Most podcasts don’t fail because the host isn’t talented, they fade out because the expectations are fantasy. We sit down with Jen Hardy, CEO of Hardy House Media and the award winning host of Fabulous Over 50, to talk about what podcast growth really looks like when you’re building in the real world, with real constraints, and no “instant viral” shortcut.

Jen shares how she started podcasting from a hospital table beside her bed while navigating health issues and raising seven kids, then later rebranded rather than shutting the show down. That shift unlocks a powerful takeaway: your topic affects your mindset, your energy, and your consistency. We also get candid about the creator journey behind the numbers, including the unglamorous years of blogging, learning, and showing up when only a handful of people were watching.

From there, we move into practical podcasting strategies that help listeners find you. We talk SEO for podcasters, why Google and YouTube are search engines first, and how tools like Google Trends can guide episode ideas that match what people already want. Jen also breaks down why guesting, networking, and simply telling people you have a show still matter more than fancy gear. If you’re worried about low downloads, we reframe it: 50 listens can be 50 real people, and that can be the right room.

Finally, we look at the future of audio podcasting vs video podcasting. Jen explains why her YouTube video podcast is surging while audio has softened, and why we still believe audio remains essential for busy professionals who listen while living their lives.

Subscribe for more modern communication and podcast marketing insights, share this with a creator who needs the truth, and leave a review telling us what you’re building next.

Connect with Jen:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejenhardy/
Website: https://jenhardy.net/
Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7ftwP2u5eAWpIvbD80lfA

Got a question about something you heard today? Have a great suggestion for a topic or know someone who should be a guest? Reach out to us:
askcarl@carlspeaks.ca

If you're ready to take the plunge and join the over 3 million people who have joined the podcast space, we'd love to hear your idea and help you get started! Book your Podcast Strategy Session today:
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Podcasting for Creators Over 50: SEO, Guesting & Audience Growth with Jen Hardy