The Podcast Why

Why Your Podcast’s Mission Matters More Than the Download Numbers

If you’ve ever wondered, “Shouldn’t my show be bigger by now?” this episode is for you. Let’s rediscover together why your mission matters more than your numbers.I’m talking about one of the toughest moments we face as podcasters: when our download numbers and rankings just don’t seem to match the heart and effort we pour into our shows.I know firsthand how discouraging it can be to pour yourself into every episode and still feel like your audience isn’t growing the way you’d hoped.I’ll share a story inspired by real conversations I’ve had with other podcasters—a moment when the excitement of launching a show faded, and the reality of slow growth started raising tough questions.But more importantly, I’ll walk you through how reconnecting with your core mission—your real why—can keep you showing up, even when the metrics aren’t on your side.Learn how to use numbers as feedback, not as a verdict on their worth or the value of their mission. Hear practical ways to rethink success, find fulfillment in serving your true audience, and keep your purpose at the center of everything you do.3 Key Takeaways to Anchor Your Podcast Journey:Your mission is your compass, not your stats. Metrics are feedback, not your identity. They should inform your direction, but never replace your purpose.Numbers don’t get to dictate your worth. They can signal areas for growth, but they don’t get to say your mission doesn’t matter or you “shouldn’t” show up.Success can be measured in impact—not just growth. A single thoughtful listener message can validate your show’s value more than any chart ranking ever could.If you need a reset, ask yourself: If your numbers stayed the same for three months, would your mission still be worth it?You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.Connect with me on LinkedInSubscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy NewsletterRecorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVBCopyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

Your Why vs. Your Listener’s Why

If your show ever feels a little “off,” or you’re ready to make a meaningful shift, this episode will give you new clarity and actionable ideas.Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and I’m here to help you reconnect with the real reasons behind your podcast—so you can keep showing up with clarity and confidence.I’m inviting you to dig deeper into what drives your show. It’s not just about why you hit record, but also about why your listeners press play. I’ll show you how aligning your motivation with your audience’s needs is the secret to feeling truly connected, beating the usual doubts about downloads, and seeing actual growth.You’ll hear a story about a podcaster named Maria—a perfect example of what happens when your internal engine (your why) isn’t delivering your listener where they want to go (their why). I’ll share simple, practical steps to help you discover both, see where they might be out of sync, and bring them together.Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy NewsletterHere are my 3 key takeaways for every podcaster:Your “Why” and Your Listener’s “Why” Are Both VitalYou have a personal reason for hitting record, but your audience has their own reason for tuning in—and those might not be the same! When both are acknowledged and addressed, everything just works better.Alignment Creates MomentumWhen your motivation and your listener’s needs line up, ideas flow and engagement increases. But if they’re out of sync, you might work harder without seeing results (even if download numbers look okay).Small Shifts Make a Huge ImpactDon’t overhaul everything overnight. Try structuring episodes to first explore ideas, then give practical takeaways. Ask yourself: “How can my internal engine serve my listener’s destination?”You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.Connect with me on LinkedInRecorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVBhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

Fake Whys That Don’t Keep You Going

Over the years, I’ve watched podcasters—including myself—get sidetracked by reasons that sound impressive, like chasing big download numbers or proving ourselves as industry leaders. But here’s the truth: those reasons aren’t enough to keep us going for the long haul.Welcome to The Podcast Why! I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and today I want to cut through the noise and talk about something every podcaster faces but few admit out loud: fake “whys.”In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from over a decade working with podcasters who feel stuck and burned out because they’ve been running on fake whys—not real purpose.You’ll hear real stories, common pitfalls, and practical ways to spot when you’re powering your show with the wrong fuel. Most importantly, I’ll help you reconnect with your true motivation, so you can bring more clarity, confidence, and energy to your podcasting journey.Let’s get honest, make the shift, and rediscover the real “why” that keeps us hitting record—even when nobody’s watching.Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter3 Key Takeaways:“Fake whys” look logical, but won’t fuel you long-term. Chasing download numbers or fearing you’ll be left out aren’t powerful enough reasons to keep your podcast going month after month.Outcomes aren’t foundations. Metrics like downloads and sponsorships are results—not your core reason for creating. Treating them as your engine will drain your energy fast.Your true why is your North Star. When you anchor your podcast in a deeper purpose—like serving others honestly or sharing what you wish you’d heard—it sustains you even when the numbers fluctuate.You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.Connect with me on LinkedInRecorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVBhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

What Your Podcast “Why” Really Is (and Isn’t)

If you’re struggling with consistency, feeling stuck, or wondering if your show still belongs in your life, this episode will help you find a purpose that’s honest, specific, and powerful enough to carry you forward.Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting, and in this episode, I want to help you reconnect with the real reason your podcast matters—both to you and to your listeners.After ten years working with podcasters, I’ve noticed that most of us start out with answers that sound good, like “I want to grow my business” or “I want to build my brand.” But when the excitement fades and the grind sets in, those surface-level reasons just aren’t enough to keep us going.Today, I’ll share a story that illustrates what discovering your real, sustaining “why” feels like. You’ll hear practical advice and questions to help you cut through the noise and get clear on what truly motivates you to keep showing up behind the mic.Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy NewsletterHere are three key takeaways that can help any creator rethink their podcast’s purpose:Surface answers won’t sustain you. Saying you want to “help people” or “grow your business” sounds great, but if you’re struggling to show up consistently, your why might be out of date or too fuzzy.Your real why is personal and current. Ask yourself: Why does your show exist today? Who would truly miss it if it were gone, and what would they miss? Getting specific makes your content—and your motivation—more sustainable.Clarity is a game-changer. When you uncover your deeper why (like speaking directly to a past version of yourself or helping someone feel less alone), creative energy and consistency start to flow again.You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.Connect with me on LinkedInRecorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVBhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

Welcome to The Podcast Why

If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or started doubting your show, you’re not alone—and this podcast is for you.Welcome to The Podcast Why—I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting.After more than a decade working behind the scenes with everyone from solo creators to big business podcasts, I’ve learned that the secret to a sustainable show isn’t perfect gear, viral moments, or chasing algorithms. It’s about knowing your “why.”I share what you can expect from each episode: short, focused, and practical ideas to help you reconnect with your purpose, clarify the direction of your show, and make podcasting feel more meaningful and manageable. Every episode includes real stories from my years of podcast consulting and simple reflection questions so you can take action right away.Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy NewsletterIf you’re ready to go deeper than surface-level advice and build a show that’s aligned and worth the effort, join me for season one. Let’s rediscover your why together and create a more intentional, fulfilling podcasting journey. Hit play—your mic, your listener, and your future self will thank you.You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.Connect with me on LinkedInRecorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVBCopyright 2026 My Podcast Guy