38. Networking as a Podcaster: How to Build Connections That Grow Your Show

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Ever feel like you’re podcasting into the void? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to stay stuck.
Today on Caffeinated Chaos, I'm sharing the real secret to building a thriving podcast: networking.
Spoiler alert: Growth doesn’t come from shouting louder into the internet. It comes from building genuine relationships that open doors you didn't even know existed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎙️ How to build authentic connections on social media (especially Threads!)
🎙️ Why joining networking groups can fast-track your podcast growth
🎙️ How to tap your past guests for warm referrals (with an easy script!)
🎙️ The smart way to do podcast swaps that actually grow your audience
🎙️ Bonus tips to network like a human, not a robot

Plus: I’m sharing an invite to my FREE monthly Podcasters Network Meetups where you can meet other creators, swap ideas, and grow your show — all in a super casual, judgment-free zone. (Yes, hoodies and chaos welcome.)

✨ Imagine where your podcast could be a year from now if you start building those connections today. It all starts with one conversation.

Links Mentioned:
👉 Join the FREE Monthly Podcasters Network Meetup!
👉 Follow me on IG/Threads: @caffeinatedchaospodcast

If you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you shared it with a fellow podcaster or tagged me on Threads or Instagram! Let’s connect.

Cheers! Thank you for joining us for another episode. Have a chaotic moment, question, or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message or leave a review! If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who thrives in beautiful chaos too.

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The views and opinions expressed by guests on Caffeinated Chaos are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs, or positions of Whitney Aguon or Aguon Studios LLC. The content shared by guests is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We encourage listeners to do their own research and form their own...

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Podcasting can feel like you'reshouting into the void
sometimes, right?
You're recording, editing,posting, and hoping someone out
there is listening.
But let me tell you the secretto building a podcast that not
only grows but thrives.
It's networking.
Today I am sharing some of thebest ways you can start making

(00:21):
real connections that lead tobigger opportunities, better
guests, more downloads, andhonestly a whole lot more fun.
We're talking about buildingrelationships on social media,
especially threads.
Everyone knows how much I lovethreads.
Joining networking groups,getting referrals from your
guests and doing smart podcastswaps.
Plus, I'll share how you canplug into my free monthly

(00:42):
Podcasters Network meetups ifyou wanna start growing today.
So grab your coffee, find a cozyspot, and let's jump in.
Welcome to Caffeinated Chaos,where business deals happen
between diaper changes andfriendships are fueled by
caffeine.
I'm Whitney GaN, your host, andI'm here to talk all things
business parenthood, and ofcourse keeping up with the BFFs,

(01:05):
whether you're juggling theboardroom, the playroom, or just
here for some coffee fuel chaos.
We've got you covered.
Get ready for real talk, laughsand a whole lot of heart as we
dive into the beautiful messthat is entrepreneurship,
parenthood, and everything inbetween.
So let's embrace the chaostogether.
Ated, of course.

(01:25):
There is no secret algorithmfairy that's suddenly going to
bless your show with millions ofdownloads.
Growth happens when you get loudabout what you're doing and when
you build relationships thathelp you amplify your message.
Think about it.
Almost every big break you hearabout it usually starts with, I
knew someone who knew someone.

(01:47):
When you're willing to show up,connect and build genuine
relationships in the podcastingworld, you create opportunities
you can't even plan for yet.
Opportunities like amazing guestinterviews, invitations to speak
on stage, podcast collaborationsand swaps, even sponsorships.
Networking isn't just a nice tohave, it's a growth strategy.

(02:09):
Now, let's get real.
When I say networking, what popsinto your head?
If it's an awkward conferenceroom with some bad coffee and
forced small talk.
Same.
But networking today, especiallyfor podcasters, is so much
better.
You can network from your couchin your sweat plans.
Hey, I am recording insweatpants, so bless technology

(02:33):
in this way.
But true story, some of the bestconnections I've made from
dropping a comment on someone'sthreads post or jumping into a
Zoom meetup, camera off kidyelling in the background and
still walking away with a newcollaboration.
Networking today is aboutshowing up authentically.
It's about being human, andhonestly, that's when the magic

(02:56):
happens.
So let's get into some practicalstep-by-step advice with, a
couple little here, notes hereand there.
One, I want you to connect onsocial media threads especially,
and while you're there, don'tforget to drop us a thread or a
DM on Instagram, but threads iskind of like the new kid on the
block, I know listeners, you'veheard me talk about it before,

(03:18):
but it's like perfect also forpodcasters.
Unlike Instagram or Facebookthreads, feels more kind of like
a giant group chat where peopleare actually talking and not
just broadcasting.
Start by sharing your behind thescenes podcast moments.
Ask simple questions like,what's the best podcast you
listened to this week?

(03:39):
Comment genuinely on others'podcasts, on other people's
posts.
One of my favoritecollaborations actually started
because I replied to someone'sthread, and a few dms later,
were planning podcast swap.
It doesn't have to becomplicated.
So here's my quick tip.
Pick 10 to 15 people in yourniche to engage with

(04:00):
consistently on threads.
It builds momentum fast.
Okay, two, join networkinggroups and meetups.
You know what I wish I had whenI first started podcasting?
A room of people who got it, whoknew, luckily.
I did have one person who jumpedon a Zoom call for me because I

(04:20):
was just talking about how I hada dream of starting a podcast,
and she was amazing.
She gave me her tips, hertricks, suggestions on programs
on what to use and really justkind of really helped me get out
the door weeks in advance thanwhat I was hoping for.
So that's exactly why I host amonthly virtual Podcasters

(04:44):
meetup.
No matter what stage you're at,thinking about starting, just
launched a hundred episodesdeep.
Having a community makes all thedifference.
At our once a month Zoommeetups, we.
Get to talk to each other.
We get to meet potential guests,find hosts to swap interviews
with, get tips and feedbacks andshare your latest episodes.

(05:07):
It's a super casual judgmentfree zone, just podcasters
supporting podcasters.
And yes, you can totally show upin your hoodie with your kid
watching Miss Rachel in thebackground and no one will judge
you.
If that sounds like somethingyou want, I will drop the link
in the show notes if you wannasign up.
Okay.
Three, tap in the past guestsfor referrals.

(05:29):
This one has helped a few timesfor me.
So if you've had guests alreadyon your show, then you have warm
leads.
Here's exactly what to say.
Hey.
Guest name.
I loved having you on.
I'm looking for a more amazingguest for upcoming episodes.
Is there anyone you recommendwho would be a great fit for,

(05:50):
and then your topic.
So boom, instant new guestpipeline.
One of my favorite series I didon my show came from a single
guest referral train.
One person led to another andanother, and it was like
podcasting dominoes.
And I still to this day get oldguests who are like, Hey, meet

(06:11):
so and so.
Meet Whitney.
I think you guys would get alongreally well.
And they're like, take it away.
And it would just be like agroup dm and we say our highs,
we say, nice to meet you.
And then that guest who hadalready been on my podcast is
like, all right, you guys seemgood.
Bye.
And then pops out of the chat.

(06:31):
And then me and the newpotential guests, we get to keep
talking.
So this is.
Really great and it can happenover email or dms like in my
case.
So yeah, definitely like it.
Four do podcast swaps, but bestrategic about it.
Podcast swaps can be the magicfor growth, but here's the

(06:53):
thing.
You have to be strategic beforeagreeing to any swap.
Ask yourself these questions.
Is their audience similar tomine?
Will my content actually servetheir listeners?
And does this collaboration feelauthentic?

(07:13):
When you swap with someone whohas the right audience, it's
like gaining instant trust theirlisteners already trust them,
and now they are introducingyou.
Way easier than cold.
Marketing yourself to strangers.
Trust me, five.
Here are some bonus tips.
Okay.
One, support.

(07:34):
First, share people's episodes.
Comment on their content.
Celebrate their wins.
Two.
Be consistent.
Networking isn't a one-timething.
Check in.
Stay visible.
Three, be human, imperfect,messy, honest conversations
build real relationships wayfaster than any polished sales

(07:56):
pitch ever.
Will.
Okay, so those are just somebonus tips.
At the end of the day,podcasting really is about
connection.
It's a connection with yourlisteners, a connection with
your guest, and a connectionwith the amazing community of
creators around you.
You don't have to do this alone.
The support, the growth, and thecollaborations, they are out

(08:18):
there waiting for you.
You just have to be willing toshow up, start a conversation,
and say.
Hey, I'm here too.
So imagine where your podcastcould be in a year from now if
you started building thoserelationships today.
One new guest, one new listener,one new collaboration.

(08:39):
It all starts.
With one connection.
So don't wait.
If you're ready to grow yourpodcast and you have a lot more
fun doing it, come join ourmonthly networking podcast
meetup.
So again, listeners, if that issomething that interests you,
you can find this link in theshow notes.

(08:59):
Thanks for hanging out with metoday.
If you've loved this episode, itwould mean the world If you
shared it with a fellowpodcaster, or even better, tag
me on threads and Instagram.
So let's connect.
Until next time, keepcaffeinated, keep creating, and
keep on connecting.
I will see you all in the nextepisode.
Bye.