Episode 213 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

0:02 - Not Sure What to Talk About Next On Your Podcast? Here’s Why.
1:52 - What to Do When You’ve Got Zero Episodes Batched
4:42 - Why Even Top Podcasters Get Bored with Their Content 
7:01 - The Unexpected Upside of a Podcasting Rut
11:00 - Three Questions to Spark Fresh Podcast Episode Topics

How to Never Run Out of Good Podcast Episode Topics

You don't need me to tell you that sharing highly valuable content is key to growing your podcast. (We all know it). But if you've ever sat down to write an episode and found yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering if "accidentally" spilling coffee on your laptop could be a legit excuse for skipping this week, I get it. I've been there — many times.

Coming up with good podcast episode topics every week for the life of your podcast is an ongoing challenge. So let's talk about what to do when you're out of ideas, nothing's batched, and that dreaded podcaster's block has hit. I've got three go-to strategies that can get you back on track in less than 10 minutes. Want to find out what they are? Read on.

The Unexpected Upside of a Podcasting Rut

It's the day before your next episode is supposed to air, and you’re staring at your keyboard, thinking, "What on earth can I talk about that I haven't already covered?" We've all been there. It took me over two years to realize I was approaching podcast content creation the wrong way. I used to believe that if I'd already talked about a topic, my listeners would tune out (cue the nightmare: New 1-star review: "This is the most boring and repetitive podcast I've ever heard!"). The pressure to always come up with something fresh and new was never-ending.

But once I learned to read the data the right way, I discovered a treasure trove of topic ideas sitting right in front of me. My audience was already telling me exactly what they wanted to hear — I was just too busy worrying about sounding repetitive and boring to notice.

The Curse of the Expert: Why Even Top Podcasters Get Bored with Their Content

It’s easy to think that top podcasters never get bored with their content. But the reality? Every successful host has felt that sense of, “Ugh, am I really talking about this again?” The more you know, the more you repeat yourself.

But just because you're tired of hearing yourself say it doesn’t mean your listeners are. What seems repetitive or stale to you might be a game-changer for someone hearing it for the first time. That’s the curse of being an expert—the more you know, the less exciting it feels to you. You've lived it, breathed it, talked about it hundreds of times.

Think back to when you were just starting out — remember the first time you heard something that really blew your mind, but now feels so obvious? I still remember the thrill I felt when it first hit me that I could actually build a successful podcast. Fast forward to today, and here I am, talking about podcasting... again (and again) thinking, “Seriously, how many times do people want to hear about episode titles?” But then I remember — that's exactly what I needed to hear when I was starting out.

So, if you're stuck figuring out what to say next, remember who your content is for. Your podcast isn’t for you — it’s for the person just getting started on their journey and tuning in for the first time. They’re listening for a reason. And your words might be exactly what they need today.

What to Do When You’ve Got Zero Episodes Batched

If you’ve ever wondered how to handle things when life throws a curveball — like an unexpected event, a busy season, or even just a week when you’re feeling too drained to create content — my answer has always been to stay batched a couple of months ahead. But let’s be honest, that’s not always realistic. It happens to all of us.

So what do you do in those moments?

Start by remembering who your podcast is for. but it’s so easy to get caught up in hosting the show that you can forget who you’re hosting it for in the first place. Shift your focus back to your listener. What do they need to hear from you today? What questions do you get asked all the time? Is there a question someone asked you recently that you could quickly turn into an episode? Sometimes, that’s all it takes to get your creative flow, well, flowing again. 

But you’re still feeling stuck, don’t panic. It’s always better to put something out there than nothing at all. And this is where your data comes in handy.

Read the Data to Find What Your Listeners Want

Believe it or not, your best content ideas are probably right under your nose — and they’re hiding in your data. Your analytics can tell you exactly what your audience loves. Start by looking at which episodes have the most downloads, shares, or comments. Notice any patterns? Those are your listeners raising their hands and saying, "More of this, please!"

Maybe there’s a specific topic or style that you notice always performs well. You can approach it from a different angle, expand on it, or even create a series around it. And don’t overlook the feedback you get from your listeners — those emails, social media comments, and DMs. What questions keep popping up? What are people always asking you to explain or go deeper on?

The data is there to guide you. It’s like having a direct line to your listeners, showing you what they need and want. Use it to keep your content fresh, relevant, and exactly what they’re looking for.

Pro Tip: If all else fails and you’re pressed for time, repurpose an old episode that performed well. Record a new intro and outro to make it feel fresh. Chances are, not every listener caught it the first time around, and this is a smart way to squeeze more juice out of content you’ve already created.

Three Questions to Spark Fresh Podcast Episode Topics

Take off your host glasses for a minute and put on your listener glasses. Picture yourself in their shoes. What does a day in their life look like? If you were a fly on the wall, what would you see? What are they doing as they go about their day? What thoughts are running through their heads? What questions are they silently wishing they had answers to?

To help you get inside their heads (in the best way), here are three questions to ask yourself that can spark new episode topics:

1. What questions are they asking themselves that they secretly wish you would answer? Think about the problems they’re facing. What are they hoping you’ll talk about next? Which of these questions do you have the answers to that could solve a big problem for them?
   
   
2. What mistakes are they making right now that you could help them avoid? Picture your listener — maybe you’re a nutrition coach, and you can visualize them going about their day, eating on the go, fueling with coffee and calling it breakfast, or struggling to find time to prep their meals. What mistakes could you help them see and fix?
   
   
3. What’s something they don’t even realize is a mistake? Often, they’re unaware of what’s holding them back. Simply pointing out a common mistake can make you incredibly valuable in their eyes, positioning you as the expert guide they need..

Remember, when you get excited about the content you're creating, that energy comes through your voice. It’s what connects with your listener on the other side of those headphones. It’s what makes them see you as their go-to expert, leader, and guide who can help them get where they want to go.

These three questions have always helped me break through a case of podcaster’s block, and they’ll do the same for you. They’re simple and effective prompts to help you get back into creation mode fast. 

And if you want more free advice on creating a listener experience people rave about so you can grow your podcast (and your business), make sure you’re following Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a new episode. 

Or if you’re ready to get hands-on guidance to create a binge-worthy, Top 100 podcast that turns listeners into clients? Book a free strategy call with our team to see if PodLaunch is the right fit for you.

Next Up:

Next up, we’re talking about how what listeners hear in your voice can build (or break) trust with your listeners. So if you’re ready to know how to increase listener engagement make sure what your audience hears doesn’t accidentally drive them away, don’t miss the next episode.