Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn't the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

• Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed
• Viral moments: why fame doesn't equal loyalty
• $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what?
• Famous parents, forgotten children
• Coaches promising millions
• Build longing: make a podcast worth missing
• Small hinges, big doors

Why You Should Listen

• How podcasters burn thousands on ads
• Why "famous" is worthless (and what really drives listener obsession)
• The jaw-dropping viral video contract
• The real reason coaches push "the basics" (and why the lazy are secretly drawn to them)
• When $15,000 in ads only gets you 178 listeners
• How podcast consultants charge $7500
• The seductive power of a giant antenna (and why you'll never buy your way to the top)
• What social media "gurus" won't tell you about YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcast growth
• Why unlocking listener loyalty unleashes total control over your audience (and their wallets)
• The envy-fueled drama behind working with "competitors" (and why it's no real competition)
• How churches and religious groups quietly dominate media ... and the secrets you can steal
• What Fox News-style audience swapping reveals for hungry podcasters
• The lazy podcaster's shortcut: Think you can survive without changing? Think again
• How "air checks" from the pros create radio envy ... and a path to dominating your niche
• Why the "small hinges, big doors" formula can make power, greed, and loyalty swing YOUR way

Episode Timestamps

• [00:02] The letter from a frustrated podcaster: Is there really very little you can do to grow a show unless you're lucky or famous?
• [06:05] "Viral moments won't get you loyal listeners" ... the Nashville Hawk Tuah girl story and the myth of overnight success
• [07:18] Spending $15,000 on ads for 178 downloads per day: Is audience growth really for sale?
• [09:16] Why even the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll can't leverage fame into real influence ... and what that teaches us about podcasting
• [13:16] The hard truth about religious and niche shows: why your topic might get you ignored no matter how much you spend
• [15:06] The $4000 guitar mistake: Why buying the fanciest tools won't make your podcast sing if you skip this one thing
• [22:24] The secret to becoming a better podcaster that most will never try ... what SiriusXM jocks do that you probably don't

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