What does sustainable growth in podcasting look like when the industry keeps changing?

In this episode of PodBiz, Norma Jean Belenky talks with Arielle Nissenblatt, Director of Community and Content at Pinwheel and founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective.

Arielle shares how creators can grow without chasing trends and why podcasting’s true value lies in connection, not scale. She explains how independent podcasters turn listener trust into real business opportunities through clarity, outreach, and knowing exactly who they serve.

As Arielle puts it:

“You are a creator who has figured out a niche. You speak specifically to a group, you understand their wants and their needs, and you actually have a direct line to them.. whether it's through a Facebook group, a monthly Zoom, or Patreon. If you know how to reach those people and can then translate what they need to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”

Arielle also talks about the connection that keeps podcasting unique:

“Podcasting is still magical because of the connection it creates. You can’t replicate that feeling in a YouTube video or on social media. It’s a voice in your ear, and that intimacy builds trust faster than any metric ever could.”

In this episode:

• Why niche shows often outperform broad ones in revenue
• How to turn audience connection into brand partnerships
• What outbound pitching really looks like for creators
• Why consistency and authenticity beat algorithmic reach

Guest Bio:

Arielle Nissenblatt is the Head of Community and Content at Pinwheel, cohost of Sounds Profitable: The Download, and founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective. Known for her community-driven approach, Arielle is one of the podcast industry’s most trusted voices on sustainable growth and audience connection.

Connect with Arielle:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arithisandthat

EarBuds Podcast Collective: earbudspodcastcollective.org

Episode Chapters

(00:00) The niche and the hustle

(01:07) Knowing your audience

(03:22) Turning community into opportunity

(06:45) Outbound relationship building

(09:31) Why podcasting is still magic

(12:05) Measuring success beyond metrics

(14:48) The future of creator collaboration

Some Additional PodBiz Buzz“If you can translate what your audience needs to a potential advertiser, you can make money.”“Podcasting is still one of the few spaces where creators build trust without chasing algorithms.”

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.