Stay Paid Podcast: Episode 1,000+ Podcast Shows Produced – What I Learned & How to Make Yours Successful
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Welcome to a landmark episode of the Stay Paid Podcast, where hosts Luke Acrey and Josh Steke dive deep into the secrets of podcasting success with special guest Matt Halloran. Matt, the co-founder and Chief Relationship Officer at Proudmouth—the world's leading influence accelerator for financial advisors—brings his extensive experience from appearing on over a thousand podcast shows. In this episode, he shares invaluable insights on building a successful podcast, the importance of persistence, effective promotion strategies, and the power of storytelling. Here's a detailed summary of their rich and engaging conversation.
1. The Value of Persistence in Podcasting
Matt Halloran emphasizes that podcasting is a long-term commitment. Persistence is key to building a solid foundation and achieving lasting success.
- Matt Halloran [01:35]: “It just takes longer than anybody wants it to take... you got to be in it for the long term.”
The hosts discuss their own journey, noting that it took approximately three years to gain traction, highlighting that perseverance is essential despite initial slow growth.
- Luke Acrey [02:39]: “Stay Paid took three years... it took until about 2020.”
2. Building Systems for Podcast Success
Establishing robust systems is crucial for accelerating podcast growth. Without them, consistency and scalability become challenging.
- Matt Halloran [03:12]: “We have nine podcasts, growth tactics, and seven rocket boosters of influence. These systems accelerate your influence.”
He shares that with the right systems in place, podcasters can expect to see significant traction within 9 to 12 months.
3. Measuring Traction: Beyond Vanity Metrics
Matt advises focusing on meaningful metrics rather than vanity stats like downloads or views. He introduces the concept of "client households" as a baseline for measuring podcast success.
- Matt Halloran [05:42]: “If you have 100 client households, you get 100 listeners. You're killing it, like, faster.”
This approach aligns listener growth directly with the existing client base, providing a more tangible measure of success.
4. Promotion Strategies: OPP and Guest Strategies
Effective promotion is vital for podcast growth. Matt outlines two primary strategies: the OPP (Other People's Podcasts) strategy and a robust guest strategy.
- Matt Halloran [06:17]: “There are two ways to get paid: the OPP strategy and having a very firm guest strategy.”
He emphasizes the importance of inviting influential guests who will share the podcast with their own audiences, thereby expanding reach organically.
- Matt Halloran [07:04]: “If they don't share the show, you basically put them on blast. That's how we grew Proudmouth.”
5. Branding: Focusing on Your Niche
Matt stresses the importance of niche branding over trying to appeal to everyone. A focused brand attracts a dedicated audience and fosters deeper connections.
- Matt Halloran [13:36]: “Stop trying to please everybody, piss some people off, and be okay with it.”
By targeting a specific audience, podcasters can build a loyal community rather than spreading themselves thin.
6. Content Creation: The 4:1 Personal to Professional Rule
Balancing professional and personal content enhances audience engagement. Matt introduces the "four to one" rule to help creators connect more authentically with their listeners.
- Matt Halloran [09:43]: “For every four professional posts, you have to have one that's very personal.”
This strategy encourages podcasters to share personal stories and insights, fostering a genuine connection with their audience.
7. Storytelling to Engage Your Audience
Incorporating storytelling into podcast content makes it more relatable and memorable. Matt highlights how stories create emotional bonds and enhance listener retention.
- Matt Halloran [23:07]: “People see themselves in stories. They feel that connection.”
He shares his approach to his upcoming TED Talk, which revolves around emotionally charged personal stories of hope and helping others, demonstrating the power of narrative in establishing influence.
8. Developing Public Speaking Skills: Lessons from a TED Talk
Preparing for a TED Talk provided Matt with valuable lessons in public speaking, particularly regarding body language and pacing.
- Matt Halloran [20:05]: “It's so important what you're doing with your hands... try not to push people away.”
He discusses the importance of space and timing in speeches, advocating for concise and impactful delivery to maintain audience engagement.
9. The Power of Influence Marketing
Matt underscores the significance of influence marketing in the modern landscape, where authentic, organic content reigns supreme.
- Matt Halloran [30:32]: “Influence marketing is the only marketing that's left that works.”
He encourages podcasters to leverage their influence by creating valuable content that resonates with their target audience, highlighting video and podcasting as powerful tools.
10. Podrocket Academy: Taking Action
As a takeaway, Matt introduces Podrocket Academy, a comprehensive learning management system designed to teach podcasters the strategies he uses at Proudmouth.
- Matt Halloran [27:53]: “Go to Podrocket Academy... you get eight hours of live coaching per month for $100.”
This platform offers resources like the Influence Readiness Test, tailored plans, courses, and worksheets to help podcasters bridge their growth gaps effectively.
Notable Quotes
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Matt Halloran [01:35]: “You got to commit to this is going to be part of your marketing for the rest of your career.”
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Luke Acrey [11:04]: “Have you found that most of your shows where people talk about the things that do turn off other people are more popular?”
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Matt Halloran [22:00]: “When you don't provide space, you're talking at, not with.”
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Luke Acrey [30:14]: “Because influence is everything. Because knowledge is going to be free. It already is.”
Conclusion and Action Items
In this episode, Matt Halloran provides a roadmap for podcasters aiming to build a successful and influential show. Key takeaways include:
- Commit to the Long Haul: Success in podcasting requires persistence and long-term dedication.
- Implement Robust Systems: Develop and refine systems to streamline growth and influence.
- Focus on Meaningful Metrics: Measure success through client engagement rather than vanity metrics.
- Leverage Strategic Promotion: Use OPP and guest strategies to organically expand your audience.
- Niche Branding: Concentrate on a specific audience to build a loyal community.
- Balance Content: Adopt the 4:1 rule to mix professional insights with personal stories.
- Embrace Storytelling: Use personal narratives to create emotional connections with listeners.
- Hone Public Speaking Skills: Practice effective body language and pacing for impactful communication.
- Utilize Influence Marketing: Create authentic and valuable content to enhance your influence.
- Take Action with Podrocket Academy: Utilize available resources to accelerate your podcast growth.
Luke Acrey [31:58]: “Top producers take action. Take action on that today.”
By following these strategies, podcasters can elevate their shows, build a dedicated tribe, and ultimately create a life of freedom and fulfillment.
Join the Movement
If you're ready to take your podcast to the next level, visit Podrocket Academy to access tailored plans, live coaching, and comprehensive resources designed to accelerate your influence and business growth.
Stay tuned for more expert insights on the Stay Paid Podcast, and don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your thoughts with the community!