How To Start and Grow a Podcast in 2025: Dennis Yu

Mar 24, 2025

Yes, you read that right—we filmed this episode of the Local Marketing Secrets podcast in front of the actual pyramids of Egypt. No green screens here. I was traveling with my friend Dennis Yu, and we thought: what better place to drop some serious podcast wisdom than one of the wonders of the world?

In this post, I want to break down what we talked about: why you should start a podcast, how to grow it even if you're starting from scratch, and how podcasting has completely changed my business and network—and can do the same for you.

/ / / / / / / /

Why a Podcast Is a Cheat Code for Business Growth

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: podcasting is free coaching, networking, and authority-building all in one.

Dennis hit the nail on the head—people learn by association. When you’re seen with top experts in your space, it positions you as one of them. Instead of saying “I’m great at SEO” or “I help pest control companies grow,” now I just point people to the podcast. I’ve interviewed Greg Gifford, Joy Hawkins, Josh Nelson, Mike Blumenthal, Jonas Olsson, Neil Patel, and so many others. Those conversations speak for themselves.

And what’s wild is, when you host someone on your podcast, they often invite you on theirs too. That creates an insane flywheel of exposure and trust. Suddenly, people you used to look up to are texting you, sharing your content, and tagging you in posts. I’ve had podcast guests offer to help me with anything I need—just because I brought them value first.

You Don’t Need a Studio. You Just Need to Start.

I launched my first podcast using my laptop camera. It wasn’t fancy. My first name for it? The Pest Control SEO Podcast. Real creative, I know. But the key was—I just started. My first few guests weren’t huge names. I improved as I went. Eventually, the show evolved into what it is now: Local Marketing Secrets.

Dennis and I both agree: perfection kills momentum. Your first few episodes won’t be perfect. That’s fine. Record with your phone. Use a $200 mic. Interview a friend or someone slightly ahead of you in your niche. Just get rolling. Once you have a few solid episodes, you can start reaching out to bigger guests.

“But How Do I Get People to Say Yes?”

This is one of the biggest mental barriers people have. And honestly? It's easier than you think.

Here’s the play Dennis and I both use:

Watch or read a guest’s recent content (actually do your homework).
DM or message them something like:
“Hey [Name], I loved your episode on [Podcast]—especially when you talked about [specific thing]. I run a show called [Podcast Name] where I interview [who your show is for]. I’d love to have you on for a quick convo about [something they’re known for]. I’ll make sure the episode gets at least 10,000 views. Let me know if you’re down!”

That message works. It shows respect, it’s not spammy, and it offers them value.

Bonus tip: Comment publicly on their content first (especially on YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook). It helps you stand out when you send the DM later.

Don’t Just Record—Repurpose

This is something I wish more podcasters understood. A single podcast can become:

A long-form YouTube video
7–15 short video clips for reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts
A blog post (like this one!)
A LinkedIn article or newsletter
Facebook posts
A lead magnet
Podcast newsletter content
Twitter/X threads
Quotes for carousels

Dennis calls this turning one burrito into tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. Same ingredients, different format. The key is: the raw footage needs to be good. That’s why authentic, in-person, real conversations crush AI-generated stuff every time.

Want Views? Pay to Play

Here’s the move almost nobody makes: boost your best episodes.

Dennis and I both run “dollar-a-day” ad campaigns on Facebook, YouTube, and even LinkedIn. That means $7 for 7 days to push one episode to the right audience. You can target people interested in your guest, your niche, or your location.

If I want a guest to say yes, I’ll tell them: “Hey, I’ll guarantee 10,000 views.” Because I will—I’ll run ads until we get there.

And when you’re starting out, spending $50–100 to promote a killer episode is a no-brainer. If you’re not doing this yet, you’re missing out on the compounding effects of distribution.

Focus on the Relationship, Not Just the Recording

One thing Dennis said that really stuck with me: the podcast isn’t just the interview—it’s the start of a friendship. I’ve had guests invite me to events, text me strategy ideas, introduce me to other industry leaders, and engage with my content regularly… all because of one podcast episode.

So don’t make it transactional. Do your research. Hype your guest up. Send them socks with their face on them if you have to (yes, Dennis actually does this). Treat it like the beginning of a long-term relationship.

Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Start Was Yesterday. The Next Best Time Is Now.

If you’re still overthinking the name, mic, title, or camera—stop. Just start. My podcast changed my business and my network in ways I never imagined. It’s led to more clients, more authority, and more authentic relationships than anything else I’ve done.

And like Dennis says, you don’t need to be famous to start. The podcast is how you become known.

Want Help Starting Your Podcast?

If you’re a local business owner or agency looking to start a podcast and use it to grow your brand, let’s talk. I’ve helped several people launch theirs—and I’m happy to give you a game plan.

Shoot me a message on LinkedIn or check out more podcast episodes here.

P.S. Check out the full episode here: