How to Start a Podcast, From Those Who Have Done It

“We started out by petitioning our entire friend group and extended network,” they say. “We also linked the signup forms on every social media channel we have, and did the old-fashioned approach of printing out fliers with QR codes and plastering them all around Brooklyn. If you’ve been in Prospect Park or Fort Greene Park in the last couple months, you’ve probably seen one.”

What makes a good podcast?

Of course, everyone has different preferences for what they want to listen to, but there are a few things that take a show from just okay to great. A good idea, of course, is key.

“Ask yourself, ‘is there something I want to listen to that doesn’t exist yet?’ Zelinger advises. ”If the answer is yes, you have a podcast idea on your hands.”

Gray and Fallon say the topic of the podcast doesn’t matter as long as you have a compelling theme, and an engaging host with great storytelling abilities and clean production.

“Fancy sound cues and other high-level production things are great, but a podcast can be really good and scrappy as long as the topic and host draw you in,” they say.

Lage agrees, saying an engaging host and topic is really all you need.

“I love a show where I feel like I’m in the room with the hosts listening to them chat,” she says. “On the flip side, I love it when podcasts are short and sweet. Finding the perfect length is hard, but I think the best shows strike the balance.”

What’s the number one piece of advice I should remember as I start?

Okay, that was a lot of information. But don’t get overwhelmed. The podcasters say there really just are a few simple pieces of advice they can impart to set you up for success.

First, make sure you are pacing yourself, are being realistic about your scheduling and goals, and aren’t burning yourself out.

“Podcasts take time and do not grow overnight,” says Williams. “But they can bring so much joy and the work is worth it.”

Lage agreed, explaining that she once took a break from her podcast after experiencing burnout. “I took a couple months off and came back stronger than ever,” she says.

As for the actual content, it really is as simple as if you think it’s a good idea and can make a full episode, other people will likely think so too.