Podcasting in 2026: Why It Matters More Than Ever

If you’ve been thinking, “Podcasting is saturated” or “Everyone already has a podcast”… you’re not alone.

But according to Alex Sanfilippo - founder of PodMatch and host of Podcasting Made Simple - that belief is one of the biggest reasons coaches miss out on one of the most powerful authority-building strategies available in 2026.

In this episode of Between Two Coaches, Norbert Orlewicz and Alex unpack why podcasting is still rising, why AI is actually making human-first media more valuable, and how guesting on podcasts can build visibility, trust, SEO, and relationships that pay dividends for years.

Podcasting Isn’t a Trend - It’s a Medium

Podcasting has survived every “this will replace it” moment:

• Blogs

• Streaming platforms

• YouTube podcasting

• AI-generated content

And yet the data keeps showing year-over-year growth in listenership. Alex makes a key point: podcasting is uniquely non-intrusive. It fits into real life—walking, cooking, driving, working out—without demanding a screen or full attention.

That’s why it keeps winning.

“Why Do We Need Another Podcast?”

This is the question most coaches secretly ask.

Alex’s answer is simple: it’s not about how many podcasts exist - it’s about how many are active and established.

He shares that while there are millions of podcasts listed across platforms, only a fraction are active at any given time - because most people “podfade” (start strong, then disappear). That creates massive opportunity for consistent creators and consistent guests.

And when it comes to guesting, the churn is even more extreme. Many people try one show (or none), then quit. That’s why long-term consistency becomes a competitive advantage.

The Hidden Benefits of Podcast Guesting (The Stuff Most People Miss)

Most people evaluate guesting like this:

“How many listeners will I get in front of?”

Alex says that’s only part of it - and not even the best part.

1) You discover your voice (and build confidence fast)

This is huge for coaches transitioning from corporate.

When you have to explain what you do - over and over - your message gets sharper. You find language that lands. You build clarity. You build conviction.

And clarity is conversion.

2) You build powerful relationships

Podcasts create a meaningful experience. You don’t forget someone you’ve shared a real conversation with.

Relationships formed through guesting often become:

• referral partnerships

• speaking opportunities

• collaborations

• podcast swaps

• long-term business allies

3) You get SEO “authority juice” through backlinks

This is the sleeper benefit.

If your site or resource is linked in show notes, you can gain backlinks from major platforms and syndication sites - strengthening your online authority even if the episode never “goes viral.”

Bonus: You get a month of content from one conversation

Clips. Quotes. Emails. Posts. Reels. Shorts.

For time-starved experts, podcast guesting can be one of the most efficient content engines available.

The Biggest Guesting Mistakes That Kill Opportunities

Alex calls out two big ones:

1) “Spray and pray” outreach

Mass AI pitches. Copy/paste messages. No personalization.

Hosts can tell—and it creates a bad experience before the mic even turns on.

2) Not doing basic research

If you don’t know the host’s name, show format, or audience… the conversation will feel disconnected.

The best guests show up prepared - not scripted, but aligned.

“Is It Worth Guesting on Small Podcasts?”

Yes - when the audience is aligned.

Alex compares it to speaking at a conference:

If you had 50 ideal buyers in a room, would you take that stage?

That’s what an aligned niche podcast is - even if the numbers look “small.”

Big numbers don’t always win.

Aligned numbers win.

AI Is Everywhere - So Human-First Wins

This is where the conversation gets real.

In a world flooded with AI content, the differentiator isn’t “perfect.”

It’s human.

Alex’s take: AI can support your business, but it can’t replace your soul, your presence, and the “gut feel” people get when something is real.

And podcasting is one of the best places to demonstrate that.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why podcasting is accelerating in 2026

• The truth about “podcasting saturation”

• The long-game ROI of guesting (and why 30 days isn’t enough)

• The hidden values: voice, relationships, SEO, and content creation

• The outreach mistakes that make hosts instantly disengage

• How to benefit from small podcasts through alignment

• Why collaboration is the next competitive advantage

• How to build your brand on rock - not sand

Today’s Guest: Alex Sanfilippo

Alex Sanfilippo is the founder of PodMatch, a platform that connects podcast hosts and guests for meaningful interviews. He’s also the host of Podcasting Made Simple, and he’s known for championing independent creators and building community through human-first leadership.

Ready to Start Guesting Smarter?

Start here (Alex’s free resource):

PodMatch: podmatch.com/free

Explore his podcast industry data report:

Podcast report: podmatch.com/report

And if you’re hearing this before March 4–6, join the Clients & Cashflow Collab virtual business reset:

clientscashflowcollab.com

Episode Resources

• Alex’s free resource: podmatch.com/free

• Podcast data report: podmatch.com/report

• Clients & Cashflow Collab: clientscashflowcolab.com

• Digital Mentors Compass Workshop: compassworkshop.com