, Business Podcasters, Content Creators, Podcast Consultation

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://www.simplepodstudios.com/newsletter

Justin shares seven practical strategies to breathe new life into your podcast's back catalog and turn old episodes into consistent download engines. From optimizing episode titles for search to bundling themed playlists, he breaks down how smart podcasters intentionally leverage their existing content instead of letting it gather dust. Justin covers making titles more searchable, integrating episodes into email sequences and sales funnels, promoting during speaking engagements, cross-linking within new episodes, recycling social media content, re-engaging past guests, and creating curated playlists. He emphasizes that podcast episodes shouldn't "die on the vine" 30 days after release—with the right approach, your back catalog can keep working for months and years to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Episode titles should evolve over time—shift from compelling to keyword-rich as content ages

• Descriptive titles outperform clever ones in search, especially for older episodes

• Your email subscribers are warm leads—use welcome sequences and newsletters to resurface evergreen content

• Speaking engagements create perfect opportunities to direct audiences to specific episodes

• Cross-linking episodes within new content guides listeners deeper into your catalog

• Social media followers change constantly—recycling year-old content reaches new audiences

• Past guests need content too—anniversary milestones give natural reasons to re-promote

• Themed playlists act as starter guides and make your back catalog more navigable

• Start small with one or two strategies rather than trying to implement everything at once

Key Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Get More Podcast Downloads Without Recording New Episodes

(00:01:14) - Tip #1: Make Episode Titles More Searchable

(00:03:10) - Tip #2: Add Older Episodes to Your Email Sequences

(00:05:16) - Tip #3: Mention Episodes in Your Speaking Engagements

(00:06:51) - Tip #4: Link Old Episodes Inside New Episodes

(00:07:59) - Tip #5: Recycle Content from Old Episodes on Social Media

(00:09:18) - Tip #6: Ask Past Guests to Reshare Their Episodes

(00:10:48) - Tip #7: Bundle Older Episodes Into a Themed Playlist

(00:12:17) - Podcast Episodes Shouldn't Just Die on the Vine 30 Days After They've Been Released

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Back Catalog, Older Episodes, Episode Downloads, Podcast Growth, Evergreen Content, Episode Titles, Searchable Titles, Keyword Optimization, Email Sequences, Newsletter Strategy, Welcome Sequences, Sales Funnels, Speaking Engagements, Conference Speaking, QR Codes, Episode Cross-Linking, Content Recycling, Social Media Strategy, Guest Promotion, Episode Anniversaries, Themed Playlists, Content Curation, Podcast Discovery, Search Optimization, Email Marketing, Content Marketing, Podcast Strategy, Download Strategy, Back Catalog Optimization, Episode Revival, Content Amplification, Binge-Worthy Content, Podcast Feed Optimization, Episode Promotion, Guest Relationships, Content Repurposing, SimplePod Studios, Justin Peters, Podcast Movement, Donor Advised Funds, Open Enrollment, Podcast Analytics, Listener Retention, Audience Growth, Content Strategy, Podcast Marketing

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://www.simplepodstudios.com/newsletter

Justin and Kyle square off in a heated debate covering five of podcasting's most controversial topics—but there's a twist. They don't get to choose their positions. Drawing stances from a hat, they're forced to argue for opinions they might completely disagree with, from interview vs. solo formats to video-first vs. audio-only, seasonal vs. weekly publishing, big-name vs. niche guests, and broad vs. niche podcasts. Through rapid-fire arguments and occasional "jumping ship" moments, they explore the nuanced pros and cons of each approach, ultimately revealing that there's rarely a one-size-fits-all answer in podcasting. Along the way, they share real client experiences, algorithm insights, and hard-won lessons about what actually works—and when to intentionally break the rules.

Key Takeaways:

• Solo content is faster to produce, but guest interviews build relationships and expand reach

• Seasonal breaks risk losing momentum—consistency builds audience habits and algorithmic favor

• Video unlocks discoverability through short-form content, but adds complexity and cost that can overwhelm new creators

• Big-name guests bring authority by association, but niche experts often deliver more relevant value and better promotion

• Niche podcasts create clarity and serve as an on-ramp to broader authority over time

• Testing and pivoting based on results matters more than rigidly following any single formula

Key Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - Debating the Hottest Topics in Podcasting

(00:01:35) - Topic 1: Interview vs Solo Format (Solo Format)

(00:03:14) - Topic 1: Interview vs Solo Format (Interview Format)

(00:06:43) - Topic 2: Seasonal vs Weekly Publishing (Seasonal Publishing)

(00:09:14) - Topic 2: Seasonal vs Weekly Publishing (Weekly Publishing)

(00:11:05) - Topic 3: Video First vs Audio Only (Audio Only)

(00:13:26) - Topic 3: Video First vs Audio Only (Video First)

(00:18:16) - Topic 4: Big Guest or Niche Guest (Big Guest)

(00:21:01) - Topic 4: Big Guest or Niche Guest (Niche Guest)

(00:23:02) - Topic 5: Niching vs Broad Topics (Niching)

(00:24:32) - Topic 5: Niching vs Broad Topics (Broad Topics)

(00:28:10) - Which Topics Did We Disagree With the Most?

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Formats, Interview Podcasts, Solo Episodes, Guest Collaboration, Podcast Scheduling, Seasonal Podcasting, Weekly Publishing, Podcast Consistency, Content Batching, Audience Habits, Podcast Momentum, Video Podcasts, Audio Only Podcasts, YouTube Podcasts, Short Form Content, Reels and Shorts, Video Editing, Production Complexity, Camera Equipment, Podcast Discoverability, Social Media Algorithms, Big Name Guests, Niche Guests, Guest Authority, Content Relevance, Podcast Promotion, Guest Sharing, Niche Podcasting, Broad Topic Podcasts, Content Specialization, Podcast Growth Strategies, Algorithm Optimization, Service Based Podcasters, Professional Podcasting, Podcast ROI, Content Marketing, Podcast Burnout, Episode Planning, Podcast Systems, Audience Building, Content Strategy, Podcast Debate, Marketing Strategy, Podcast Production, Content Creation, Business Podcasting, Justin Peters, Kyle Peters, SimplePod Studios

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://simplepod-studios.kit.com/b9ab50da1b

Justin breaks down the exact niching exercise that helped him finally unlock real podcast growth after years of flat downloads. After resisting this advice early on, he explains why surface-level demographics weren’t enough—and how reframing his audience through pain points and stage of journey completely changed how his content resonated with many listeners. In this episode, Justin walks through the two filters that stop podcasters from getting clear on their niche, addresses the most common fears around narrowing your focus, and shares practical questions you can use today to define an audience your show can truly serve. If you’ve struggled to “pick a niche” without boxing yourself in, this episode gives you a clear framework.

Key Takeaways:

• Niching doesn’t limit growth—it makes your show easier to find, remember, and binge

• Broad demographics aren’t enough to define a meaningful podcast audience

• Your show may shrink at first—but resonance drives long-term growth

• Specific examples and language matter more than broad topics

• Focusing on 3–5 core pain points instantly sharpens your content

• Serving one stage of the listener journey creates super-fans

• Great niche podcasts feel like they were made for one person

• You can test a niche before fully committing to it

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Why Justin Finally Took Niching Seriously

(01:43) – Why Niche Shows Are Thriving Right Now

(02:38) – The 3 Biggest Fears Podcasters Have About Niching

(02:56) – Why Your Podcast Has to Shrink Before It Grows

(04:00) – Does Niching Kill Creative Freedom?

(06:00) – Why Excluding the Wrong Listener Is a Good Thing

(07:24) – Filter #1: Identify 3–5 Core Pain Points

(09:01) – Questions to Help You Uncover Real Pain Points

(11:28) – Filter #2: Focus on a Specific Stage of the Journey

(13:38) – Questions to Define the Stage You Want to Serve

(15:30) – How the Two Filters Work Together

(16:21) – One Bonus Tip for Testing Your Niche

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Niching Strategy, Podcast Audience Growth, Finding Your Podcast Niche, Podcast Listener Avatar, Podcast Content Strategy, Audience Pain Points, Stage of Audience Journey, Podcast Positioning, Podcast Marketing Strategy, Podcast Lead Generation, Podcast Engagement, Coaching Podcasts, Advisor Podcasts, Niche Marketing for Podcasters, Growing a Podcast Audience, Turning Listeners Into Clients, Podcast Clarity Framework, Justin Peters, SimplePod Studios, The Podcast Playbook

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://www.simplepodstudios.com/newsletter

Justin breaks down why great content can go unnoticed—and how the right title changes that. Drawing from his own experience with underperforming episodes that had solid retention, he shares the four proven formulas he uses to craft compelling podcast titles that actually get clicks. Justin walks through the Problem + Solution approach, the What/Why/How framework, the power of Specificity, and Results-Oriented titling, complete with real-world examples from financial advisors, wellness coaches, and leadership consultants. He also covers character limits, the danger of clickbait, and why auditing your back catalog can bring new life to evergreen content. It's a practical, no-fluff guide for coaches, advisors, and service-based podcasters who want their best episodes to get the attention they deserve.

Key Takeaways:

• Your title is as important as your content—it's the first filter for potential listeners

• The Problem + Solution formula speaks directly to pain points and offers clear value

• What/Why/How titles remove guesswork while building curiosity and clarity

• Specific titles with numbers and details cut through noise and promise concrete value

• Results-oriented titles focus on transformation, not just information

• Keep titles between 50-70 characters (10-12 words) for optimal display across platforms

• Clickbait wins downloads but loses trust—authenticity builds lasting audiences

• Evergreen content deserves regular title audits to maximize ongoing downloads

Key Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - The #1 Reason Your Episode Didn't Get Many Downloads

(00:02:13) - The Problem + Solution Podcast Titling Formula

(00:03:58) - The What, Why and How Podcast Titling Formula

(00:05:53) - The Specificity Podcast Titling Formula

(00:08:33) - The Results Oriented Podcast Titling Formula

(00:10:45) - Recapping the 4 Simple Formulas to Create More Clickable Content

(00:11:51) - Bonus Tips for Creating Clickable Titles

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Titles, Podcast Downloads, Episode Titles, Clickable Content, Title Formulas, Problem Solution Formula, What Why How Formula, Specificity Formula, Results Oriented Titles, Podcast Marketing, Content Marketing, Audience Growth, Podcast Strategy, Episode Performance, Title Optimization, Podcast Feed, Retention Charts, Content Discovery, Service-Based Podcasters, Coach Podcasts, Advisor Podcasts, Financial Advisor Podcasts, Wellness Coach Podcasts, Leadership Consultant Podcasts, Clickbait vs Value, Title Character Limits, Podcast Analytics, Evergreen Content, Content Audits, Podcast Authority, Expert Positioning, Client Conversion, Podcast Engagement, Download Strategy, Episode Packaging, Content Amplification, Curiosity Triggers, Value Proposition, Podcast Growth, Justin Peters, SimplePod Studios

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://simplepod-studios.kit.com/b9ab50da1b

Justin reveals why most podcast growth advice misses the mark—and introduces a third path beyond spending endless time or money. Instead of guest appearances, ads, or constant social media posting, he focuses on podcast discoverability: making your show easy to find inside Apple, Spotify, and other listening apps. With 35% of podcast listeners discovering new shows through platform search functions, and algorithms now recommending podcasts like YouTube serves videos, optimization is no longer optional. Justin walks through three simple, one-time changes you can make in under an hour: adding a title extension to clarify your audience, rearranging episode title formats to prioritize keywords, and enriching your podcast description with problem-solving bullet points. These strategies require minimal time, zero budget, and keep working long after implementation—making discoverability the smartest starting point before investing in earned media or paid ads.

Key Takeaways:

• 35% of podcast listeners discover shows through search within their listening platform

• Title extensions clarify your audience and add keywords without requiring a full rebrand

• Leading episode titles with numbers wastes prime search real estate—rearrange them

• Podcast descriptions are underutilized—specific problem-solving bullets boost search ranking

• Discoverability changes are one-time efforts that deliver ongoing results without cost

• Clear, niche messaging converts browsers into subscribers more effectively than vague descriptions

• Fastest growth happens when discoverability is combined with earned media and paid ads

Key Timestamps:

(00:00:00) - 3 Overlooked Ways to Make Your Podcast More Discoverable

(00:01:57) - Add a Title Extension to Your Podcast Name

(00:05:16) - The Formula for Creating a Title Extension

(00:07:20) - Rearrange Your Podcast's Episode Title Format

(00:10:03) - Add Problems or Transformations Your Podcast Addresses for Listeners to Your Description

(00:13:48) - Recapping the 3 Quick Changes to Help Your Podcast Show Up Higher in Search

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast Discoverability, Podcast SEO, Podcast Search Optimization, Apple Podcasts Search, Spotify Search, Podcast Growth Strategies, Title Extensions, Podcast Naming, Podcast Rebranding, Episode Title Format, Episode Numbers, Keyword Optimization, Podcast Description, Search Algorithm, Podcast Marketing, Organic Growth, Podcast Platform Algorithms, Content Discovery, Podcast Feed Optimization, Character Limits, Personal Finance Podcasts, LinkedIn Marketing, Business Podcasts, Podcast Hosting Platforms, Search Rankings, Keyword Strategy, Podcast Conversion, Audience Targeting, Niche Podcasting, Podcast Messaging, Low Budget Marketing, Time Efficient Marketing, One Time Marketing Efforts, Earned Media, Paid Advertising, Podcast Analytics, Justin Peters, SimplePod Studios

Transform Your Podcast from Time-Suck to Lead Generator at https://simplepodstudios.com

Reach Out at justin@simplepodstudios.com or kyle@simplepodstudios.com

Get Podcasting Tips Straight to Your Inbox at https://simplepod-studios.kit.com/b9ab50da1b

Justin and Kyle tackle one of the most common questions podcasters ask: Is it even worth podcasting if you don’t have—or want—a large audience? While growing a show is valuable, they break down why audience size alone is a misleading metric and walk through four overlooked ways podcasting delivers real ROI for business owners. From personal branding and relationship building to content repurposing and lead generation, this episode reframes podcast success around business impact—not download numbers. If you’ve ever questioned whether your “small” podcast is actually working, this conversation will change how you measure success.

Key Takeaways:

• Podcasting delivers ROI far beyond audience size

• A podcast acts as a powerful personal branding asset

• Hosting a show accelerates relationship-building and referrals

• Podcasting creates a built-in networking system

• Your podcast can serve as the core engine for all your content

• Repurposing episodes increases reach without extra effort

• Niche shows generate leads with surprisingly small audiences

• Download numbers matter less than alignment with business goals

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Is Podcasting Worth It Without a Large Audience?

(01:00) – Defining What “A Large Audience” Actually Means

(03:00) – Reason #1: Personal Branding

(05:00) – Reason #2: Relationship Building

(08:00) – Reason #3: Podcasting as a Content Engine

(10:30) – Reason #4: Niche Podcasts Convert Better Than Big Shows

(13:00) – Why 100 Listeners Is More Powerful Than You Think

(13:30) – Recap: The 4 Real ROI Drivers of Podcasting

Key Topics Discussed:

Podcast ROI, Podcast Audience Growth, Podcast Download Metrics, Podcast Personal Branding, Relationship Building Through Podcasting, Podcast Networking Strategy, Podcast Content Repurposing, Podcast Content Engine, Podcast Lead Generation, Niche Podcasts, Small Podcast Audience Strategy, Podcast Marketing for Business Owners, Measuring Podcast Success, Podcast Goals Framework, SimplePod Studios, Justin Peters, Kyle Peters, The Podcast Playbook