Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?"

I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. He recalls the whirlwind of learning what a podcast actually is, how to publish it, and how long it took their show to fully find its identity—hint: half their existence!

Steve Stewart joins in, sharing that his first podcast took a full year to go from idea to launch. Facing the usual fears and uncertainty, Steve found accountability and guidance with a coach, which made all the difference. He also talks about the slow climb to finding an audience and how connecting with similar podcasts really helped boost those early numbers.

Chris shares a personal journey that traces 20 years of tinkering before launching his current show “Cool Cars with Chris.” After plenty of experimenting and previous podcasts, he finally returned to his passion for cars and found a format that felt true to himself.

I reflect on my own timelines, explaining that those first launches tend to take much longer thanks to the steep learning curve. Once I got the hang of things, I could launch new shows in a day or even a weekend. That said, good planning is key. I break down a suggested six-week timeline for new podcasters—everything from concept and audience research to equipment, recording, editing, feedback, and hosting. Trust me, the more time you spend planning in the beginning, the less time you’ll be spending fixing things later.

We also dig into the importance of feedback. Whether you’re getting listeners’ reactions or setting up listening parties to watch how your core audience responds, feedback is what helps you refine and grow your show.

I wrap up with tips for making your podcast stand out, advice for building a website and collecting email addresses, and a reminder that your launch strategy matters as much as your content. Plus, a quick book recommendation for anyone working on their visuals—and a little movie review, just for fun!

If your podcast is "just for fun" then maybe you don't need to spend so much time thinking about how your show will be different. You do need to check and make sure someone else is not using your name.

Check out the Podcast Launch Checklist

At it's basic form, podcast marketing strategies start with knowing who your audience is (specifically) and going to where they are. Then make friends with them, and finally tell them about your show.

Steve Stewart - Podcast Editors Academy

Chris Smith - Cool Cars With Chris

Todd the Gator - Guardian Downcast / Fifty Years Experience Required

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• guardiandowncast.com

In today's episode, we're going to pull back that curtain on podcasting best practices. And some of these conventions are grounded in logic and proven results, and others might just be myths that we're just blindly following. I explain why I think these are legit, and explain why some of these are not accurate. As always your audience may be different than mine, but based on 20 years in podcasting, these are the just some of the best practices I teach at the School of Podcasting.

1. Authors have rough drafts
2. Athletes have pre-season
3. Actors have dress rehearsal
4. When you publish the first thing you record, you are essentially publishing a "rough draft." Anytime you do something for the first time, it's not as good as the second.

1. It makes it easy to create content. If I'm making dinner for a bunch of vegans, I know what I can make and what I couldn't.
2. This makes it easier to market. Now instead of marketing to Vegans, Carnivore, or those who are Glucose Intolerant, etc.
3. You can also lump this in with the advice of "Know your audience."
4. What appears is a downside may be an upside: a smaller but more loyal audience.

1. Do you have a ton of free time?
2. Look at Netflix, when an episode is over it give you an option to skip the credits and go to the next episode. When you go to the next episode, it prompts you to skip the intro. This leads me to believe it is best to get to the content asap.

1. When a podcaster doesn't get the result they had hoped to receive, they quit (often before their 10th episode).
2. If you were hired by a company to earn more money, and then they paid you the same (or less) would you stay?

1. The previous best practice was "Get to know your audience." This is how you get to know them.
2. This can be on social, email, anyway you can interact with your audience you should do it.

1. You want it to be EASY to consume your content. You don't want the audience to strain to consume your content. Reverb or "room noise" can become a serious issue when the listener is in a car with the noise of the tires on the road. Think of it this way, smear vaseline on your glasses and try to watch something. You can do it, but it takes extra effort. We need it to be EASY
2. Even in videos, the key ingredient is not lighting but audio. If I can see you but can't hear you what's the point.
3. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment. You can get started with a Samson Q2U microphone. If you want to do video, you can get a pair of Rode Wireless Micro microphones and use your phone as a camera.

1. I always say, less planning equals more editing. This can lead to it taking longer to produce an episode
2. While you want it to feel conversational like a phone call with your best friend, it is a performance for a global audience.
3. Without focus, you again tend to ramble, repeat...

Podcasting is a wild ride, and who better to ride along with us than Cassian Bellino? She's got this killer attitude that turns failures into stepping stones. Seriously, if you think you need a perfect setup to start podcasting, think again! Cassian talks about how she built her Instagram following to over 113,000 by just being herself and sharing her journey. It's not about how many people listen or follow; it’s about the fact that you’re doing what you love. We dive into the nitty-gritty of social media strategies, like how she engages her audience and drives them from Instagram to her podcast. And let’s be real, if you’re not experimenting and embracing the cringe, are you even trying? So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your podcast game, this episode is packed with gems that remind us it’s all about attitude, authenticity, and that sweet, sweet journey of learning.

Takeaways:

• Cass's secret weapon for success isn't her tools, but her killer attitude that keeps her going.
• In podcasting, it's essential to embrace failure as a learning experience, not a setback.
• Even if nobody listens, keep podcasting for yourself and the joy it brings you.
• Automations and social media strategies can effectively funnel your audience back to your podcast.

Links referenced in this episode:

• schoolofpodcasting.com
• bibspeak.com
• Instaclub - learn Instagram
• Stampede Social
• Manychat

Mentioned in this episode:

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