Grow The Show, Episode 256: "Consistency Is a Lie: Here’s What Grows Podcasts Now"

Host: Kev Michael
Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kev Michael challenges the longstanding advice that publishing on a strict schedule is the main driver of podcast growth. He argues that the traditional meaning of "consistency" is outdated and reveals what actually fuels modern podcast and YouTube channel growth: preparation, content quality, and strategic focus. Drawing on real-world examples and his extensive experience, Kev provides actionable advice for creators looking to break out of growth plateaus and adapt to today’s highly competitive content landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Consistency Myth

• Old vs. New Podcasting Realities
  • Before 2018, simply posting on a consistent schedule almost guaranteed growth due to low competition.
  • Today, consistency in publishing alone is not enough—competition is fierce and standards are much higher.

“Consistency is a lie. At least the type of consistency that you have been told will grow your podcast.”
— Kev Michael [00:00]

2. The 'Takeoff Sequence' Over Cadence

• Definition of Takeoff Sequence:
  • The process and elements needed for an episode to "take off," especially on YouTube:
    • Choosing the right topic
    • Crafting compelling thumbnails
    • Writing effective titles
    • Tight, on-topic intros (30–60 seconds)
    • Making sure the first five minutes deliver on the episode's promise
• Quality Over Quantity:
  • Podcasters publishing infrequently but investing substantial effort in their takeoff sequence see more growth than those publishing rushed content on a strict weekly basis.

“They're not putting a lot of effort into the preparation and the pre-production and the takeoff sequence of those podcast episodes.”
— Kev Michael [05:35]

“Take some of the effort that you're putting into publishing more and put it into publishing better.”
— Kev Michael [23:10]

3. Case Study: Caleb Ralston

• Example of Quality Trumps Frequency:
  • Caleb Ralston grew his channel by posting only one high-quality, highly prepared YouTube video per month.
  • Success attributed less to expensive production value and more to meticulous preparation and strategy.

“The reason why his videos did so well is less so about the really cinematic production value... It's more about the fact that he put more preparation into those videos.”
— Kev Michael [04:35]

4. Consistency in Promise and Audience, Not Just Schedule

• Consistency Redefined:
  • You must consistently talk to the same person and deliver on the same promise with each episode.
  • Mixing disparate topics hurts audience and algorithm trust, especially on YouTube.
• Algorithm Dynamics:
  • Platforms reward channels that are predictable in value and topic for a specific audience.

“If you are inconsistent with who you're speaking to and inconsistent with the promise that you're making those people... you’re sabotaging your own audience growth.”
— Kev Michael [12:00]

5. Platform Differences: Audio vs. YouTube

• Audio Listeners:
  • Are habitual—podcasts live on a “grocery shelf” of 2–6 shows they listen to weekly.
  • Maintaining a regular feed is important to stay on that shelf.
• YouTube Viewers:
  • Care more about quality and relevance in the moment than about your upload cadence.
  • Nailing topic, title, thumbnail, and intro matters far more than frequency.

“YouTube viewers, on the other hand, do not know or care for the most part, what your cadence is. They care whether the video in front of them is worth watching.”
— Kev Michael [16:32]

6. When Schedules Still Matter

• For New Creators:
  • Regular schedules help beat inertia, develop habits, and provide personal structure.
• Pacing for Quality:
  • Creators stuck in a no-growth grind should slow down and focus on the takeoff sequence, even if it means publishing less often.

“If you are weekly and you are really struggling... I give you permission to go to biweekly. But stick to that.”
— Kev Michael [28:50]

7. Coach’s Caveat

• Don’t Use as Excuse to Quit:
  • Even if slowing your publishing pace, don’t abandon your schedule entirely—some cadence provides needed accountability.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Core Thesis:

  “Sticking to a schedule alone is not what grows your show.”
  — Kev Michael [19:20]

• Algorithm Friction:

  “If YouTube shows your new video to people who like your last video and they like this one too, YouTube trusts you more...”
  — Kev Michael [10:00]

• Audience Focus Warning:

  “You think that the Venn diagram of people who are interested in those things is really big, but it's not. In fact, it's likely just you and maybe some of your friends.”
  — Kev Michael [11:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Introduction: Challenging the consistency myth
• [02:50] – Podcasting before vs. after 2018; why the playing field changed
• [04:35] – Caleb Ralston case study
• [07:50] – The takeoff sequence explained
• [12:00] – How inconsistency in topic sabotages growth
• [16:32] – Differences between audio podcast listeners and YouTube viewers
• [23:10] – Actionable advice: Slow down, publish better, not more
• [28:50] – Guidance for adjusting publishing schedules without losing momentum

Actionable Takeaways

• Audit Your Consistency:
  Are you consistent in value and audience focus, not just schedule?
• Focus on Preparation:
  Spend more time on the takeoff sequence: title, thumbnail, topic, and a concise, promise-driven intro.
• Adjust Frequency When Needed:
  If growth is stagnant, it’s okay to slow down and focus on quality—especially on video platforms.
• Stay on Audio Shelves:
  For audio listeners, maintain at least a minimal publishing presence to remain part of their routine.

Closing Thoughts

Kev ends by emphasizing that shifting from a frequency-first mindset to a quality- and audience-focused approach is crucial for podcast growth in 2026. Consistency still matters, but not in the way most podcasters think—what really matters is being consistently excellent in serving the right audience with the right message and packaging, and not just posting at 8:00am every Tuesday.

“While you have probably been consistent with your publishing cadence, have you been able to be consistent with quality?”
— Kev Michael [27:10]

For more hands-on support, Kev invites listeners to explore the Grow The Show Academy or inquire about his done-for-you services via the links provided.