Running a successful podcast while managing multiple subscriber platforms can feel like juggling flaming torches.
If you’re using Ghost for your website and newsletter management but hosting your podcast on Castos, you’ve probably found yourself manually transferring subscriber information between platforms…a time-consuming process that’s prone to errors.
What if you could automate this entirely?
Today’s savvy content creators are moving beyond traditional public podcasting to embrace private and hybrid podcasting models that reward their most engaged subscribers with exclusive content. But managing these premium subscriber lists across multiple platforms shouldn’t require a degree in data management.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to connect Ghost to Castos using Zapier automation, so every new newsletter subscriber automatically gains access to your private or hybrid podcast content.
No spreadsheets, no manual uploads, no missed opportunities.
Understanding the Three Types of Podcasting
Before we dive into the technical setup, let’s clarify the different podcasting models available to modern creators:
Public Podcasts: The Traditional Approach
Public podcasts are the conventional shows you’ll find on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major directories. These serve as powerful content marketing tools designed to:
- Build brand awareness
- Attract new audiences
- Establish thought leadership
- Generate leads for your business
While public podcasts remain the majority of podcasting content, times are changing rapidly.
Private Podcasts: Your Exclusive Member Content
Think of private podcasts like a membership site in audio form. Only subscribers who have taken specific actions. These could be things like joining your email list, purchasing a course, or paying for premium access.
Private podcasts are great for:
- Rewarding loyal subscribers with exclusive insights
- Creating additional revenue streams through premium content
- Building deeper relationships with your most engaged audience
- Delivering course content or coaching materials in an easily consumable format
Hybrid Podcasts: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid podcasting represents the evolution of the “freemium” model, similar to platforms like Substack. You provide regular public content while offering exclusive subscriber benefits such as:
- Early access to new episodes
- Ad-free listening experiences
- Access to your complete back catalog
- Bonus content and behind-the-scenes material
- Q&A sessions with subscribers only
Note: Private and hybrid podcasting capabilities are exclusive to Castos, giving you advanced monetization options that other hosting platforms simply can’t match.
Why Automate Ghost-to-Castos Integration?
Manual subscriber management between platforms creates several problems:
- Time drain: Constantly uploading and downloading spreadsheets
- Human error: Missed subscribers or incorrect information entry
- Delayed access: New subscribers waiting days or weeks for premium content
- Scalability issues: Manual processes break down as your audience grows
- Lost revenue: Frustrated subscribers may cancel before accessing premium content
Automation solves all of these problems while creating a seamless experience that delights your subscribers and protects your revenue.
Setting Up Your Ghost-to-Castos Automation
Step 1: Prepare Your Castos Dashboard
First, ensure your Castos account has at least one hybrid or private podcast configured.
For the video above, we’re working with a private podcast called “Super Secret Cast”—but you can name yours whatever fits your brand and content strategy.
Step 2: Access Zapier Integration
Castos integrates seamlessly with Zapier, the automation platform that connects thousands of different apps and services. If you haven’t used Zapier before, think of it as “if this, then that” logic:
- “If this” = A new member joins your Ghost newsletter
- “Then that” = Automatically add them as a private subscriber in Castos
Step 3: Configure the Ghost Trigger
In your Zapier account:
- Create a new Zap
- Select Ghost as your trigger app
- Choose “Member Created” as the triggering event (Ghost’s term for new subscribers)
- Connect your Ghost account using API credentials
Step 4: Get Your Ghost API Credentials
To connect Ghost and Zapier:
- Navigate to your Ghost dashboard settings
- Scroll to the Integrations section
- Find the Zapier integration option
- Copy your API key and API URL
- Paste these credentials into Zapier
This gives Zapier permission to monitor your Ghost account for new member activity.
Step 5: Configure the Castos Action
Now for the “then that” portion:
- Select Castos as your action app
- Choose “Create Private Subscriber” as the action
- Connect your Castos account
- Select your private or hybrid podcast from the dropdown menu
- Map the email address field from Ghost to Castos
- Map the name field from Ghost to Castos
Step 6: Test and Publish
Before going live:
- Test the integration to ensure data flows correctly
- Verify that subscriber information appears properly in Castos
- Publish your Zap to activate the automation
That’s it! Your Ghost-to-Castos automation is now live and working 24/7.
Advanced Integration Possibilities
While we’ve focused on Ghost in this tutorial, Castos integrates with thousands of other platforms through Zapier, including:
- Kit (which has native Castos integration)
- Active Campaign
- Mailchimp
- Beehive
- Google Forms
- Course platforms like Teachable or Thinkific
- Membership sites like MemberPress
- E-commerce platforms with customer data like Shopify or WooCommerce
The same “if this, then that” logic applies regardless of your source platform.
Why Private and Hybrid Podcasting Changes Everything
Traditional podcasting treats all listeners equally. But your most engaged subscribers deserve more. Private and hybrid podcasting allows you to:
Monetize Your Expertise More Effectively
Rather than relying solely on advertising or sponsorships, you can create direct revenue streams through premium podcast content. Financial advisors can offer market analysis, coaches can provide exclusive training sessions, and consultants can share case studies that would never appear in public content.
Build Stronger Client Relationships
Exclusive content creates intimacy that public podcasts can’t match. When subscribers feel they’re getting insider access to your best thinking, they develop stronger emotional connections to your brand; the foundation of long-term client relationships.
Segment Your Audience Strategically
Not all content is appropriate for all audiences. Private podcasts let you share:
- Advanced strategies for experienced clients
- Industry-specific insights for niche segments
- Personal stories that build deeper connections
- Sensitive topics that require context and trust
Create Compelling Lead Magnets
A private podcast series can serve as an incredibly valuable lead magnet. Instead of offering another PDF download, you can promise exclusive audio content that prospects actually want to consume.
The Future of Content Monetization
We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in how elite creators approach content strategy. The “spray and pray” approach of public-only content is giving way to sophisticated audience segmentation that rewards engagement and drives revenue.
Private and hybrid podcasting sits at the center of this evolution, offering creators the ability to:
- Nurture prospects with valuable free content
- Convert subscribers with exclusive premium content
- Retain clients through ongoing value delivery
- Scale expertise without trading time for money
Getting Started with Castos
Ready to transform your content strategy with private and hybrid podcasting?
Start your free 14-day trial at Castos.com and discover why thousands of content creators, from financial advisors, coaches, and consultants to indie hobbiest choose our platform for their podcasting needs.
Already have a podcast on another platform? We’ll migrate everything for you with literally the click of a button.
