Friendly Podcast Guide: Teaching Women How to Grow a Podcast (Without Burning Out)

• Holiday Tips: How to Keep Your Podcast Going in December

  Feeling the holiday crunch? In this episode, I share five sustainable strategies for keeping your podcast going strong (without the stress) through the busiest season of the year. Whether you're juggling school parties, wrapping gifts, or just trying to breathe, there's a tip here to help you market and manage your podcast without burning out.Hi, I'm Andi Smiley, podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows in ways that feel sustainable and aligned. I blend strategy with real-life experience to help you keep podcasting fun, effective, and burnout-free, even during the holidays!Topics Discussed in This EpisodeHow to market your podcast during the holidaysThe benefits of shorter, seasonal episodesWhy batching content in December is a game-changerMy favorite holiday-themed episode ideasHow to replay old episodes without sounding lazyWhy Pinterest is my go-to for low-maintenance marketingWhat to say when taking a seasonal podcast breakGiving yourself permission to restKey TakeawaysYou don’t need to quit podcasting, or stress yourself out, just because it’s the holidays. Instead, create shorter episodes, batch when you can, bring back old favorites, and consider taking an intentional break. The magic is in doing what works best for you.Timestamps(00:00) Holiday countdown + intro (00:59) My Pinterest strategy for podcast marketing (02:03) Tip 1: Plan for the chaos (02:30) Tip 2: Batch your content (03:01) Tip 3: Lean into the holidays (03:45) Tip 4: Reuse past content (04:45) Tip 5: Take a break (06:06) Recap of all 5 tips Links & ResourcesFree Pinterest Checklist: Is Pinterest Right For Me?Follow me on ThreadsFollow me on Pinterest

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• Creative Podcast Marketing Strategies with Hayden Gray

  What does it take to grow a podcast audience in a fresh, creative way? In this episode, I’m joined by Hayden Gray, producer of the wildly successful Fantasy Fan Girls podcast. We dive into marketing strategies that feel fun, sustainable, and community-driven.Hayden Gray is the producer and “sanity manager” of Fantasy Fan Girls, a book deep-dive podcast that exploded with 5,000 downloads just days after launch. With a background in podcast production and creative storytelling, Hayden brings a grounded, fresh perspective on podcast marketing that feels human and doable.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeHow Fantasy Fan Girls used pre-launch clips to build early buzzWhy deep audience connection beats fancy marketingWhat makes social media clips actually workThe power of community-driven growthCreative marketing strategies beyond InstagramHow to “excitement stack” for launchesDiscovering your niche within a crowded categoryThe secret to sustainable podcasting: passionKey TakeawaysBuild excitement before your launch (or new season!)Focus on genuine community over one-way promotionFind your listeners in unexpected places—Pinterest, Facebook groups, real life!Lean into what you love; passion makes podcasting sustainableBig growth can come from small, intentional experimentsTimestamps (00:00) Intro and fangirling over Fantasy Fan Girls (01:51) Meet Hayden Gray (02:47) How the show hit 5,000 downloads in days (05:13) What worked (and didn’t) on social media (07:32) Building buzz with your community (09:14) Creative ways to connect with listeners (14:15) Hayden’s “aha” moment: excitement stacking (24:08) Why passion is the real growth strategy (26:11) A quick recap and your one next stepLinks & ResourcesGrab my free “Is Pinterest Right for Me?” checklistFantasy Fan Girls podcastFollow me on InstagramFriendly Podcast Guide website

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• Should Your Podcast Have a Website?

  Websites feel like a tricky topic in the podcasting world—but they don’t have to be! In this episode, I’m sharing my honest take on whether you really need a website for your show, when it makes sense to invest in one, and how it can actually make podcasting more sustainable. Plus, I’m spilling how Pinterest and SEO play a surprising role in your podcast growth.Hi! I’m Andi Smiley, your podcast coach for women who want to grow a podcast in 2026 and beyond—without burning out. I’ve built a sustainable podcasting strategy that works around real life (hello, carpool lanes and fantasy novels). On my show, I share real-talk podcast tips, lessons from my journey, and conversations with podcasters who inspire me.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy websites feel like a “taboo” topic for podcastersWhether you actually need a website for your podcastMy personal website misstep when I started outWhen it’s the right time to add a websiteHow a website can support your business and podcastThe SEO power of having your own siteHow Pinterest and websites work together for growthOne simple action step to figure out your next moveKey TakeawaysIf you’re new to podcasting, skip the website for now and focus on creating great episodes. But if you’ve been podcasting for a year or more, it’s time to seriously consider adding one—especially if you’re ready to grow. A website makes your show more discoverable through SEO, gives your content a longer shelf life, and boosts your credibility. And if you’re using Pinterest? A verified website will help your pins get seen by more people.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:24) My first podcast website mistake(01:41) When to skip a website (and when to invest)(02:25) How to add your podcast to your business website(03:07) Benefits of owning your content space(03:54) Taking yourself—and your podcast—seriously(04:19) SEO and website discoverability(04:48) Pinterest perks when you own your site(05:31) 5-minute self-evaluation LinksGrab my free “Is Pinterest Right for Me?” checklistFollow me on ThreadsFollow me on InstagramVisit my website

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• How to Grow Your Podcast's Email List

  Email marketing and growing your email list doesn't have to be intimidating. In this episode, I’m sharing smart and simple ways to grow your podcast email list using creative freebies your audience will actually want. Plus, I give you a sneak peek at how Pinterest is helping me grow my show without leaning on Instagram.Hi, I’m Andi Smiley, your go-to podcast coach for women who want to grow their shows without burning out. I mix storytelling, proven podcast marketing strategies, and a whole lot of cheerleading to help you build a podcast that grows and sustains itself. This episode is packed with tips from my own experience and other podcasters I admire.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy email marketing is a game changer for podcastersHow to get your listeners to actually join your listWhat makes a great podcast freebieQuick freebie ideas you can create in under an hourBehind-the-scenes examples from real podcastersMy own successful freebie that still gets signupsHow to promote your freebie naturally in your episodesBonus ways to share your freebie beyond your podcastKey TakeawaysYour freebie doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs to be helpful and specific to your audience’s needs. You can use checklists, behind-the-scenes content, or even show notes to give your listeners a reason to sign up. Once you’ve created it, promote it consistently across your podcast, Pinterest, and guest appearances to get the word out.Timestamps (00:00) Intro to growing your email list (01:10) Pinterest for podcast (01:52) Freebie basics for your email list (02:36) Freebie ideas you can create fast (03:02) Real-life freebie examples from other podcasters(04:49) My own podcast freebie success story (06:20) How to promote your freebie (07:39) One simple step to get startedLinks & ResourcesGrab my “Is Pinterest Right For Me?” checklistFollow me on InstagramAbout Progress PodcastFantasy Fangirls Podcast

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• Email Marketing for Podcasters: A Starter Guide

  I've been keeping a little secret from you… it's email! In this episode, I’m spilling the beans on one of the quiet powerhouses behind my sustainable podcast marketing strategy—email lists. I’m sharing the why, the how, and one simple action you can take today to start building a deeper connection with your listeners (without burning out or relying on social media).Hi, I’m Andi Smiley—your go-to podcast coach for women who want to grow a podcast audience without hustling 24/7. I help you build sustainable podcasting strategies with tools that feel doable, not draining. With Pinterest and email as my dynamic duo, I’ve discovered ways to market my podcast that leave more room for life.Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhy email is a sustainable podcasting strategyHow Pinterest changed my podcast marketingThe one email you should start sending nowHow email helps grow your podcast without social mediaWhat kind of email content helps build listener connectionHow long should podcast emails be?Should your podcast emails include images?Finding your ideal email sending rhythmKey TakeawaysEmail lets you connect without algorithms getting in the way.You own your email list—social media can’t take it away.One simple, consistent email per week can make a big impact.Start with an episode update email—keep it short and sweet.Batch your emails when you’re in a good headspace.Listeners who feel connected are more likely to share your show.You don’t need a huge list to start emailing!Tools like Kit or Flodesk make starting an email list easy.Timestamps (00:00) Podcast intro(00:53) Pinterest vs. Instagram for podcast growth (01:46) Why email works so well for podcasters (02:34) Scheduling emails for your future self (03:36) Building deeper listener relationships through email(05:00) How long should emails be? (06:48) How often should you send emails? (08:11) What if you don’t have many listeners yet? (09:02) What if email feels like too much work? (09:43) Does anyone still read email? (10:28) One easy action step to start todayLinks & ResourcesIs Pinterest Right for Me? ChecklistPorch Group Media: Email Usage StatsKit email platformGet 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this affiliate linkConnect with me on InstagramConnect with me on ThreadsConnect with me on Pinterest

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