How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads?
You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include:
- Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)
- Engagement & community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations)
- Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support)
- Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative)
- Alignment with purpose & service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”)
- Legacy & memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit)
Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats.
Participants In This Episode
Scott from What Was That Like?
Kate from Drafting in the Past
Mark from Practical Prepping
Nancy from Family Food Stories
Buck
Ralph From Content Creator's Accountant
Steve from Podcast Editor's Mastermind
Trip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast
Spencer from The Recovery Show
Travis from Bestie Approved
Ashriel from Called and Curious Podcast
Dave Interviewed Jesus
Zo from Back Look Cinema
Jen from Women in Podcasting
Marc from Solo Talk and Podcast Branding
Chris from Cool Cars with Chris
Howard from AA Recovery Interviews
Ray from Around the Layout
York from Welcome to Earth Stories
Rob from Softball Central
Dan from Based on a True Story
Tim from Create Art and My Solo MS Journey
Kim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast
Dave from Fix My Podcast
Mentioned in this episode:
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Question of the Month
So you find out someone is a podcaster, what book would you recommend that they read. Obviously this could be a book about podcasting, or business, or storytelling, or, or... you get the idea. You find out someone is a podcaster, what is the book you recommend (audio or video). I need your answer by July 24th. Don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address (so I can add it to the show notes). Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/question
Question of the Month
Live Appearances
I love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at
Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC
Podcast Movement in NYC
Podindy in Indianapolis In.
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Where Will I Be?
