Sometimes, one word is all it takes to make or break your podcast.
The right word, in the right place—the title, perhaps—can capture and bottle your show's essence, perfectly framing who and what it's for, and what makes it interesting.
The wrong word, on the other hand...
The wrong word can instantly plant doubt, confusion, and disinterest in your potential listener's mind, causing them to pass over your show in search of something that more clearly speaks to them and their desires, frustrations, and interests.
Finding the right words, metaphors, and framing devices for your show isn't easy.
James Clear workshopped 400 title ideas before he landed on Atomic Habits, the title that would ultimately carry his book to selling more than 20 million copies and becoming a global phenomenon.
But make no mistake, settling for a show title, tagline, and messaging that doesn't immediately light up the eyes of potential listeners is the fastest path to obscurity.
After reading the title, what do you suspect this show is about?
Ok, I'll give you another hint.
How about after looking at the cover art?
Still no clue?
I won't spoil the surprise, but it turns out, the show is actually built on a unique and (perhaps) refreshing theme.
It has promise, in other words.
The problem is that the theme likely isn't being framed—primarily through the title—in a way that listeners intuitively understand, connect with, or relate to.
Which means it's costing them listeners.
All because of a few measly words.
This is one of the most common problems in podcasting.
In fact, if your show is struggling to grow, there's a good chance your messaging is a core part of the issue.
So in this episode of Roast My Podcast, Justin and I break down the specific issues with the title and broader framing of the show, to help them—and you—understand how to develop and make the most of a promising premise.
Wait nervously on pins and needles, hoping that we don't (or do) pick you
Have a great weekend. And as always...
Stay Scrappy,
In 2026, I’m reducing the number of X-Ray Audit clients I’m working with down to 15.
These audits are the most powerful and comprehensive tool I offer, and I’ve designed them specifically to spot and solve the following problems for expertise-based business owners:
An audience that loves the show but refuses to buy from you (but will from your guests)
A proven offer that gets your clients results… but struggle to sell consistently, with leads regularly ghosting you after a sales call or email exchange.
Spiky, unpredictable revenue cycles that leave you constantly stressed about your next month’s income
You regularly get passed over for speaking, partnership, and summit opportunities in your space… even though you’re more qualified than the people who get them
Pouring countless hours into social media with barely any discernible impact on either your growth or your sales
The sneaking feeling that things should be easier, given everything you’ve built (podcast, product, lead magnets, newsletter, just to name a few), and the feedback you regularly get on the quality of your work.
Unlike other specialized programs that tend to optimize for narrow siloed aspects of a business…
My job with the audits is to give you the full, comprehensive picture of how the various pieces of your business and marketing strategy fit together (or as is probably the case right now, don’t).
The end result?
Full clarity into exactly why your show hasn’t been driving the sales and growth you thought it would…
And a step-by-step roadmap on what to do—in precisely what order—to fix it.
Here’s how it works:
First, we start with an intensive assessment of your business, offers, brand, and marketing assets to spot brand and strategy-level issues and opportunities.
Second, I spend 10–15 hours with your show and related material before delivering a feature-film-length video report talking through my findings, recommendations, and suggested sequencing (don’t worry, it’s timestamped and bullet-pointed).
Third, we systematically work through the roadmap, with me guiding you on exactly what to do, how to do it, and providing insight, feedback, ideation support at every step to cut down the time to results (and revenue).
There are currently 4 audits available for pre-booking before the price goes up in 2026.
If you're interested in learning more, hit reply with "Early bird audit info" and I'll shoot over the details.
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