Grow The Show Episode 216 Summary: "Podcast Guests Won't Grow Your Audience UNLESS..."

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Kevin Chemidlin

Introduction: Challenging Podcasting Misconceptions

In Episode 216 of Grow The Show, host Kevin Chemidlin delves into a prevalent misconception in the podcasting realm: the belief that inviting guests to your podcast inherently leads to audience growth and increased client acquisition. Kevin asserts that merely featuring guests, regardless of their stature, doesn't guarantee the desired expansion. Instead, he emphasizes a strategic approach to guest appearances to truly harness their potential for audience and business growth.

Key Point 1: Why Podcast Guests Rarely Grow Your Audience

Kevin begins by debunking the common assumption that having notable guests will automatically inflate your listener base. He states:

[02:15] Kevin: "The guest gets the audience growth, not the other way around."

He explains that guests are primarily interested in leveraging the podcast to expand their own reach, not the host's. Even landing high-profile guests doesn't ensure audience growth because:

1. Status Dynamics: Guests typically promote their appearances only if your audience is larger than theirs, enhancing their own status. If your podcast has a smaller following, guests are less inclined to share the episode.

2. Perception of Value: Hosting a famous guest on an amateur podcast can backfire. Kevin uses a vivid analogy:

   [03:45] Kevin: "Imagine if you were throwing a concert in your basement and Taylor Swift was performing. Would she promote a basement show to her massive audience? Probably not."

3. Quality of Production: Lackluster production values make guests hesitant to associate with your podcast publicly. Issues like poor audio quality, unprofessional behavior, or last-minute cancellations can deter guests from promoting their episode.

Key Point 2: Consequences of Over-Reliance on Guest Interviews

Relying predominantly on guest interviews can lead to several challenges:

1. Stagnant Growth: Without diversifying content, podcasts may experience plateaued or minimal growth despite regular episodes.

2. Content Quality Issues: Consistently featuring guests who don't add value can result in uninspiring episodes, leading to audience disengagement.

3. Host Burnout: Repeating similar interview formats can lead to host exhaustion and a lack of enthusiasm, which is perceptible to listeners.

Key Point 3: Strategic Use of Guests for Business and Authority Growth

Kevin outlines how to effectively incorporate guests to bolster your podcast's growth and credibility:

1. Purpose-Driven Invitations: Only invite guests when you aim to learn from them or when they possess knowledge beneficial to your audience. This shifts the focus from audience growth to content value.

2. Case Study Approach: Featuring past clients as guests can serve as compelling case studies. For instance, Kevin references his interview with Nicole Holloman, a former client who successfully expanded her podcast following Kevin's strategies.

   [08:38] Guest Speaker: "Should I interview my past clients on my podcast?"
   [08:39] Kevin: "Yes. It can generate compelling case studies and demonstrate the effectiveness of your methods."

3. Enhanced Engagement Strategies: Utilize the guest's name and likeness in promotional materials to attract their followers. Techniques include:

   • Creating engaging clips with the guest for social media.
   • Using the guest's image in YouTube thumbnails to capitalize on their recognition.
   • Tagging guests in social media posts to leverage their audience indirectly.

Additional Insights: Why Guests May Not Promote Your Episodes

Kevin explores reasons why guests might refrain from promoting their podcast appearances:

• Audience Size Discrepancy: Guests are hesitant to promote shows with smaller audiences as it doesn't benefit their own growth.

• Amateur Production Values: Inconsistent or poor-quality production undermines the guest's willingness to share the episode.

• Professional Conduct: Rescheduling or displaying unprofessional behavior reflects poorly on the guest, discouraging them from promotion.

Strategies to Leverage Guests for Audience Growth

To maximize the benefits of guest appearances, Kevin recommends the following strategies:

1. Optimize Promotion:

   • Visual Appeal: Use high-quality images and engaging thumbnails featuring guests.
   • Content Clips: Share short, impactful clips from episodes to pique interest.

2. Social Media Collaboration:

   • Tagging: Tag guests in posts to increase visibility within their networks.
   • Collaborative Posts: Engage in collaborative social media activities, such as Instagram reels, to reach broader audiences.

3. Podcast Swaps:

   • Mutual Interviews: Exchange guest appearances with podcasts of similar audience sizes to cross-pollinate listeners.

Kevin emphasizes that these tactics require proactive effort from the host rather than relying on guests to take initiative.

Recommendations for When to Use Guest Interviews

While cautioning against overuse, Kevin affirms that guest interviews remain valuable when approached correctly:

1. Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Invite guests to impart valuable insights or to learn from their expertise, ensuring the content remains enriching for listeners.

2. Reinvigoration of Content: Transitioning to heartfelt and enthusiastic interviews can breathe new life into the podcast, making episodes more engaging.

3. Early-Stage Content Development: For solopreneurs or new coaches still refining their frameworks, interviewing established podcasters can aid in developing effective strategies and content structures.

Conclusion: Building a Strategic Guesting Approach

Kevin concludes by reiterating that guest appearances should be strategically aligned with content value rather than viewed as a shortcut to audience growth. By focusing on meaningful conversations and leveraging promotional strategies effectively, podcasters can enhance their authority and organically grow their listener base.

[15:30] Kevin: "Interviewing guests should be about what you and your audience can learn, not about expecting the guests to elevate your audience size."

He encourages podcasters to reassess their guesting strategies, ensuring each guest serves a clear, purposeful role in the podcast's mission to deliver valuable content and build a robust, engaged community.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:15] Kevin: "The guest gets the audience growth, not the other way around."
• [03:45] Kevin: "Imagine if you were throwing a concert in your basement and Taylor Swift was performing. Would she promote a basement show to her massive audience? Probably not."
• [08:38] Guest Speaker: "Should I interview my past clients on my podcast?"
• [08:39] Kevin: "Yes. It can generate compelling case studies and demonstrate the effectiveness of your methods."
• [15:30] Kevin: "Interviewing guests should be about what you and your audience can learn, not about expecting the guests to elevate your audience size."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and actionable strategies Kevin Chemidlin shares in Episode 216 of Grow The Show. For podcasters aiming to refine their guesting strategies and foster genuine audience growth, this episode offers valuable guidance grounded in practical experience and thoughtful analysis.