Hot Take: Your Summer Content Didn’t Flop — Moms Just Aren’t Listening
Now hear me out — I totally get it. You’ve poured time, energy, and intention into your podcast. Perhaps you batch-recorded, nailed your marketing, and stayed consistent…
But the downloads? They’re still dipping. And you’re starting to wonder:
Did I lose momentum?
Is my podcast even working?
Where did I go wrong?
First, don’t fret - take a deep breath. You didn’t do anything wrong — it’s completely normal to see a drop in numbers during the summer months.
In fact, it’s the perfect reminder: stop obsessing over downloads.
Because chances are, your content didn’t flop. Moms just aren’t listening as much right now.
Summer is not peak season for your audience — most are in full-blown survival mode. Kids are home 24/7, routines are out the window, family trips are happening, and alone time? Basically nonexistent.
So, it’s not you, your topic, or your talent. It’s just the season.
So what now? Keep reading. Let’s talk about what might be weighing on you, what’s actually worth focusing on right now, and how to shift your mindset moving forward.
The Struggle? Obsessing Over Downloads
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve seen a drop in your podcast downloads — and it’s starting to mess with your head a little.
But let me remind you: downloads are not the whole story.
I’m willing to bet you didn’t start your podcast to chase stats. You started it to connect. To share something real. To speak truth, offer value, or create something that matters.
Still, it’s so easy — especially in the early stages or during a slow season — to get caught up in the numbers and spiral into self-doubt.
But here’s the truth: data doesn’t equal impact.
And it definitely doesn’t define your worth or the value of your work.
Think about the DMs that hit deep, the heartfelt comments people leave behind, the quiet “me too”s from moms who feel seen. That’s the real magic. That’s why you started this.
Downloads can be helpful, sure — but they’re also a vanity metric that can distract you from your deeper mission and goals if you’re not careful.
So… what should you be focusing on instead?
Focus on this…
Instead of fixating on the numbers, shift your focus — especially during the quieter summer season — to what really matters.
Here’s where your energy is better spent:
Reconnection — with your why, your audience, and your own voice.
Engagement — the DMs you get, story shares, and unexpected “this hit me” messages
Content with heart — even if only 12 people listened, they heard you.
Sustainable creativity — create from your current capacity, not from pressure.
Reflection — review what’s resonating. Can you repackage or re-share content that still holds value
Connection-building — ask your listeners what they want, highlight their stories, go behind the scenes, and let them see the real you.
It’s easy to spiral into the data. But when you pull back, there’s so much more to focus on — the things that remind you why you started this show in the first place.
Let that be your guide.
Reframe it for the seasons ahead
Another powerful shift to make right now? Reframing your mindset — and your show — for the rest of the year.
If you’re feeling stuck, let this be your reset.
Think of summer as the season for planting seeds — and fall and winter as the time to nurture their growth.
Here are a few mindset reframes to carry you through:
Instead of: “Why didn’t this perform?”
Try: “Who needed this — and how can I show up even better for them next time?”Instead of: Panicking over the dip
Try: Trusting the season, the cycle, and the value of your content
Because even if the numbers aren’t aligning right now, your voice and knowledge still matter.
Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in perspective to move through the hard moments — and reconnect with the deeper reason you started this in the first place.
Nurture your growth
It’s time to stop spiraling and start reconnecting.
Your content didn’t miss the mark — it just may not have fully landed yet.
Moms will come back. As the school year picks up and routines return, so will the listeners.
But in the meantime, the most important thing? Stay true to your voice.
Keep showing up. Keep creating with your heart. Keep offering value — even if it feels quiet right now.
The rest will follow.
So, let us know - what episode did you create this summer that you're proud of — even if no one heard it yet? Drop it in the comments or re-share it. Someone still needs it.
Aleea
