Podcast
Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)
Hosted by Andi Smiley · EN
Hey, I’m Andi Smiley, your Friendly Podcast Guide and podcast coach for women! After 6 years in the podcasting world, I know how to help you start a successful podcast as a woman and mom, grow your podcast audience, and actually enjoy the process. On this show, you’ll get podcasting for beginners made simple, podcast tips for women, and sustainable podcast marketing strategies—so you can build a podcast you love without the burnout.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Podcast Marketing Advice I'd Give My Past Self
2w ago00:05:45Tap to summarizeIf I could sit down with my just-starting-out podcast self, this is exactly what I'd tell her. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the four podcast marketing strategies I wish someone had handed me on day one…from building an email list before your first episode drops to ditching Instagram if it just isn't your thing.Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of Friendly Podcast Guide. I've been podcasting for nearly five years (wild, right?!) and I'm here to help you grow your podcast audience in a way that actually feels good and fits your real life. I share the podcast tips for women that I wish I'd had from the very beginning.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy starting your email list before your first episode is a total game-changerHow email marketing has become the most effective way I sell my offersWhy Pinterest is one of the best sustainable podcasting strategies for long-term growthThe power of showing up at podcast conferences and in-person networking eventsWhy Instagram might not be the right fit for every podcasterHow I discovered that Threads and Pinterest work so much better for meKey TakeawaysStart your email list immediately, even if you only have three subscribers when you hit send on that first email. Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to grow a podcast audience and sell your offers.Get on Pinterest as soon as you have content, Pinterest content has a much longer lifespan than any other social platform, and starting early means more content out there working for you around the clock.Go to podcast conferences and networking events, the connections you make in person are priceless, and they can seriously level up both your podcast and your mindset.Don't just use Instagram because you think you're supposed to, figure out where your people actually are and show up there instead. For me, that's Pinterest and Threads.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:37) Tip 1: Start your email list before your first episode(01:20) Tip 2: Start using Pinterest as soon as you have content(02:16) Tip 3: Go to podcast conferences and networking events(03:53) Tip 4: Don't default to Instagram if it's not your fitLinks & ResourcesEpisode on growing your email list with Kylee ChandlerEpisode all about why Pinterest is amazing for podcastersConnect with Andi on ThreadsConnect with Andi on Pinterest
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Grow Your Podcast with Email & Quizzes with Kylee Chandler
3w ago00:20:12Tap to summarizeIf you've been putting off building your email list, this episode is your sign to finally make it happen! I'm sitting down with podcast strategist Kylee Chandler to talk about two of the most powerful (and underused) strategies for growing your email: curated lead magnets and personality quizzes. Kylee shares how podcasters can use these tools to turn casual listeners into superfans, and grow a podcast audience that actually sticks around.Kylee Chandler is a podcast growth strategist and the host of the Podcast Growth Tools podcast. She specializes in helping podcasters, especially women with established shows, grow their email lists and create quiz funnels that convert. Kylee has worked with big names like Amy Porterfield and Kathy Heller, and she brings a creative, podcast-first approach to email marketing that feels anything but boring.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhat a lead magnet is and why podcasters need oneHow to create a curated podcast bundle as a lead magnetWhy quizzes are one of the most powerful tools for growing your email listHow to use a quiz to deliver personalized podcast playlists to new listenersThe data quizzes give you about your audience (this one is SO good!)How to write a lifestyle newsletter your subscribers actually want to openReal-life quiz funnel results, including a 77% revenue increase!Why nurturing your email list matters just as much as growing itHow Pinterest can amplify your quiz and lead magnet strategyKey TakeawaysA curated podcast bundle, episodes grouped around your listeners' biggest pain points or desires, makes a far more compelling lead magnet than a basic checklist, especially if you have a large back catalog.Quizzes work because people love to learn about themselves and when you pair quiz results with a personalized podcast playlist, you create an instant connection with new subscribers.The data from a quiz funnel tells you exactly who is in your audience and what they need, which makes your content and offers so much more targeted.You don't need a huge email list to start. Start nurturing now, so when you're ready to sell (or simply invite people to listen), they're already warm.A lifestyle-style newsletter, one that leads with a story before getting into podcast updates, can dramatically boost your open rates. Kylee's hovers around 60%!Quizzes are a long game, just like podcasting and Pinterest. Set it up, promote it, and let it work for you over time.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:38) Introducing Kylee Chandler(01:26) What is a lead magnet and why do podcasters need one?(02:32) Curated podcast bundles as lead magnets(04:25) Why your email list needs nurturing, not just growth(05:07) The lifestyle newsletter strategy and Kylee's 60% open rate(08:43) Why quizzes are a game-changer for podcast growth(12:25) The data quizzes give you about your audience(13:44) Where to host your quiz (Interact quiz platform)(14:57) Real results podcasters got from quizzesLinks & ResourcesKylee's podcast, Podcast Growth ToolsJoin Kylee's email newsletterFollow Kylee on InstagramQuiz platform mentioned, Interact QuizFollow Friendly Podcast Guide on PinterestJoin the Friendly Podcast Guide email list
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5 Pinterest Lessons That Helped Me Grow My Podcast 74%
4w ago00:13:17Tap to summarizeIf you've ever wondered whether you have to be on Instagram to grow your podcast, this episode is for you! I'm sharing five things I've learned from taking Pinterest seriously as my main podcast marketing strategy over the past year, and the results have blown me away. We're talking about a 74% increase in downloads and 200+ new email subscribers, all without stressing over Instagram trends. If you're looking for sustainable podcasting strategies that actually work, keep listening!Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I'm obsessed with helping you grow your podcast without letting it rule your life. I share strategies that actually work, the stuff I wish someone had told me sooner. This episode is straight from my own experience using Pinterest as my go-to podcast marketing strategy for the past year.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy finding the right platform is more important than being on every platformHow Pinterest helped me grow my podcast 74% in one year without InstagramWhy Pinterest SEO keywords are the foundation of a successful strategyHow I figured out that Pinterest-specific keyword research is a game changerWhy pins don't have to be pretty to perform wellWhat sustainable consistency actually looks like (hint: it's NOT 15 pins a day!)Why Pinterest is a long game, and why that's actually great news for podcastersKey TakeawaysFind your platform. Not every marketing platform is right for every podcast. Instagram wasn't working for me, Pinterest was. Give yourself permission to go where your people actually are.SEO is everything on Pinterest. Using Pinterest-specific keywords (not just Google keywords) made a huge difference in how my pins performed.Pretty pins are a bonus, not a requirement. Some of my best-performing pins are just text. Focus on clear, keyword-rich descriptions over beautiful graphics.Consistency is personal. I started with one pin a week and slowly worked up to one per day. Find what you can sustain — and stick with it.Pinterest is a long game. Expect to start seeing results around the 2–4 month mark. But unlike social media posts, pins keep working for months or even years.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(01:47) Lesson 1: Finding the right platform for you (03:23) Lesson 2: Pinterest SEO is king (05:01) Lesson 3: Pins don't have to be pretty (06:23) Lesson 4: Consistency looks different for everyone (08:58) Lesson 5: Nothing happens overnight Links & ResourcesFree checklist: Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast?Connect with Andi on ThreadsFriendly Podcast Guide on PinterestLast month's episode with Allea Grummert on email marketing for podcasters
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How to Grow Your Podcast and Make Money in 2026
Apr 2800:05:08Tap to summarizeIf marketing jargon makes your eyes glaze over, this episode is for you! I'm breaking down the two types of marketing I use to grow my podcast and make money, no funnels, no KPIs, no marketing bro speak. Just real, simple strategies that actually work.Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I've spent the past year using Pinterest as my main growth strategy, and my podcast has grown by 74% and gained over 200 email subscribers…all without Instagram. I'm here to share what's actually working so you can grow your podcast sustainably too.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeThe two types of marketing every podcaster needs to know aboutWhy I deleted Instagram and didn't see a drop in downloadsHow Pinterest fits into my podcast marketing strategyMy favorite "get people in the door" marketing tools (Pinterest, Threads, podcast guesting, and SEO)Why my email list is where almost all of my business income comes fromHow my podcast serves my audience without being a hard sales toolHow to grow a podcast without social media in 2026Why you don't need to be everywhere, just strategicKey TakeawaysYou need at least two types of marketing: one to get people in the door and one to help them buy from youPinterest is one of the most sustainable, low-effort ways to grow a podcast without showing up dailyYour email list is your most powerful tool for actually making moneyYou don't have to use every platform, pick what works for your audience and your lifeSustainable podcasting strategies beat burnout-inducing ones every single timeTimestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:49) How Pinterest fits into my growth strategy (02:14) My favorite "get people in the door" marketing tools (03:02) Why my email list is where the money comes from (03:44) How my podcast fits into the bigger picture Links & ResourcesFree checklist, Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast?How I Grow My Podcast Without Instagram episodeFollow Andi on Threads
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They Opted In, So Email Them w/ Allea Grummert
Apr 2100:23:47Tap to summarizeIf you've been avoiding your email list because you're not sure what to say, afraid to send too many emails, or convinced your subscribers don't want to hear from you… this episode is your sign to just start.Allea Grummert is an email marketing strategist who works with small business owners and content creators, and she has a refreshingly no-pressure approach to building an email strategy that actually works. She also hosts the Happy Subscribers podcast, which is exactly what it sounds like.Time Stamps(00:00) Welcome(00:49) The fears podcasters have about email and why they're mostly unfounded(04:04) Why email gives you more control than podcast apps or social media(05:51) Should you grow your list first or start emailing first?(07:15) Leading vs. lagging metrics — and why the distinction changes everything(09:33) How many emails should you actually be sending per week?(12:18) Brainstorming your second email (it doesn't have to be a sales pitch)(17:50) What a welcome sequence is and what to put in it(20:33) Allea's top tip for making email feel less overwhelming every single weekLinks mentioned:Allea's welcome sequence freebieAndi's episode on the Happy Subscribers podcastHappy Subscribers podcastConnect with Allea:InstagramAllea’s websiteConnect with Andi:ThreadsPinterest
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Your Summer Podcast Strategy
Apr 1400:10:49Tap to summarizeSummer is coming fast, and if you're a podcaster, that means your strategy probably needs a little seasonal refresh! In this episode, I'm sharing my best tips for marketing your podcast and creating episodes this summer — without burning yourself out. Whether you want to keep things light, try something new, or give yourself full permission to take a break, this one's for you.Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and the host of Friendly Podcast Guide. I'm passionate about helping you grow your podcast without letting it run your life. I've been using Pinterest to grow my show for the past year, and the results have honestly blown me away…74% podcast growth and 200+ new email subscribers, all without Instagram.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy Pinterest is one of the best podcast marketing strategies for summerWhat podcast swaps are and how to use them to grow your podcast audienceHow to create shorter, bite-sized episodes that work for summer schedulesBringing back your most popular episodes as "best of" contentHow to take a podcast break without losing your listenersHow to communicate your break across your episode, email list, and social mediaWhy sustainable podcasting strategies matter more than rigid consistencyKey TakeawaysPinterest is evergreen, which makes it one of the smartest podcast marketing strategies, batch your pins once and your marketing keeps working while you're on vacation.Podcast swaps are a two-for-one win: they help you reach a new audience and fill your feed without creating brand-new content.Shorter episodes can be a gift to both you and your listeners during the summer months, don't be afraid to experiment with the format."Best of" episodes are an underrated tool. Your newer listeners probably haven't heard your older hits, so bring them back!Taking a break is not a cop-out, it's a sustainable podcasting strategy. Burning out helps no one.If you're stepping away, tell your people! Share it in your last episode, in an email, and on social media, and always let them know when you'll be back.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:27) How Pinterest helps you grow a podcast without social media (02:09) Marketing your podcast during the summer(04:21) Creating podcast episodes in the summer(07:29) What I'm doing with my podcast this summerLinks & Resources“Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast?” Free ChecklistPinterest for Podcasters episodePodcast Swaps episodeFollow me on Threads
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How I Grow My Podcast Without Instagram
Apr 700:08:29Tap to summarizeI deleted Instagram off my phone and my podcast downloads didn't drop a single bit. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly why I walked away from Instagram and the podcast marketing strategies I use instead to keep growing my show sustainably.Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women and host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. I help women grow their podcasts without letting them take over their lives. I've grown my own show by 74% in the past year and gained over 200 email subscribers, all without relying on Instagram.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy I deleted Instagram and how it was affecting my mental healthHow I realized Instagram wasn't driving my podcast growthWhy Pinterest is my favorite podcast marketing strategyHow to use Threads to build real connections and grow your audienceThe power of podcast guesting for networking and new listenersHow email marketing closes almost all of my salesWhy sustainable podcasting strategies matter more than being everywhere at onceKey TakeawaysYou don't need Instagram to grow your podcast…there are better, more sustainable options out therePinterest works like a search engine, which means your content keeps working for you long after you post itThreads is a low-lift platform where real conversations (and real connections) actually happenPodcast guesting is a slow burn, but the networking and referrals are incredibly valuableEmail marketing is where the sales magic happens, it's the strategy that closes almost all of my offersTimestamps(00:00) Intro (01:58) Why Instagram wasn't working for my podcast marketing (03:08) Pinterest as a podcast growth strategy (03:39) Why I love using Threads (04:43) Podcast guesting and the power of networking (07:07) Email marketing and how it closes my sales Links & ResourcesFree "Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast?" checklistAbout Progress episode, The Practice of AttentionMy Pinterest episodeMy podcast guesting episodeMy episode with Whitney about podcast experimentsFollow Andi on Threads
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How to Grow a Podcast Using Experiments w/ Whitney Archibald
Mar 3100:30:33Tap to summarizeWhat if the secret to growing your podcast wasn't doing more, but experimenting more? In this episode, I'm chatting with my friend Whitney, the queen of experiments herself, about how an experimental mindset can completely transform the way you podcast. From hiring contractors and rethinking email strategy to rerunning archive episodes and ditching bonus content, we're sharing the real experiments we're currently trying (and what we've learned from the ones that didn't quite pan out).Meet the ExpertWhitney is the host of The Family Lab, a podcast where she literally experiments with her family to figure out what works in parenting and home life. She brings that same curious, low-pressure approach to podcasting, which makes her one of my absolute favorite people to think out loud with about sustainable podcasting strategies.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhitney's experience hiring her first contractor to help launch a video podcastHow delegating podcast tasks (and thinking of it as an experiment) takes the pressure offMy experiment with splitting weekly emails into two focused sendsGrowing a small but mighty email list and actually making money from itUsing Threads as a surprisingly fun way to grow a podcast audienceWhy "reliability" might matter more than "consistency" in podcastingWhat Whitney is doing with her podcast archive to build out a self-reliance seriesMy experiment with skipping bonus episodes between seasons, and what I'm learningKey TakeawaysCalling something an experiment completely changes how you relate to it…especially when it doesn't go perfectly. It takes the failure personally out of the equation and turns your analytics into data rather than a verdict on your worth as a podcaster.You don't need a massive email list to support podcast growth or sell your offers. Starting small (even with 7 subscribers!) and staying consistent is what builds momentum over time.Outsourcing doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Whitney and I both talked about the ongoing process of figuring out what to hand off and what to keep and how that balance shifts as skills and needs evolve.Reliability over consistency is a reframe worth considering. Your listeners want to be able to count on you to come back and show up with quality, not necessarily on a rigid weekly schedule.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:31) Introducing Whitney and her experimental approach to podcasting(01:25) Whitney's experience hiring contractors and going video(05:53) My email list experiment: splitting sends and growing sustainably(09:38) Using Threads to grow a podcast audience without social media stress(11:58) Benefits of podcast experiments(15:59) The Open Lab experiment: building community one listener at a time(20:09) Some of our current podcast experiments(27:14) Reliability vs. consistency in podcasting (and parenting!)Links & ResourcesWhitney's podcast, The Family LabPinterest VIP Setup offerFriendly Podcast Guide on ThreadsThe Family Lab on Instagram
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Podcast Marketing Strategies I Tested on My Break
Mar 2400:12:27Tap to summarizeEver wonder what a podcast coach actually does during a seasonal break? Spoiler: it's not resting! In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on all the podcast marketing strategies and Pinterest experiments I tested during my off-season… the wins, the messy moments, and the ones I'm still not sure about.Hey, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows without letting podcasting take over their lives. I share sustainable podcasting strategies, Pinterest marketing tips, and what actually works. I've been podcasting for four years, and last summer I used Pinterest to double my monthly downloads and land my most successful revenue month ever.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeLaunching Pinterest VIP setups and what I learned from filling all five spotsCleaning up and refreshing my own Pinterest profile and boardsPinning past episodes during a content break (and why it actually works)Creating a custom link page on my website instead of using LinktreeCompleting Pinterest Academy and earning my skills badgesJoining Simple Pin Media's Pinterest strategy groupSkipping bonus episodes this season and why I'm nervous about itBeing a podcast guest and doing workshops to grow downloads and email subscribersKey TakeawaysPinterest is a powerful, evergreen platform for podcast growth. Pins from months ago are still bringing in new listenersYou don't need new episodes to keep pinning! Fresh pin images for older episodes keep your content working for youSending traffic to your own website (instead of Linktree) is a simple win for SEO and visibilityInvesting in your own education (like Pinterest Academy) pays off in a big wayPodcast guesting and workshops are reliable ways to boost downloads and grow your email listEvery experiment, whether it works or flops, teaches you something valuable about how to grow your podcast without social media burnoutTimestamps(00:00) Intro & welcome back(00:26) Why Pinterest changed everything for my podcast growth(01:57) Experiment #1: Launching Pinterest VIP setups(02:52) Experiment #2: Cleaning up my Pinterest profile and boards(04:32) Experiment #3: Pinning past episodes during the break(05:41) Experiment #4: Building a custom link page on my website(06:27) Experiment #5: Completing Pinterest Academy(07:40) Experiment #6: Joining Simple Pin Media's Pinterest strategy group(08:36) Experiment #7: Skipping bonus episodes…the scariest experiment(10:26) Experiment #8: Podcast guesting and workshops(11:26) Your challenge: What experiment will YOU try?Links & Resources- Free "Is Pinterest Right for Your Podcast?" checklist- Simple Pin Media Pinterest strategy group- Follow Andi on Pinterest- Follow Andi on Threads
Transcribe →Podcasthon: How Operation Literacy Inspires Young Readers & Writers
Mar 1900:24:38Tap to summarizeIn this special Podcasthon episode, I’m highlighting an incredible nonprofit that’s making a real impact in the world of literacy. I sat down with Jennifer Jenkins, CEO of Operation Literacy, to talk about how they’re helping kids access books, discover a love for reading, and even see themselves as future authors. From book drop programs to massive storytelling conferences, this conversation will leave you inspired by what’s possible when we invest in the power of stories.Jennifer Jenkins is the CEO of Operation Literacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to motivating readers and writers of all ages. With a background in writing and education, Jennifer has helped grow Operation Literacy into one of the largest teen writing communities in the country. Through programs like Teen Author Bootcamp (now StoryCon) and their impactful Book Drop initiative, she and her team are creating life-changing experiences for young readers and storytellers.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeHow Operation Literacy got started and evolved over timeThe impact of Teen Author Bootcamp and StoryConWhat the Book Drop program is and how it worksWhy access to physical books matters for kidsThe connection between reading, writing, and identityHow StoryCon supports both aspiring and published storytellersReal-life stories of how books are changing kids’ livesWays you can support Operation Literacy through volunteering or donatingKey TakeawaysAccess to books can be life-changing, especially for kids who don’t have them at homeMeeting authors helps kids believe their own stories matterPhysical books play an important role in early childhood developmentPrograms like Book Drop and StoryCon create both opportunity and inspirationSupporting literacy initiatives can have a ripple effect across entire communitiesTimestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:31) Meet Jennifer Jenkins and what she’s reading(02:12) How Operation Literacy began(04:40) What the Book Drop program is(06:11) How Operation Literacy is helping their community(10:01) Inside StoryCon and how it works(13:25) Emotional impact of book drops(21:16) How to get involved and supportLinks & ResourcesOperation Literacy WebsiteStory Con WebsiteFollow Operation Literacy on InstagramFollow Story Con USA on Instagram
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