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What if your podcast wasn’t just a passion project—but a strategic move to grow your business, amplify your brand, and build legacy?
That’s exactly what we unpacked in this episode of The Soul Podcasting Podcast, where I had the pleasure of sitting down with podcast strategist and brand growth expert Chris Jordan.
Chris has worked behind the scenes (and behind the mic) with some of the biggest names in personal development and entrepreneurship—think Lewis Howes, Daymond John, Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and Brandon Turner. With over 5 years in the industry, he’s seen firsthand what works, what fizzles, and what leads to long-term growth.
In our conversation, Chris shared why smart podcasting is more than just uploading episodes and hoping for downloads. It’s about intentional strategy, brand clarity, and knowing your audience deeply. Whether you’re just starting your podcast journey or looking to take your show (or guest appearances) to the next level, this episode is packed with clarity and next steps.
Let’s dive into the biggest takeaways from our conversation.
Smart Podcasting Starts with Strategy
Too many entrepreneurs start podcasting as an afterthought or a fun creative outlet—without any real connection to their business goals. While there’s nothing wrong with loving the process (in fact, it should light you up), Chris emphasizes that strategy is the secret to sustainability.
“A lot of podcasters get stuck because they don’t have a roadmap. They launch without knowing who they’re really talking to, how to reach those people, or how to turn those conversations into growth.”
Smart podcasting isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being strategically placed where your people already are. It’s about crafting a show that speaks directly to the pain points, desires, and journey of your ideal client—and making sure every episode has a purpose.
Chris encourages podcasters to start by asking:
- What role does this podcast play in my brand ecosystem?
- How will I move listeners from interest to engagement to action?
- Am I showing up with clarity, consistency, and confidence?
Smart podcasting is about alignment. You’re not just showing up to talk—you’re showing up to lead.
Hosting vs. Guesting: Which Builds More Authority?
One of the biggest gems in this episode was Chris’s insight on hosting versus guesting. A lot of entrepreneurs are trying to decide whether to launch their own podcast or simply make the rounds as a guest. The answer? It depends on your brand goals.
Hosting allows you to:
- Build deep trust with a consistent audience
- Shape your brand narrative over time
- Establish yourself as an authority in your niche
But guesting can be just as powerful when done with intention. It gives you access to new audiences, fresh visibility, and a chance to practice sharing your message across diverse platforms.
“Guesting is great for reach. Hosting is great for retention and resonance,” Chris explained. “The key is knowing where you are in your visibility journey and choosing based on that.”
So, how do you decide?
If you’re in the early stages of brand-building, smart podcasting might look like showing up as a high-value guest on relevant shows with aligned audiences.
If you already have a strong brand presence and are looking to deepen your connection, convert listeners into clients, or build a long-term content platform—hosting may be your next best step.
The #1 Mistake New Podcasters Make
Chris has seen a lot behind the scenes. So when I asked him what the biggest mistake was that new podcasters make, he didn’t hesitate:
“Trying to be everything to everyone. The broader the message, the less impact it has.”
Many new podcasters make the mistake of chasing numbers instead of nurturing alignment. They look at download stats and think more = better. But in reality, a niche, aligned audience of 200 people who are truly engaged is more valuable than 10,000 random downloads.
Smart podcasting is about refining your message until it hits the right ears—not more ears.
It’s also about setting realistic expectations. Podcasting is a long game. It builds authority over time. Chris recommends focusing on consistency and quality over viral moments. That’s how you build a brand that lasts.
One Underrated Way to Grow an Aligned Audience
With so much noise in the podcasting space, I asked Chris to share one underrated way podcasters can grow their ideal audience. His answer?
Content repurposing.
“So many podcasters are sitting on gold. They have these amazing conversations but never use them beyond the episode drop.”
Smart podcasting includes a plan for distribution and repurposing. That might look like:
- Turning soundbites into reels
- Pulling quotes for Instagram or LinkedIn
- Writing blog posts (like this one!)
- Using transcripts for SEO-rich website content
- Sending snippets to your email list
You don’t need to be creating more—you need to be distributing smarter.
Chris also stressed the importance of guest collaboration. “When your guest shares the episode, you expand your reach instantly. Make it easy for them by giving them ready-to-use graphics and audiograms.”
Smart Podcasting = Smart Business
At the heart of this episode was the message that podcasting isn’t just a content tool—it’s a business development tool.
If you want your podcast to work for you, here’s what smart podcasting really looks like:
- Clear audience targeting
- Strategic calls to action
- Seamless connection to your offers or services
- Content that positions you as an expert—not just a conversationalist
- Metrics that matter (leads, conversations, conversions)—not just downloads
It’s time to stop podcasting just to podcast. And instead, start podcasting with purpose.
Chris Jordan’s Shift in Thinking: A Lesson for Us All
I closed the episode by asking Chris to share a piece of podcasting advice he used to believe—but no longer does. His answer was powerful:
“I used to believe that you had to stick to the same format or structure every single time. But now I realize the best shows evolve. They stay fresh. They follow the energy.”
That’s your permission slip to stay open. To grow. To pivot. To create a show that fits who you are becoming, not just who you were when you started.
Smart podcasting doesn’t box you in. It gives you a platform to evolve in public—with purpose.
Final Thoughts: Build Legacy, Not Just Episodes
This episode with Chris Jordan was a masterclass in what it means to be a soulful, strategic, and smart podcaster.
If you’re a purpose-driven entrepreneur who wants to lead with voice, build real authority, and create a brand with impact, then podcasting might just be your most powerful tool. But only if you approach it with intention.
Here’s your next move:
- If you’re considering launching a podcast, ask yourself: What role will this show play in my brand ecosystem?
- If you’re already podcasting, evaluate: Am I speaking to the right audience with the right strategy?
- If you’re a guest, be sure you’re choosing aligned shows and showing up with value—not just visibility.
And remember, smart podcasting is about leading with clarity, not just creativity.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow entrepreneur, leave a review, and let’s keep building a movement of purpose-driven voices who know how to lead through the mic.
Catch the full conversation with Chris Jordan on the Soul Podcasting Podcast—available on Apple, Spotify, and all your favorite platforms.
Ready to lighten the load and podcast with more soul?
Let’s work together. Learn more about our services at Soul Podcasting Collective or book a discovery call to see how we can support you.
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