As It Relates to Podcasting with Simona Costantini

Podcast growth in 2026 will not be driven by hacks, viral clips, or chasing charts. It will be built through community, discoverability on YouTube, intentional use of AI, and sustainable creator ecosystems.In this forward-looking episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini sits down with Kendall from Riverside.FM to unpack what is actually changing inside the podcasting industry and what creators must adapt to now in order to grow next year and beyond.They explore the rise of YouTube as the dominant podcast discovery engine, the shift toward mid-form video, the truth about podcast analytics, and how community-led growth is now outperforming algorithm-only strategies. You will also hear how Riverside’s all-in-one platform is changing podcast workflows by combining recording, editing, and now hosting into a single system.If you want to reduce burnout, grow with intention, and build a podcast that compounds in audience and authority, this episode gives you the roadmap for what is coming next.Inside this episode:Why community is becoming the most powerful driver of podcast growthHow YouTube has replaced traditional apps as the top discovery platformThe real limitations of podcast analytics and what creators must track manuallyHow mid-form video is overtaking short-form clips for audience conversionWhere AI truly helps podcasters and where it requires human oversightWhy all-in-one platforms are reducing creator burnoutThe future of monetization through memberships, communities, and owned platformsWhy sponsorships are no longer the fastest path to sustainable incomeThe psychology behind listener loyalty and long-term audience retentionHow creators should structure content ecosystems for 2026Audio-only versus video-first podcasting and how to chooseWhy consistency and connection now outperform production polish🎧 Join the Podcast Success Vault: A low-ticket mastermind-style membership designed to help podcasters grow with strategy, support, and real community.https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership 🎙️ Try Riverside for Recording, Editing, and Hosting: Explore Riverside’s all-in-one podcast production and hosting platform.https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=simona Learn about:00:00 Why podcast growth is shifting toward community02:00 Riverside’s new hosting update and what it means for creators05:00 The true problem with modern podcast workflows08:00 Why YouTube now dominates podcast discovery11:00 The reality of podcast analytics and tracking growth14:00 How to intentionally build engaged podcast communities18:00 AI in podcasting and preventing creator burnout22:00 Why mid-form video is outperforming short clips26:00 Audio-first versus video-first podcast strategies30:00 Monetizing through ownership instead of sponsorship34:00 What sustainable podcast growth will require in 202638:00 Final advice for creators building for the long gameMORE RESOURCES:Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Kendall:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbreitman/ Website: https://riverside.fmYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiversideFM Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/riverside-fm/ Connect with Simona here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantiniBusiness Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

Podcast rankings look glossy on the surface, but what do they actually mean for your growth, your revenue, and your long-term visibility?In this data-rich episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini is joined by Megan Dougherty, creator of the State of Business Podcasting Report, and Ana Xavier, founder of The Podcast Space, to unpack the real truth behind podcast rankings, retention, and sustainable growth heading into 2026.Together, they dissect what the Top 100 Business Podcasts data truly reveals about churn, completion rates, publishing frequency, discoverability, video adoption, guest strategy, and why so many shows rise fast and disappear just as quickly. They also explore how algorithms actually interpret engagement, how AI is changing the backend of podcast strategy, and why human connection is now the most powerful growth metric of all.If you want to stop chasing vanity metrics and start building a podcast that compounds in authority, audience, and income, this conversation gives you the roadmap behind the rankings.Inside this episode:What podcast rankings really measure and what they completely ignoreWhy nearly half of top-ranked business podcasts rotate off the charts each yearThe difference between downloads, completion rate, and real listener qualityHow retention directly shapes algorithmic discoverabilityThe most common publishing frequency among the Top 100 showsHow short-form daily publishing fits into long-term strategyWhy guest strategy now functions as a growth engine, not just contentHow cross-promotion and relationships drive measurable ROIThe hidden truth about show notes, SEO, and discoverabilityWhat the data reveals about video podcasting adoptionWhere AI supports podcasting and where it quietly erodes trustWhy humanity now outperforms polish in listener connectionThe real factors behind scalable podcast growth in 2026✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks.https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025 Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks Course: https://voltproductions.co/launch-podcast-8-weeks-course-offer State of Business Podcasting Report:https://podcastingforbusiness.com/the-state-of-business-podcasting-report/ #PodcastRankings #PodcastRetention #PodcastGrowth2026 #PodcastAnalytics #PodcastMetrics #PodcastStatistics #PodcastDiscoverability #PodcastSEO #BusinessPodcasting #PodcastTrends #PodcastMarketingData #VideoPodcasting #PodcastGuestStrategy #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #VOLTProductions #PodcastROI #PodcastChurn #PodcastResearchLearn about:00:00 Why podcast growth opinions often conflict with real data02:00 What the State of Business Podcasting Report actually measures04:00 The surprising churn rate behind Top 100 podcasts07:00 Publishing frequency trends among high-ranking shows09:00 Completion rate vs download volume as quality signals11:00 Subscriber growth and discoverability indicators13:30 Guest strategy as a long-term growth lever15:30 Cross-promotion, referrals, and relationship-driven ROI18:00 Show notes performance and SEO realities21:00 AI, automation, and what creators must fact-check23:30 Video podcasting as a future-proof strategy26:00 What the data says about sustainable growth in 202628:00 The one trend that will be unavoidable next yearMORE RESOURCES:Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Ana:Website: https://www.thepodcastspace.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodcastspace/ Podcast: https://www.thepodcastspace.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjB4ztIRQBFadQ3C8OVZvDA/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anaxavierr/ Connect with Megan:Website: https://onestonecreative.net/Podcast: https://onestonecreative.net/spotlight/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doughertymegan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscpodcasting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneStoneCreative/ Connect with Simona here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantiniBusiness Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

Your podcast is live, but now the real journey begins. Growth is where your show becomes a brand, a business asset, and a tool that compounds in visibility and authority.In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, host Simona Costantini wraps up the 10-week launch series by diving into the strategies that take your show beyond day one. You’ll learn how to interpret your podcast analytics, measure the right KPIs, refine your content with intention, and evolve your show based on listener behavior and performance trends.Simona also dives into how to build a powerful guest strategy, how to track ROI, how to use completion rates and retention to shape future episodes, and why iteration turns your podcast into a platform that grows your authority and revenue over time.If you’re ready to scale your podcast with clarity and consistent momentum, this episode gives you everything you need to strengthen your direction, refine your voice, and grow your show with strategy instead of guesswork.Inside this episode:The analytics that matter most for long-term podcast growthDownloads, completion rate, and subscriber trends explainedHow retention reveals your strongest topics and formatsWhy audience behavior guides your future contentHow to refine your show for longevity and authorityWhat agile creators do differently to stay relevantBuilding a strategic guest lineup that expands your networkHow cross-promotion doubles your reachHow to nurture relationships that lead to ROIWhy iteration is the secret advantage of top podcastersHow your podcast becomes a business asset, not a weekly taskInvitation to join the Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks courseIf you’re ready to launch your podcast with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that actually gets you seen, this episode will show you exactly how.✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks.https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025 Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks Course: https://voltproductions.co/launch-podcast-8-weeks-course-offer #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #PodcastAnalytics #PodcastingTips #PodcastEducation #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #VOLTProductions #PodcastMonetization #PodcastLaunchTips #PodcastContentStrategy #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastGuests #PodcastForBusiness #PodcastMarketing #SpotifyPodcasters #YouTubePodcasts #PodcastWorkflow #PodcastPerformanceLearn about:00:00 Launching versus growing your podcast00:40 Why post-launch strategy determines long-term success01:20 Going deeper with the 8-week podcast launch course02:00 Understanding analytics without overwhelm03:00 Downloads per episode and what they actually signal04:00 Why completion rate reveals true listener quality04:30 How subscriber growth boosts discoverability05:00 Tracking leads, traffic, and inquiries05:45 Using retention to guide future content06:30 Refining your format for longevity07:00 How your audience shapes your evolution08:00 Spotting patterns that influence your message09:00 Using guest strategy as a powerful growth lever10:00 Cross-promotion and expanding your reach11:00 Relationship-building as a podcast growth engine12:00 Tracking guest ROI for long-term collaboration13:00 Iteration and how it creates industry leaders14:00 Turning your podcast into a scalable brand14:30 Invitation to join Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks15:00 What’s coming on next week’s episodeMORE RESOURCES:Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantiniBusiness Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

Launching a podcast in 2025 takes more than passion, it takes strategy.Your podcast doesn’t grow just because it’s good. It grows because it’s launched with purpose and precision.In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, host Simona Costantini walks you step-by-step through your podcast launch timeline, including when to release your trailer, how many episodes to drop on launch day, and how to choose a publishing cadence that helps your show grow long-term.You’ll learn how to map out your trailer, launch day, and early release schedule so that every decision, from timing to consistency, tells Spotify, Apple, and YouTube that your show is worth promoting. Simona also shares why your first 30 days matter most, how to create bingeable momentum, and how to set a sustainable rhythm that builds visibility without burning out.If you’re ready to plan, schedule, and launch your podcast with clarity and confidence, this episode will give you the exact timeline and structure you need to succeed.Inside this episode:When to release your trailer and why timing changes everythingWhy launching with 3 episodes boosts discovery and engagementThe difference between weekly, biweekly, and seasonal releasesHow to plan your first month for maximum algorithmic tractionWhy consistency beats frequency every single timeHow to maintain momentum long after launch dayIf you’re ready to launch your podcast with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that actually gets you seen, this episode will show you exactly how.✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks.https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025 #PodcastLaunch #PodcastStrategy #PodcastGrowth #PodcastEducation #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #VOLTProductions #PodcastMarketing #PodcastLaunchTips #PodcastVisibility #PodcastingForBeginners #ContentStrategy #SpotifyPodcasters #YouTubePodcastsLearn about:00:00 – When to release your trailer01:00 – Why your launch timeline matters more than you think03:00 – How to build pre-launch buzz and early momentum05:00 – The 3-episode launch strategy that boosts discoverability08:00 – Choosing between weekly, biweekly, and seasonal shows12:00 – The secret to sustaining visibility after launch14:00 – Course invitation and how to launch with easeMORE RESOURCES:Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantiniBusiness Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast

Your podcast doesn’t grow just because it’s good, it grows because people see it.In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, host Simona Costantini breaks down exactly how to turn your show into a visibility engine – using YouTube thumbnails, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn clips that actually convert.You’ll learn how to design graphics that attract attention, create clips that connect emotionally, and promote episodes across platforms with ease. Simona walks you through the difference between visibility and virality, and how to build a consistent content ecosystem that keeps your podcast top of mind — week after week.Inside this episode:Why visibility beats virality (and how to build momentum)How to design YouTube thumbnails that get clicksThe storytelling formula for Instagram ReelsHow to use LinkedIn clips to position yourself as a thought leaderTurning one episode into a 5-day content engineCreating graphics and clips that convert into loyal listenersIf you’re ready to make your podcast seen, heard, and shared, this episode will show you exactly how.✨ Free Resource: Download my Podcast Launch Blueprint, the 5-step system to plan, record, and launch a professional show in just 8 weeks.https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025 #PodcastMarketing #PodcastGrowth #PodcastStrategy #AsItRelatesToPodcasting #SimonaCostantini #PodcastEducation #ContentRepurposing #YouTubeForPodcasters #InstagramReelsTips #LinkedInMarketing #PodcastPromotion #VOLTProductions #PodcastLaunch #PodcastVisibility #ContentEcosystemLearn about:00:00 – Why visibility matters more than “a good show”01:00 – Welcome, 10-week launch series, free Blueprint mention04:00 – Visibility vs virality and clarifying your why06:00 – YouTube thumbnails that convert: billboard mindset08:00 – Instagram Reels: hook formula, length, captions11:00 – LinkedIn clips for authority and conversation15:00 – Turn one episode into a weekly promo plan17:00 – Final takeaway and CTA to Podcast Success VaultMORE RESOURCES:Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfoBook a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact Connect with Simona here:Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantiniBusiness Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/Website: www.voltproductions.co Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast