Company case study
Drew Ackerman's Sleep With Me Podcast
Drew Ackerman's Sleep With Me Podcast is a podcast designed to help adults fall asleep through storytelling. It came up on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "682: Beating Side Hustle Burnout: 14 Strategies for Sustainable Success" (aired July 14, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | 682: Beating Side Hustle Burnout: 14 Strategies for Sustainable Success |
| Aired | July 14, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | Drew Ackerman monetized the podcast through Patreon, merchandise, and sponsorships, leading to a full-time income. |
| Category | Media |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
682: Beating Side Hustle Burnout: 14 Strategies for Sustainable Success · aired July 14, 2025 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
The podcast fills a niche for adults seeking lighthearted bedtime stories, which resonates with listeners looking for relaxation.
Founding story
Drew started the podcast in 2013 as an experiment to see if there was an audience for silly bedtime stories.
The playbook
He used 'quit dates' to assess the podcast's viability and communicate with listeners to encourage sharing for growth.
Also mentioned
After years of consistent effort, Drew was able to transition from his day job to podcasting full-time.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Spotify's podcast distribution platform allows Drew Ackerman to reach a vast audience with his Sleep With Me Podcast, which offers lighthearted bedtime stories to help adults fall asleep. Initially, Ackerman generated revenue through Patreon, where fans directly support the podcast in exchange for exclusive content. The business faces a risk from reliance on platform algorithms, which can affect discoverability and listener engagement.