Flat Downloads Don’t Always Mean Flat Growth. But They Might Hide a Bigger Problem

Flat Downloads Don’t Always Mean Flat Growth. But They Might Hide a Bigger Problem

Author: Alitu via The Podcast Host December 15, 2025 Duration: 40:12

Imagine a podcaster who has been publishing for a couple of years. Every time they check their stats, the number is the same.

They assume they have hit a plateau.

So they spend more on marketing. They push harder on promotion. Nothing changes. The number stays flat.

What that number does not show is what is happening underneath. New listeners are finding the show. At the same time, existing listeners are drifting away. Growth and churn are cancelling each other out.

The show is moving. The metric makes it look stuck.

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Misener from Bumper to unpack why download numbers can be misleading, and what better signals actually tell you how your podcast is performing. We also tackle churn head-on. If new listeners are finding your show but not sticking around, we look at what might be driving that drop off and what you can do to change it.

Podcraft is brought to you by Alitu and The Podcast Host


If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the technical side of starting a show or wondered how to turn your passion into a sustainable project, PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting is made for you. Hosts Colin and Matthew, with their three decades of shared experience, act as practical guides through the entire process. They move beyond theory, offering actionable advice you can use immediately. You'll hear detailed discussions on specific skills, from something as fundamental as selecting your first microphone to more advanced strategies like leveraging live events for community growth. The conversation also tackles the business and marketing realities, exploring how to effectively expand your audience and create revenue from your work. What sets this podcast apart is its balance of deep-dive tutorials on single topics and illuminating interviews with creators who share their own real-world successes and lessons learned. It’s a resource that recognises podcasting as both a creative outlet and a serious venture, providing the grounded, no-fluff guidance needed to refine your sound and build something that lasts. Tune in weekly for a dose of clarity and direction for your own audio journey.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

PodCraft by Alitu: Honing the Craft of Podcasting
Podcast Episodes
What CAN'T We Learn From Successful Podcasters? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
In this episode, Colin and Matthew engage in a friendly debate about the role of gear in podcasting. While gear and equipment are often seen as important aspects of podcasting success, the hosts question whether they tru…
14 Ways to Grow your Podcast with Collaborations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:06
Here, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your app…
Equipment & Software for Video & Live Broadcasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:05
Adding a video or live broadcasting element can work well for some podcasters. In this episode, we dig into the tools you'll need if you want to run a successful video series. Resources Mentioned Ultimate Video Podcastin…
Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software Options [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:17
In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one…
How to Set Up a Great-Sounding Home Podcast Studio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:35
The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic si…
Podcast Bits & Bobs: Cables, Stands, & Pop Filters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon. It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their reco…
Why & How to Monitor Your Audio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring…

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