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April 21, 2025 18 mins

“If your number one goal is to make money from your podcast, then you’ve already made the wrong decision.”

In this episode, I break down one of the biggest myths in podcasting — that it's a quick way to make money.

Too many blogs and YouTube videos will tell you to start a podcast as a “side hustle.” But here’s the truth: podcasting takes time, effort, and love for the medium. If you’re only in it for the money, you’re likely to be disappointed.

I share why traditional podcast sponsorship isn’t realistic for most podcasters, what CPM actually means, and what to do instead, including dynamic ads and treating your podcast as a powerful marketing tool for your business.

Key Takeaways

  • Why starting a podcast just to make money is the wrong mindset
  • What CPM really means — and why most podcasters won’t benefit from it
  • The real download numbers needed to attract sponsors
  • How I use dynamic ads and a strong back catalog to monetize
  • A client case study: turning a niche podcast into serious business results

Chapters and Timestamps

  • 1:00 – Podcasting isn’t a side hustle
  • 2:45 – What CPM is (and why it fails most podcasters)
  • 4:30 – Real download stats you should know
  • 6:00 – Why sponsorships rarely pay off
  • 8:20 – How I use dynamic ads to monetize
  • 11:30 – Client case study: small podcast, big results
  • 13:00 – Final thoughts and next steps

Send us a text

Email me (niall@sevenmillionbikes.com) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!

Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!

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