#314 | Why Calling Your Podcast a Passion Project Is Killing Your Podcast Growth & Sales

Click here to get a Free Mini Podcast SEO Audit and discover the blind spots that are keeping your show invisible on Apple & Spotify.Are you still stuck at the same download numbers—even after months (or years) of effort?If you're relying on guest interviews, downloads, and just "posting more" to grow your podcast, you're missing the real levers of growth. In this episode, Taig and Anthony break down the 3 overlooked podcast metrics that actually drive growth—and why most hosts have no idea they even exist.You’ll learn:The real reason your podcast isn’t ranking on Apple or Spotify—and how to fix it fast with podcast SEO.How to find your highest-performing episodes and use them to guide your content strategy (no more guessing).Why your listener retention rate is the most powerful indicator of growth—and how to improve it even if you're not a "data person."Stop wasting time. Start tracking what actually matters.Hit play to unlock the 3 podcast metrics that could finally accelerate your audience growth.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Click here to book a free strategy session if you want to grow to 5-10k monthly downloads in 6 months or less and have a fully monetized podcast without replying on social media, paid promotions or high profile guests.Still calling your podcast a “passion project”? That mindset might be the very thing killing your growth.In this episode, we expose the hidden damage caused by casually labeling your podcast a passion project — especially when deep down, you want real traction, income, and impact.You’ll learn:Why “just for fun” is often a mental shield podcasters use to protect their ego from disappointing resultsHow the passion project label blocks you from taking the bold actions required for podcast growth and monetizationWhat to do instead if you’re serious about building an audience, growing downloads, and generating ROIIf you’ve been stuck for months (or even years) wondering why your show isn’t taking off — this episode will hit home.🎧 Listen now and stop hiding from your ambition. Start building the podcast you actually want.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Is your podcast cover art quietly sabotaging your growth?You might be creating amazing content every week — but if your show isn’t growing, your cover art could be the silent killer.In this episode, Anthony Nwaneri and Taig O’Shea reveal the often-ignored but critical role your podcast cover art plays in getting discovered, clicked on, and listened to. They walk you through practical strategies and real-life examples of how a simple design change triggered massive improvements in visibility and listener engagement.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to find hidden red flags in your Spotify analytics to measure your cover art’s effectivenessThe key design mistakes podcasters make that repel potential listeners instantlyA simple DIY method to test if your current artwork stands out (or blends in) with your competitionDiscover how to turn your podcast cover art into a powerful growth engine—listen now and transform the first impression your show makes.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Still hustling to grow your podcast with more exposure—but not seeing results?This episode reveals the uncomfortable truth about why most podcasts flatline, despite doing "all the right things." Taig and Anthony share a story that flips conventional growth advice on its head, explaining why conversion and retention, not visibility, are what truly separate the top 1% of podcasters from the rest.You’ll discover:The bookstore analogy that perfectly explains why exposure-first strategies almost always failThe two invisible systems that top 1% podcasters obsess over—and you’ve probably never heard ofA clear three-stage framework to build a show that sells itself through strategic growthListen now to learn how to stop wasting energy and start growing a podcast that converts strangers into superfans.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Want to grow to 5-10k monthly downloads in 6 months or less and have a fully monetized podcast without replying on social media, paid promotions or high profile guests? Click here and book a free strategy session with the Get More Listeners team. Are you ranking on Apple and Spotify but still not growing?Most podcasters think getting found in search is the hard part — but what happens after someone sees your show can make or break your growth.If you’re adding keywords and optimizing your episodes but not seeing results, this episode is for you. Taig O'Shea and Anthony Nwaneri break down the 7 deadly podcast SEO mistakes that silently kill discoverability — even for experienced hosts.Here’s what you’ll learn:Why showing up in search doesn’t guarantee growth (and what does)The subtle SEO elements most podcasters completely ignoreHow to fix the overlooked presentation mistakes that sabotage downloads🎧 If you want more listeners from search and smarter podcast growth — this episode is the one to listen to.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Want to grow to 5-10k monthly downloads in 6 months or less and have a fully monetized podcast without replying on social media, paid promotions or high profile guests? Click here and book a free strategy session with the Get More Listeners team. Are you stuck pouring hours into guests, branding, and social media clips—but your podcast growth is still flatlining?You're not alone. In this episode, we reveal why podcast positioning—not flashy authority presentation—is the secret to building a real audience and monetizing your show.Most podcasters unknowingly fall into the "mimicry trap," chasing visible success cues like high-profile guests and polished visuals, while neglecting the foundational clarity that actually drives growth. We break down how to avoid that trap—and what to do instead.In this episode, you'll discover:Why perfect podcast positioning matters more than production value, branding, or guest namesThe hidden psychology behind authority presentation and how it sabotages true podcast growthA real-world case study of a client who grew from 500 to 7,000 monthly downloads by shifting one thingListen now to learn how fixing your podcast positioning can finally unlock the momentum you've been missing.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Is your podcast intro silently sabotaging your growth?If your listener numbers stall or your retention drops off after the first minute, your intro might be to blame—no matter how good your content is.In this episode, Anthony and Taig reveal the overlooked intro structure that turned around a stagnant podcast and tripled listener growth in just 90 days. You’ll see why so many hosts unknowingly repel ideal listeners—before they even say anything meaningful.You’ll discover:The 3 most common intro mistakes that kill retention in the first 30 secondsWhy 80% of your energy should go into your podcast intros—not your contentA proven, repeatable intro formula that hooks listeners and gets them to stayIf you want faster podcast growth and more loyal listeners, this episode is your blueprint—hit play and transform your intros today.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Are you confusing ‘organic podcast growth’ with doing nothing and hoping for the best?Most creators think organic means passive. But if you’re still showing up, creating great episodes, and seeing zero traction… you’re not growing organically — you’re just stuck. This episode breaks down the hidden mindset virus holding podcasters back and the real strategy that makes sustainable, compound growth possible.You’ll learn:Why most podcasters misunderstand what “organic growth” really meansThe 3 critical elements needed to create real organic podcast growth: effort, energy, and the right conditionsHow to shift your podcast mindset and start building a system that actually converts listenersListen now to learn how to stop hoping — and start growing — with a strategy that finally works.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Why isn’t your podcast growing, even though you’ve been having amazing conversations for years?If you’re tired of pouring energy into your podcast only to get crickets, this episode will change the game. Discover the real reason listeners aren't clicking play—and how a single shift in your approach can make your show truly binge-worthy.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to uncover the most urgent problems your audience is desperate to solve (and build content around them).Why your episode titles are killing your growth—and how to make them irresistible.A simple but powerful way to create binge-worthy content, even if you’re not producing more episodes.Start growing your podcast today by making episodes your audience can’t ignore. Tune in now.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your podcast growth by doing more instead of thinking smarter?Most podcasters believe the key to growth is producing more content, more consistently, or promoting harder. But in this episode, we reveal the hidden mental trap—tunnel vision—that quietly derails even the most motivated creators.You’ll discover how this invisible force steals your focus, leads to bad decisions, and keeps you stuck in survival mode instead of strategic thinking.Here’s what you’ll learn:The 3 hidden growth stages most podcasters skip—and why it matters.How we lost $100K by chasing the wrong growth lever (so you don’t have to).A dead-simple mindset shift that creates momentum, traction, and trust with your audience.If your podcast growth has plateaued, this episode will show you exactly why—and how to change it. Tune in now to get out of the tunnel and back into your zone of growth.More From Get More Listeners:Click here and grab your free copy of our best selling book Podcast Marketing + A mini podcast audit.Or visit: https://getmorelisteners.com/bookView client results & case studiesLooking for a new hosting platform with amazing analytics? Try Captivate for free hereEmail [email protected] to get in contact with Taig & Anthony.This podcast is for entrepreneurs to learn proven podcasting audience growth, marketing & monetization tips & strategies including data-driven SEO, guesting, and social media strategy.You'll learn how to grow and monetize faster, get more listeners and engagement, increase downloads, attract more subscribers, clients or sponsors, and turn your show into a revenue-generating platform.If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll ours too! Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo, Grow The Show: How to Grow a Podcast Audience & Monetize by Kevin Chemidlin, School of Podcasting by Dave Jackson, Grow My Podcast Show by Deirdre Tshien, Podcast Marketing Trends Explained by Jeremy Enns & Justin Jackson, Organic Marketing Simplified by Juliana Barbati.