547. Podcast Discovery, Metrics, and Monetization in 2026
Podcasting is changing fast, and keeping up can feel overwhelming when the numbers and tools keep shifting. In this episode, the morning show cast and crew discuss podcast discovery, metrics, and what they really mean for creators trying to grow their audience and build a sustainable show. From play counts and listener engagement to premium content, fan support, and monetization, the conversation shares practical ideas that help podcasters make better decisions without getting distracted by vanity metrics. Here's the thing, the numbers only matter when they help you better understand the people listening.
Episode Highlights:
[01:48] Meet Sam Sethi
[06:18] Why Plays Matter More Than Downloads
[08:03] Listen Time and Completion Metrics
[20:09] HLS and First-Party Data Explained
[25:05] Making Podcast Discovery Simpler
[29:25] Gamified Rewards for Podcast Listeners
[30:41] Discovery Without Video
[36:37] Superfeeds Explained
[44:32] Premium Content Made Simple
[48:32] Micropayments and OpenUSD
[52:01] Go Ugly Early: Launch Before It's Perfect
Links & Resources:
Sam Sethi on TrueFans:
Listen to Podnews Weekly Review Co-hosted by Sam Sethi:
https://open.spotify.com/show/1c5Vr6LiR2THR2j0QQkP3U?si=27b677e518e1454f
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