Taking a Nonprofit Podcast to 100k downloads (It's Not as Easy as You Think!)

Podcast Burnout: How to Keep Going When Growth Is Slow

Free resources: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources] Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/] Never compare your first mile to somebody else’s 19th—especially in podcasting. In this episode of Your Mic, I share a story about my neighbor Marcel, a former 150‑pounds‑overweight runner turned marathon machine, and what his mile 19 struggle can teach you about sticking with your show when you’re still on episode one. You’ll learn why comparing your brand‑new podcast to giants like Joe Rogan, Steven Bartlett, or Mel Robbins is kryptonite for your confidence, and how to flip that energy into steady, sustainable growth instead. We dig into the mindset of playing the long game, plus the actual analytics that matter—Apple Podcasts engaged listeners, retention rates, and how to read drop‑off points so you know what to double down on and what to ditch. If you’re riding the struggle bus on episode 1, 9, or 19 and wondering if it’s worth it, this one’s for you. Lace up, hit play, and let’s make sure you’re still in the race at episode 20, 200, or 20,000. 🔎 Inside this episode: - The “first mile vs. 19th mile” mindset for podcasters - Why copying big‑name shows kills your momentum - How to use Apple Podcasts analytics (engaged listeners, retention, and more) - What to repeat, what to retire, and how to stay in the game.

The Bad Podcast Ideas That Refuse to Die

Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/] Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl [https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl] Subcribe to Podcast the Newsletter: https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/ [https://podcastthenewsletter.substack.com/] Subscribe to Earbuds Collective: https://arielle-nissenblatt-4cfp.squarespace.com/ [https://arielle-nissenblatt-4cfp.squarespace.com/] Arielle Nissenblatt and Lauren Passell sit down with Freddy for a no BS round of hot takes about the podcast industry. From fake innovation to recycled failures and hype over listeners, they dig into what actually builds shows that last. If you make or market podcasts, this conversation might hurt and help.

Taking a Nonprofit Podcast to 100k downloads (It's Not as Easy as You Think!)

Work with us: https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/] (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/ [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/]) Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl [https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl] Listen to The Rose’s podcast Let’s Talk About Your Breasts: https://therose.org/podcasts/ [https://therose.org/podcasts/] Be sure to subscribe to @TheRoseHouston! Taking a nonprofit podcast to 100,000 downloads is not as easy as you think. Founding CEO of The Rose, Dorothy Gibbons, joins Freddy to talk about building a mission driven show, survivor stories, heavy episodes, nervous guests, and her retirement. They dig into play, grief, legacy, and what it means to leave while the work keeps going. About Speke Podcasting You don’t need another “piece of content.” You need a show your people actually want to binge. I’m Freddy Cruz, founder of Speke Podcasting. We produce podcasts for brands that are done waiting for “gatekeepers” to notice them. These are nonprofits, founders, experts, and troublemakers with something real to say. From idea to launch, my team handles strategy, production, editing, and promotion so you can do the fun part: show up, speak your mind, and let the right listeners find you again and again. Want a podcast that sounds nothing like everybody else in your feed? Message me at freddy@spekepodcasting.com.

Put Your Money Where Your Mic Is

Cristiano Ronaldo bets on curiosity and Perplexity AI. Your favorite podcasts already own your time. This episode dares you to stop lurking in the audience and build your industry’s next favorite show in 2026.Key takeaways • Curiosity is capital. When someone worth over a billion bucks backs a tool they actually use, it is a signal to stop treating your own curiosity like a hobby. • Every week you are clocking serious hours with your favorite hosts. Over years, that adds up to days of your life invested in someone else’s show. • That relentless listening habit is not random entertainment. It is proof you care enough about the medium to step behind the mic yourself. • The world does not need another polished cardboard expert. It needs your warts, your bad decisions, your “I almost quit” stories laid bare. • 2026 is a clean slate. You can keep donating your time to everyone else’s feed or you can invest time, budget and courage into your own industry-defining podcast. Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting [https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting]) , Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203]) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl [https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl]) or wherever you get your podcasts (https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic [https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic]) . Grab your free Speke Podcasting Roadmap here (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources [https://www.spekepodcasting.com/freeresources]) . Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com (mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com) .

The Email That Cost Him His Job (And What It Can Teach Podcasters About Trust)

Chung Wu risked his career to put clients first during the Enron crisis, embodying transparency and integrity above all else. Despite immense pressure and personal cost, he refused to compromise on doing what was right. Now, his philosophy centers on living a balanced life with honesty and purpose. Learn more about Chung Wu here (https://www.cw-investmentgroup.com/ [https://www.cw-investmentgroup.com/]) . Subscribe to Your Mic on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting [https://www.youtube.com/@SpekePodcasting]) , Apple (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-mic/id1777171203]) , Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl [https://open.spotify.com/show/1PQNHuqxIVhkLfjGYuWcxl]) or wherever you get your podcasts (https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic [https://omny.fm/shows/spekepodcasting/playlists/your-mic]) . Shoot Freddy an email: freddy@spekepodcasting.com (mailto:freddy@spekepodcasting.com) . Key Takeaways 1. Chung Wu contrasts Baby Boomers’ diligent approach to saving with younger generations (Gen X, Gen Z), who may prioritize present enjoyment and spending over long-term financial planning. The main idea is that while younger people may be smarter and more adaptive, melding intelligence with disciplined saving—such as consistently contributing to retirement accounts—is essential for future financial security. 2. Chung Wu provides actionable options for business owners and solopreneurs, explaining that tools like a Solo 401k allow substantial savings outside typical employment plans. He also emphasizes that saving outside of retirement-specific accounts (“taxable” investments) can offer flexibility, but consistency and discipline remain crucial to long-term success. 3. The story of Chung Wu’s Enron experience underscores his unwavering commitment to putting clients first, even at personal and professional cost. The main lesson is that integrity and transparency should guide all financial advice—doing right by clients matters more than following corporate directives, and this approach stands the test of time. 4. Chung Wu shares that his passion for his work and continuous learning keeps him mentally sharp and engaged well past traditional retirement age. The big conceptual point: a fulfilling career isn’t just a means to an end, but an ongoing source of growth and satisfaction that’s good for both mind and body. 5. For both his family and clients, Chung Wu stresses the value of honesty, balance, and enjoying life while being financially responsible. Wealth is not the sole measure of a good life; doing the right thing, helping others, and maintaining a strong ethical compass are the ultimate legacies he hopes to pass on. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Save Smart, Spend Wisely 04:23 Entrepreneur Investment Advice 10:32 "Work, Exercise, and Growth" 13:09 "Mindset Shift Brings Success" 18:21 "Fired for Criticizing Enron" 22:34 "Email Oversight and Compliance" 25:35 "Financial System Hypocrisy" 29:37 Balanced Investing Wisdom 30:39 "Embrace Intelligence, Stay Human"