I have been a podcaster for 3 months. Here are my top 6 takeaways so far:
1 – Just Do It
I’ve had podcast ideas before but none as strong as Why I Left and, admittedly, I was nervous to put myself out there in such a public way. Granted, I’m not shy about public speaking, but I haven’t exactly been the most active person on social media. However, I knew that would have to change if I wanted to get this message out there. So, I slowly became more active and took the leap and I’m glad I did.
2 – Plan, Plan, Plan
If I am going to put my name on something, then I want it to be done right and look professional (David O’Gara helps me do this). I also wanted to make sure that the people I contacted to be on the show knew that I had my stuff together because first impressions are lasting.
This required developing a plan. My wife, Chloe Aquart, got me a great book: NPR’s Podcast Start up Guide – Create, Launch, and Grow a Podcast on Any Budget, that I used to help shape my idea. I also got guidance, directly and indirectly, from other successful podcasters online, including Nicaila Matthews Okome, Haylee Gaffin, and Stephen A. Hart, and popular shows like Adam Grant‘s Work Life and The New York Times‘ The Daily.
All these resources and more were instrumental in helping my idea come to life and made my conversations with potential and future guests that much smoother. Anecdotally, I just might be the most organized podcast host you will ever meet.
3 – Telling Stories Are Essential To The Human Experience
Stories let us share information in a way that creates an emotional connection. They help us to understand that information and each other, and it makes the information memorable. Because stories create an emotional connection, we can gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences. – Christine Hennebury
Why I Left is about the stories of a human experience we all can relate to, working and/or leaving a job. Work, whether you enjoy it or loathe it, is something we all do. It is a part of us and we can learn from others about the things that go well and sometimes need improvement. From side hustle to main hustle, these stories are important for others to hear.
4 – Be Patient & Show Up Consistently
I want to expand the show’s reach to as many people as possible as quickly as possible, of course, and I know my SEO could be enhanced to do that. But, I’m doing the best I can within my budget and I’m good with that. What is important is I’m showing up every day (Thank you SocialPilot!) on a variety of platforms with relevant content. Although I’d sooner crack DaVinci’s Code before I ever make sense of what the algorithm wants me to do to get more engagement and subscriptions, I’m confident that my patience, focus and consistency will continue to be my greatest asset in growing the show.
5 – The Podcaster Community Is So Supportive
Fun Stat: there are currently over 2.4 million podcasts with over 66 million episodes between them.
Those are mind-blowing numbers and you realize there are so many people with shows out there. I have met a few and from the outset it’s been nothing but supportive. We make each other better and want nothing more than to see each other’s shows grow. It’s been a pleasure and I’m glad I joined the community.
6 – Have Fun
I would not be doing this if I didn’t enjoy it and I didn’t get into the space for monetary gain. I genuinely wanted to share the stories of those who have left their jobs during a pivotal time in our world’s history because I thought they deserved to be told. Real stories from real people, that is the motto. In a short period of time, I have had the honor of speaking with people all over the world about their work journeys and life-impacting decisions. Then, I get to share their stories widely. It’s been awesome and I look forward to keeping it going. Who knows what may happen next.
Summary:
Top 6 takeaways after launching a podcast 90 days ago:
- Just Do It
- Plan, Plan, Plan
- Telling Stories Are Essential To The Human Experience
- Be Patient & Show Up Consistently
- The Podcaster Community Is So Supportive
- Have Fun
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Stay Curious,
Brian
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Brian Aquart is the Creator and Host of Why I Left, a podcast chronicling real stories from real people about why they left their jobs during the pandemic. Stay up to date with Brian on LinkedIn.
