The First Podcast Episode Is Always The Toughest

Podcasts are all the rage. When it comes to starting your own podcast there are two ways of going about it.

The first is just hitting the record button and seeing where it goes.

The second is sitting down and having a clear plan of where you want the show to go.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The first method can help to just test out an idea and see where your mind takes you. This can be good to get the ideas out. But not having a plan in the long run will make sustaining a podcast more difficult.

The second approach takes more time but you’ll go into the podcast with a clear or clearer direction of where you want to take the episode and the whole show in general.

The downside to the second way is that you can get stuck in the weeds and never actually hit record.

The best way in my opinion is to do a hybrid approach to both of these methods.

Make a quick outline of where you want the first show to go and hit record.

Then after you’re done go back with a critical eye and edit it for clarity. This will help you get started.

Then start mapping out the next few episodes. Decide the duration of the shows, the cadence of when they will be released, and so on.

Often, when you just hit the record button you’ll get the cobb webs off and get the nerves out.

Then you can go back and refine.

When you refine the show you want to look at some different things:

• Refine the topic that you’re passionate about and that you know a lot about. You probably have a rough idea of this from the first recording, but make it more concrete.
• Further identify your target audience and tailor your content to their interests. Again, hopefully you have an idea of who you’re speaking to when you hit record for the first time. Again, go back and refine.
• Always write an outline for each episode, but use it only for reference, do your best to jive with the flow of the conversation and don’t just read from your notes. No one wants to listen to that.
• After your first or second recording/show, continue to practice your delivery and speaking style to sound natural and conversational.

Ultimately, if you want to do a podcast, you need to get past the idea of perfection. As I always say, we’re not talking about public radio here, people don’t listen to podcasts (the non-fiction kind) that are buttoned up. They listen to podcasts that are relatable and make them feel a connection to the host and guest (if there is a guest).

If you’re still stuck and want some guidance from a 15 year podcast veteran, let’s talk. I can help.