Podcast discovery feels harder in 2026, not because creators stopped trying, but because attention is now split across podcast apps, YouTube, short-form video feeds, newsletters, and search-driven recommendations.
On this recorded episode of the New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee shares the screen and a microphone with Arielle Nissenblatt, 2026 Podcast Hall of Famer and Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective and Head of Community and Content at Pinwheel by Audily, to break down what is actually changing right now and what creators can still do that consistently grows audience and trust.
“Arielle brings a listener-first, creator-first perspective that cuts through the noise. Platforms matter, but they are not the whole story. If a show is not clearly positioned, consistently delivered, and genuinely recommendable, the best metadata in the world will not create retention.”
This episode focuses on the practical middle ground: respect the power of platforms, but build your growth strategy around behaviors you can control.
“A big part of that conversation is Apple’s renewed push into video podcasts and what an HLS-based video experience signals for the direction of distribution.”
Rob frames it as part of a broader convergence toward a unified listen-and-watch experience, where measurement and monetization are easier for platforms when content is native.
“Arielle agrees that video is becoming an important top-of-funnel entry point, not because every show should be video-first, but because platforms can more easily optimize what they can see, track, and sell.”
We also talk through Spotify’s monetization strategy and what it means when major platforms keep building native paths to get paid. The underlying point is that creators need to understand the economics behind product decisions.
“The more platforms own the experience, the more they can shape the rules of distribution, monetization, and visibility.”
Then we get into the part that matters most for working creators: what still works.
“Arielle argues that recommendation culture remains one of the most underused growth engines in podcasting. Word of mouth, curated lists, and community flywheels can outperform algorithm chasing, especially for shows that serve a clear audience with a clear promise.”
That is exactly why EarBuds has remained durable for years in a market that constantly reinvents itself.
“Human curation is still a superpower because it creates trusted signals that travel even when platforms turn the knobs.”
Community comes up too, with a reality check. Not every show needs a community, and not every audience wants one.
“The test is whether people are already reaching for a deeper connection and shared identity around your content. When that demand exists, the community can compound trust and retention. When it does not, forcing it can drain your energy and distract you from the actual product, the show.”
If you are building in 2026, the creators who win are not the ones who panic-switch formats every quarter.
They are the ones who lock in a format strategy, build audience ownership where possible, and package their content for multiple environments without losing the core promise that makes listeners return.
Quick answers people are searching for:
Is podcast discovery broken in 2026?
It is fragmented. People discover shows across apps, video platforms, newsletters, and search experiences, so creators need packaging that works across multiple paths.
Do I need a video to grow a podcast?
Not always. Video is becoming a common entry point, but growth still comes from clarity, consistency, and ease of recommendation.
What is the fastest reliable growth lever right now?
Recommendation loops: collaborations, curated lists, newsletters, and audience sharing that create real trust signals.
What should creators prioritize this year?
Format strategy, audience ownership, cross-platform packaging, and a repeatable workflow you can sustain.
Show and Guest Links:
Host Rob Greenlee
https://robgreenlee.com/ (Rob Greenlee)
New Media Show
https://newmediashow.com/ (New Media Show)
Rob Greenlee Live Podcasts
https://robgreenlee.com/live-podcasts/ (Rob Greenlee)
Rob Greenlee & New Media Show YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@RobGreenlee (Rob Greenlee)
Spoken Human Show – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@spokenhuman (Rob Greenlee)
LinkedIn – Rob Greenlee
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee)
Instagram – Rob Greenlee
https://www.instagram.com/robwgreenlee (Rob Greenlee)
X.com – Rob Greenlee
https://x.com/robgreenlee (Rob Greenlee)
Adore Podcast Network
https://AdoreNetwork.com (Rob Greenlee)
Podcast Hall of Fame
https://PodcastHall.com (Rob Greenlee)
Guest Arielle Nissenblatt
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-nissenblatt
EarBuds Podcast Collective:
https://earbuds.audio/
Pinwheel by Audily:
https://pinwheelshows.com/
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If you’re trying to figure out how to build a future-proof show in 2026, the answer is not a new platform or a new gimmick.
On Weds, February 18th Live Episode #651 of the New Media Show, Rob Greenlee, Host, 2017 Podcast Hall of Famer and CEO of Trust Factor Lab