Have you ever had a launch that "failed?" This episode is for you
Tue Feb 03 2026
Sometimes the most successful launches don't look like you expected them to.
I set out to sell 50 spots in Podcast Launch Prep Week. I sold 15.
By traditional metrics, I "failed." But here's what actually happened: 66% converted to ongoing clients, participants showed up live all week, I felt more alive in my work than I had all year, and I knew immediately I'd run it again.
This episode pulls back the curtain on what success actually looks like when you're not measuring it purely by revenue. I'm sharing real numbers, real struggles with 2025's political chaos draining my business energy, and how an "unsuccessful" launch taught me more about my zone of genius than any six-figure win ever could.
In this episode:
Why I went MIA (and why your podcast can survive it)
The real numbers behind Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 1
How I measure success beyond signup numbers
What surprised me most about delivering the program
The December timing mistake I won't repeat
Why your revenue goals aren't your clients' responsibility
Where we're going from here with Round 2
Mentioned in this episode:
Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 2: February 23-27, 2026
Registration: podfoxmedia.com/launch-prep-week
Standard: $199 | VIP with hot seat coaching: $299 (*recommended)
If you've been thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, this is your week to plan your launch, strategy, and first six months of episodes. Join us.
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
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Sometimes the most successful launches don't look like you expected them to. I set out to sell 50 spots in Podcast Launch Prep Week. I sold 15. By traditional metrics, I "failed." But here's what actually happened: 66% converted to ongoing clients, participants showed up live all week, I felt more alive in my work than I had all year, and I knew immediately I'd run it again. This episode pulls back the curtain on what success actually looks like when you're not measuring it purely by revenue. I'm sharing real numbers, real struggles with 2025's political chaos draining my business energy, and how an "unsuccessful" launch taught me more about my zone of genius than any six-figure win ever could. In this episode: Why I went MIA (and why your podcast can survive it) The real numbers behind Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 1 How I measure success beyond signup numbers What surprised me most about delivering the program The December timing mistake I won't repeat Why your revenue goals aren't your clients' responsibility Where we're going from here with Round 2 Mentioned in this episode: Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 2: February 23-27, 2026 Registration: podfoxmedia.com/launch-prep-week Standard: $199 | VIP with hot seat coaching: $299 (*recommended) If you've been thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, this is your week to plan your launch, strategy, and first six months of episodes. Join us. Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation. Launch Your Own Podcast: Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast. https://launchmyshow.com/ Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business: https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/ https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness