How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads

How do you measure the success of your podcast that is NOT downloads?

You’ll hear from a wide range of podcasters in different niches—storytelling, history, prepping, finance, faith, recovery, TV rewatch shows, local podcasts, health, creativity, and more—sharing how they really gauge success. Their answers include:

• Direct listener feedback & real‑life impact (behavior change, decisions, staying sober, safer driving, adopting, spending time with Jesus, handling conversations differently)
• Engagement & community (emails, voicemails, social comments, active groups, email lists, live events, guest offers, collaborations)
• Actions taken (lead magnet signups, newsletter growth, memberships, classes, affiliate links, donations and financial support)
• Enjoyment, fun, and personal growth (being excited about the next episode, getting better on the mic, becoming more confident and creative)
• Alignment with purpose & service (sticking to your “why,” serving a niche community, “who many” vs. “how many,” “one life at a time”)
• Legacy & memory (building an audio/video archive for family, preserving loved ones’ stories, creating a personal record you can revisit)

Along the way, Dave adds commentary on why downloads alone are a poor North Star, how to re‑center on who you serve and why you podcast, and how podcasting can be a tool for service, community, and legacy—not just stats.

Participants In This Episode

Scott from What Was That Like?

Kate from Drafting in the Past

Mark from Practical Prepping

Nancy from Family Food Stories

Buck

Ralph From Content Creator's Accountant

Steve from Podcast Editor's Mastermind

Trip From Home Brewed Christianity Podcast

Spencer from The Recovery Show

Travis from Bestie Approved

Ashriel from Called and Curious Podcast

Dave Interviewed Jesus

Zo from Back Look Cinema

Jen from Women in Podcasting

Marc from Solo Talk and Podcast Branding

Chris from Cool Cars with Chris

Howard from AA Recovery Interviews

Ray from Around the Layout

York from Welcome to Earth Stories

Rob from Softball Central

Dan from Based on a True Story

Tim from Create Art and My Solo MS Journey

Kim from the Pharmacist's Voice and the Perrysburg Podcast

Dave from Fix My Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

You Have A Message That Needs to Be Heard

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Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Live Appearances

I love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt

Where Will I Be?