Podcast Summary: Grow The Show

Host: Kev Michael
Episode: 254 | 3 Effortless Hacks to Drive Sales & Podcast Growth
Date: January 20, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kev Michael shares three "effortless" hacks for business owners with podcasts to quickly increase both podcast downloads and sales. Drawing on client case studies and his own experiences coaching over 500 creators, Kev dives into simple but often overlooked strategies that help podcasts become powerful revenue-generating assets. The episode aims to help podcasters and business owners plug their podcasts into their marketing funnels without overcomplicating their workflow or adding to their workload.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Power of Showing Up on Social Media

(00:51)

• Kev explains how merely being visible on social media, particularly through Instagram Stories, can reactivate current followers and drive up podcast downloads—without recording extra episodes or spending on ads.
• Example: A client’s podcast downloads tripled during a product launch simply because she was more active on social and reminded existing audience members of her presence.
• Kev’s Insight:

  "The more you show up on social media, it's counterintuitive, but the more people are going to download your podcast... People just forget about you. It's that plain and simple."
  (03:05)

Actionable Tip:
Consistently post on social media—even simple, off-the-cuff content—so your existing audience remembers your podcast and tunes back in.

2. Using Podcast Content in the Sales Process

(04:20)

• Buyers often “check out” podcasters before making purchase decisions; they listen to episodes as a trust trial.

• Client after client reported that almost every buyer had listened to the podcast prior to purchasing.

• Kev’s Analogy:

  “Think of that as the dating phase. Right before they buy your thing and get married, so to speak, by giving you money, they want to see if they know what you're talking about, so they tune into your show.”
  (05:10)

• Strategy: Send specific podcast episodes to prospects before sales calls or as part of your sales process. This allows leads to “pre-experience” your expertise.

• Structure example:

  • Before a discovery call, send 1-2 highly relevant episodes as homework.
  • Frame it as, “Before we meet, give these a listen so we have a head start on our conversation.”

Benefit:
Leads show up educated, engaged, and much closer to converting thanks to your nurturing content.

3. Embedding Podcast Links into Email Drip Campaigns

(06:55)

• During her launch, Kev’s client linked specific podcast episodes in every email to her list, particularly in pre-launch and nurture sequences.
• Kev’s Observation:

  “She added podcast episode links into every single email in her email drip that she sent out pre-launch... several of those leads who were getting those emails started clicking on her podcast, started listening in, started being nurtured, became amazing clients—but, yes, brought her more podcast downloads.”
  (07:25)

Actionable Tip:
Anytime someone joins your email list or lead magnet, integrate relevant podcast episodes into your nurturing emails (not as the email’s main subject, but as a supplemental resource at the bottom).

• Use sentences like:
  “If you want to hear the audio version of this lesson, listen to this specific episode of Grow the Show,” with a direct episode link.

Result:
Email subscribers are nudged into becoming podcast listeners, raising download counts and deepening their engagement.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Social Media Inactivity:

  “If you never show up on social media, if you never post anything, you're not on your stories, people just forget about you. It's that plain and simple.”
  (03:18) - Kev Michael

• On the Podcast as "Free Trial":

  “Your podcast basically serves as a free trial of your coaching and your services.”
  (05:40) - Kev Michael

• On “Plugging In” Your Podcast:

  “If your podcast is not plugged into your marketing funnel, I highly recommend that you do that now... Your sales are going to be easier because the people considering buying your products and services are going to be way more nurtured and they're already going to know, like and trust you.”
  (09:40) - Kev Michael

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00-01:10 – Introduction & overview of the episode’s purpose
• 01:20-03:40 – Story about the product launch & spike in podcast downloads
• 03:41-05:00 – Showing up on social media to reactivate current audience
• 05:01-06:45 – Podcast episodes in the sales process; podcast as trust builder
• 06:46-08:10 – Embedding podcasts in email drip campaigns
• 08:11-09:50 – Kev summarizes all three hacks; recommends integrating podcasts into all business entry points

Host’s Final Recommendations

• Even simple, unpolished social media activity pays off in consistent podcast downloads and refreshed audience engagement.
• If you aren’t already sending your best podcast episodes to sales prospects or new subscribers, start now—integrate your podcast at every stage of your funnel.
• Choose episode links that are relevant to your drip campaign or sales conversation topic for maximum effect.
• Don’t overthink it: the most explosive podcast growth often comes from basic, persistent visibility and direct linkage in your existing marketing.

Summary Takeaway

Kev Michael’s “3 effortless hacks” are less about complex tactics and more about embedding your podcast into existing business processes for maximum, ongoing growth. These practices turn passive content into active assets for sales, nurturing, and long-term audience expansion. Podcast growth is not just about more content—it’s about smarter integration.