When “Unsubscribe” Means Nothing: A Warning About Bad-Faith Podcast Bookers
Let’s talk about a particular brand of podcast booker that has completely lost my trust — and keeps showing up like a bad penny.
Despite multiple unsubscribes.
Despite direct messages.
Despite reporting them to SendGrid for violating email marketing rules.
They’re still at it. This morning, I woke up to find myself magically re-subscribed to their list — again. Yes, I reported them. Again. Not that it seems to make a difference.
This isn’t just sloppy or annoying. It’s dishonest. It’s the kind of unethical list-padding and audience manipulation that gives podcast booking professionals a bad name. I run a long-standing, well-ranked podcast. My inbox is already overflowing with requests — I do not need to be repeatedly harassed, especially after explicitly opting out for very valid reasons.
Let’s be clear:
If someone unsubscribes, you take them off your list.
If someone reports you, you do not double down and add them back.
If you're representing clients, you better believe your behavior reflects on them — and I will remember.
To the good podcast bookers out there: thank you. You follow process. You respect boundaries. You care about actual fit between guest and host.
But to those of you who keep re-adding, re-sending, and pretending you’re doing outreach when what you’re really doing is spamming — this is your warning. I will not work with you. I will not consider your clients. And I will not keep quiet about how you operate.
Has anyone else dealt with this kind of aggressive list abuse? If you’ve found a way to shut it down permanently or escalate it successfully, I’d love to know. Because honestly — enough is enough.
Denise Griffitts
Host Your Partner In Success Radio