All podcasters want audience growth and they want it yesterday.

But that's not how it works. There are several factors to consider when it comes to audience growth and stability.

Today, I'm answering the burning question: How long does it realistically take to grow a successful podcast audience?

Smash that play button and let's begin!

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

DID YOU KNOW: According to a quick Google search that produced a Reddit thread in the AI Overview, only 5-7% of podcasts actually make it to 100 episodes. Sad, but true.

Trying to swing this statistic in the right direction is one of my core missions at Bombtrack Media, and today I'm actively contributing to the cause.

Podcasting Strategy Simplified has officially hit 100 episodes. Most of those episodes came under the show's former name (Let's Blow This Up), but here we are.

To me, 100 episodes is just the beginning. As you'll hear me say a few times throughout today's show, "the party has only just begun!"

But I'm also a firm believer in celebrating all the milestones you hit in your podcasting journey, so to ring in triple digits, I invited my friends and business partners at Empowered Podcasting, Marc Ronick and Rich Perry, onto the show to talk about the commitment required to hit triple digits on your podcast, the evolution of Empowered Podcasting, not twisting and overthinking the words of the "gurus," and plenty more.

Join us for this episode from front to back and you'll walk away with:

✅ Tips to make it to 100 episodes on YOUR podcast

✅ A look behind the scenes at the evolution of Empowered Podcasting (and the planning of this year's Empowered Podcasting Conference happening August 21st thru 23rd in Charlotte, NC)

✅ More reasons why you should be attending this year's Empowered Podcasting Conference (see the link below to grab your ticket AND save 20%)

✅ An understanding of why we, as podcasters, sometimes twist the words of the gurus and "over-offer" our products and services

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for being on this journey with me and listening to Podcasting Strategy Simplified! 

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

At Bombtrack Media, I lean heavily into podcasting strategy because without it, success on this medium is slim to none.

As I come to you with the final "double digit" episode of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I felt it made sense to take some time and explain a little bit more about what I do on a day-to-day basis. 

So let's dig in. After taking in Episode 99 today, you'll understand:

✅ The reason I reverse engineer the need for podcasting 

✅ Why I've gone all in on podcasting strategy (and why you should, too)

✅ The role a rock solid mindset plays in your podcasting endeavors

✅ Which coaching package makes the most sense for you (and your budget)

✅ My approach to production and why it's directly related to your overall strategy

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

It's time to answer another one of your burning questions about podcasting strategy! 

The question on the table today: Do small podcasts actually make money or is monetization overrated?

The key to this answering this question comes down to discovering what monetization means to you. 

Press play and dig in.

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

⚠️ This is one of those episodes that needs to be shared with other podcasters. If this message hits home, please pass it along to other podcasters so they don't get scammed either ⚠️

We've reached a critical point in podcasting where AI episodes have infiltrated our landscape, leaving listeners to question what's real and creators to question what's next.

And on top of that, we have to deal with these GD spam bot scammers from various countries posing as "promoters" and "growth experts" trying to take control of our download metrics. 

Chances are, by time you finish reading this sentence, a new one will have sent you a connection request on LinkedIn, bragging on high with the lowest of grammar skills how they're equipped to take your podcast to the next level.

It's time more awareness was brought to the stage about this bullshit, and I'm here today to do just that.

On Episode 97 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm taking my shot at these relentless spam services and sharing my thoughts on why they'll have a negative impact on your podcasting strategy (and results) if you let them into your world.

After you finish consuming this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why these bots unfortunately exist (and why they're meaningless to your efforts)

✅ The greatest weapon you have at your disposal to fight back

✅ Reasons you can't be focused specifically on downloads (and when you focus on the right things, these scams become irrelevant to you)

✅ The REAL penalty that comes from falling victim to these scams (and the long-term impact it can have on your podcast)

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

It's time to answer another one of your burning questions about podcasting strategy! 

The question on the table today: Why do some podcast episodes perform dramatically better than others?

The answer may not be what you expect.

Enjoy!

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

If adding a newsletter to your podcasting workflow is high on your to-do list, this is the episode you've been looking for.

A newsletter can play a significant role in your practices. IF you use it correctly and implement a strategy that makes it equally as impactful as your podcast itself.

In Episode 95 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm joined by Arielle Nissenblatt, Podcast Hall of Famer, Producer, Host, Consultant, and pretty much anything else you can think of related to podcasting.

Arielle is the brainchild behind The Earbuds Collective, The Podcast Plunge, and several other podcast resources that bring new layers of connection and discovery to podcasts across the globe.

Because Arielle is the foremost authority on leveraging a newsletter to amplify your podcast (and vice versa), I welcomed her to the show with open arms and the result was nothing short of a 60-minute masterclass in making the right moves with your podcast newsletter strategy.

After you consume this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Fundamental building blocks for creating an engaging newsletter people actually open, read, and share

✅ Why your newsletter needs to be more than just promoting this week's new episode

✅ Content strategies that captivate readers and draw them into your podcast

✅ Best practices for acquiring new readers for your newsletter

✅ Which platform is right for you (based on what you want your newsletter to accomplish)

Connect with Arielle on LinkedIn

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

The 3rd Annual Empowered Podcasting Conference is set to unfold Friday, August 21st thru Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 at the Hyatt Centric hotel in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina and YOU'RE INVITED to be part of the festivities! 

So it's in that spirit the question on the table today is: Why should you buy a ticket to the Empowered Podcasting Conference?! 

Smash that play button and get your answer!

Then, click to read our official press release on Podnews

Learn more, get your ticket, and use code EPCJASON20 to save 20%

⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

I thought it was a narrative that was fading away, but I was wrong. It was only on a brief hiatus.

No, the podcast world is not oversaturated with podcasts. But yes, there are still people out there saying it is...maybe because they actually feel that way, but probably more so because they know it'll level up engagement on social media.

Either way, it's a blight on our space that isn't helping anyone. So allow me to add my two cents to the conversation...

Today, in Episode 94 of Podcasting Strategy Simplified, I'm sharing my thoughts on why I feel the podcast market will NEVER be saturated and why this medium will always have a home for your voice and message.

After consuming this episode, you'll understand:

✅ Why this over-saturation narrative never seems to go away (and why you need to do your part to ignore it)

✅ The real reason you can't let someone else's beliefs stop you from sharing your wisdom with your people

✅ Why podcasting is the prime stage to amplify your message (no matter how many podcasts exist in your niche)

✅ The mindset you need to have to truly succeed at podcasting (and how said mindset impacts your podcasting strategy)

You'll also be hungry for a burger after listening to this one, too. So, you know...bonus! 🍔

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!

I'm back with another answer to a burning question! Today, the question is: Should my podcast be focused on education, entertainment, or authority building?

While it might seem like good business to focus on one, I believe there's a way to lean into all three. 

Got a question you'd like featured (and answered) on a future episode? Send me a voice message via SpeakPipe and I'll make it happen! 

🎟️ Get Your Ticket to The Empowered Podcasting Conference! Use code EPCJASON20 at checkout and save 20% on your ticket

📆 Schedule a Free Strategy Call with Jason Cercone

📲 Or Contact Me Directly: [email protected] | 412.965.8428

👉 Got a question you'd like featured on Monday's 5-Minute Questions Series? Send it to me via SpeakPipe

🚀 Did a tip or strategy from this podcast change the game for you? Buy Me a Coffee to say thanks


MUSIC CREDITS:

Podcasting Strategy Simplified: Burn The Track (Inspiring Rock Trailer) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Let's Blow This Up: Aggressive Metal Trailer (Dragon Heart) by Alex Grohl on pixabay.com

Thank you for listening and becoming an official member of The Bomb Squad!