So much has changed in podcasting this year… and honestly, not all the advice out there is helpful.

In this episode of Podcast Growth Tools, I sat down with Emily Holland—strategist, podcaster, and founder of Podcode—to talk about what actually works when it comes to growing your podcast in 2025. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure how your show fits into your bigger business strategy, this episode is a reset.

We unpack:

• Why podcast followers are more valuable than downloads right now
• What’s changing with Apple Podcasts and how to improve discoverability
• Behind-the-scenes of rebranding a podcasting business
• How to avoid burnout as a creator while staying consistent and energized
• Practical systems for growth that won’t leave you overwhelmed or overextended

Timestamps:

• 04:25 - The importance of email and podcasts working together
• 09:12 - The role of social media in podcast awareness
• 10:30 - Why an email list is crucial for brand partnerships
• 12:05 - Podcast metrics and why downloads aren’t everything
• 16:01 : Tracking consumption rates and audience engagement
• 18:01 - How quizzes can drive email list growth with podcasts
• 25:41 - Dynamic ads and using MiniChat for email list growth
• 35:49 - Advice on guesting on podcasts to grow your email list

Emily shares real, sustainable podcast marketing strategies that help you grow without sacrificing your energy or your voice. Whether you’re podcasting for lead generation, audience growth, or content repurposing—this episode will help you build a system that supports the long game.