Business
Episode Summary:
This episode isn’t about hype — it’s about honesty.
In this 10-episode check-in, I get real about where I am versus where I thought I’d be at this point in the 90-day podcast growth challenge. I unpack my expectations around audience growth, revenue goals, and momentum — and how those expectations created what I now recognize as *the disappointment gap.*
I walk through the actual numbers from my podcast and YouTube analytics, call out the marketing and promotion efforts I’ve let slide, and reflect on the emotional toll that comes with slow growth. From inflated early stats to letting social media fall off, I’m not holding anything back.
This episode ends with a powerful mindset shift (and a quote from Jeremy Enns) that’s helping me recalibrate my focus: matter more to your listeners, and the metrics will follow.
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Key Points & Highlights:
- Why honest metrics matter more than perfect numbers
- How inflated early growth can cloud your expectations
- What to measure that actually helps your show grow
- Why falling behind isn’t failure — it’s a sign to realign
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Notable Quotes:
- "This isn’t a highlight reel — this is a reset.”
- “I’m not where I thought I’d be — but I’m not done yet.”
- “You don’t fail until you quit. Falling behind isn’t the same as failing.”
- “The results you’re getting are just a reflection of the system you’ve built — not your worth.”
- “If you want different results, you don’t need to shame yourself — you need a different system.”
- “What gets measured gets managed. The first step is recalibrating what you’re measuring in the first place.”
- “I thought I needed momentum. What I actually needed was clarity.”
- “Don’t optimize for downloads — optimize for meaning.”
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Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Honest Check-In: Why I’m Recording This Episode
02:03 – I’m in the Messy Middle — Not the Mountain Top
03:16 – Q1: What Was I Quietly Expecting by This Point — and Why?
07:51 – Q2: Where Do I Feel the Gap the Most — Emotionally or Practically?
13:33 – Q3: What Are the Actual Numbers? (Podcast, YouTube, and Listener Trends)
17:00 – Q4: Where Have I Let Momentum Stall — and Why?
19:08 – Q5: What’s Still Working Even When I’m Not at 100%?
21:29 – Q6: What Would Showing Up With Clarity Look Like in Phase 2?
22:52 – Q7: What Would I Tell Someone Who Feels Like They’re Slipping Behind?
26:14 – Outro Reflection: Measure What Matters & Make It Count
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Call to Action:
Your Turn: Audit Your Podcast
This episode isn’t just about where I missed the mark — it’s an invitation for you to pause and reflect on your own podcast journey. Take 10 minutes today, not to plan your next clip or episode, but to ask:
• What’s working?
• What’s not?
• What am I really measuring — and does it matter?
You don’t fail until you quit. Falling behind is just a signal to realign.
Use this episode as your checkpoint.
Reset your metrics. Rebuild your system.
And remember, the goal isn’t to get louder — it’s to matter more to the listeners already here.
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Looking for personalized support? Schedule a strategy call — let’s see if we’re a good fit.
https://tidycal.com/kalebstock/book-your-free-25-minute-podcast-growth-session
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Optional Links & Resources:
Website: https://www.podcastbuilders.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleb.stock/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalebstock/
Video Podcast Feed: https://youtu.be/MHAYHn4z9OE
Leave a Voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/The_Podcasters_Journey