The Brutal Truth About Podcast Growth Nobody Wants to Hear with Tom Webster

Why do most podcasts stall long before they reach real scale?

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Tom Webster, one of the most respected voices in podcasting and author of The Audience Is Listening, to unpack the uncomfortable truths behind podcast growth.

With nearly 30 years in audio research and media strategy, Tom explains why:

• Promotion won’t save a show that lacks clarity

• Editing for flow is the secret weapon of top podcasts

• Many creators build for themselves — not their audience

• Asking the wrong listener questions leads to bad decisions

• Podcasting is far from “on the way down” — and why the data proves it

This conversation is a masterclass in podcast strategy, audience psychology, and long-term content thinking.

Whether you’re launching a show, stuck at a download ceiling, or building branded content, this episode will help you stop chasing vanity metrics and start building real listener loyalty.

📘 Learn more about Tom’s book: The Audience Is Listening
🎙 Explore industry research at Sounds Profitable
📲 Subscribe for weekly insights on business, media, and growth

The #1 Marketing & Business Show on Apple Podcasts

Welcome to Right About Now, where real American business gets a megaphone—and the B.S. gets the boot.

Hosted by marketing disrupter Ryan Alford, entrepreneur, founder, and the guy brands call when they want attention, this show slices through the noise with uncensored insights, hard-earned wisdom, and straight-up truths from the frontlines of business.

Every week, you’ll get two punchy Guest episodes where Ryan talks with legendary business founders, trending authors, and industry titans about what it takes to build a business and some of the most cutting edge tools and services available. 

Forget the LinkedIn fluff. This is for doers, builders, and dreamers who want results, not recycled soundbites.

Business the way it really works. Real people. Real wins. Real screw-ups.

No MBA required. Just guts, hustle, and a sense of humor.

Subscribe, listen, and get Right About Now.

Because business isn’t broken—it’s just been boring & stale. Until now.