Spotify almost changed podcasting forever—by putting all your episode play counts on full display. Imagine every episode’s stats right out in the open, for the world to judge. But then, they backed off. In this episode of Podtastic Audio, I’m breaking down why that change almost happened, why they reversed course, and what it means for us indie podcasters.

As someone who loves podcasting and does it because it's fun (not just for downloads), I dig into:

• Why public play counts might hurt small shows more than help them
• How podcast value isn’t always reflected in numbers
• The power of private growth and real listener impact
• Why you should keep creating even when the numbers seem small

Whether you’re getting 25 plays or 25,000, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like the metrics don’t tell the whole story—because they don’t. Podcasting should be about connection, not comparison.

👉 Join me as I share my own journey, thoughts on Spotify’s decision, and why your voice matters more than your views.

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

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Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

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00:00 – Spotify Almost Reveals All Podcast Stats

00:38 – Welcome & Purpose of Podtastic Audio

01:20 – Podcast Listening Apps: Apple vs. Spotify

02:08 – Spotify's Push for an All-In-One Platform

03:14 – Spotify’s Big Stat Reveal Announcement

04:06 – Should Podcast Stats Be Public?

05:28 – The Indie Podcaster’s Dilemma

06:37 – When Public Stats Actually Help

07:15 – Podcasting for Passion, Not Just Profit

08:14 – Perception vs. Reality in Play Counts

09:03 – Hidden Stats = Equal Opportunity

10:00 – Final Thoughts: Do Stats Reflect Impact?

11:09 – Connect with Me at PodtasticAudio.com

11:34 – Keep Creating Your Amazing Show

#IndiePodcaster #PodcastTips #PodcastGrowth #PodcastCommunity #PodcastMarketing #PodcastStats #SpotifyPodcasts #PodcastAnalytics #PlayCounts #SpotifyForPodcasters #ContentOverClout #CreateDontCompare #ValueNotViews #PodcastConfidence #YouMatter #PodcastAdvice #PodcastSupport #PodcastTools #PodcastHelp #PodcastResources

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Every indie podcaster hits that moment — the one where you wonder, “Why am I even doing this?” Low download numbers, crickets for feedback, and the creeping feeling that no one’s listening can make podcast burnout feel inevitable.

But here’s the truth:

👉 Most podcasts don’t fail because they’re bad — they fail because the host gives up too soon.

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ The 2011 doomsday prediction (remember Harold Camping?) and how it surprisingly connects to podcasting

✅ Why indie podcasters quietly predict their own “podcast doomsday”

✅ The emotional rollercoaster of hobby podcasting (yes, you’re normal)

✅ 6 actionable tips to stay motivated, consistent, and keep growing — even when the numbers feel discouraging

We’ll cover:

🎙 How to focus on one listener at a time

🎙 Why consistency beats overnight success

🎙 Using stats as a tool, not a self-worth scorecard

🎙 Putting fun and creativity first

🎙 How to build community around your show

🎙 The power of saving positive feedback for tough days

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to hang up the mic, this episode is packed with podcasting motivation, real talk, and strategies to help indie podcasters stay in the game. Remember, your best episode is still ahead — don’t quit before the magic happens. ✨

RESOURCES & LINKS: 💥 Connect & share your podcast journey → podtasticaudio.com

The Podtastic Playbook: How to Build, Grow, and Monetize Your Podcast

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Barnes and Noble
• Other Bookstores

Podgagement® (formerly “My Podcast Reviews”) is all about simplifying your podcasting and helping you engage your audience and grow your podcast!

Podgagement Link

Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Intro & 2011 Doomsday Throwback

01:21 – Sponsor Shoutout (Riverside.fm)

02:34 – The Two Topics Podcasters Should Avoid

03:14 – Harold Camping’s End of the World Prediction

06:00 – Why People Believed & the Fallout

09:25 – The Emotional & Community Impact

11:32 – What This Has to Do with Podcasting

13:23 – The Real Reason Indie Podcasts Fail

17:35 – 6 Tips to Keep Your Podcast Going

18:07 – Tip 1: Stay Consistent

19:12 – Tip 2: Focus on Sharper Content

20:35 – Tip 3: Speak to One Listener at a Time

21:43 – Tip 4: Use Stats as Tools, Not Judgment

23:21 – Tip 5: Remember Why You Started

26:30 – Tip 6: Save Listener Feedback

27:59 – Final Motivation & Closing Thoughts

28:55 – How to Reach Out & Outro

#PodcastingTips #IndiePodcaster #PodcastMotivation #PodcastBurnout #KeepPodcasting #GrowYourPodcast #PodcastAudience #PodcastGrowth #PodcastMarketing #PodcastSuccess #PodcastLife #PodcastJourney #PodcastConsistency #ContentCreator #StayConsistent #PodcastCommunity #PodcastSupport #PodcasterLife #HobbyPodcaster #PodcastInspiration