The Most Common Mistake in Podcast Titles

MarTech Podcast™ // Marketing + Technology = Business Growth
Host: Benjamin Shapiro
Guest: Cody Goff, Podcast Growth Strategist at NerdWallet
Date: March 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the nuances of podcast growth through strategic titling, as Benjamin Shapiro hosts Cody Goff, a podcast growth strategist with experience scaling award-winning shows. The discussion zeroes in on the most frequent mistakes made in podcast episode titles, why these errors hinder discovery, and how to optimize titles for sustainable, organic growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Most Common Mistake in Podcast Titles (03:09)

• Cody Goff identifies the number one mistake: Using guest names in episode titles when those names are not widely recognized or frequently searched for.

  • Quote:

    “People use people's names when no one's searching for those names… like the title will be like a Katarina Moses from blah blah blah. And the thing is, no one... is going into Spotify and searching a Katarina Moses unless they're researching her for another podcast that they're about to interview her on… Just don't do it. Just give the value. Put the guest's name, unless it's a really, really high profile guest.”
    — Cody Goff [03:19]

• Best practice:

  • Only include the guest’s name in the title if they are exceptionally well-known or their name adds specific, search-driven value (i.e., “CEO of Microsoft”).
  • Otherwise, focus the title on the main topic or value proposition of the interview.

2. Balancing Company, Guest, and Topic in Titles (04:15)

• Benjamin Shapiro elaborates: The balance between featuring the guest’s name/company vs. highlighting the topic.

  • Quote:

    “We have gone back and forth about this. How much should we be trying to own the guest's name and company combination, you know, in our organic growth strategy? Or how much should we be trying to own the topic? ...For us, companies tend to be more recognizable, but if it is not the chief executive, something of a major company... You have to use your judgment on how truly impactful is the person's name, the company, and then what is the actual topic. Generally, I lean topic.”
    — Benjamin Shapiro [04:15]

• Insight:

  • Topical relevance usually trumps individual names unless the guest has considerable name recognition within or beyond their industry.

3. The Episode Number Debate (05:30)

• Cody Goff’s second big “no-no”: Including episode numbers in titles.

  • Referred to as "amateur hour," except for rare cases like highly established legacy podcasts (e.g., This American Life).
  • Quote:

    “I was going to say that... That's like amateur hour to... This American Life does it, which drives me crazy... But that's like using Rogan as an example for anything.”
    — Cody Goff [05:30]

• Benjamin Shapiro’s rule:

  • Unless you are This American Life or Joe Rogan, don’t put episode numbers in your podcast title.
  • Quote:

    “Exception not the rule.”
    — Benjamin Shapiro [06:15]

4. Summary Guidelines from the Conversation

• Use episode titles that emphasize what listeners will learn or the primary topic.
• Reserve guest names and company details for exceptional, high-profile guests known for drawing audience interest.
• Omit episode numbers unless your show is a rare exception with specific audience habits.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cody Goff on guest names:

  “For the most part, most people at most companies are not being searched for like Brad Pitt or whatever.”
  [03:45]

• Cody Goff on episodes and exceptions:

  "If you're not This American Life or Joe Rogan, please don't put the episode number in your podcast."
  [06:16]

• Humor Moment:

  • When asked if he’s ready for the lightning round, Cody quips,

    "Probably not, but we'll try anyway.”
    [03:07]

Important Timestamps

• 03:09 — The single most common mistake in podcast episode titling
• 03:19 — Why obscure guest names don’t drive discovery
• 04:15 — Weighing value between company, guest, and topic
• 05:30 — Why episode numbers hurt rather than help titles
• 06:15 — Specific exceptions: This American Life and Joe Rogan

Tone and Language

• Direct and conversational, with a blend of industry insight and practical advice.
• Light humor to offset dense marketing discussion.

Takeaways for Podcast Creators

• Give your episode titles the best chance for organic discovery by emphasizing subject matter over guest names—unless your guest is a celebrity or industry giant.
• Skip including episode numbers in titles unless you’re an iconic podcast brand.
• Always consider what your target audience is searching for and why they would click on your episode.