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Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Release Date: 11/09/2025

Unlocking Better Interviews: What Makes a Great Podcast Guest show art Unlocking Better Interviews: What Makes a Great Podcast Guest

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

What really makes a podcast guest great (and why it's not just about filling out forms, sharing tips, or being a great speaker) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Your story’s impact: would your audience miss you? Does vulnerability really trump selling in interviews? The secrets behind unforgettable guest energy Famous guests: does likability even matter? Reinvent your story? Or bore with “greatest hits”? The red light effect: overcoming instant stage fright Celebrity interviews: don’t expect a glowing review Why You Should Listen The...

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How to Become a Great Podcast Host show art How to Become a Great Podcast Host

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Want to know what really makes a podcast host great? David Hooper breaks down the secrets to setting the space, guiding guests, and running unforgettable interviews in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode The truth about co-author interviews Guests that kill episode momentum How big-name guests hog all attention Insider secrets for making podcast guests shine Why publicists ruin unforgettable interviews Good hosts aren’t born, they’re made Why You Should Listen The secret weapon to making your podcast unforgettable (even your mom will brag about...

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Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth show art Hard Truths About Podcast Coaching, Ads, and Growth

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn’t the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed Viral moments: why fame doesn’t equal loyalty $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what? Famous parents, forgotten children Coaches promising millions Build longing: make a podcast worth missing Small hinges, big doors  Why You Should Listen How podcasters burn thousands on ads Why “famous”...

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Why I Changed the Name of this Podcast After 700 Episodes (and How You Can Too) show art Why I Changed the Name of this Podcast After 700 Episodes (and How You Can Too)

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

After nearly 700 episodes, David Hooper made the bold decision to change this podcast's name. Why he did it, how it impacts his listeners, and what you should consider before a rebrand in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your name, change your momentum The grass is greener: podcasters crave novelty Big mistakes: don’t buy your own hype Sunk cost: abandon your old podcast identity? Relentless rebranding: how Shaq forced my hand Scud Busters ... why trendy names die fast Your audience isn’t loyal (they barely notice) Why You Should...

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Avoiding Failure Porn and Focusing on Your Authentic Podcast Voice show art Avoiding Failure Porn and Focusing on Your Authentic Podcast Voice

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Ever wonder if you should really pay attention to your instincts—or if chasing excitement will only burn you out? David Hooper breaks down the final step to finding your podcasting voice (and what NOT to do with your flaws) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your podcast name, ignite listener curiosity Exploit your flaws ... but don’t overshare your failures Dopamine addiction: how podcasts spiral into extremes Most podcasters sabotage themselves with fake “voice” Data-driven shows: fun-killers or growth hacks? Show up relentlessly;...

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How to Avoid Copycat Podcasting show art How to Avoid Copycat Podcasting

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Should you copy what other successful podcasters do, or blaze your own trail—and does paying attention to others really help you find your unique voice? David breaks it down in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode How “pay attention to others” triggers creative envy Ignore the rules ... why breaking them brings power Don’t copy Rogan: fame’s unfair advantage exposed Secret signal: Why listeners follow the herd The hidden danger of “famous microphone” obsession Seduced by conversation: media events as social status Elevate your voice...

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How Podcasters Can Level Up Fast show art How Podcasters Can Level Up Fast

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Why simply practicing your podcast isn’t enough and how the right kind of focused practice will actually help you find your authentic voice in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Are you brave enough to speak your fears? Use your flaws ... listeners secretly envy authenticity Ignore podcasting “rules” and seize control Practice isn’t enough ... "perfect practice" breeds power Creative limits spark unexpected, lust-worthy brilliance Content isn’t king ... exceptional content wins greed Make every episode art, not just “more” Why...

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Podcasting Rules: When to Break Them and When to Follow show art Podcasting Rules: When to Break Them and When to Follow

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Should you break podcasting rules or learn them first? David dives into how knowing the rules helps you find your voice and when it's time to break them in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Change your podcast name—power move or mistake? Break podcasting rules and dominate your niche Podcast what scares you—your audience craves it Leverage your darkest flaws for listener loyalty Stand out: ignore “safe” advice, dominate minds Hit podcast fame: don’t chase creativity, chase impact Listeners expect structure—defy it, but beware crashes Why...

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Should You Copy or Innovate? show art Should You Copy or Innovate?

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Should you try to stand out or fit in—and can you do both at once? David shares how bringing your own voice and experience to podcasting is the real key to being noticed (without reinventing the wheel) in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Stand out: fitting in feeds your podcast's death Breaking rules? Learn them first, then rebel Mention your scars, but don’t parade them Your podcast voice: envy-worthy or echo chamber? Copy the crowd? Producer or star? Control your on-mic destiny Flaunt your skills quietly—power is subtle Why You Should...

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Oversharing Flaws and Failure Porn show art Oversharing Flaws and Failure Porn

Big Podcast Playbook - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters

Should you highlight your flaws to stand out, or does "failure porn" turn listeners off? David breaks down the difference and reveals what really makes your podcast matter in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Why “perfect” podcasts bore people ... and how to stop Oversharing your flaws? It’s failure porn Listeners crave authenticity, not your confessions Your podcast: church, cult, or community? Podcast hosts: main character or just a guide? Master relatability without wallowing in misery Is it about you or your listeners’ desires? ...

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More Episodes

Why spending big money on ads, chasing viral fame, or following every new platform isn’t the answer (and what really builds a podcast audience that matters) in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

  • Luck, ads, or fame: podcast growth myths exposed
  • Viral moments: why fame doesn’t equal loyalty
  • $15,000 spent, only 178 downloads ... now what?
  • Famous parents, forgotten children
  • Coaches promising millions
  • Build longing: make a podcast worth missing
  • Small hinges, big doors 

Why You Should Listen

  • How podcasters burn thousands on ads
  • Why “famous” is worthless (and what really drives listener obsession)
  • The jaw-dropping viral video contract
  • The real reason coaches push “the basics” (and why the lazy are secretly drawn to them)
  • When $15,000 in ads only gets you 178 listeners
  • How podcast consultants charge $7500
  • The seductive power of a giant antenna (and why you’ll never buy your way to the top)
  • What social media “gurus” won’t tell you about YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcast growth
  • Why unlocking listener loyalty unleashes total control over your audience (and their wallets)
  • The envy-fueled drama behind working with “competitors” (and why it’s no real competition)
  • How churches and religious groups quietly dominate media ... and the secrets you can steal
  • What Fox News-style audience swapping reveals for hungry podcasters
  • The lazy podcaster’s shortcut: Think you can survive without changing? Think again
  • How “air checks” from the pros create radio envy ... and a path to dominating your niche
  • Why the “small hinges, big doors” formula can make power, greed, and loyalty swing YOUR way

Episode Timestamps

  • [00:02] The letter from a frustrated podcaster: Is there really very little you can do to grow a show unless you’re lucky or famous?
  • [06:05] “Viral moments won’t get you loyal listeners” ... the Nashville Hawk Tuah girl story and the myth of overnight success
  • [07:18] Spending $15,000 on ads for 178 downloads per day: Is audience growth really for sale?
  • [09:16] Why even the daughter of the King of Rock and Roll can’t leverage fame into real influence ... and what that teaches us about podcasting
  • [13:16] The hard truth about religious and niche shows: why your topic might get you ignored no matter how much you spend
  • [15:06] The $4000 guitar mistake: Why buying the fanciest tools won’t make your podcast sing if you skip this one thing
  • [22:24] The secret to becoming a better podcaster that most will never try ... what SiriusXM jocks do that you probably don’t

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