What can you learn from listening to other podcasters? In this episode, I’m breaking down three patterns in podcasting that I’ve noticed my clients and retreat attendees using to grow their shows. I’m connecting the dots so that you can build intentionality, confidence, and relationships in your next episodes.
Clocking In with Haylee Gaffin is produced by Gaffin Creative, a podcast production company for creative entrepreneurs. Learn more about our services at Gaffincreative.com, plus you’ll also find resources, show notes, and more for the Clocking In Podcast.
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The New Growth Hack? Intentionality
Intentionality is the word that kept coming up. Whether we were chatting at the Mic Check Retreat or inside a group coaching call, one truth stood out: the podcasters who are growing aren’t chasing more—they’re doing what works on purpose.
Take Nata, for example. She’s using her podcast as a space to reignite her curiosity and educate herself. Every episode is an intentional learning opportunity that benefits her business and audience. Others in the group have started repurposing older episodes with updated CTAs instead of scrambling to produce something new every week. And both Bree and Colie have shifted toward solo episodes—intentionally aligning their content with where their brands are headed.
So what does intentionality actually look like in practice?
- Choosing guests who align with your business goals
- Updating and re-airing episodes that still serve your audience
- Streamlining your workflow to reduce burnout
- Creating content that leads somewhere (like your offer or email list)
Growth doesn’t require hustle. It requires purpose.
Solo Episodes: The Real Confidence and Conversion Builder
Here’s a myth I’m ready to bust: guest episodes don’t automatically grow your show.
Yes, they can bring in new ears. But unless your content and voice are what hook them in, those new listeners won’t stay. And if you’re building your podcast to grow your business, relying only on guest interviews can actually hold you back.
Solo episodes, on the other hand, build trust faster. They position you as the authority. They help your audience hear you—your values, your offers, your perspective.
We saw this in real-time with podcasters like Brie, Coley, and Christine Claire. They used solo episodes to shift their mindsets, connect more deeply with their audiences, and ultimately, drive more growth.
Are solo episodes intimidating? For a lot of us, yes.
But they’re also where the magic happens.
If you’ve been avoiding them, start small. Try one a month. Practice finding your voice. Your audience wants to hear from you, not just the people you bring on. You are the constant voice in every episode—own that.
Your Podcast Is a Relationship Builder and a Soft Sales Funnel
Your podcast isn’t just content—it’s connection.
It’s the pre-sell before the pitch, the touchpoint before the transformation. And podcasters are using it in brilliant ways to nurture leads and close sales without ever feeling salesy.
Stephanie uses her episodes to build familiarity and trust before a client even reaches out. Colie shared how she unintentionally converts her guests into clients (and vice versa) simply through honest, valuable conversation. And Quiana is using her podcast to expand her network, positioning her voice in rooms she wants to be in long-term.
These aren’t just marketing wins. They’re long-game strategies that build real business momentum.
So if you’ve ever questioned whether your podcast is “working,” let me assure you—it is. Even if the ROI isn’t instant. Even if the numbers feel slow. Your podcast is warming up your audience, building credibility, and reminding people exactly who to go to when they’re ready to buy.
Don’t Wing It—Grow With Intention
These three patterns—intentionality, solo content, and soft selling—aren’t just trends. They’re a blueprint for sustainable podcast growth. They help you reclaim your voice, connect with your audience, and grow your business without overwhelm.
If that’s what you’re craving, I’d love to invite you to apply for the Podcast Growth Program.
It’s a four-month group coaching experience built specifically for podcasters who are ready to stop guessing and start growing—with a proven strategy, real support, and a powerful community.
We kick off this week, and today is the final day to apply.
Find it Quickly:
Intentionality is the new growth hack (2:14)
Solo episodes build confidence and conversion (3:36)
Your podcast is a relationship builder and a soft sales funnel (6:37)
Mentioned In This Episode:
The Podcast Growth Program: gaffincreative.com/growth
Episode 176 Mic Check Retreat Roundtable: gaffincreative.com/176-mic-check-retreat-roundtable
Episode 175 Your Podcast Is Working, Even If It Feels Like It’s Not: gaffincreative.com/175-your-podcast-is-working
Episode 172 Why Successful Women Entrepreneurs Don’t Do It All Themselves: gaffincreative.com/172-why-successful-women-entrepreneurs
Mic Check Society: gaffincreative.com/mcs
Instagram: instagram.com/hayleegaffin
