53. From Zero to Millions: The Business Side of the HERself Podcast with Amy Kiefer and Abby Green
I’m so excited to welcome the very first guests of the Pivot Ball Change podcast relaunch: Amy Kiefer and Abby Green, the dynamic duo behind the HERself podcast. With over 4 million downloads, more than 320 episodes, and a spot in the top 0.4% of podcasts globally, Amy and Abby are sharing exactly what goes on behind the scenes of building, growing, and monetizing a wildly successful show. As longtime clients of Pivot Ball Change, they also give an honest look at what its like to work with us as their podcast editor.
In this episode, we dive into how they went from making no money on the podcast to building multiple profitable revenue streams, what brands and agencies actually look for when considering partnerships, and why consistency matters more than downloads early on. Amy and Abby also break down pitching dream guests, choosing between guest-based and solo episodes, using social media intentionally, hiring support for your podcast, and what it looks like to sustainably grow a team. We wrap with their fun “3 F’s,” including favorite recipes, simple fashion tips, and what they’re currently doing just for fun.
Topics We Cover
What goes on behind the scenes of a top 0.4% podcast
How the HERself podcast monetized after starting from zero
What brands look for before sponsoring a podcast
Why consistency matters more than downloads early on
What a 360 deal is and how podcast agencies work
How to land dream guests with genuine, effective pitches
Using social proof to secure better guests and opportunities
The role of social media in authentic podcast growth
Guest-based shows vs. solo episodes and choosing the right format
Building confidence to show up for solo episodes
Monetizing a podcast with Patreon and memberships
How Amy and Abby plan topics, write scripts, and prep episodes
Tools they use to organize ideas and improve recordings
When to hire for your podcast and how to start small
The benefits of hiring an editor and delegating production
Trusting support teams and letting go of control
The HERself hosts’ “3 F’s”: food, fashion, and fun
