On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sat down with Josh Elledge, founder of Up My Influence, to unpack how he helps podcasters attract high-quality clients—without resorting to pressure, awkward pitches, or sleazy tactics.

Josh shares how he uses podcasting as a powerful, generous tool to connect with ideal clients and create meaningful business relationships. We talk about the systems he's built, how he filters for fit, and how showing up with generosity and intention can lead to consistent, aligned growth. If you're a podcast host or service-based business owner, this one is packed with gold.

In This Episode

[00:03:22] — The surprising philosophy behind Up My Influence: connection before conversion

[00:07:08] — How Josh fills his pipeline with the right prospects—by inviting them as guests

[00:12:45] — Why the "go-giver" model works (and how to do it without being manipulative)

[00:19:30] — Filtering with integrity: how Josh qualifies ideal clients during the podcasting process

[00:26:12] — What most podcasters miss when trying to monetize (and how to fix it)

[00:33:01] — The real ROI of a podcast—and it's not downloads

[00:39:15] — Josh's behind-the-scenes process for client attraction without burnout