Grow The Show Episode 207 Summary: "Why Copying Other Podcasters (Including Me) Might Hurt Your Show"

Release Date: January 14, 2025

In Episode 207 of Grow The Show, host Kevin Chemidlin delves into the pitfalls of emulating other podcasters, including himself. Drawing from his extensive experience in podcasting, Kevin provides actionable insights on why blindly copying others can stifle the growth and success of your own show. This comprehensive summary breaks down the episode into clear sections, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and essential lessons for podcasters at any stage.

1. Introduction: The Temptation to Emulate

Kevin opens the episode by addressing a common practice among podcasters: modeling their shows after those they admire. He acknowledges that while learning from successful peers is beneficial, indiscriminately copying their strategies can be detrimental.

Notable Quote:

"A lot of you do that with me. And what I'm going to share today is going to outline how that might actually hurt you in some ways." ([00:00:30])

2. Catalyzed by a Student's Question

The episode's central discussion is inspired by a question from a new student in the Grow the Show Academy. The student observed an apparent inconsistency in Kevin's podcasting approach, specifically regarding the introduction of episodes.

Key Points:

• Student's Observation: Previously, listeners heard Kevin's voice immediately, but recent episodes feature the Grow the Show theme song first.
• Underlying Concern: Does this change undermine Kevin's advice that the host's voice should be the first thing listeners hear?

Notable Quote:

"This is a great question, and this is a little tiny thing that exemplifies the larger point here." ([00:04:15])

3. The Complexities of Emulating Others

Kevin explains that while seeking inspiration from experts is natural, it's crucial to understand the context behind their strategies. He emphasizes that successful podcasters continuously experiment and adapt, making their methods dynamic rather than static formulas.

Key Points:

• Constant Evolution: The online landscape, including podcasting strategies, is ever-changing. What worked a few years ago may no longer be effective.
• Expert Testing: Even seasoned podcasters like Kevin experiment with new formats, platforms, and techniques to optimize growth and engagement.
• Unique Contexts: Each podcaster operates within a unique context, making direct replication of strategies potentially ineffective.

Notable Quote:

"Online content and podcasting and online marketing is not something where there is one singular formula and somebody cracks the formula and that's it." ([00:06:45])

4. Three Reasons Why Copying Can Hurt Your Podcast

Kevin outlines three primary reasons why emulating other podcasters can be counterproductive:

a. Experimentation and Testing

Podcasters often test new strategies to gauge their effectiveness. Emulating these experimental tactics without understanding their trial nature can lead to suboptimal results.

Example:

• Kevin mentions his ongoing experiments with integrating his podcast into YouTube, still in the testing phase, advising listeners not to copy these preliminary strategies.

Notable Quote:

"You probably don't want to copy exactly what I am doing on a given episode, because I'm just testing things out." ([00:08:20])

b. Evolving Truths and Strategies

What was once a successful strategy may become obsolete as platforms and audience behaviors evolve.

Example:

• Early episodes of Grow the Show emphasized the power of Facebook groups during COVID-19. However, as Facebook groups' effectiveness waned, relying on this strategy led to stagnation.

Notable Quote:

"In earlier episodes of Grow the Show, I'm talking about the explosive growth of Facebook groups... nowadays, they do not." ([00:13:50])

c. Human Error and Imperfections

Creators, regardless of their expertise, can make mistakes or have off days. Emulating their flawed episodes or strategies without discernment can lead to replicating errors.

Example:

• Kevin shares an anecdote about an episode with editing errors due to a rushed production, highlighting that such mistakes are not intentional strategies to emulate.

Notable Quote:

"Trust me, I am not playing 4D chess here. I just made a mistake." ([00:17:10])

5. Real-World Implications of Blind Copying

Kevin recounts personal experiences where copying strategies from admired entrepreneurs backfired, reinforcing the importance of contextual understanding.

Key Points:

• Sales Funnel Experiments: Attempting to replicate a mentor's temporary sales funnel change resulted in wasted effort once the original strategy reverted.
• Time and Resources Wasted: Without knowing the full context, podcasters risk investing time and resources into strategies that aren't suitable or sustainable for their own shows.

Notable Quote:

"I had taken two days creating a new funnel to match their test... because, of course, I didn't clone my old funnel. I overwrote everything." ([00:19:30])

6. General Lessons and Best Practices

Concluding the episode, Kevin imparts essential advice for podcasters to navigate the temptation of copying others:

• Understand the Context: Before adopting a strategy, seek to understand the reasoning and testing behind it. When in doubt, reach out to the creator for clarity.

• Adapt, Don't Imitate: Tailor strategies to fit your unique audience, goals, and circumstances rather than copying them wholesale.

• Stay Flexible: Embrace the ever-changing nature of podcasting by remaining open to experimentation and continuous learning.

Notable Quote:

"Be careful who you emulate, careful what you copy. Just put a little bit of thought behind it and maybe get in touch with the creator to understand." ([00:24:15])

7. Final Thoughts

Kevin emphasizes the importance of carving out a unique path in the podcasting landscape. While learning from others is invaluable, maintaining authenticity and adaptability is key to sustained growth and success.

Notable Quote:

"Reality is, it is constantly changing. And it is my job to constantly be testing, constantly be learning, and constantly be challenging the things that I have said are true." ([00:22:00])

Conclusion

Episode 207 of Grow The Show serves as a crucial reminder for podcasters to approach emulation with caution. By understanding the context behind successful strategies, remaining adaptable, and avoiding the pitfalls of blind copying, podcasters can foster authentic growth and build thriving shows. Kevin Chemidlin's candid insights and personal anecdotes provide a valuable blueprint for navigating the dynamic world of podcasting.

For those looking to further enhance their podcasting journey, consider exploring the resources and expert advice offered through the Grow The Show Academy.