How to grow a podcast in 2026 isn’t about posting everywhere or marketing harder. It’s about podcast discoverability, building a show that platforms can understand and listeners can find through search.

In this solo episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini explains why discoverability beats marketing in 2026, and how to grow a podcast organically by improving the parts most creators ignore: podcast titles for search, the first two lines of your episode description, consistent topic signals, and a simple SEO approach that helps Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube categorize your content correctly.

If your podcast isn’t growing, this episode will help you diagnose the real issue. You’ll learn how to stop publishing episodes that disappear, how to write searchable episode titles (not “Episode 5 with Dan”), how to choose one main keyword per episode, and how to structure episodes to increase retention, because listen time and watch time fuel discoverability.

Inside this episode:

1. How to grow a podcast in 2026 without posting everywhere
2. Why podcast discoverability beats podcast marketing
3. Podcast SEO basics, one main keyword per episode
4. Podcast titles for search (clear, specific, outcome-led)
5. Episode descriptions that pass the skim test (first two lines framework)
6. Consistency signals that build algorithm trust
7. Why multi-topic episodes dilute your search signal
8. Structure + retention, how to increase listen time for growth
9. How to grow a podcast organically with long-tail search traffic

Resources:

Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault-membership

Learn about:

1. 00:00 Why “post your podcast everywhere” is failing in 2026
2. 01:20 The shift creators don’t want to admit about growth
3. 03:00 Titles that get found (and the titles that disappear)
4. 05:10 Description skim test, the first two lines framework
5. 06:40 Consistency as an algorithm signal
6. 08:00 One keyword per episode (stop diluting the signal)
7. 10:10 Structure + retention, why attention drives discoverability
8. 11:40 Marketing as amplification (not a rescue mission)
9. 13:10 Long-tail listens, search working while you sleep
10. 14:10 Closing, build discoverability first

MORE RESOURCES:

If you had to launch a podcast in 2026 with zero audience, zero momentum, and no shortcuts, you wouldn’t start with fancy gear or “clever” branding. You’d start with being found.

In this solo episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini breaks down exactly how she’d launch from scratch today, using what actually works now: search-first episode design, a trailer plus a 3-episode drop, content buckets that help platforms categorize you, and a distribution workflow built before you ever hit publish.

You’ll learn how to write titles that match what people are already searching, how to craft a keyword-rich show description that makes it instantly clear who the show is for (and why they should care), and how to build an ecosystem where every episode becomes YouTube content, clips, email, and a repeatable publishing checklist.

The goal is simple, and it’s the whole thesis of this episode: growth stops feeling like a grind when your podcast is designed to be discovered.

Inside this episode:

1. Why launching in 2026 starts with search, not gear, branding, or hype
2. How to design episodes for discovery before you record
3. Why “clever” show names can confuse both audiences and algorithms
4. What to include in a keyword-rich podcast description (and how to answer “why should they care?”)
5. The 3 content buckets strategy that helps platforms categorize your show faster
6. Why one-off, random-topic episodes can stall growth (algorithm confusion is real)
7. How to title episodes based on what the conversation actually became (not what you planned)
8. Launching with intent: trailer timing + dropping 3 episodes at once for binge behavior and retention
9. The 3 biggest audience questions approach (and why they should be your first three episodes)
10. Why your “Episode 0” should be a solo episode that builds trust and connection
11. Titles that perform in 2026: question-based and outcome-driven, written like Google search
12. Why to submit to Apple + Spotify early (indexing matters)
13. How to build distribution into your workflow (YouTube, clips, blog, email, guest sharing)
14. The simple, repeatable publishing checklist that prevents burnout
15. The core launch truth: podcasts aren’t built on trends or luck, they’re built on clarity

Resources:

🎧 Free Podcast Launch Blueprint (Launch or Relaunch): https://voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-blueprint-2025

Learn about:

1. 00:00 Start with search (not gear)

Podcasting in 2026 is less about flashy tools and more about sustainable workflows, clean execution, and respecting the listener experience.

In this episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona Costantini is joined by Emily, Lead Editor at VOLT Productions, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what podcast producers actually notice, fix, and wish creators understood sooner.

Drawing from years of editing experience across hundreds of episodes, this episode breaks down producer-level insights around retakes, recording habits, microphones, headphones, lighting, clothing, ad reads, AI editing tools, and how small production decisions quietly impact listener retention, completion rate, and long-term growth.

This is not about perfection or expensive setups. It’s about understanding how your choices behind the mic affect editing time, audience trust, and burnout over time.

If you want to grow a podcast that feels easier to maintain, performs better across platforms, and still sounds human in an AI-heavy landscape, this episode lays the groundwork.

Inside this episode:

1. What podcast producers notice immediately when editing an episode
2. Why stopping and restarting recordings creates unnecessary editing friction
3. How to do seamless retakes without losing energy or flow
4. When it’s appropriate to stop a guest and re-ask a question
5. Why headphones matter more than microphones for guest interviews
6. Common guest audio mistakes editors see every week
7. How lighting shifts mid-recording and what creators can do to prevent it
8. Why clothing contrast matters for video podcast quality
9. How to batch record episodes without changing outfits constantly
10. Why rigid ad reads reduce listener trust and increase skip behavior
11. How storytelling-based mentions outperform traditional ad blocks
12. The difference between baked-in ads and dynamic ad insertion
13. Where AI editing tools help podcasters and where they fall short
14. Why AI cannot replace editorial judgment or audience awareness
15. How poor editing decisions affect completion rate and retention
16. What sustainable podcast production actually looks like in 2026

🎧 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

Learn about:

1. 00:00 What podcast producers wish creators understood sooner

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 growth
• How YouTube has replaced traditional apps as the top discovery platform
• The real limitations of podcast analytics and what creators must track manually
• How mid-form video is overtaking short-form clips for audience conversion
• Where AI truly helps podcasters and where it requires human oversight
• Why all-in-one platforms are reducing creator burnout
• The future of monetization through memberships, communities, and owned platforms
• Why sponsorships are no longer the fastest path to sustainable income
• The psychology behind listener loyalty and long-term audience retention
• How creators should structure content ecosystems for 2026
• Audio-only versus video-first podcasting and how to choose
• Why 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 community
• 02:00 Riverside’s new hosting update and what it means for creators
• 05:00 The true problem with modern podcast workflows
• 08:00 Why YouTube now dominates podcast discovery
• 11:00 The reality of podcast analytics and tracking growth
• 14:00 How to intentionally build engaged podcast communities
• 18:00 AI in podcasting and preventing creator burnout
• 22:00 Why mid-form video is outperforming short clips
• 26:00 Audio-first versus video-first podcast strategies
• 30:00 Monetizing through ownership instead of sponsorship
• 34:00 What sustainable podcast growth will require in 2026
• 38:00 Final advice for creators building for the long game

MORE RESOURCES:

• Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo
• Book a Call:

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 ignore
• Why nearly half of top-ranked business podcasts rotate off the charts each year
• The difference between downloads, completion rate, and real listener quality
• How retention directly shapes algorithmic discoverability
• The most common publishing frequency among the Top 100 shows
• How short-form daily publishing fits into long-term strategy
• Why guest strategy now functions as a growth engine, not just content
• How cross-promotion and relationships drive measurable ROI
• The hidden truth about show notes, SEO, and discoverability
• What the data reveals about video podcasting adoption
• Where AI supports podcasting and where it quietly erodes trust
• Why humanity now outperforms polish in listener connection
• The 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 #PodcastResearch

Learn about:

• 00:00 Why podcast growth opinions often conflict with real data
• 02:00 What the State of Business Podcasting Report actually measures
• 04:00 The surprising churn rate behind Top 100 podcasts
• 07:00 Publishing frequency trends among high-ranking shows
• 09:00 Completion rate vs download volume as quality signals
• 11:00 Subscriber growth and discoverability indicators
• 13:30 Guest strategy as a long-term growth lever
• 15:30 Cross-promotion, referrals, and relationship-driven ROI
• 18:00 Show notes performance and SEO...

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 growth
• Downloads, completion rate, and subscriber trends explained
• How retention reveals your strongest topics and formats
• Why audience behavior guides your future content
• How to refine your show for longevity and authority
• What agile creators do differently to stay relevant
• Building a strategic guest lineup that expands your network
• How cross-promotion doubles your reach
• How to nurture relationships that lead to ROI
• Why iteration is the secret advantage of top podcasters
• How your podcast becomes a business asset, not a weekly task
• Invitation to join the Launch Your Podcast in 8 Weeks course

If 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 #PodcastPerformance

Learn about:

• 00:00 Launching versus growing your podcast
• 00:40 Why post-launch strategy determines long-term success
• 01:20 Going deeper with the 8-week podcast launch course
• 02:00 Understanding analytics without overwhelm
• 03:00 Downloads per episode and what they actually signal
• 04:00 Why completion rate reveals true listener quality
• 04:30 How subscriber growth boosts discoverability
• 05:00 Tracking leads, traffic, and inquiries
• 05:45 Using retention to guide future content
• 06:30 Refining your format for longevity
• 07:00 How your audience shapes your evolution
• 08:00 Spotting patterns that influence your message
• 09:00 Using guest strategy as a powerful growth lever
• 10:00 Cross-promotion and expanding your reach
• 11:00 Relationship-building as a podcast growth engine
• 12:00 Tracking guest ROI for long-term collaboration
• 13:00 Iteration and how it creates industry...

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 everything
• Why launching with 3 episodes boosts discovery and engagement
• The difference between weekly, biweekly, and seasonal releases
• How to plan your first month for maximum algorithmic traction
• Why consistency beats frequency every single time
• How to maintain momentum long after launch day

If 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 #YouTubePodcasts

Learn about:

• 00:00 – When to release your trailer
• 01:00 – Why your launch timeline matters more than you think
• 03:00 – How to build pre-launch buzz and early momentum
• 05:00 – The 3-episode launch strategy that boosts discoverability
• 08:00 – Choosing between weekly, biweekly, and seasonal shows
• 12:00 – The secret to sustaining visibility after launch
• 14:00 – Course invitation and how to launch with ease

MORE RESOURCES:

• Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo
• Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact

Connect with Simona here:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
• Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/
• Pinterest:

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 clicks
• The storytelling formula for Instagram Reels
• How to use LinkedIn clips to position yourself as a thought leader
• Turning one episode into a 5-day content engine
• Creating graphics and clips that convert into loyal listeners

If 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 #ContentEcosystem

Learn about:

• 00:00 – Why visibility matters more than “a good show”
• 01:00 – Welcome, 10-week launch series, free Blueprint mention
• 04:00 – Visibility vs virality and clarifying your why
• 06:00 – YouTube thumbnails that convert: billboard mindset
• 08:00 – Instagram Reels: hook formula, length, captions
• 11:00 – LinkedIn clips for authority and conversation
• 15:00 – Turn one episode into a weekly promo plan
• 17:00 – Final takeaway and CTA to Podcast Success Vault

MORE RESOURCES:

• Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo
• Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact

Connect with Simona here:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini
• Business 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