Unlock real podcast progress by defining clear results, not chasing someone else’s idea of “success.”

If your podcast leaves you discouraged, you might have unspoken, undefined expectations dragging you down.

Most podcasters judge their show by downloads, growth, or what the loudest voices online claim “working” should look like.

But unclear, unrealistic expectations are what create discouragement—not the results themselves.

Let’s break it down.

You need expected results that align with your podcast’s "why."

Here’s the approach I use with my clients:

Human Results: Are listeners emailing, commenting, or mentioning the show on calls?
Business Results: Are right-fit clients mentioning your podcast when they sign up, or is the show shortening the time from new listener to new client?
Metric Results: Are downloads and listener retention growing steadily—not explosively, but enough to show forward motion?

Define what “working” actually means for you—not for everyone else.

Set one or two concrete expectations for each area, rooted in your why and your business strategy.

Examples:

Human: Aim for one meaningful listener message each month.
Business: Aim for a small but growing percentage of new clients to say “I found you through the podcast.”
Metrics: Look for steady but modest growth.

You don’t need a 50-point dashboard—just a handful of honest, reasonable expectations.

Choose one primary result to measure for the next 90 days.

Let it be your focus this season.

Are your expectations supporting your Podcast Why, or are they silently telling you nothing you do is ever enough?

Define aligned results, and you’ll regain clarity and confidence on your own terms.

Here are three key takeaways:

Define your own milestones: Don’t default to what “success” online looks like. Identify results that match your why and strategy.
Track Human, Business, and Metric Results: Look for real listener impact (messages, feedback), tangible business shifts (clients referencing your show), and steady, realistic growth—not just viral spikes.
Let one metric lead for a season: Choose a result that best aligns with your mission and let it guide your focus for the next 90 days.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Book A Clarity Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

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Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

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Podcasting is a MARATHON, not a sprint. Be patient, take action, and apply yourself.

Let’s talk about what podcasting can do for your business in the next 12-months. Whether you’re B2C or B2B, we can create a content marketing strategy that will work for you.

Connect with me if you would like to talk more about this. My calendar is available on my Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants business website.

Brett Johnson is the owner and lead consultant at Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants. With over 35+ years of experience in Marketing, Content Creation, Audio Production/Recording, and Broadcasting, the podcast consultants at Circle 270 Media® strategically bring these strengths together for their business Podcast clients.

Email us at podcasts@circle270media.com to set up a time to talk more about your new or established business podcast.

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