What Does it Feel Like to Be a Podcaster?

I got an email from someone struggling to start their podcast, "The biggest issue I’m dealing with is psychological: the show is not coming together in the format that I really wanted—and at this point there seems to be nothing I can do about that— but that, combined with fear, uncertainty, and doubt, and the inevitable self-comparisons to what others are doing as well as my own personal expectations has quite frankly got me a little bit paralyzed. It’s like I’m on the firing line, I’m locked and loaded and I’ve got a good site picture, but I just can’t get myself to pull the trigger because I’m afraid of the kickback." 

I've mentioned in the past how to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and the story of Monica Rivera, and today I want to talk about how it feels to podcast.

What Does it Feel Like to be a Podcaster?

Excited By the possibilities

Frustrated When computers decide to be, well, computers.

Smarter When you figure things out

Nervous As you are learning new things, and getting outside of your comfort zone.

Confident When you publish your first episode

Frightened When you realize everyone can hear your show.

Humbled / Shocked When we inspire someone or affect someone.

Normal When you find out you’re not the only one who thinks this way.

Safe Because you are surrounded by people similar to you

Amazed At the opportunities to that come your way, the people you get to speak

Mentioned in This Show

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Episode

Monica Rivera The Nudge You Need

Podcasting in America

The latest edition the Edison Research Infinite Dial was published. Here are some insights:

70%  are familiar with the word podcasting ( 197 Million people)

51% have listened to at least one podcast ( a 7% jump)

32% listen on a monthly basis (up from 26%)

22% listen on a weekly basis (up from 17%)

17 million more people are monthly listeners than last year.

14 million more podcast are listening

Work With Me

Join the School of Podcasting or let me be your podcast mentor

Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Audience Survey

I Want Your Opinion

I am doing an audience survey and I want your input to help me make this show exactly what you want. If you have a few minutes, I have a quick survey at www.schoolofpodcasting.com/survey25

2025 Audience Survey