Your podcast might be fine. People listen. They say it’s “nice.” And then… nothing happens. You’re 30, 50, maybe 100 episodes in, and the show looks more or less the same as it did at episode 5.
In this episode, I sit down with PodLaunch grad Lauren Penna to unpack why smart, consistent hosts still struggle to grow, and how a simple positioning shift can turn your podcast into a show listeners actively seek out and share. Lauren breaks down what went wrong with her first show, what changed during her relaunch, and how that shift helped her break the Top 100 in four countries (including #4 in the U.S.), and what that shift looks like when you apply it to your own show.
So if you’re done spending hours recording and editing just to hear “love the show” and nothing else, hit play and let’s dive in.
2:03 – Why Some Podcasts Get Played but Never Shared
2:10 – What Listeners Do When They Can’t Tell Who Your Show Is For
6:47 – Why Overthinking Your Podcast Makes It Harder to Grow
8:58 – The Outreach Strategy Behind a 1,000-Download Relaunch
11:56 – What Changes When Your Podcast Becomes a Weekly Non-Negotiable
Episode Links:
- Listen to Lauren’s Podcast | Intentionally Single
Other Episodes You’ll Love:
- 3 Types of Podcasting Advice You Can Totally Ignore
- The Difference Between Hitting Publish vs. Launching a Podcast
→ This episode was recorded on the Deity VO-7U
Liked this episode? Share it with your podcasting friends!
Love this show? Say thanks in true podcasting style by leaving a review.
Take the Podcast Health Score™ to see exactly where your show is losing listeners and get a custom plan that shows you what to fix first.
Join the On-Air Coaching waitlist for a chance to get coached on air by Courtney and get your podcast questions answered in real time.
Get the Podcast SEO Mastery Course and learn how to optimize your show so the right listeners can actually find it.
Apply for the PodLaunch® Accelerator and get deeper podcasting support and expert guidance tailored to your specific podcasting goals. Email us at hello@podlaunchhq.com to learn more.
Follow Courtney for more podcasting insights: Linked In | Instagram | PodLaunchHQ.com
©Ⓟ 2018–2026 by Courtney Elmer. All Rights Reserved.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.