38. Networking as a Podcaster: How to Build Connections That Grow Your Show

Ever feel like you’re podcasting into the void? You’re not alone — but you don’t have to stay stuck.
Today on Caffeinated Chaos, I'm sharing the real secret to building a thriving podcast: networking.
Spoiler alert: Growth doesn’t come from shouting louder into the internet. It comes from building genuine relationships that open doors you didn't even know existed.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
🎙️ How to build authentic connections on social media (especially Threads!)
🎙️ Why joining networking groups can fast-track your podcast growth
🎙️ How to tap your past guests for warm referrals (with an easy script!)
🎙️ The smart way to do podcast swaps that actually grow your audience
🎙️ Bonus tips to network like a human, not a robot

Plus: I’m sharing an invite to my FREE monthly Podcasters Network Meetups where you can meet other creators, swap ideas, and grow your show — all in a super casual, judgment-free zone. (Yes, hoodies and chaos welcome.)

✨ Imagine where your podcast could be a year from now if you start building those connections today. It all starts with one conversation.

Links Mentioned:
👉 Join the FREE Monthly Podcasters Network Meetup!
👉 Follow me on IG/Threads: @caffeinatedchaospodcast

If you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you shared it with a fellow podcaster or tagged me on Threads or Instagram! Let’s connect.

Cheers! Thank you for joining us for another episode. Have a chaotic moment, question, or topic you want us to cover? Drop us a message or leave a review! If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who thrives in beautiful chaos too.

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Transcript

0:00

Podcasting can feel like you're shouting into the void sometimes, right? You're recording, editing, posting, and hoping someone out there is listening. But let me tell you the secret to building a podcast that not only grows but thrives. It's networking. Today I am sharing some of the best ways you can start making real connections that lead to bigger opportunities, better guests, more downloads, and honestly a whole lot more fun. We're talking about building relationships on social media, especially threads. Everyone knows how much I love threads. Joining networking groups, getting referrals from your guests and doing smart podcast swaps. Plus, I'll share how you can plug into my free monthly Podcasters Network meetups if you wanna start growing today. So grab your coffee, find a cozy spot, and let's jump in. Welcome to Caffeinated Chaos, where business deals happen between diaper changes and friendships are fueled by caffeine. I'm Whitney GaN, your host, and I'm here to talk all things business parenthood, and of course keeping up with the BFFs, whether you're juggling the boardroom, the playroom, or just here for some coffee fuel chaos. We've got you covered. Get ready for real talk, laughs and a whole lot of heart as we dive into the beautiful mess that is entrepreneurship, parenthood, and everything in between. So let's embrace the chaos together. Ated, of course. There is no secret algorithm fairy that's suddenly going to bless your show with millions of downloads. Growth happens when you get loud about what you're doing and when you build relationships that help you amplify your message. Think about it. Almost every big break you hear about it usually starts with, I knew someone who knew someone. When you're willing to show up, connect and build genuine relationships in the podcasting world, you create opportunities you can't even plan for yet. Opportunities like amazing guest interviews, invitations to speak on stage, podcast collaborations and swaps, even sponsorships. Networking isn't just a nice to have, it's a growth strategy. Now, let's get real. When I say networking, what pops into your head? If it's an awkward conference room with some bad coffee and forced small talk. Same. But networking today, especially for podcasters, is so much better. You can network from your couch in your sweat plans. Hey, I am recording in sweatpants, so bless technology in this way. But true story, some of the best connections I've made from dropping a comment on someone's threads post or jumping into a Zoom meetup, camera off kid yelling in the background and still walking away with a new collaboration. Networking today is about showing up authentically. It's about being human, and honestly, that's when the magic happens. So let's get into some practical step-by-step advice with, a couple little here, notes here and there. One, I want you to connect on social media threads especially, and while you're there, don't forget to drop us a thread or a DM on Instagram, but threads is kind of like the new kid on the block, I know listeners, you've heard me talk about it before, but it's like perfect also for podcasters. Unlike Instagram or Facebook threads, feels more kind of like a giant group chat where people are actually talking and not just broadcasting. Start by sharing your behind the scenes podcast moments. Ask simple questions like, what's the best podcast you listened to this week? Comment genuinely on others' podcasts, on other people's posts. One of my favorite collaborations actually started because I replied to someone's thread, and a few dms later, were planning podcast swap. It doesn't have to be complicated. So here's my quick tip. Pick 10 to 15 people in your niche to engage with consistently on threads. It builds momentum fast. Okay, two, join networking groups and meetups. You know what I wish I had when I first started podcasting? A room of people who got it, who knew, luckily. I did have one person who jumped on a Zoom call for me because I was just talking about how I had a dream of starting a podcast, and she was amazing. She gave me her tips, her tricks, suggestions on programs on what to use and really just kind of really helped me get out the door weeks in advance than what I was hoping for. So that's exactly why I host a monthly virtual Podcasters meetup. No matter what stage you're at, thinking about starting, just launched a hundred episodes deep. Having a community makes all the difference. At our once a month Zoom meetups, we. Get to talk to each other. We get to meet potential guests, find hosts to swap interviews with, get tips and feedbacks and share your latest episodes. It's a super casual judgment free zone, just podcasters supporting podcasters. And yes, you can totally show up in your hoodie with your kid watching Miss Rachel in the background and no one will judge you. If that sounds like something you want, I will drop the link in the show notes if you wanna sign up. Okay. Three, tap in the past guests for referrals. This one has helped a few times for me. So if you've had guests already on your show, then you have warm leads. Here's exactly what to say. Hey. Guest name. I loved having you on. I'm looking for a more amazing guest for upcoming episodes. Is there anyone you recommend who would be a great fit for, and then your topic. So boom, instant new guest pipeline. One of my favorite series I did on my show came from a single guest referral train. One person led to another and another, and it was like podcasting dominoes. And I still to this day get old guests who are like, Hey, meet so and so. Meet Whitney. I think you guys would get along really well. And they're like, take it away. And it would just be like a group dm and we say our highs, we say, nice to meet you. And then that guest who had already been on my podcast is like, all right, you guys seem good. Bye. And then pops out of the chat. And then me and the new potential guests, we get to keep talking. So this is. Really great and it can happen over email or dms like in my case. So yeah, definitely like it. Four do podcast swaps, but be strategic about it. Podcast swaps can be the magic for growth, but here's the thing. You have to be strategic before agreeing to any swap. Ask yourself these questions. Is their audience similar to mine? Will my content actually serve their listeners? And does this collaboration feel authentic? When you swap with someone who has the right audience, it's like gaining instant trust their listeners already trust them, and now they are introducing you. Way easier than cold. Marketing yourself to strangers. Trust me, five. Here are some bonus tips. Okay. One, support. First, share people's episodes. Comment on their content. Celebrate their wins. Two. Be consistent. Networking isn't a one-time thing. Check in. Stay visible. Three, be human, imperfect, messy, honest conversations build real relationships way faster than any polished sales pitch ever. Will. Okay, so those are just some bonus tips. At the end of the day, podcasting really is about connection. It's a connection with your listeners, a connection with your guest, and a connection with the amazing community of creators around you. You don't have to do this alone. The support, the growth, and the collaborations, they are out there waiting for you. You just have to be willing to show up, start a conversation, and say. Hey, I'm here too. So imagine where your podcast could be in a year from now if you started building those relationships today. One new guest, one new listener, one new collaboration. It all starts. With one connection. So don't wait. If you're ready to grow your podcast and you have a lot more fun doing it, come join our monthly networking podcast meetup. So again, listeners, if that is something that interests you, you can find this link in the show notes. Thanks for hanging out with me today. If you've loved this episode, it would mean the world If you shared it with a fellow podcaster, or even better, tag me on threads and Instagram. So let's connect. Until next time, keep caffeinated, keep creating, and keep on connecting. I will see you all in the next episode. Bye.