Jack Levy Of Manifest Media Productions: Top 5 Strategies for Growing Your Podcast Audience

An Interview With Chad Silverstein

Leverage Personal Networks: Get everyone you know to listen to and review your podcast. A strong start can create a ripple effect. I remember when we first launched, I reached out to every single person in my contacts list. It was a grind, but those early downloads and reviews gave us the momentum we needed to keep going.

In an era where the podcasting landscape is more crowded than ever, growing an audience requires not just consistency and quality content but also smart, strategic planning. Today, we’re diving deep into the growth strategies of a podcaster who has successfully expanded their reach in this competitive space. With a background that blends unique storytelling with savvy marketing techniques, our guest has mastered the art of audience growth. They’re here to share the top five strategies that podcasters can use in 2024 to increase their listener base, focusing on leveraging social media, optimizing for SEO, making the most of guest appearances, and more. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jack Levy, Co-Founder of Manifest Media Productions and Co-Creator of Table Read Podcast.

Jack Levy is an accomplished Executive Producer, Storyteller Director, and Audio Specialist with over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry. He has worked with a range of Oscar and Grammy winners to prestigious organizations like iHeart, Warner Bros., Universal, and Disney, earning approximately 30 awards and mentoring trainees who have secured over 130 nominations. Known as the “Go-To” audio guru, Jack excels in delivering top-quality audio and production oversight from inception to delivery. As the co-founder of Manifest Media Productions, he has made significant contributions to podcasting, including the hit show “Table Read.” Jack’s expertise and passion for storytelling continue to shape the cultural landscape.

Thank you for joining us. To start, could you share your “origin story” with our readers? How did you begin your podcasting journey, and what challenges did you face in the early days regarding audience growth?

Picture this: first grade, Mrs. White’s class. I was the kid who couldn’t stand silence, and Mrs. White definitely noticed. She sent a report card home saying, “Whenever there’s silence, Jack feels the need to break it.” That was my first spark as a future podcaster.

Fast forward to LA, where I am knee-deep into the music scene, recording everything from rock anthems to hip-hop beats. I also created immersive soundscapes for video games, each experience adding a brushstroke to my career canvas. The real turning point came in television, where I learned the art of storytelling that grabs you and doesn’t let go.

By 2018, I had transitioned from traditional media to podcasting. I knew audio inside and out and how to make stories resonate, but podcasting was a new beast — like switching from oils to watercolors. We faced challenges with distribution and discoverability, like a startup in a garage crafting stories instead of computers. The key was focusing on compelling content and building partnerships with allies who championed our cause.

Social media is a powerful tool for podcast promotion. Can you share your most effective strategy for leveraging platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to boost your podcast’s visibility?

In the world of podcasting, social media is like a megaphone — it amplifies your voice and helps you reach new audiences. But it’s not just about posting links and hoping for the best. At Manifest Media, we’ve found success by leveraging our partnerships and creating content that truly resonates with our community. Whether an athlete, author, actor, or entrepreneur, we’ve got the tools and expertise to help you share your story with the world. Our secret sauce is the proven track record of delivering results and capitalizing on opportunities in the marketplace.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can be a game-changer for podcasts, especially when it comes to discoverability. What SEO tactics have you found most beneficial for attracting new listeners through search engines?

SEO is the unsung hero of the digital age. It’s not about stuffing keywords into your titles like a clown car; it’s about being smart, relevant, and authentic. We craft detailed show notes, transcriptions, and key takeaways for each episode — not just for search engines but for listeners who crave depth. Optimize your titles and descriptions naturally, and remember, backlinks are gold. When other sites link to your content, it’s like a digital thumbs-up to Google.

Guest appearances, both on your podcast and on others, can significantly expand your reach. Can you discuss how you’ve approached guest appearances to grow your audience? What’s your strategy for selecting guests or shows to collaborate with?

Guest appearances are like a podcasting secret weapon — they help you reach new audiences and generate excitement for your show. t’s not just about getting big names or popular shows; it’s about finding the right fit, the chemistry that makes content engaging. We look for guests with unique talents, fascinating stories, or a great sense of humor, people who will add value for our listeners and make them think, laugh, or see things differently. We also consider what we can do for our guests, promoting their appearance on our social media and encouraging our listeners to check out their work. When everyone benefits, that’s when the magic happens.

Networking within the podcasting community can open up opportunities for cross-promotion and shared growth. How have you engaged with other podcasters to support each other’s audience growth?

I think networking is powerful. It opens doors and helps you find your tribe. The key is to approach it with generosity, focusing not just on what you can gain but also on what you can give. We’ve built relationships by engaging in online communities and social media groups, sharing our experiences, offering advice, and adding value to the conversation. This has led to incredible collaborations and friendships. We also invite peers to our recording events and participate in community activities both online and in person. One of the most effective ways we’ve supported fellow podcasters and our guests is through cross-promotion, proposing shoutout swaps with shows that have a similar audience. It’s a win-win that introduces both audiences to new content and fosters a supportive community where everyone benefits.

Beyond these methods, is there one more strategy you’ve employed that’s been particularly effective in growing your podcast audience in 2024?

One of the effective strategies we’ve adopted is reciprocal communication. And we recommend that to our fellow podcasters as well. Find partners who align with your brand and audience to create mutually beneficial relationships. You could promote their product on your show in exchange for a shoutout on their social media or swap ad spots for exposure to new listeners. You might even use their products during your program’s production. The key is authenticity and genuine enthusiasm. Reciprocal promotion helps you tap into new audiences and create buzz around your show, leading to amazing opportunities with the right partners.

The middle of any growth journey is often where the most learning and adaptation occurs. Reflecting on your experience, what’s one major lesson you’ve learned about audience growth that you wish you knew when you started?

I strongly believe patience and persistence go hand in hand. You must commit to at least a season before judging your progress. It’s like getting fit. Consistency beats occasional intensity. Focus on the content. No excuses. Make it the best it can be. And partnerships? Absolutely crucial. Find those who’ll champion your work. Looking back, I wish I had known that it’s okay to start small and grow slowly. That every download, every review, every share is a victory worth celebrating. And that the real reward isn’t in the destination, but in the journey itself — the relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the impact you make along the way.

Looking forward, what emerging trends or platforms do you see as having the potential to impact podcast audience growth in the next year?

Buckle up because the podcast world is about to get a whole lot more exciting! In the next year, I see two big trends that are going to shake things up and create tons of new opportunities for audience growth.

First up, we’ve got heightened engagement. And I’m not just talking about likes and comments — I’m talking about live events, meet-and-greets, and all sorts of interactive experiences that allow you to connect with your listeners, and your listeners with each other, on a whole new level. It’s about creating a sense of community and belonging that goes beyond the podcast itself. And then there’s the rise of subscription services and bonus content. Imagine being able to offer your most loyal fans exclusive access to behind-the-scenes footage, bonus interviews, and all sorts of other goodies, from merch to NFTs. It’s like having a secret club that only the cool kids get to be a part of.

However, podcasting is still a wide-open frontier. There are so many opportunities to experiment, to innovate, and to put your own unique spin on things. It’s like being handed a blank canvas and a set of paints — the only limit is your imagination. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, my advice is to stay curious, stay creative, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Because who knows? You might just stumble upon the next big thing in podcasting.

For podcasters who are just starting out or struggling to grow their audience, what advice would you give to help them stay motivated and focused on their growth strategies?

If you’re a new podcaster or you’re struggling to grow your audience, the first thing you need to do is commit. Commit to your vision, commit to your craft, and commit to showing up, even when it feels like nobody’s listening. Because podcasting is a long game. It’s not about overnight success or viral hits. It’s about building something meaningful, something that resonates with people on a deep level. And that takes time, effort, and a whole lot of heart.

I think the secret to staying motivated and focused is all about the story. You’ve got to remember that you’re not just creating episodes — you’re creating an experience, a connection, a conversation. Focus on making each episode the best it can be. Invest in good equipment, refine your editing skills, and, most importantly, be authentic. Your passion and authenticity will shine through and attract like-minded listeners. Celebrate small victories. Every download, every review, every social media share is a step forward. Engage with your listeners, ask for feedback, and build a community around your podcast. Remember, even the most successful podcasters start with a small, dedicated audience. Keep pushing, keep creating, and believe in the value of your voice and your stories. And one last thing — don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other podcasters, join podcasting communities, and learn from those who have walked the path before you. Podcasting is a journey, and you don’t have to go it alone. Stay focused, stay passionate, and the audience will come.

Could you list and briefly explain “5 Key Strategies for Growing Your Podcast Audience” based on your experiences and insights? If you can, please share a story or example for each.

Absolutely, here are 5 Key Strategies for Growing Your Podcast Audience:

1. Leverage Personal Networks: Get everyone you know to listen to and review your podcast. A strong start can create a ripple effect. I remember when we first launched, I reached out to every single person in my contacts list. It was a grind, but those early downloads and reviews gave us the momentum we needed to keep going.
2. Get Reviewed: Submit your show to websites and podcasts dedicated to reviews. I’ll never forget when we got reviewed by Podcast Review. It was mind-blowing and a huge boost to our credibility and visibility.
3. Go for Awards: Research podcasting awards and submit your show. Even if you don’t win, the exposure and recognition can be a huge boost for your audience growth. We submitted to the Ambies last year, and while we didn’t take home the gold, the experience itself was invaluable.
4. Utilize Social Media: Use tools like Cast Magic to create engaging clips. Cast Magic is a wizard at turning one piece of content into a one-man army. Those clips can be shared across all platforms, drawing new listeners to your show.
5. Collaborate: Look for opportunities to collaborate with others in your niche and beyond, whether it’s guest-starring on each other’s shows, creating bonus content, or embracing synergy. Collaborate with partners who share your passion and have skin in the game. Some of our most successful episodes have come from collaborations with folks who, at first glance, seemed like unlikely allies.

The journey of growing a podcast audience is filled with both challenges and milestones. Can you share a particularly rewarding moment or achievement in your audience growth journey that stands out to you?

Hitting our first million downloads was a moment I’ll never forget. The energy was electric. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the validation that what we were doing mattered.

Suddenly, we were getting covered in big trades, celebrities were pitching us show ideas, and networks were knocking on our door. It was like we had arrived, and all the hard work had been worth it.

As we wrap up, how can our readers follow your work and stay updated on your strategies and insights for podcast growth?

You can find me on LinkedIn, where I share the latest news, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into what we’re working on. Also, follow Manifest Media on all major podcast platforms for new episodes and fresh formats. And please keep an eye on the Realm Network, where we’re partnering to create revolutionary content that will redefine what’s possible in podcasting.

Your journey and the strategies you’ve shared today provide a roadmap for podcasters looking to expand their audience in 2024. Thank you for offering such valuable insights into the art and science of podcast growth. We look forward to seeing how your podcast continues to reach new heights, and we wish you continued success in connecting with listeners around the world.

About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com