Podcast + Purpose: How to Monetize Without Selling Out

I need to tell you about a podcast I love. It’s called The Glitter Effect. It's just launched. It’s values-led. It’s full of heart. It celebrates volunteers, everyday leaders, and the people who show up even when no one’s watching.

And the woman behind it?

Kate Gniel. Former PR pro. Long-time advocate for purpose-led storytelling. And a total powerhouse when it comes to community connection.

She built this podcast from scratch. No studio. No team. Just a mission to spread stories that remind us what kindness looks like in action.

But last week, we jumped on a coaching call and the energy was different.

Kate is doing all the right things…

She’s booking amazing guests,

She’s promoting every episode,

She’s pouring hours into production,

And still…

“It’s costing me money. I know it’s meant to be a movement, but I can’t keep footing the bill forever.”

And she’s not alone.

Most purpose-led podcasters hit this moment.

They’ve built something beautiful. But it’s not paying them back yet. It's only costing them.

Here’s what we unpacked on that call, and why Kate’s on track to shift everything.

The Real Monetization Shift: From “Sponsor Me” to “Partner With Me”

Kate came in thinking about affiliate marketing.

Totally fair, it’s sold to creators as low-lift, values-aligned, and flexible.

But also? Unreliable. It rewards clicks, not connection. And the truth is for new shows and people building genuine connection, it's a lot of work. To ask you listeners to click a link, use a code AND buy the thing - that's a heavy lift.

What she really needed was a way to get paid up front — not cross her fingers that someone uses a code.

So we rewrote the plan.

We mapped out:

✅ A testable 4-week pilot offer she can pitch to aligned brands

✅ A one-pager that positions The Glitter Effect as a platform, not just a podcast

✅ A strategy to invite partners into the story, not just the ad slot

✅ A boundary: if a brand wants to reach her audience, there’s a clear container for it (with dates, deliverables, and space to review)

We talked about episodes that feel like activations, not content. We worked out how to create simple clip packs for guests to share. We mapped a monetization strategy that still protects her integrity — and her energy.

Kate’s building something so much bigger than a podcast. This is a brand. A movement. A platform that will (and should) attract values-aligned partners, guests, and collaborators.

But here’s the reminder we both needed:

Heart isn’t enough. It needs a frame.

What I told Kate (and what I’m telling you too):

→ Know your number — even if it’s just what you need to break even

→ Package your platform — your podcast is just one piece

→ Protect your energy — unpaid work has an expiry date

→ Give brands something real to say yes to — not “let me know if you're interested”

Kate walked away from that call with a partnership she’s ready to refine — and other offers she can now shape with confidence.

The Glitter Effect deserves that. So does yours.

And if you want to follow Kate’s journey, start here: https://theglittereffect.com.au/

Want to turn your own podcast into a platform that gets paid? We've got 1 coaching spot open starting mid next month. Let's connect and see if we can help you → Book your free 15-minute Fit Call.