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Stop me if this sounds familiar: You’ve been “thinking about starting a podcast” for months (maybe years?), but every time you get close to hitting record, that voice in your head whispers all the reasons why you shouldn’t. What if no one listens? What if I sound terrible? What if I run out of things to say?
I lived in that exact headspace for way too long. When I started, I didn’t have a fancy mic or a studio. I had my car, my iPhone headphones, and a whole lot of nerves. That imperfect start turned into The Goal Digger Podcast, which has been downloaded millions of times. But here’s what still amazes me most: people recognize me by my voice alone. I get to spend hours inside people’s earbuds while they’re cooking dinner, at the gym, or heading home from school drop-off. That intimacy? You can’t get that from social media.
Here’s my core belief: publishing something imperfect is better than waiting to hit publish until you feel ready. Get it into the world, let it make an impact, collect feedback. When you start to see yourself as someone who follows through and commits to consistency over perfection, you’ll actually start getting results.
By this time next month, you could have a podcast connecting with the exact people it was made for. Here’s how.
Step 1: Define Your Podcast Idea and Audience
What Should I Make My Podcast About?
Before you record a single word, get crystal clear on who you’re talking to and why you’re showing up for them. When I started, I felt overwhelmed by all the possibilities until I landed on one mission: imperfectly empowering women to pursue their passions and build independent wealth. That one sentence became my North Star.
Grab a piece of paper right now and write down your podcast idea in one sentence. Who do you want to serve? What transformation do you want your listeners to experience? Don’t overthink it because your answer doesn’t need to be profound, just yours.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: you don’t need the “forever” version figured out. Your title can change. Your format can evolve. I’ve shifted my show’s look, feel, and focus multiple times over the years. That’s not failure, that’s growth. What matters is simply starting. Seriously, check out this post to see all the versions of my show over the years!
RELATED: 25 Podcast Topic Ideas for When You’re Just Starting Out
Step 2: Record Your First Episode Without Fancy Equipment
What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Podcast?
Here’s where most people get stuck researching microphones and soundproofing for months without recording a single episode. That’s fear, not strategy.
I’m a voice-first podcaster. I got into podcasting because I didn’t want to worry about being camera ready, lighting, or what I looked like while recording. While video podcasting has its place, the ease of recording my voice no matter what I look like or where I am is my favorite thing about this medium.
My first twenty episodes were recorded in my car with iPhone headphones and throw pillows from the couch to muffle echo. Professional? No. Recorded? Yes. And that’s what mattered.
Podcasting is a skill you can only learn by doing. Every time you hit record, you’ll get more comfortable with your own voice. Your audience isn’t listening for perfection – they’re listening for you, your authenticity, your perspective.
Start with whatever feels natural: ten minutes sharing your story, interviewing a friend over Zoom, or turning a blog post into spoken content. Think of these early episodes as your internship in podcasting.
RELATED: 5 Must-Have Podcast Tools I Can’t Live Without
Step 3: Share and Promote Your Podcast This Month
How Do I Get People to Listen to My Podcast?
If you only look at total podcast numbers, the market feels saturated. But here’s what most people don’t realize: if you look at podcasts that have published an episode in the last 30 days, that pool shrinks dramatically. The algorithms now prioritize consistent content, so if you commit to a regular schedule, you’ll succeed over the majority of shows that publish sporadically then disappear.
After you publish, don’t just sit back waiting for discovery. Share behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram, write blog posts about each episode, post your cover art on Pinterest with why you started the show. Ask guests to share their interviews. Join Facebook groups where your listeners hang out and genuinely contribute.
The beautiful thing about podcast content is its longevity. An episode you recorded months ago can become fresh social media content today. One episode can spark blog posts, email newsletters, and dozens of social captions.
RELATED: Podcast Secrets: How I Plan, Record, and Promote Each Episode
Your Questions About Starting a Podcast Quickly
Q: How much does it cost to start a podcast?
A: You can launch for under $200: podcast hosting ($15-20/month), basic USB mic (under $100), and free editing software. Reinvest as you grow.
Q: What equipment do I actually need to start a podcast?
A: Many successful podcasters launch with their phone and a quiet room. You can always upgrade later once you’ve proven to yourself you’ll stick with it.
Q: How long should my podcast episodes be?
A: Exactly as long as needed to deliver value. Some of my most popular episodes are fifteen minutes, others over an hour. Quality trumps arbitrary time limits.
Q: How many episodes should I launch my podcast with?
A: Launch with 2-3 episodes so new listeners can binge and get a real feel for your show. It also makes you look established from day one.
Q: What if nobody listens to my podcast?
A: Every podcaster starts at zero. The beginning is actually a gift – your chance to practice without pressure. Consistency builds momentum, not perfection.
Q: How do I get comfortable with my own voice on a podcast?
A: Almost everyone cringes at first. Your listeners aren’t analyzing your delivery; they’re grateful for the value. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Q: Is it too late to start a podcast this year?
A: If you’re worried the podcast market is oversaturated, here’s what most people don’t realize: if you look at podcasts that have published an episode in the last 30 days, that pool shrinks dramatically. The algorithms now prioritize consistent content, so if you commit to a regular schedule, you’ll succeed over the majority of shows that publish sporadically then disappear.
RELATED: 5 Effective and Easy Ways to Make Money From Your Podcast
The Big Picture: Why Podcasting Is Worth It
If you’re worried the podcast market is oversaturated, remember this: there’s still space for your story, your perspective, your voice. The world needs what only you can bring.
Here’s what I’d tell my past self the night before recording episode #1: Just get it out there. The only way you’ll improve is by putting in the reps, and everyone starts at episode one.
Don’t wait for perfect. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Start messy, start scared, start with whatever you’ve got. When you commit to consistency over perfection, you’ll start seeing results.
Thanks Jenna. Yes I often have to remind myself to stop overthinking everything and just do it. Starting a podcast is next on my list.
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