How do you grow a podcast with long-term visibility instead of short-term spikes?

In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky speaks with Molly DeMellier, COO of Sundaze PR, about how creators can use earned media, slow-burn PR, and community building to increase visibility and diversify podcast revenue. Molly shares how understanding the difference between PR and marketing- and leaning into the long game- can help creators build sustainable brand value. We also dig into her career journey from Acast to leading a boutique podcast PR agency, and what’s next for audio in mainstream media.

As she puts it:

“PR is very much a slow burn and it can take a very long time to pay off.”
Here are some insightful moments within the episode:

• Why community is a cornerstone of podcast growth
• The difference between PR and marketing in a podcasting context
• How creators can prepare for press with a media-first mindset
• Diversified monetization strategies beyond just ads
• The rise of podcasts in mainstream recognition (hello Golden Globes)

Molly DeMellier is the COO of SunDaze PR, a boutique agency that helps podcasters and creators gain long-term visibility through strategic PR campaigns. With deep expertise in creator strategy, earned media, and podcast positioning, Molly leads SunDaze’s efforts to put high-quality shows in front of the audiences that matter most.

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

Learn more at SunDaze PR

Episode Chapters

03:00 – Community is Currency | Why listener relationships still matter most

06:00 – PR vs. Marketing | Key distinctions for podcast visibility

10:00 – Molly’s Career Journey | From Acast to building a PR agency

15:00 – Mainstream Media | How podcasting is being taken seriously

20:00 – Final Thoughts | Why Golden Globes 2026 signals a turning point

Some Additional PodBiz Buzz...“Community is exactly the right word there.” “The way that businesses have really taken hold of the influence that these creators have, it's completely reshaped media.” “The sweet spot is really in diversified revenue streams.” “Seeing that podcasts are going to be added to the Golden Globes in 2026 is so exciting.”

PodBiz is the podcast about the business of podcasting. Hosted by industry veterans Norma Jean Belenky and John Kiernan, the show features conversations with creators, executives, and platform leaders to answer one question: Where’s the money in podcasting?

Each episode dives into monetization strategy, adtech, branded content, IP development, and audience growth. Guests include leaders from Acast, Captivate, Crooked Media, Buzzsprout, True Native Media, Podfest, and more.

Learn more: njbmedia.co | thepodhouseproductions.com

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