How to start and maintain a successful podcast
In episode six of the ‘Behind the Mic’ podcast, hosted by Jordan Smith, the focus is on podcasting; how to start, sustain, and succeed in the podcasting world. Jordan details his own experiences with previous podcast attempts, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and ways to keep an audience engaged. The episode offers valuable insights and statistics on podcast longevity and tips for creating engaging content. Jordan also shares his upcoming plans for a video version of the podcast and hints at his new job announcement. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring podcasters on overcoming initial nervousness and the importance of staying passionate about their chosen topics.
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Episode Topics and Transcriptions
Breaking News
In a previous clip from the “Behind the Mic” during the FM radio duration of the show, co-hosts Jordan Smith and Carlos Zimmermann were on-air discussing the Houston Rockets trade potentials when breaking news surfaced, unveiling the trade of Russell Westbrook, bringing John Wall into Houston.
Welcome to Behind the Mic
Welcome to another exciting installment of “Behind the Mic,” a sports media podcast hosted by Jordan Smith. In this sixth episode, Jordan dives into the world of podcasting, offering valuable tips and sharing personal experiences to help aspiring podcasters get started and stay consistent. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just thinking about launching your show, this episode has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed overview of what Jordan discussed.
What is Podcasting?
Podcasting offers a platform for discussing various topics, whether it’s audio-only, a combination of audio and video, or video-only. The range is vast, including genres like sports, business, careers, horror, comedy, and much more. Jordan explains that podcasting allows individuals to express their opinions and insights on their chosen subjects, providing a unique space to engage with an audience.
Starting Your Podcast
Jordan believes that anyone can start a podcast with minimal resources. A high-end microphone isn’t necessary; even a basic directional microphone or a simple USB mic can suffice. The most crucial step is to simply begin.
The Importance of Consistency
One of the key themes Jordan emphasizes is consistency. He notes that many podcasts don’t make it past episode three, let alone episode six. According to studies, the top 10% of podcasts in the world fail to reach episode six, and an even smaller percentage make it to episode ten. This underscores the importance of consistency in podcasting.
Jordan advises setting a manageable schedule, especially when starting. He shares his own experiences of trying to keep up with a demanding schedule, which often led to burnout. The key takeaway here is to start slow, perhaps with one episode per week, and gradually build up from there.
The Courage to Start
Jordan addresses a common hesitation among aspiring podcasters: the fear of starting. He reassures listeners that the hardest part is often the initial leap. You don’t need a perfect setup or years of experience to get started. Podcasting is accessible to everyone, and with time and practice, you’ll find your rhythm.
He also mentions the benefits of leveraging the support of friends and family in the early stages. While it might feel nerve-wracking to promote your podcast to your close circle, their feedback and encouragement can provide a solid foundation for growth. They will offer honest critique and support.
Jordan’s Journey in Podcasting
Jordan candidly shares his journey into podcasting, highlighting his early struggles and subsequent successes. Initially, he had several sports podcasts that didn’t last beyond a few episodes due to inconsistency and overly ambitious scheduling. However, these experiences paved the way for the creation of “Behind the Mic,” which has now reached its sixth episode.
The idea for the podcast started in early 2020, but the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted his plans, pushing the project aside. Eventually, Jordan revived the concept as a sports talk show on his campus radio station, 90.5 KSHU, at Sam Houston State University. The show evolved into the current podcast format, focusing on sports media and its various facets.
The Future of "Behind the Mic"
Looking ahead, Jordan shares exciting plans for the podcast. He announces the upcoming launch of a video version of “Behind the Mic,” available exclusively on Patreon. This initiative will provide additional value to Patreon supporters and offer a new dimension to the podcast experience.
Finding Your Niche within a "crowded" podcast world
Another fundamental piece of advice Jordan offers is to focus on a specific niche. While it might be tempting to create a general podcast covering a wide range of topics, narrowing your focus can make your podcast stand out. “Behind the Mic” is a perfect example. Although it falls under the broader sports category, its unique focus on sports media careers and the experiences of professionals within that field distinguishes it from other sports podcasts.
Finding a unique angle within a broad topic can attract a dedicated audience who are specifically interested in what you have to say. Jordan stresses the importance of passion: if you genuinely enjoy your subject matter, your enthusiasm will resonate with your audience.
Marketing and Engagement
Jordan touches on the challenges and strategies for marketing a podcast. One useful tip he shares is to study your analytics early on. By understanding when your audience is most likely to engage with your content, you can optimize release times. For instance, Jordan noticed more engagement on Wednesdays than Tuesdays, prompting a strategic shift in his release schedule.
Additionally, Jordan highlights the value of cross-promotion. Mentioning his social media pages and providing links helps drive traffic to his podcast. Active engagement on platforms like Patreon allows listeners to show additional support and access exclusive content, fostering a sense of community around the podcast.
Balancing Act: Managing Expectations and Workload
Jordan candidly discusses the workload involved in producing a consistent podcast. From editing audio and managing social media to creating blog posts and transcribing episodes, there’s a substantial amount of work that goes into each episode. He advises against taking on too much at once, especially for newcomers, and shares that having a team or delegating tasks can make a significant difference.
For those juggling other responsibilities, he suggests recording multiple episodes in advance and scheduling them out. This strategy provides more breathing room and ensures that content continues to flow even during busy periods.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Podcasters
Jordan wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to take the plunge. The journey might come with challenges, but the rewards of sharing your voice and connecting with an audience can be immensely gratifying. He reiterates that nervousness is normal but shouldn’t hold you back from creating something meaningful.
Conclusion and Podcast Details
As a teaser for future content, Jordan announces that the next episode of “Behind the Mic” will feature a special guest—play-by-play broadcaster Anson Massey. This promises to be an engaging conversation that listeners won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
“Behind the Mic” Episode 6 is a treasure trove of practical advice and personal insights for anyone interested in starting or improving their own podcast. Jordan’s candid reflections and actionable tips provide a roadmap for aspiring podcasters to follow. Whether it’s understanding the importance of consistency, finding your niche, or leveraging your network, this episode covers all the bases. So, if you’re looking to dive into the world of podcasting, take a page from Jordan’s book and just start. You never know where your podcasting journey might lead you.
Feel free to listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music, and don’t forget to follow “Behind the Mic” for more exciting and informative content. Happy podcasting!