Do you want to start a podcast and build your personal and professional brand, but find yourself hesitating to take that crucial first step? 😅
I understand the fears and doubts that can hold us back from pursuing our podcasting dreams. That's why, as the host of Fearless Podcasting, I want to share my own experiences and insights to inspire and guide you in starting your podcast before you feel completely ready.
Hi, I’m Jamie Kennedy, the Executive Podcast Producer at Brave Moon Podcasts and I help health and fitness professionals build successful podcasts.
In this episode (and article!), we'll dive into the psychology, practical tools, and strategies that will empower you to overcome obstacles and embrace the journey of podcasting.
Together, let's discover why waiting for perfect equipment or a large audience is unnecessary, and how mistakes can actually fuel your growth.
In this episode, we talk about…
Embracing the Power of Starting Before You're Ready: As someone who deeply wanted to start my own podcast, I understand how fear can paralyze us. Through my own personal journey, I'll share the importance of taking that leap of faith and beginning your podcasting adventure, even if you feel unprepared. Discover the transformative impact of starting before you're ready and how it can lead to extraordinary results.
Practical Tools and Strategies: Let's tackle the practical aspects of podcasting. I'll guide you through effective time management strategies to prioritize podcasting amidst your busy schedule. We'll explore the essential equipment needed to kick-start your podcasting journey without breaking the bank. Additionally, we'll discuss the value of shifting our mindset from doing it for ourselves to serving others, and the benefits of seeking support from a podcast producer.
Embracing Imperfection and Learning from Mistakes: I want to assure you that perfection is not a prerequisite for podcasting success. In fact, embracing imperfection and recognizing that mistakes are inevitable can actually propel your growth as a podcaster. I'll share personal stories of stumbling over my words and encountering technical glitches, demonstrating how these moments can become valuable lessons on the road to improvement.
Empowerment to Take Action: Together, we'll cultivate a mindset of empowerment. I'll provide you with practical tips and motivating insights to help you overcome any barriers that have been holding you back. Whether you're a busy professional juggling multiple responsibilities or an aspiring podcaster seeking guidance, this episode will empower you to press that record button and embark on your podcasting journey. Let's turn your aspirations into reality.
Transcribed Podcast Episode
Do you dream about starting a podcast to build your personal and professional brand, but haven't yet pursued action in order to make it happen? Or worse, feel that you've given up on your podcast before even starting? That is exactly how I feel about this podcast. I dreamed about this podcast a year ago. I sat on the idea for over six months. Would I have enough to talk about? Would I say the right things? What if I start and then nobody listens?
In December, I had a momentary burst of ideation and I quickly recorded my trailer. I designed my podcast cover in Canva myself and being the podcast producer I am, had it up on Spotify and Apple podcasts all within a week. And then guess what? It sat there for five months. Why? Because the doubt creeped in again. What if I don't say the right things?
What if nobody wants to listen to me? I also should preface this all by telling you right off the bat, I am an over-thinker and a total perfectionist. When I do something, I have the hardest time doing it at 50%. It's like if someone asked me for an apple and I end up baking an apple pie for them instead. Hearing those words out loud, I know how ridiculous that sounds, but still, I do it.
And if any of you can relate, thank you. So that is what happened with my podcast. I really wanted to start it, but I got into my fear about everything and ended up leaving it in the dust, at least temporarily, because about a month ago, I started working with a new podcaster. In her career and life, this woman is so impressive. She's been in a leadership role for over 12 years.
managed every size team, and is now an executive director at one of the top tiered universities in California. Feeling like she was in a bit of a rut in her career, she came to me with the glimmer of an idea to start a podcast. From the first moment we chatted, I was adamant and passionate for her. I told her about how a podcast would be perfect for her, that she didn't have to sit back and idly wait for a new opportunity to pull her out of her rut.
that she could take the reins of her own life and start a passion project that really meant something to her. That not a single podcast episode would be wasted because ultimately every episode is a step toward building her personal and professional brand. And so we worked together and established her target audience and niche. She would share everything she knows about being a leader, change the story of what makes a good manager, and challenge the status quo of corporate America.
Two episodes in and she has already smashed through one of the KPIs we set for her. And here I was, afraid to hit record on my first episode. And that is when a little voice whispered to me, start before you are ready. Start with the apple, not the apple pie. Meaning start with one episode and slowly start building out an entire podcast season. So here I am recording my first episode. And guess what?
It seemed only fitting that we're going to talk about the psychology, practical tools, and strategies that you can use to start before you are ready.
Before we jump into today's topic, you should know a little about what I do at Brave Moon Podcast. I am a podcast producer and I help busy professionals launch and build successful podcasts from home. And if you couldn't guess, home is exactly where I am right now, recording from my cute little office in the back corner of the apartment I share with my husband and my adorable dog, Riggs, who is actually sleeping at my feet at the moment. To learn more about what I do, you can jump on my website and
be sure to download my free startup podcast guide, which houses my comprehensive startup podcast checklist, plus my top recommendations for audio equipment, podcast host, and recording platforms. Check out the links in my show notes now.
So first, let's start with talking about what it means to start a podcast before you are ready. Podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for sharing stories, insights, and advice on a wide range of topics. But for many people, the thought of starting a podcast can be daunting. You may feel you need to have all the right equipment, a perfectly polished script, and a large audience before you even consider launching your own podcast. However, the truth is that it's better to start before you're ready.
Starting a podcast can be a lot like starting any new venture. There will always be a million reasons not to do it. You might feel like you don't have enough time. You might worry that you don't have anything interesting to say, or you might be concerned that your voice isn't right for podcasting. Other things I hear from my podcasters are things like, I'm too busy. I won't be able to keep it up. I don't know what to talk about.
These are all valid concerns, but they are also obstacles that you can overcome. One of the best things about podcasts is that they can be created with relatively little equipment. You don't need to invest thousands of dollars in high-end equipment or a professional studio to get started. All you really need is a computer or smartphone, a microphone, and some basic editing software. You can then record your show from the comfort of your own home.
and upload it to a hosting platform with just a few clicks. To put this in perspective, I work with one of the largest gym brands in the world on their podcast. And the host records from home with $150 mic and uses a recording platform that costs less than $20 a month. Anyone, big or small, can record a podcast from home. If you're looking for great audio equipment you can purchase today directly from Amazon, check out that
free Startup Podcast guide I mentioned, which I've linked for you in the show notes. No, seriously, you can buy a great microphone for under 70 US dollars today. And I've included a direct link to shop for that microphone in my startup podcast guide. Another important thing to remember is that your podcast doesn't need to be perfect from the get-go. I know, take it from the turning apple into apple pie girl. You will inevitably make mistakes.
stumble over your words and have technical issues along the way. Similar to what you're hearing today. Even as a podcast producer, I know I'm making mistakes and I know I could be doing this better or promoting this better in some way I don't even know about yet. But I'm still here showing up for you and this podcast and doing it because I really, really want this to be my reality. And it's all part of the learning process. See, the mistakes, the errors and problem solving will only make you better.
as you continue to make new episodes. You'll find your footing, you'll find your workflow, and you'll ask for feedback and recommendations that will make your podcast the best it can be. In fact, many of the most successful podcasters started out with less than perfect shows, but they kept going and eventually found their voice. If you don't believe me, go back and listen to the first couple episodes of your favorite podcast and see if they sound any different. Whether it's audio quality, interview questions, and conversation flow,
or confidence in your tone, you'll usually see a huge improvement as the episodes progress. And whether you listen to them from the beginning or not, these subtle improvements every single time isn't registering to you. What registers to you as the listener is the connection that you're building with that podcaster, the loyalty you feel with the community they've built. That's what matters the most. Starting before you're ready can help you to build momentum and gain confidence.
The longer you wait to launch your show, the more time you have to talk yourself out of it. Look at me, I spent almost a year talking myself out of it simply because I couldn't talk myself into it. But if you take the plunge and release your first episode, you'll have taken a crucial first step towards achieving your podcasting goals. And as you continue to produce episodes and build an audience, you'll become more comfortable with the process and more confident in your abilities. Of course, starting a podcast before you're ready isn't always easy.
You're going to have to leave your old routine behind in order to fit your podcast into your new weekly routine. You're going to have to re-prioritize things. You're going to have to keep going even when you're not getting the external validation that you deserve. It can be scary to put yourself out there, and it can be frustrating to struggle with technical issues or other challenges. But the rewards can be enormous. Podcasting can be a powerful way to connect with others.
share your knowledge and experiences and build a platform for your ideas. And the sooner you start, the sooner you can begin to reap these benefits. So here's five hacks to starting a podcast before you're ready. Number one, motivation comes after action, not before. This is really confusing for a lot of people, but it's the most important lesson you'll ever learn. It can be applied to so many things.
Going to the gym doesn't take motivation, it takes action. Reading a book doesn't take motivation, it takes action. Starting a podcast doesn't take motivation, it takes action. Regardless of what you want to get motivated about, the answer always begins with action. It's how our brains work. Once you start the action and continue with the action, your brain starts to release the necessary hormones and sciencey stuff.
to turn your action into a routine, which could be referred to as when you get quote unquote motivation. But until that point, you are going to need to go against every natural instinct you have in order to move beyond your current routine and start doing the thing that you want to do. In this case, a podcast. Number two, you're not too busy. You're just not prioritizing this to make it happen. It's a harsh truth to hear, but
What you're doing on a daily basis is what you are prioritizing. It may feel like you don't have a choice and frankly, some things you don't. You have kids, you have a job, you have obligations. Believe me, I get it because I have them too. But is there any wiggle room? Do you work more hours than you actually owe to your job by chance? Do you spend time on your phone or social media and then look up to notice the sky has darkened? No, just me?
You are busy, I know that. You don't have to change anything you're doing, but what I'm asking is, is there anything you can re-prioritize in order to make this dream of yours come true? Number three, you don't need fancy equipment you can record with your smartphone. You don't need fancy equipment, you can record with very basic equipment. In fact, at the bare minimum, you can record your podcast with your smartphone.
Personally, I do recommend investing a small amount in your microphone and accessories setup. I mentioned earlier that I have a startup podcast checklist and you're welcome to check that out in my show notes. Every microphone and accessories setup that I recommend is well under $500. Number four, stop focusing on doing the podcast for you and start doing it to serve others. This is such an important life lesson. You can definitely start a podcast for yourself, but oftentimes these reasons can be superficial.
But the moment that you realize that your podcast is about building a community, connecting with like-minded individuals, and ultimately helping them on their journey, is the moment your podcast becomes bigger than you. So every time you start to worry that your podcast isn't perfect or you've made a mistake, you'll also be able to remind yourself that you were doing the podcast because it's helping others grow and learn. And that's a really special mindset to have. Number five, hire a podcast producer.
You knew I had to throw this hack in there, right? As tacky as it is to mention my services, you should know that hiring a podcast producer is going to be the best solution to starting a podcast before you are ready. In my launch package, for instance, I help you strategize, plan, and niche your podcast. I help you decide on a name, I help you with theme music, podcast description, script writing, the trailer, cover art, and get you on the listening platforms you dream about.
like Spotify and Apple podcasts. Plus, I take care of editing and scheduling your first four episodes. I've included a link in the show notes and you're welcome to check that out. Let's dive into tangible, accessible programs, techniques, and advice you can use today to launch and build your podcast. First and foremost, choose a topic. The question I ask every new podcaster is, what do you want people to know about you personally and professionally?
Oftentimes your answer gets to the heart of the matter. We all want to be known for something. For me, it's storytelling and podcasting. For my podcaster, Megan Scollay-Casillas it's leadership. For another of my podcaster, Meg Durham, it's well-being for teachers. We all have something we're passionate about and that we want the world to see too. And oftentimes, what you're most passionate about is actually something you can teach others about as well. So choose a topic and then decide who do you want to teach it to?
In other words, who is your target audience and listener? Now I do have a podcast niche worksheet. It will only take you about 15 to 20 minutes to brainstorm and discover what your podcast niche and name should be. It truly will take you from confused to confident in your podcast niche and name. I will link that in the show notes as well. And this leads me to my second piece of advice. It's time to select a name.
Choosing a name can be really intimidating, but don't worry. In the show notes, you'll not only find the podcast niche worksheet link, but I've also included a link to my favorite article about what to do and not to do when choosing a podcast name. You are so welcome to email me at hello@bravemoonpodcast.com and share what you've chosen as your topic and name. I'd be so happy to offer and provide feedback. Up next is planning your content. Once you've got your niche topic,
target audience and name nailed down, my best piece of advice is to jump onto ChatGPT. Yep. I'm here to offer you effective, easy, streamlined ways to start a podcast and jumping on ChatGPT will speed up your podcasting process immensely. So here's what you do. Sign up for ChatGPT for free. Yes, it's free no matter how many times you use it. Then prompt ChatGPT with something similar to the following phrase, quote unquote.
Please provide me with 52 content ideas for my podcast about brackets, insert niche, targeting brackets, insert audience, named bracket, insert podcast name. And I will put that exact prompt into the show notes as well. I promise you that ChatGPT will come back with 52 content ideas very quickly. It's a game changer. So at that point, ChatGPT just created one year of content
for your weekly podcast. Granted, you still have to expand on the content and script it in your own tone of voice. But hello, ChatGPT just saved you hours of research and brainstorming. The next step is to start recording your episodes. I'm going to stop you right now before you spend hours and hours of researching the countless number of options out there for recording programs. Because there really are so many out there. But what you need is Riverside. That's it. I swear to you, Riverside is your answer.
Riverside is the most comprehensive podcast recording platform I’ve found on the market. It not only records high-quality audio and video, but it also allows you to set up remote recordings with co-hosts, guests, and anyone else you want to talk to on your podcast. Each person is recorded locally, ensuring the highest-quality audio possible. Riverside also records on separate tracks, so you don’t have to worry about background noise from your guest or awkward crossovers when you accidentally interrupt each other.
Granted, everything I've just said is also offered on Squadcast, Zencastr, etc., but the best part about Riverside is that it’s not just for recording it’s also a powerful post-production tool. With Riverside’s text-based editor, you can easily edit your podcast by deleting text like you would in a document, and it automatically removes the corresponding audio and video sections. You can also fine-tune your production with separate track editing, ensuring each speaker’s audio is crystal clear.
Plus, Riverside’s Magic Audio feature enhances voices, removes background noise, and balances audio levels automatically, so your podcast sounds polished with minimal effort and it masters your sound beautifully.
Then Riverside bundles it all up into one easy track for you to upload to your podcast host. I recommend batching at least your first three episodes before going live with your first episode. Batching is an incredible tool to help you stay on top of your task list and ensure you're always ahead of the game. I call it pre-crastination and it's really key to a successful podcast.
Once you've recorded and edited your first few episodes, it's time to add your podcast to the listening platforms. Podcast host is how you get on those listening platforms. You'll need one podcast host to distribute your podcast to all listening platforms. And I'm going to do it again for you. Stop the hours of research and listen to me. Acast is the listening platform to join.
Not only do they have a comprehensive free version, unlike many other platforms, but they are also IAB certified, very user-friendly and have great analytics. There is a premium version of their product, which I do recommend, but it's not necessary to start. Once you're set up on the podcast host, you can publish and distribute to all the best listening platforms directly through Acast for free. I've included a link to Acast in my show notes.
Two other steps you should take before launching your first episode is to create your podcast artwork and to write your podcast description. For your podcast artwork, the easiest route to take is Canva. There is a free version, but I absolutely love Canva Pro features and I think it's worth every penny. If you haven't checked out Canva yet, I have shared a link to it in my show notes. It's essentially a comprehensive artwork tool, web-based, and makes design really easy for anyone.
You can actually type podcast cover art into the template search and it will come back with hundreds of options for you to choose from. All you have to do is select a template you love, add your photo and color scheme, and there you go. That said, I would be remiss to not share that we offer in-house graphic design artwork that is next level. The graphic designer on my team is truly an exceptional human on every level. And that, podcaster friend, is how you start before you're ready.
Listen, I am so excited you've just listened to this episode. It means you have really taken the first step towards starting your podcast and that's amazing. I'm so glad that I get to be a part of your podcasting journey. If you have interested in working with me directly, please reach out to me today.
Email me or visit www.bravemoonpodcast.com to learn more about what my team and I do at Brave Moon Podcast. Stay real, stay open-minded and happy podcasting.
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Happy podcasting.
