Why I Started Podcasting, and How You Can Too

I started my Podcast precariously while taking a bubble bath.

That's right! Looking back, it's so funny to me now because I really tested it out just for fun and almost by accident. I used a free app called Anchor (which has now changed) and chattered away my first "episode" realizing as I did it that I might possibly already be addicted to Podcasting. It was fun. It felt safe. It was a way for me to come out of my shell a little and create content all on my very own.

Now, I certainly do not record podcasts while bubble bathing anymore LOL (nor do I recommend it)!

Four years later, I now have my own studio and the fancy podcast equipment of my dreams. I have a team that helps me edit the episodes and generate content. I even switched to video format, even though I really hate being on camera. Slowly, but surely, I blossomed into a real Podcaster over here.

One thing I've learned along the way, is that trying to be perfect can sometimes bite you in the long run. I fretted over every mistake and gave each episode such criticism, which don't get me wrong...please don't do a slop job on your content...but sometimes mistakes happen. As I started bringing guests on my show, I realized I needed to work on my "ums" and "you knows" and the stuttering problem I apparently had no idea I had! LOL!

Here's a helpful tip: listen to other podcasts. Learn from other podcasters. You really don't have to re-invent the wheel, you know.

I started paying attention to other shows like the one I was envisioning, and drank in every word, paying attention to every detail. It was so exciting to think I could share my thoughts to the world, and it became my passion project. Now I've grown into monetizing my Podcast, which has been such an incredible gift. You really have to determine what your purpose is for Podcasting and then everything will fall into place from there. Trust me. It might seem daunting at first, but we all started somewhere! That's why I wanted to share my journey with you and maybe help alleviate your fears.

So what type of equipment should I use?

I'm so glad you asked! If you're just beginning, and you want to invest right off the start, here's some basic equipment I recommend that you might find helpful HERE.

Now, please note: you don't have to jump right into buying equipment right away. The important thing is to figure out what your niche audience is that you're speaking to. For some, that can actually be the hardest part. For me, I knew that I want to bring other guests onto my show pretty early on because this was a platform for me to connect with other women. So I came up with a cheesy Title and called my show "Heels, Handbags & Hustle". By the way, I'd love for you to check out the Podcast. Check out all the ways you can listen (including my first bubble bath episode) HERE.

Okay, so now let's break down the steps.

Step 1: Find Your Podcast Passion

First things first—what do you want to talk about? Think about what makes you excited, what you can chat about for hours, and what your friends say you’re a natural at. For me, it was all about empowering women and sharing stories of hustle and heart. It’s got to be something you love because, spoiler alert, you’re going to be talking about it a LOT.

Step 2: Plan Your Episodes

Before hitting record, jot down a few episode ideas. It’s like having a roadmap for your podcast journey. Outline your main points, but don’t script everything. You want it to sound natural, like we’re chatting over coffee!

Step 3: Record Your First Episode

Here comes the fun part—recording! Find a quiet spot (goodbye, noisy kitchen) and hit that record button. Don’t worry about perfection; just let your personality shine. My first episode had a few “ums” and “ahs,” but that’s what makes it real and relatable.

Step 4: Edit Like a Pro

Editing might sound scary, but it’s just polishing your gem. Trim out long pauses, background noise, dogs barking, and any sneezes (yes, that happened to me).

Funny story: I once edited out an entire segment by mistake. I had to re-record, and guess what? It turned out even better the second time. Silver linings, right?

Step 5: Choose Your Podcast Hosting

You’ll need a place to host your podcast, kind of like a virtual home. Platforms like Buzzsprout or Podbean are beginner-friendly. I love Spotify for Podcasters. They’ll distribute your podcast to all the major players like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Step 6: Create Eye-Catching Cover Art

Your podcast needs a face! Use tools like Canva to create cover art that reflects your vibe. If you're using a photo of yourself, please use a professional looking one (good quality image). Make it colorful, make it you. Pro tip: Avoid using Comic Sans. Just trust me on this one.

Step 7: Launch and Promote

It’s launch time, baby! Share your podcast with the world. Post about it on social media, tell your friends, scream it from the rooftops! Don’t be shy. The more, the merrier.

My first promotion attempt? I accidentally posted the wrong link and sent everyone to a cat video. Not my finest moment, but hey, people love cats, right?

Step 8: Keep Going and Have Fun

Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep recording, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun. There will be bloopers and hiccups, but those are the moments that make your podcast unique and authentic.

Final Thoughts

Starting a podcast is like...embarking on a grand adventure. There will be laughs, mishaps, and lots of coffee, but every step is worth it. Remember, perfection is overrated. It’s all about sharing your voice and connecting with others.

So, there you have it—your light-hearted, coffee-chat guide to starting a podcast. Now, go hit that record button and let your voice be heard. You’ve got this, superstar! 🎙️✨

Cheers to your podcasting journey,

xo,

Rach