Ten Lessons I Learned From Podcasting

I've learned much from producing the TESOL Pop podcast over the last five years, from capturing the best audio to nurturing a community of regular listeners. Some lessons I've learned the hard way through trial and error, while others I've discovered by collecting feedback and collaborating with others. In this blog, I'll share my top ten lessons and suggested actions to support you on your podcasting journey.

Lesson 1: The Next Episode is Your Best

I often hear the mantra that your last episode is your worst one, but I prefer to flip this to say your next episode is your best one. While the TESOL Pop podcast has come a long way in terms of audio quality, editing, format, marketing, (the list goes on), I look back on the earlier seasons as a reminder of how much the podcast has evolved thanks to listener feedback, guidance from fellow media creators, and time I set aside to research and learn new skills.

Take action: Set aside time to review and gather listener feedback. Use this to inform what you want to keep doing, stop doing, and try for the next couple of episodes to continue to grow your podcast and podcasting skills.

Lesson 2: Authenticity Beats Perfection

I used to meticulously edit out every hesitation, filler, and slip, striving for a flawless result. Listening to the episodes, I realised that conversations sounded inauthentic and rehearsed. Embracing natural elements of conversation – the "ums", pauses, and laughter – makes it more interesting and relatable for listeners. 

Take action: Listen to the whole recording when editing. Prioritise content that provides the most value and cut redundant content. Prioritising value over perfection while respecting your listeners' time is vital to success. 

Lesson 3: Workflows Help You Scale

A boss of mine used to say that businesses are only as scalable as their workflows. The same is true for media production, especially podcasts. A well-defined workflow is essential in streamlining processes, developing consistency, and ensuring timely releases. Creating a 15-minute TESOL Pop episode took 8 hours. It now takes less than half the time, even with the added challenge of editing video from season 6 onwards.

Take action: Break your podcasting process into steps to identify opportunities where processes can be standardised and streamlined with checklists, templates, and automated features.

Lesson 4: Collaboration Helps Everyone

I've discovered that collaboration is the key to success in podcasting. Bringing in guests with diverse perspectives and expertise enriches the content and widens the audience. It's a win-win – guests gain exposure, and the audience gains fresh insights. 

Take action: Make a list of collaborators you would like to work with alongside suggested topics they would be interested in discussing on your podcast. Contact them to pitch your idea and suggest meeting for a coffee to discuss further. 

Lesson 5: Play to Your Strengths

Initially, I hesitated about going solo with the podcast because I felt pressured to be an all-knowing expert. Over time, I realised I best serve listeners by facilitating meaningful conversations with the guests I interview on the podcast. By supporting my guests in planning and recording content with the listeners in mind, we can consistently create content that addresses their needs and interests.

Take action: Consider your strengths and how you can harness these in your podcast. When you encounter new topics, consider what your listeners would want to know and use this to guide your exploration.

Lesson 6: Where You Record Matters

I have recorded in cupboards, classrooms, busy exhibition halls, and my home studio. While the cupboard captures the best audio quality, my home studio is the perfect place to capture video and audio (without sitting in a small dark room). Large spaces, with or without background noise, make it challenging to capture high-quality audio and often take more time to edit.

Take action: Find a quiet and controlled space that minimises background noise and distractions. Investing in good equipment – microphones, headphones, and acoustic treatment – can make a difference in delivering professional sound. 

Lesson 7: You Don't Have to Please Everyone

A clear target audience is essential as this helps keep your content and marketing focused. In the case of TESOL Pop, the podcast is for experienced English Language teachers seeking practical, bite-sized ideas to take away. It wasn't always this focused, as initially, I tried to serve a much broader audience only to find that this confused listeners and hindered growth.

Take action: Sketch two to three persona cards of your ideal listeners and how your podcast serves them - what problem does it help them solve? Check your assumptions by talking to your listeners and use what you learn to refine your persona cards. Pinpoint what they share in common and use this to inform your podcast content and messaging.

Lesson 8: Consistency Helps You Grow

Consistency is key. Regularly releasing episodes builds trust with your audience. Whether it's a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule, sticking to it demonstrates your commitment and keeps your listeners engaged. I've experimented with different plans and have found that a seasonal structure with episodes every two weeks works well for me and my listeners.

Take action: Prioritise what is sustainable for you when determining the frequency of episodes. If you are new to podcasting, allow additional time for planning and editing - you can always increase the frequency later.

Lesson 9: Podcasting is a Way to Connect

Podcasting goes beyond content creation; it's a powerful tool for connecting with your audience. You can build a community and foster a sense of belonging by engaging with your listeners through social media, email, or interactive platforms. For TESOL Pop, I interact and keep listeners up-to-date primarily through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Take action: Reflect on where your ideal listeners hang out, or (even better) ask them. Prioritise spaces where your listeners are and repurpose content where possible to save yourself time. For example, this blog is inspired by a video I recorded on the same topic.

Lesson 10: Don't Be Afraid to Ask

Listener feedback is incredibly valuable. It helps you improve and makes your audience feel heard and involved. To gather feedback, create spaces for your listeners to share their thoughts, suggestions and ask questions. For example, in every episode of TESOL Pop, I invite listeners to leave a rating and review as part of the closing call to action.

Take action: Create opportunities for your listeners to regularly share feedback in your podcast episodes and the content you post on social media, in online groups, in your newsletter etc. Use the tools available to make it interactive and fun, such as the poll and ask me a question features on Instagram.

That's a lot of lessons learned over the last five years, and these are only the ones that made this list. If I were to choose just one out of this list, it would be Lesson 1: The Next Episode is Your Best. You don't have to be an expert to begin podcasting; you simply need to start. Like me, you'll learn and grow along the way, and that's part of the fun.

Watch the video instead here.

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