To monetize a YouTube podcast, prioritize brand deals over AdSense since a single sponsorship can outperform months of ad revenue. Build a media kit with audience demographics, retention stats, and engagement metrics. Price using CPM: pre-roll ($15–25), mid-roll ($20–50), post-roll ($10–15). Start by pitching niche-aligned brands you already use, then scale through platforms like Podcorn, Gumball, or AdvertiseCast. Grow reach with short-form clips to increase leverage. Always get deals in writing with FTC disclosure terms. The first deal is the hardest, results compound from there.