Prologue
Small Audiences, Cheap Equipment
One of my goals for this year is to release more short, "storytelling" episodes of Build a Big Podcast.
Here are the first three, each about a musician you've heard of and each with an important lesson to help grow your podcast ...
Want more? Make sure you subscribe to the podcast.
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Podcaster Opportunities
Did I Just Get Lucky?
Did I just get lucky?
This is a common question for podcasters, authors, and others I work with. And, yes, sometimes you were just lucky—we need to be honest with ourselves about this.
For example, being in the right place at the right time. Or "getting the gig" because you knew somebody.
But there were plenty of times when it was your skill that enabled you to be successful ...
If you've ever doubted yourself or gotten in your head about your podcast and its success, you'll love this video.
Some notes ...
💪 Overcoming Fear of Failure
- Fear of abilities and potential failure can be paralyzing—it's OK to admit this.
- Past failures do not define future performance. You can always change your path.
- Embrace the process of starting, even if you're scared.
- Recognize and appreciate your growth over time—you are getting better, even if you can't see it.
🐴 Shaking Off Self-Doubt
- Let go of negative self-perceptions (too fat, too late)—most isn't accurate.
- Use physical movement and connection with others to release tension. Get outside and touch grass!
- Recognize the importance of emotional energy to fuel action. If you're exhausted, it's OK to take some time to regroup.
❤️ Self-Compassion and Generosity
- Extend love and chances to yourself as you do for others.
- Acknowledge personal failures without harsh judgment—they are learning experiences.
- Recognize that everyone has their struggles and deserves kindness, including you.
🪨 Embracing the Journey
- View your work as valuable in itself, not just a means to an end.
- Appreciate the uniqueness of each step in your journey.
- Accept imperfections in your process and output—not everything you do will be "the best."
✍️ Taking Action and Enjoying Your Podcasting Work
- Stop waiting for conditions to be perfect to begin.
- Recognize that even dull efforts can leave an impact.
- Find joy in the act of doing, not just the outcomes.
Want to work through this with others? This is one of the reasons I built Big Podcast AMP. You shouldn't have to do this alone!
Podcast Hosting Skills
What Makes a Good Host?
Skeletor knows.
In other words, it's life experience, which is often bumpy, that brings empathy and understanding. This is why Zita Christian can go deeper with a caregiver spouse than most hosts. It's why Pedro Pena can connect with people who stutter.
Dig into your experience!
Podcast Production
35 Lessons for Podcasters
Some great lessons for newsletter writers that also apply to podcasters.
Some highlights ...
- There's no competition for your personal voice.
- Build relationships. All you need is one relationship to change or save your project, career, or life.
- Be human. People recognize spam. People recognize a sales pitch. People also recognize honest, direct communication. This is where podcasts excel. Be real. Be vulnerable.
- The best metric is listener interaction.
- Perfection sucks and it’s boring.
- No one cares. You have to give them reasons to care. Earn five seconds of their attention. Then, earn the next five. Repeat.
- New idea? Just start. You can’t establish relationships if you’re not out there. Whatever it takes, get your idea out there now. Course correct, if and when needed. Every failure is possible entertainment for your audience.
- Be consistent. People are creatures of habit. That’s why consistency works. Become a part of their routine.
- Deliver value. Solve someone else’s problem—the bigger the better.
- Only one person is listening to your podcast at a time. You are not a broadcaster.
More thoughts on the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Podcast Humor
Relationship Advice - Part 2
When I was in college, I had a female friend come to me, really angry that her boyfriend didn't spend as much on her Valentine's Day gift as she'd spent on his.
I remember thinking, "This feels really transactional." But I also understood the emotion behind it—the issue wasn't really about money.
The same thing is true for podcasters and "downloads."
Do you really want "more downloads" or are you looking for something you think more downloads will provide?
More thoughts on the audio edition of this newsletter ...
Classifieds
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
The Wrap Up
Do This Next ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services