Whether you’re familiar with the field or a newcomer to the podcasting scene, our comprehensive guide is designed to assist podcasters of all levels in every aspect of their podcast journey. From planning and recording to promotion and engagement, we’ve got you covered with the most up-to-date strategies to help you start a podcast successfully in 2024.

Let’s dive in and kickstart your podcasting adventure! Your very own podcast is just around the corner, and we’re here to ensure you start on the right foot and reach your audience effectively in the ever-evolving landscape of podcasting.

How To Start a Podcast In 2024

1. Define Your Niche

This first step for starting a podcast will be relevant, no matter when you decide to take up the mic and start podcasting. You will always have to start with defining your niche. You need to identify the specific subject, theme, or topic that will give your podcast its unique identity and set your podcast apart. By doing so, you not only distinguish yourself from all the other shows within a similar category, but it will also help you stand out and attract a dedicated listener base.

A successful podcast will always be one that gives its specific audience the type of content that they’re after. And so honing in on your niche will allow you to tailor your content to a specific audience, making it more likely that your podcast will resonate and stand out in a crowded digital space.

Which brings us very nicely to Step Number Two…

2. Understand Your Audience

After you’ve clearly defined your specific niche, you now need to hone in on your specific audience. I’m just going to say it…your answer to the question “Who is your podcast for?” cannot be “Oh, it’s for everyone.” I hate to break it to ya, but this is going to get you nowhere fast. If you want to start a podcast successfully, you need a target audience. Because if you have a target audience, and you know what said target audience is after when it comes to content, you can tailor your content to their interests, and be exactly the type of show they’re looking for.

Remember, while there is always room for more podcasts, there are already A LOT of podcast out there. The Podcast Index currently indicates that there are 4,308,100 podcasts out in the world. Sure they’re not all active, but they’re there! And so finding the niche and then the target audience you want to reach is key to your long-term podcasting success.

The ability to tailor your podcast to cater to your audience’s needs not only enhances the overall listening experience for your listeners, but is also the foundation upon which hosts can build meaningful connections with their listeners. And this key when it comes to building a community around your show.

3. Invest in Quality Equipment

Now that you’ve got the basics of your podcast covered, it’s time to move on the mechanics. The “how” of podcasting – I’m talking podcast equipment. Your next step in your mission to start a podcast in 2024 is to purchase good-quality microphones, headphones, and recording software to ensure your podcast audio is the best that it can be. Quality audio when it comes to podcasting is crucial for attracting and retaining listeners.

Again, in a world filled with podcasts, a high-quality auditory experience is paramount. And for that you need quality equipment.

Let’s start with the cornerstone of podcasting gear – the microphone. While high-end options like the Shure SM7B are excellent, especially for seasoned podcasters, there are also budget-friendly alternatives suitable for beginners. USB microphones are particularly user-friendly, offering a hassle-free setup – just plug them in to your laptop, and you’re good to go. Popular choices include the versatile ATR2100, the reliable Blue Yeti, or the studio quality Rode NT-USB.

Equally important as you prepare to start a podcast is a quality set of headphones or earphones, crucial for monitoring sound and maintaining optimal audio levels. While premium options like the Audio Technica M40x headphones provide an immersive experience, entry-level alternatives such as the Audio Technica ATH-M30x or the Sony MDR-7506 are also solid choices. Even standard earphones or AirPods can deliver satisfactory results.

Related read: The Best Podcasting Guide of the Different Podcast Recording Setups

4. Create Compelling Content

Step Number 4 in your plan to start a podcast in 2024 is really the linchpin in any successful show. Sure, you need a well-defined niche, you need eye-catching podcast artwork, and you need a great name. You obviously also need podcast equipment. But the place where all of that converges together is your podcast content. Your podcast episodes need to be chock-full of highly valuable, high quality content. Because that is always what will keep your listeners tuning in episode after episode.

But these highly valuable episodes don’t just happen. They require that you, as the podcast creator, plan your episodes carefully, ensuring they provide that value and entertainment to your audience.

By delivering content that adds value to the listener’s experience—whether through insightful discussions, expert interviews, or captivating storytelling—you not only establish credibility but also create a genuine connection with your audience. And this is key to creating a successful podcast for the long haul. 

TAKEAWAY!

The heart of a thriving podcast will always lie in a host’s ability to consistently deliver compelling, valuable content that resonates with their specific audience.

5. Stay Consistent

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1,000 times (and believe me, I’ll say it 1,000 more!)…consistency is key in podcasting! If you’re new here (firstly, welcome! It’s great to have you with us!) and you take nothing else away from this post other than “Consistency is key in podcasting” I’ll consider this post a success!

Because it’s more true in 2024 than ever! If you want to build a buzzing, thriving community around your show – and you definitely DO want to do this, it’s the foundation of a successful podcast! – then you’re going to need to embrace consistency in every area of your podcasting process.

So, with this in mind, to start a podcast in 2024 successfully, firstly, you need to find the publishing schedule that works for you, and then stick to it. Reliability is what sets apart thriving shows. Whether you commit to a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly schedule, the key is to stick to it. When listeners know when to expect new episodes, they are more likely to stay engaged and return for more. 

You then need to maintain consistency in the type of episodes you publish. I’m talking consistency in quality, as well as consistency in episode length! You want listeners to fit your episodes into their schedules. Consistent episodes helps them do this!

And finally, you need to be consistent in how you engage with your listeners. You want to establish those real relationships with your loyal audience. This is where the magic of the podcast medium comes into play! But that magic can only happen if you engage with your listeners consistently and authentically. 

6. Create a Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy has always been a key part of any successful podcast, but it’s going to be even more vital in 2024. (Again, I’ll draw your attention to that large number of podcasts floating about cyberspace.) So, if you’re looking to start a podcast in 2024, podcast hosts are going to need to develop a strong marketing strategy for their show if they’re looking to carve out a space for their show in the world of podcasting.

The best advice we can give you on this front is to think about your podcast as a brand. You can then onboard the types of marketing strategies brand use as a way to garner brand recognition and establish a brand identity. The principles of these strategies will apply to your podcast. You can then simply tailor these to your niche and to your particular audience.

Then use the power of social media to spread your brand message far and wide, aiming at your target audience. 

Create audiograms of your upcoming episodes to garner interest. Share behind-the-scenes content to build relationships and authenticity. Create video grams that you can share as Reels and YouTube shorts to lean into the power of video (we’ll cover that as a whole step further down this post!). Or use the live features on all the different social media platforms to connect with your listeners and build buzz around your show.

Bottom line? To launch a successful podcast in 2024, you need think of your podcast as a brand. And as a brand, your podcast needs a strong marketing strategy. 

7. Optimize for SEO

Next up, we have Step Number 7 for launching a successful podcast in 2024 – optimizing your podcast for SEO. While it’s always been important, particularly when it comes to podcast discoverability, optimizing your podcast for SEO will be even more important as you start a podcast in 2024. Effective SEO practices make it that much easier for your target audience to find your podcast. By aligning your content with commonly searched terms and topics within your niche, you increase the likelihood of being discovered by individuals genuinely interested in your podcast’s subject matter.

Incorporate relevant keywords thoughtfully into your podcast title, description, and episode titles to enhance search engine visibility. This will help potential listeners discover your podcast. As the podcasting sphere continues to expand, strategic SEO optimization is an invaluable tool for elevating your podcast’s discoverability and ensuring it stands out in the see of available content.

8. Create a Podcast Website

Dovetailing off focusing on SEO for your podcast is Step Number 8, creating a podcast website for your show. Again, this is not an imperative step, however, it can greatly help build your show’s authority and improve your discoverability. Having a website also just opens you up to so many more opportunities and avenues down the line.

Think of a podcast website as a centralized hub for your content. It’s the place where listeners can find additional information, show notes, and contact details. It’s where they can sign up to your mailing list, or become one of your premium members.

A well-designed website not only serves as a digital home for your podcast but also enhances your brand identity and credibility. It becomes a valuable resource for your audience, offering supplementary materials, links to social media, and an archive of past episodes. It also just gives your podcast a strong online presence.

Related read: A Successful Podcast Website Needs These 12 Key Things

9. Engage with Your Listeners

Next up, if you want to start a successful podcast in 2024, or any year for that matter, you will need to actively engage with your listeners on a consistent (there’s that word again!) basis.

Make an active effort to encourage and welcome listener feedback, questions, and reviews, be that through comments on podcast platforms, via email, or through social media. These ‘in-real-time’ interactions not only foster a sense of community between you and your listeners, but they can also provide you with super valuable insights into what resonates with your audience.

By building this two-way communication channel, you not only strengthen the bond with your existing listeners but you also create an inviting environment that attracts new audience members who are looking for a like-minded community. And as you’ve heard already, a strong community is the foundation of a long-lasting, successful podcast.

10. Utilize Video

Step 10 will be a big one for successful podcasting in 2024! Podcasters should be looking for ways to utilize video in their podcast content offerings. As always, we’re not saying that everyone who wants to start a podcast in 2024 has to start a video podcast. Neither are we advocating for existing podcasters to pivot to a video podcast. Sure you can definitely do either of the above. But what we are advocating for is for podcasters to simply lean into video in some way, shape, or form in relation to their podcast content. 

Video content performs better than all other types of content. These are just the facts. And so it follows that if podcasters are looking to boost their engagement around there content, video should form part of their marketing strategy.

Remember, video content is inherently shareable, enabling podcasters to tap into broader audiences through social sharing. So look to create Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts as a way to expand your reach. Don’t overthink it, just do it!

11. Monetize Strategically

And finally, once you’ve got all the wheels in motion, you’re sticking to a consistent publishing schedule, you’re consistently putting out highly valuable episodes, and you’re building a community of loyal listeners around your show, you can then start looking for ways to monetize your podcast.

Explore different monetization options, such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or listener donations. Choose strategies that align with your content and audience, and successful podcast monetization is within your grasp.

Related read: How To Monetize Your Podcast: Here’s Everything We Know

2024 is YOUR Year to Start a Podcast!

Remember that building a successful podcast takes time, dedication, and consistency.

Consistently create high-quality, highly-valuable episodes, continually engage with your listeners, and work to build a community and network around you and your show.

Embrace the creative process, learn from each episode, and enjoy the rewarding experience of connecting with your listeners. With the right mindset and our comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the exciting world of podcasting and make a lasting impact. Best of luck on your podcasting adventure!

And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your podcast in 2024, this is it!

As a full-service podcast production agency, we’re incredibly passionate about helping podcasters bring their podcast dream to life. Not only do we offer all podcast production services, we also offer Custom Launch Packages, as well as a free Launch Your Podcast course series! Schedule a free call with one of our team today, and let us help you make your podcasting dreams come true in 2024!

We’ve looked into the podcasting crystal ball to find out what’s in and what’s out when it comes to the podcasting space in 2024! And so, of course, we’re sharing our findings with you! 

Check out our top podcast predictions and trends as we share what we think 2024 has in store for podcasting!

10 Exciting Podcast Predictions and Trends for 2024

1. A Greater Lean Into Video

In 2023, it was evident that video podcasts were on the rise. We saw all sorts of reports last year showing that YouTube was edging out all other platforms when it came to platforms for podcast listening. And we totally expect that to continue this year. And so our podcast prediction is that more and more podcasters will start to add video to their content. And as YouTube now lets Creators upload podcasts via RSS feed, there will definitely be a greater lean into video when it comes to podcasts. 

Now, we’re definitely not saying everyone should start a video podcast. But we do think it will be important for podcasters to find ways to incorporate video elements into their content offering.

Want to explore video but don’t know where to start? We can help! Check out our 10 Ways to Incorporate Video with Your Podcast and you’ll be all set!

2. More Additions to Categories

This is a personal podcast prediction (aka – biggest podcast wish!)…more additions to the current podcast categories. 

Why?

I’ll give you an example.

If you were to ask me what my favorite type of podcasts are, I’m going to have to say true crime. HOWEVER! I’m NOT a murder podcast girlie! Give me the true stories of cults and scams!

But these currently fall under True Crime. So I’ve got to wade through all the myriad of murder podcasts (no shade to all who love those, they’re just not good for me and my overactive imagination!) to find what I’m looking for. 

As the podcasting space grows and matures, subcategories are emerging and gaining momentum. And so personally, I’d love to the current categories reflect this. Podcast discovery is tough as it is, new categories will go a long way to fixing that!

*Side-note: I also LOVE organizing things into categories! And so if the podcasting powers that be ever want a complete podcast nerd to help them roll out new categories, I hereby volunteer as tribute.

3. More Podcasters Will Embrace Content Repurposing

Next up in our list of podcast predictions for 2024 we’re looking at podcast marketing strategies. In 2024, we anticipate many more podcasters will turn to content repurposing strategies.

Content repurposing in general is having its well-deserved moment. And long may it last! Because we believe that finding ways to repurpose your content is a powerful strategy that allows content creators to leverage their existing assets to reach broader audiences. It’s really all about maximizing the amount of output you get from your input.

All types of creators do it, and we think that 2024 is the year more podcasters start to lean into it, too.

And if you’re a podcaster looking to work smarter, not harder, and take all their amazing podcast content and give it really long legs so you can expand your reach and grow your podcast community, have we got something for you!

We recently created an incredible free resource, our 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content. It’s got all the reasons why content repurposing should be part of any podcaster’s marketing strategy, as well as sharing the 50 ways podcast content can be repurposed.

And all you need to do to get it is sign up to our weekly newsletter, The Podcast Playbook!

4. A Rise In Branded Podcasts

Next up, we also predict that we will see a rise in branded podcasts in 2024. Branded podcasts are those shows created by brands, businesses, or companies, and we’ve seen a surge in these over the past couple of months. And we predict we’ll see that continue as more and more brand see the value in having their own show.

Branded podcasts are an incredible marketing strategy for brands, and think more and more brands are going to realize this. Podcasts offer the unique ability to really connect a host with an audience. We know this already. But when you can get that connection to your brand via a branded podcast, that’s gold for businesses. 

If brands can find the right angle and niche for their show, a branded podcast is a fantastic way to build a buzzing community around your brand.

Need help launching your branded podcast? We can help! Check out all the launch packages we have on offer, then set up a free call with one of our team! We’d love to connect with you!

5. More AI Presence in the Podcasting Space

In at Number 5 for our podcast predictions for 2024 is AI. We’re living in the Age of AI, so we don’t really need to have that podcasting crystal ball to know that it will have an impact on the podcasting space, as it will in almost every industry.

But this prediction is a bit of mixed-bag, and we believe that AI’s impact on podcasting will be multi-faceted. While we do think we will see it have a presence in various aspects of the podcast process, we don’t think it’s all sunshine and roses. 

Don’t get me wrong. AI is incredible. And where you can use it to speed up or streamline your process, it’s great.

But we also want to predict that podcasters and creators in general will wield AI as a tool, and not let its version of whatever be the final version. You can never replace that magic touch a passionate person brings to something. Be that your podcast editing, your social media captions, your blog posts, or even your podcast scripts.

6. “Something” Because of Joe Rogan

Okay, so our podcasting crystal ball is a little fuzzy on this one. But all we know is that “something” will happen to the podcasting space because of Joe Rogan this year!

Why do we think that?

Well, Joe Rogan’s deal with Spotify comes to an end this year. And as of yet, mums the word on what he’ll do next. Does he sign another exclusive contract with Spotify? If so, that would indicated that Spotify is still keen on podcasting and still keen on exclusivity. 

But if he chooses to take his show elsewhere, there’ll be a ripple effect in the realm of podcasting, too. If Spotify doesn’t offer him a deal, does that mean the platform’s initial fire for podcasting is growing dim? Does he go independent? Does he sign with another company? And what could that mean?

Who knows? We told you, fuzzy!

7. A Tipping Point for Podcast Ads

This is another two-sided podcast prediction. On the one side, we do predict that podcast ads will still be a fantastic way for podcasters to monetize their shows. And all the signs point to the fact that this upward trajectory will continue. The revenue of podcast advertising is suspected to reach US$4.02 bn by 2024.

And for the podcasting space as a whole, this is amazing.

However, there is a danger here and podcasters need to play their cards right when it comes to how they’re placing ads in their content.

Just recently, I’ve been a part of a number of conversations about our favorite podcasts (as you do) and one thing that kept on popping up in the conversation was how the amount of podcast ads per episode doubled or even tripled this past year! In some cases, the same 90 second ad played three times in an episode! If both the brands doing the advertising and the podcast hosts want to keep the engagement of their audience, they’re going to have to negotiate their sponsorship deals so that they actually yield results. Otherwise listeners are either going to be skipping all ads all together, or worse, they’ll start unsubscribing. And if that happens, everyone loses.

So, we predict podcasters and marketers are going to have to work closely together in 2024 so that everyone wins from these deals.

8. More Podcasts in Pop Culture

Again, this is a personal podcast wish prediction! But I love seeing podcasts and podcasting making appearances in films and series, as a ‘character’ or part of the plot!

Only Murders in the Building, Karen Pirie, and the film Vengeance are top examples that spring to mind!

These shows did such a great job at using podcasts as part of the medium for telling their story (I know, very meta!) as well as parodying podcasting so perfectly in their own way. I loved them all and I’m here for more in 2024! (Please!)

9. A Rise in Live Podcasting Events 

Next up in this list of our top podcast predictions and trends for 2024, we also predict we’ll see a rise in live podcasting events. We really felt the pull towards all types of live podcasting last year. It seems like “live” was on everybody’s lips. And so many shared that trying live events or live podcasting was one of their goals for 2024.

Who knows, you may even see us doing some super cool live events in the not-too-distant-future, so stay tuned!

10. More Podcasts!

And finally the last of our podcast predictions for 2024, (and this should come as no surprise!) we predict that the number of podcasts worldwide will continue to grow as more and more people become podcasters! There is plenty of space in the podcast sphere for more podcasts. So if you’re looking to make 2024 be the year your podcast idea moves from your mind to the real world, do it!

And if you’re not sure where to start, We Edit Podcasts can help! Simply check out our How to Launch Your Podcast series (the courses are FREE, just btw!) and you’ll be all set!

What Does the Podcasting Future Hold?

And that’s it for this year’s edition of the We Edit Podcasts’ Podcast Predictions and Trends for 2024! 

Will they happen or won’t they? We’ll just have to see…

*Disclaimer: The podcast predictions and trends shared on this post are merely opinions and hopes, and are by no means intended to be taken as fact.

There is no podcasting crystal ball…yet.

Many of us find ourselves caught in the cycle of making promises to transform our lives, only to see those resolutions crumble way before we’ve seen any real change. But not this year! Not by a long shot! And not if we can help it!

But before we dive into how we’re setting ourselves up for success in 2024, let’s dive a little deeper into New Year’s Resolutions, shall we?

Some New Year’s Resolutions Stats

Here’s a fun fact! (Okay, realistically, it’s not actually a fun fact, but it is interesting…) Did you know that the success rate of New Year’s Resolutions is pretty dismal? So dismal, in fact, some studies suggest that around 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. February!

But it gets worse! There are other statistics that show that by the second Friday in January, all those well-meaning resolutions have flown the coop. They even have a name for this occurrence…Quitters Day!

So, why do these well-intentioned resolutions crumble so quickly? There are a number of factors to consider. But on the whole, the answer lies in the unrealistic expectations and the pressure we put on ourselves to make drastic changes overnight.

New Year, New You…NO MORE New Year’s Resolutions!

So, as we enter 2024, we want to propose something new when we talk about New Year’s Resolutions. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, but in a way that lasts and yields actual results. It’s time to break free from this resolutions rut and explore alternatives that not only endure but lead to genuine, lasting change. So we have compiled a list of sustainable alternatives to New Year’s resolutions to help you make 2024 YOUR year!

Sustainable Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Actually Achieve Your Goals

1. Set Realistic Goals

First up, when it comes to alternatives to New Year’s resolutions, and swapping out the old habit for something NEW, and sustainable, we start by learning to set realistic goals.

Too often, when we set those New Year’s resolutions, we’re setting the resolutions we think we’re supposed to set. Perhaps even ones we feel pressure to set. But guess what?! Using that method will get you nowhere quickly when it comes to actually achieving your goals for 2024. 

So, what can you do instead?

You can set realistic goals. Goals that are realistic for YOU!

And then take it one step further. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul in whatever areas of your life, set those realistic “for you” goals, and then break down your goals into smaller, more achievable steps. This not only makes your objectives more manageable but also increases your chances of success. And each time you achieve one of the small steps, you’ll get a massive boost of motivation, encouraging you to keep on the path to achieving your goals.

Embracing this incremental approach can help to ensure a steady progression towards your desired outcomes. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And each small step is an important stride toward sustainable personal growth.

2. Focus on Habits, Not Resolutions

Up next on our list for better, more sustainable alternatives to New Year’s resolutions is to focus on changing habits, not on pursuing often unattainable resolutions. 

Resolutions usually focus on a specific outcome, and we either “win or lose” based solely on whether or not we achieve said outcome. But habits, on the other hand, are the building blocks of lasting change. 

Habits form the backbone of our daily routines and behaviors, and making even small adjustments to them leads to realistic, long-term improvement. 

So, how do you apply this to you in 2024?

Identify habits that align with your goals and work on incorporating them into your daily routine. Over time, these changes will become your new habits, and this then leads to sustainable transformation.

But you should also take a good look at your goals, and have an honest conversation with yourself. Do you currently have any less-than-helpful habits that are in opposition to these goals? Or ones that could be hurdles on your path to success in 2024? These bad habits need attention, too! Look at ways that you can phase them out, or swap them for better habits. (Remember – this will not happen overnight! And that’s OKAY! You’re after sustainable change after all!)

By doing this, you’re clearing the path to achieving your goals. And you’re helping set yourself up for success by making that success more achievable.

3. Choose a Theme for the Year

Another really effective and sustainable alternative to New Year’s resolutions is to choose a theme for 2024. This could be a word or phrase that encapsulates the heart of what you want to achieve in this trip around the sun. A theme is far less rigid than a resolution, meaning that it allows for flexibility as you pursue your goals.

Rather than a “black and white” outcome – that you either hit or miss and so either pass or fail – a theme becomes an adaptable framework on your road to success and personal growth. It’s a really freeing way to set and then work to achieve your goals. A theme for the year also helps to provide room for those inevitable setbacks, hurdles, or “hiccups” as you pursue your goals. A theme can help you see these as part of the process, rather than failures. 

With a theme for the year, you are free to explore all kinds of different strategies and opportunities, or simply feel the freedom to try new things that align with your chosen theme. Rather than that feeling of being on a strict deadline with no room for error that is often a by-product of resolutions.

4. Create a Vision Board

Creating a vision board is another of the fantastic and actually sustainable alternatives to New Year’s resolutions.

Vision boards are a practical, tangible way to set your goals for the year. And they can also be a powerful, visual motivator on your journey to achieving your goals. Vision boards empower you to stay connected to your aspirations with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm throughout the year.

A simple way to create a vision board is to take your goals and your theme for the year, and then use images and words that resonate with and reflect these. Place it somewhere visible, and it will serve as a bright, daily reminder of your objectives and will keep you inspired to stick to your goals throughout the year.

The act of creating a vision board is also mindful practice (more on that in our next strategy!), and can help reinforce your goals within you, serving as an extra motivator to make those habit changes we spoke about previously.

So, let your creativity flow, have fun with your vision board, and use it as a way to change habits, propel you forward a little step and a time, and successfully achieve the goals you set for yourself this year.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Reflection

Our next pick for better alternatives to New Year’s resolutions is to start the practices of mindfulness and reflection. No matter what your goals for 2024 may be, learning to practice mindfulness could be the key to helping you stick to your plan and reach those goals.

Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing one’s attention to the present moment and being fully present within it. This means that you are aware of where you are and what you’re doing. But mindfulness also involves not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. 

How can this help you achieve your goals? And why is mindfulness a better, more sustainable alternative to setting New Year’s resolutions? 

Well, it’s because the goal of mindfulness is to be fully engaged in the current experience. And this, in turn, promotes mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of overall well-being. And it’s in this state that you can realistically set and work towards your goals. By practicing mindfulness, you will be more aware of the right goals to set for yourself. 

Through practicing mindfulness, you’ll pick goals that are realistic. And through practicing regular reflection, you’ll be able to gauge your progress, and make the necessary small adjustments that will help keep you on the path to your goals.

The practices of mindfulness and reflection allow you to stay connected to your goals as well as to your progress. You are able to adjust your plan as needed, helping you make sustainable change. Achieving your goals then becomes a process. And you’re able to then appreciate the journey rather than fixating on the destination.

6. Embrace a Growth Mindset

And now we’ve come to our final better alternatives to New Year’s resolutions. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, work on cultivating a growth mindset. A growth mindset means simply that rather than having an outcomes-based mindset, where you’re only successful if you hit the mark, your mindset is now one that values the process. And encompasses all avenues of that process. A growth mindset values the learning and evolving, rather than only placing value on a specific, set outcome.

The shift from a fixed outcome-oriented perspective to a growth mindset is a game-changer in the pursuit of lasting change. It allows us to appreciate the process of working towards our goals and the journey of improvement, rather than constantly beating ourselves when we’re not “measuring up” to some rigid end goal, or resolution.

Embracing a growth mindset transforms the way we perceive challenges, setbacks, and success itself. And it helps us see that the pursuit of our goals and dreams is a dynamic journey. It’s not only about the destination.

Conclusion

As we enter 2024, we say, “Out with the old way of setting New Year’s Resolutions,” and, “Hello to a new way of setting ourselves up for success in this new year.”

By putting these strategies for sustainable alternatives to New Year’s resolutions into place, we’ll remove the unrealistic expectations, tone down the pressure, and form sustainable habits, and we’ll all be well on our way to making 2024 a year of genuine, lasting transformation. So together, let’s break free from the resolutions rut, and let’s make 2024 the year we experience real change and tangible growth! Cheers to the new you, the new year, and to no more New Year’s Resolutions!

Related read: The Best Self-Improvement Podcasts 

Is that even possible?

Yes! Great news! It certainly is!

In this blog post, we’ll explore some savvy tips and best strategies to help podcasters take a podcast break and step away from the mic for a bit without sacrificing their audience engagement.

Let us show you how!

Related read: The 12 Best Podcast Episode Ideas Perfect For The Holidays

8 Best Strategies for Taking a Podcast Break Over the Holidays

1. Plan Ahead and Batch Record!

First up, one of the most effective and “easiest” ways to take a break from your podcast is to not.

Wait, what?!

I thought this post was about helping podcasters take a break from our podcasts. It is! Don’t worry! You’re still taking a break! It’s just not going to sound like you are. Because one way to take a break from your podcast is to batch-record your episodes and release those according to your usual podcast schedule.

You can take your break, and your podcast community can still enjoy all your amazing content. 

This method does require some thorough planning, and extra effort beforehand. But it is a really great way to take a podcast break while still keeping your podcast momentum.

2. Prepare Your Audience

Another one of the best strategies, if you’re looking to take a podcast break, and keep your audience, is to firstly prepare your audience! No matter what strategy you use to take a podcast break, remember that communication is key – especially if you don’t plan on filling that ‘gap’!

If you don’t plan on ”filling the gap” record an Out Of Office message as an episode. Be sure to include when you plan on releasing a new episode! This lets listeners know what’s going on, and ensures they’ll be waiting for you when you return!

3. Communicate with Your Audience

The next of our best strategies for taking a podcast break should really be used in conjunction with any of the other strategies…communication. Communication really is the key to keeping your podcast momentum as well as your audience intact whenever you’re planning a podcast break. 

However you plan to fill the gap, or especially if you choose to not fill the podcast gap with anything, keep your audience in the loop. This just helps let them know what’s going on. And so they don’t unsubscribe at the first sign of no new podcast episodes.

In the lead-up to your break, start letting your audience know what to expect.

You can also record an “out-of-office” style message that you can release on its own. (Highly recommended if you’re not going to be filling the gap with anything.) Or insert this at the beginning of the episodes that will be going out over your break. Be sure to state clearly when you’ll be returning to your regular episodes. And create excitement both about your ‘break’ content as well as what’s coming next, and you’ll keep your audience whilst you enjoy your podcast break. 

4. Publish Re-Runs!

If you’re particularly looking for the best strategies for taking a break from your podcast over the Holidays, then this next one is for you…re-runs! The Holidays are almost synonymous with re-runs! So let this work for you and your podcast. Take a podcast break by publishing some of yours or your audience’s favorite episodes over the Holidays. 

Publishing re-runs is not only an easy and effective way to offer your audience high-quality content while still being able to take your podcast break without the effort of podcasting. This not only keeps your podcast active but also gives new listeners a chance to discover and relive your best work.

5. Create Bonus Episodes

Our next strategy for taking a podcast break without losing episode engagement is to create and share bonus episodes. These bonus episodes could be extended versions of some of your best interviews or your most moving monologues. Or even episodes that feature some of your hilarious bloopers, or even behind-the-scenes insights. 

Bonus episodes are another great way to still offer added value to your listeners and keep your audience engaged. But this type of ‘bonus’ content can also enhance your connection with your audience. As it brings a deeper sense of “realness” or “humanness” to your show.

6. Highlight Reels

Compilation episodes that act as highlight reels from your podcast is another winning strategy to help you take a podcast break. Create episodes made up of the best bits and top highlights from your episodes over your latest season. or however you like to segment your episodes. 

These bonus episodes made up of the best bits of your episodes are a fun and valuable way to keep your audience entertained and engaged with your podcast, even if you’re not putting out brand-new content.

“Best bits” episodes are a tried-and-tested strategy from all avenues of the entertainment industry. And they’re perfect for podcasters looking to take a little break from podcasting.

7. Swap Episodes with Other Podcasters

Another effective strategy for filling that podcast gap while you take a podcast break is to swap episodes with other podcasts. This strategy gives you great content, without having to do any of the actual work of episode creation beforehand.

But key to the success of this strategy is picking other podcasters in your niche. You still want to give your audience high-quality, highly valuable content that still caters to their needs. And by picking great podcasts within your niche, you can do just that.

By sharing high-quality content from other podcasts, you can still maintain that connection with your listeners.

Even while you’re not technically there. 

But as an added bonus, if you’re strategic with your podcast picks, this swap can serve to help both you and the other podcast hosts grow their audiences because you both serve the same audiences.

8. Release Trailers or Sneak Peeks

Finally, strategy 8 of our best strategies for taking a podcast break, over the Holidays or in general, is to create trailers or sneak peeks to release while you’re taking your much-needed break.

This is a fantastic strategy for two reasons. One, by creating amazing trailers or sneak peeks, you have amazing content to fill the gap while you get to step away from the mic and take your break.

But two, epic trailers and sneak peeks can help build anticipation until you do return. This teaser strategy keeps your audience eagerly anticipating your comeback, ensuring you still have a loyal audience when you return from your break.

*Want to learn more about the magic and science of podcast trailers? Check out The Trailer Park Podcast!

In Conclusion

Taking a break from podcasting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing momentum. By planning ahead, communicating with your audience, and strategically using various content options, you can ensure that you get a rewarding break that we all need from time to time, without it having any detrimental effects on your podcast or your podcast community. 

Remember, a break is in an investment your health and well-being. And so, it’s also essential for your podcast’s longevity and sustained success. But in order for it to have no adverse effects on your show, you’ll need a strategy. Or eight.

But no matter how you choose to take a break from your podcast, either over the Holidays, or any other time of the year, remember that communication is key. Let your audience know what’s going on, and they’ll be there to welcome you back when you return!

Creating holiday-themed podcast episodes can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience during the Holidays. So if you’re looking for unique ways to add some holiday cheer to your podcast, let’s unwrap 12 delightful podcast episode ideas to bring that holiday flare to your podcast this season!

12 of Our Best Holiday-Inspired Podcast Episode Ideas

1. Holiday Traditions Around the World

For our first entry on our list of holiday-inspired podcast episode ideas you could use your holiday episodes to explore holiday traditions from around the world.

Delve into the unique customs, joyous celebrations, and heartwarming traditions that paint the holiday season in vibrant hues across diverse cultures and countries. Every country and culture celebrates the holidays – and different holidays – differently – so there are all types of content and angles to share.

Uncover the stories behind these cherished practices, share the universal spirit of joy that unites us all during this season, and add a touch of global magic to your podcast that resonates with listeners worldwide. This holiday episode idea is an effective way to celebrate unity in diversity, bringing the warmth and cheer of holiday traditions from every corner of the globe to your eager audience.

2. Share Your Holiday Traditions

Next up, for your holiday episodes, share your holiday traditions. Do you have some unique or unusual holiday traditions? Are there movies or podcasts you enjoy during this time of the year? Do you bake with your family? Build gingerbread houses? Hang a pickle on your Christmas tree? (Yes, that is a real thing!)

Share all the weird and wonderful things that make this time of year special for you.

Bonus Idea!

Ask your listeners to share their holiday traditions. You could encourage participation through newsletters, and social media, or change up your episode calls to action to make your special request for the holiday season. Giving your listeners the opportunity to actually take part in your episodes is a fantastic way to foster a sense of community amongst your listeners and increase the connection between you and your audience.

3. Find a Holiday Angle to Your Content

Another fun way to add some festive flare to your podcast episodes over the holiday season is to find a holiday angle to your usual content.

Whether you have a health and wellness show, a foodie-focused podcast, a show for entrepreneurs, or even if your niche is true crime, I can all but guarantee there’s a way to put a holiday spin on your content.

Have some and embrace the opportunity to infuse your content with some holiday magic. Finding a new spin on your content is also a great exercise to help you see your content from a new perspective and continue to offer your listeners all the best subject matter.

4. Holiday Stress Relief

While the Holidays are a special time, let’s be honest, they’re also stressful! Again, no matter your podcast niche or your target audience, we all experience stress! So, for another podcast episode idea that’s perfect for the holidays, you could offer tips and strategies for managing holiday-related stress, tailored to your target audience.

There are so many ways to frame this, and a whole plethora of tips and strategies you can offer your listeners for the holidays. You just need to put on your (Holiday!) thinking cap, and these episodes could be some of your fan favorites.

Related read: 10 Simple Ways to Destress and Recharge this Holiday Season

5. The History of the Holidays

Another engaging way to add holiday flare to your podcast episodes is to dive into the origins of some popular holidays that take place during this time of the year. From Christmas to Hanukka, to Kwanzaa, and even Christmukka, there is a whole lot of historical ground to cover!

You could uncover the history behind the holidays themselves, explore these from different perspectives, or dive into all the different festive practices that come with all the different holidays, whether they’re familiar family customs or quirky traditions from around the world.

6. Holiday Movie Marathon

The Holidays are synonymous with Christmas movies! Yes, most are totally cheesy, and yes, most are completely unrealistic. We get it. We know! But we still LOVE them! So turn that love into podcast episode content. (Or maybe you hate them, that’s okay, too! You could discuss that!)

Discuss classic and modern holiday movies, or dive into this year’s new holiday offerings. There are plenty of holiday movies so there are plenty of ways you could use this idea to add a little holiday touch to your podcast over the festive season.

7. Holiday Favorites

We all have holiday favorites! Turn them into great podcast episode content by sharing your holiday favs on your podcast!

This could be countdowns of your favorite holiday films or podcasts, your favorite festive food, your favorite holiday music, book recommendations, gift ideas, or anything you can think of!

This is also another of our top holiday podcast episode ideas that provides an opportunity for greater audience engagement and connection. Get your listeners to send in their holiday favorites, let them share in the conversation in a new way, and you could find you’ll be starting the new year with a far stronger podcast community!

8. Review the Year

Here’s another great way to sprinkle some holiday magic on your podcast this festive season, reviewing the year. You can reflect on the past year’s podcast episodes, milestones, and personal experiences, and express gratitude to your listeners.

You could do countdowns of some of your top moments of the year, reflect on the lessons you’ve learned, or your top highlights from the year. This is another great way to connect with your listeners and build a deeper connection with your community.

9. New Year’s Resolutions

Another great podcast idea perfect for the holidays is New Year’s Resolutions! Set them, discuss strategies for achieving them, or bash them! But they’re a fun topic for your podcast episodes this holiday season.

You could even explore the psychology of New Year’s resolutions, or discuss different ways to think about resolutions! Whichever way you frame it, it’s a great episode idea for the festive season.

10. Holiday-Themed True Stories

‘Tis the season for heartwarming tales! So another really fun holiday-inspired podcast episode idea is sharing some heartwarming holiday-themed true stories.

Whether fictional or real, sharing feel-good stories can lift spirits and create a cozy atmosphere for your listeners during this time of year. You can even encourage audience participation by inviting them to share their favorite holiday true stories, too.

11. Gratitude and Thankfulness

As much as the holiday season is all about fun and festivities, it’s also the perfect time of year for some gratefulness and thankfulness. And this is a great podcast episode idea for the holidays! Share what you’re grateful for, share what you’ve learned over the year, or express thankfulness for all that you learned and achieved this year.

Or open the discussion to your listeners. Let them share their stories of gratefulness and thankfulness. This, again, is a great way to foster connection and community with you and your listeners!

12. Holiday Survival Guide for Your Target Audience

And for our final holiday-inspired podcast episode idea, you could bring the holidays and your niche together by offering a Holiday Survival Guide specially for your target audience, whether that’s introverts, singles, parents, teachers, you name it! We could all do with a little help over the holidays! And your podcast is the perfect platform to offer it!

You can offer insights, tips, and strategies to make the festive season a smooth and more enjoyable time for your dedicated listeners. This is a great way to offer highly valuable content to your target audience and to just connect with your audience in meaningful ways over this time.

A Final Word on Podcast Episode Ideas for the Holidays Festivities…

As the holiday season unfolds, and we’re dusting everything with the holiday flavor, why not infuse your podcast with these festive podcast episode ideas?

Whether you’re sharing traditions, exploring holiday history, or rating the latest Christmas movies, there is a sleighful of ways you can have some holiday fun with your podcast.

But it’s not all about frivolous fun! These holiday podcast episode ideas will not only entertain your listeners, but they can also serve to deepen your connection with your audience. So, put on that Christmas sweater, and sprinkle some holiday magic over your podcast this holiday season.

I can guarantee there is at least one vocal tip in this article that you didn’t know you needed as a podcaster. 

But before we get into all that…why do you need to vocal tips for podcasting?

Your job as a podcaster centers entirely around your ability to speak. And often, we take for granted what it takes to produce this sound in a healthy way. As a vocal coach and singer, I have made it my mission to help all ‘chronic voice users’ keep their voices healthy so that they can last for the entirety of their careers.

And beyond!

As a podcaster, your voice is one of your greatest and most important tools. And it needs to be reliable and strong. We all know why it’s important to keep our bodies healthy with regular exercise and a healthy diet. The voice is a muscle like any other and it needs to be exercised and maintained to avoid damage and be at its strongest.

So, without any further adieu, here are 10 vocal tips you didn’t know you needed as a podcaster.

10 Vocal Tips For Podcasting You Didn’t Know You Needed!

1. Food for Thought Your Voice!

Did you know that everything you put into your body either has a direct or indirect impact on the vocal folds? For example, certain foods produce more stomach acid than others. And some foods are more nutrient-dense therefore supporting all muscles, including the vocal folds. Prioritizing healthy eating habits is important for the overall health of your entire body. But as a podcaster, it is especially important to be mindful of what you consume as it can have a huge impact on your vocal health. 

Before you even start recording, it’s important to make sure that you are eating the right kinds of foods. Foods that cause acid reflux are a no-go so be sure to stay away from them leading up to a recording session! Stick with high-fiber foods that will increase the regularity of bowel movements, thus reducing reflux! Remember, your vocal folds are part of your body and need the same TLC and mindfulness as every other muscle!

Want to read further on how diet affects your vocal health? Check out this article!

2. Don’t Hit ‘Snooze’!

Have you ever woken up with no voice? Or maybe you’ve tried to talk to someone just after waking up? That ‘morning voice’ is a little weaker and croakier than your usual sound, right? Kind of like there’s a frog in your throat (hehe). So if you want to keep your podcast recording a ‘frog-free’ zone, this is a tip I am sure you didn’t know about! You should be awake for at least 3 hours before recording in the mornings. 

Why? 

Because your voice needs time to warm itself up naturally. You need to give your voice (and yourself) adequate time to wake up which will contribute to the process of warming up. Let’s not bring the frog to the recording session this time (wink wink).

3. Preparation is Key!

Next up in my list of vocal tips is preparation. You wouldn’t run a marathon without a good stretch first, would you? Well, when it comes to podcasting, you shouldn’t speak for extended periods of time without warming your voice up first! A good vocal warmup before you record your podcast will help you get that rich and buttery-smooth sound in all your episodes. And it will help you avoid fatigue while recording!

This can be a tedious process… trust me, I know! My students get very frustrated because I never let them skip out on a proper vocal warmup. But they always thank me later as they hear their voices strengthening and find that those high notes are a lot easier to reach!

Bottom line? A vocal warm-up doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be done! Sliding and gliding exercises are a great way to warm up. Keeping within a comfortable range, slide through multiple pitches on any vowel sound with a consonant such as an ‘s’ in the beginning. Do this before every single recording session to be the best podcaster you can possibly be! 

4. Posture, Posture, Posture…

If your posture is incorrect and you are all scrunched up like a croissant (don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about), your abdominals will get squished. And your lungs will end up deflating like a balloon and melting like a very sad little ice cream on a hot summers day!

When you are not supporting correctly, you are not able to breathe correctly and produce sound clearly. When you are a deflated balloon, you cannot get enough air in. And the sound will, in turn, come out paper thin and it will feel (and sound) croaky and as if you are grinding it out.

So whenever you’re recording podcast episodes, it is important to be mindful of your posture, especially if you’re sitting down. Make sure you are sitting upright with your shoulders rolled back and down towards the base of your spine. And then, make sure your neck isn’t thrusting forward or backward.

This will help you to be able to breathe in nice and low which is essential to maintain optimum vocal health and create a full and rich sound! Trust me, not only will you feel a massive difference, your listeners will hear one, too! 

5. Blow Me Away With Fantastic Airflow!

This next vocal tip always catches everyone by surprise… you need to be speaking correctly. I bet you didn’t know there was a chance that incorrect and poor speaking habits were limiting your vocal potential? Now you may be thinking, ‘But Kyra, I’ve been speaking all my life! Surely I know how to do it properly?’ While that may be true, a lot of people do not speak in a healthy way, and the most vocal damage vocal coaches see comes from poor speaking habits more so than from poor singing! 

You want to make sure you are speaking with enough air passing through the vocal folds. This requires breathing in correctly and allowing the air to flow out. Imagine it coming out of your mouth in a smooth and straight line with speed. Release that air and I guarantee you will not only feel like a vocal expert, but you will sound like one too! 

6. Take Five

Resting is incredibly important for any job but especially for one that requires so much vocal exertion. I would argue that podcasting requires more energy and effort than a desk job, at least in the vocal department. So, next up in this list of vocal tips for podcasting is to take breaks! You need to give your voice enough rest to recover from extensive use and optimize its ability while recording. 

Make sure you are taking adequate breaks when behind the mic. No matter how long the final, produced version of your podcast is, I know it takes a lot longer to actually record it. So try to take a break every 40 minutes or so. If that isn’t possible, make sure to give your voice some rest after recording. That doesn’t mean you should stop speaking altogether, but just a little less than while recording (wink wink). And don’t forget to get enough sleep at night! 

7. Hydration Station

Water is liquid gold for podcasters so you need to make sure your water bottle is close to you while recording! So, when you’re podcasting, keep hydrating! Water lubricates your articulators, larynx, and vocal folds and is fuel for your voice so do not skip out on this tip! 

Grating some fresh ginger into boiling water with a little honey and even lemon is also a great way to stay hydrated and this concoction even has the potential to reduce swelling and reflux on the cords. And let’s be honest, the taste of water can get a little boring so this is a welcome change for the tastebuds!

8. Chill Out After A Recording Sesh With a Cool Down

In at Number 8 in my list of top vocal tips is don’t neglect a cool down! Cooling your voice down after using it for a long period of time is just as important as warming up! Your larynx needs to be returned to its normal resting position after being exercised extensively – kind of like stretching after a run. Cooling down will help you do that! 

Don’t skip out on a cool down after a recording session. You can use lip trills to cool down with the same principle of sliding and gliding. You don’t need to do it for long and you definitely don’t need to overthink it but you do need to do it. It will help to massage your vocal cords and begin the resting process while keeping your voice in mint condition. 

9. Listen to Your Voice!

If you are going to expect people to listen to your voice for hours on end on your podcast, then the least you can do is listen to it when it’s telling you how it feels. So, if there is anything I want you to take away from this article, it is the importance of mindfulness when it comes to the voice. If you are aware of how your voice feels when recording, when it feels great, and when it doesn’t feel so great, you can make the necessary changes to give it what it needs. 

Vocal mindfulness is incredibly important and I want you to make it a habit to check in with your voice. Make sure you are aware of how it feels when you speak, when your voice has had enough, and most importantly when you need to reschedule a recording session due to fatigue, illness, or other issues. 

10. Prioritize Vocal Health Daily

Finally, your podcast and overall quality of life will improve with daily mindful vocal practice. If you haven’t realized after reading this far, I am absolutely passionate about vocal hygiene and helping ‘chronic voice users’ protect and optimize their beautiful instruments – their voices! In fact, I am so passionate about vocal health that I wrote a whole article about it.

Check out my other blog post, How to Protect Your Voice: A Vocal Health Guide For Podcasters to get some more vocal tips and tricks to develop daily habits that will ensure good vocal hygiene and will ultimately lead to easier and better podcast episodes! So for my final tip, I want you to start adopting healthy vocal habits into your everyday life. Prevention is always better than cure! 

Now You Have 10 Vocal Tips For Better Podcasting!

Well, there you have it! 10 vocal tips for podcasting I am sure you didn’t know you needed, but will make a world of difference to your podcast, and help you take your show to new heights. Not only will they make the recording process easier, reduce fatigue, and potentially prevent damage, but they will make your voice sound richer, fuller, and stronger!

Remember, you only get one voice and it is something you should cherish and look after, especially as a podcaster. I want you to take ownership of your instrument, your tool for business, and the way you spread your message through podcasting. And I want to help and I want to see your podcast thrive. Let’s start the journey to vocal health together! 

And it is our belief that treating your podcast like a brand is the key to your long-term podcasting success.

Not convinced? Totally okay!

We’ve got tons more reasons why giving your podcast a brand identity is not just a “good idea” but a necessary strategic move toward long-term success.

Reasons to Build Your Podcast Brand Authority

1. Differentiation in a Crowded Space

We all know there are tons of podcasts out there. (But there is ALWAYS room for more!) But this means that podcasters need to do all they can to help make their show stand out from the crowd. Treating your podcast as a brand will help you carve out a unique identity that will help set your show apart.

2. Builds Trust and Credibility

Think of some of the world’s most recognizable brands. What do they all have in common? They’ve cultivated global trust and credibility. And if you can do that for your podcast brand, you’ll be well on your way to podcast success. When listeners can identify a consistent brand image, it creates a sense of reliability and professionalism. And so building your podcast brand is crucial for building a loyal audience who will return for each new episode.

3. Establishes a Strong Connection with Your Audience

In general, a brand goes beyond just a logo or a name. A brand identity represents the vision, values, and mission of the brand. By developing a brand identity for your podcast, you taking steps toward creating a connection with your audience on a deeper level, by connecting them to your podcast’s vision, values, and mission.

4. Greater Opportunities for Growth

Strong podcast brands are attractive to other brands. And so building your podcast brand is laying a solid foundation for podcast growth. Whether you’re considering merchandise, live events, or partnerships, a well-established brand makes it easier to expand your podcasting venture into new and exciting territories. Sponsors and collaborators are also more likely to invest in podcasts with a strong brand presence.

5. Encourages Listener Loyalty

Audiences tend to rally around brands. And this is because a strong brand identity leads to a strong community identity. A well-defined brand provides a common ground for your listeners to connect, share, and engage with your podcast on a deeper level.

6. Makes Consistency Easier

And finally, building a strong podcast brand is beneficial for the podcaster because it helps significantly when it comes to podcast consistency. As we always say, consistency is key in the podcasting world. And a well-defined brand helps provide a great framework for podcasters when it comes to maintaining consistency across episodes, social media platforms, and even when it comes to the brands or partners you consider for collaboration. That strong brand identity helps make all kinds of podcast decisions easier because you have a framework for making those decisions.

So, as you can see, building your podcast brand lays the foundation for long-term podcast success.

But how do you build this brand authority for your podcast?

The simple truth is that no brand is built overnight. The journey to becoming a recognized authority in your niche requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and a little help from We Edit Podcasts!

So now, let’s get to the heart of this post. We’re going to walk you through the essential steps you should start taking to help you build and enhance your podcast brand authority.

How To Build Your Podcast Brand Authority

1. Define Your Brand Identity

The first step in building a strong brand identity for your podcast is to start by defining your identity. What sets you apart? What distinguishes you from other podcasts in your niche? Write all of these down!

Next, think about other elements that your podcast encompasses. Think about and identify your unique selling points, your show’s values, and even elements like the tone you want to convey through your podcast episodes. All of these will help you outline and then define your podcast brand identity.

2. Choose Your Niche Wisely

The next step in building a strong podcast brand is to choose your niche wisely. If you’ve already honed in on your niche, then you’re all set. But it is always a good exercise to revisit your niche, with podcast brand building in mind, to ensure that your niche is clearly defined.

But in general, you need to select a niche that aligns with your passion and expertise. The key thing here is that you want a focused niche. A focused niche not only enables you to channel your expertise in a specific area, but it also simplifies the process of positioning yourself as an authority within that space.

By honing in on a specific area, you are more likely to attract a dedicated audience genuinely interested in the unique insights, knowledge, and perspectives you bring to your podcast. This intentional niche selection becomes a cornerstone in crafting a distinct brand that resonates with authenticity and captures the attention of your target audience.

3. Prioritize Content Quality

Quality when it comes to all facets of your podcast is incredibly important to your long-term podcast success. But quality content really counts when you’re looking to build and boost your podcast brand. Because no successful brand has ever been built off of poor quality!

So, in your journey to build a strong podcast brand, continue to invest time and effort into creating high-quality content that educates or entertains, but above all, adds value to your audience.

Takeaway! High-quality, highly valuable content is the cornerstone of strong brand authority.

4. Consistency Matters

The next strategy for building your podcast brand is consistency. Consistency builds podcast brand authority because it builds trust and helps develop a feeling of reliability between your podcast and your audience.

And this consistency needs to be applied to all areas of your show. From adhering to a consistent release schedule, maintaining a consistent tone and quality, and aligning with a particular niche focus, the key is to establish expectations that your audience can depend on. You also want consistency when it comes to your aesthetic across your social media platforms, as well as to all other content you may be sharing through your different marketing channels.

This consistency helps to cement your podcast’s identity in the minds of your audience, further strengthening their connection to your podcast, and building your podcast brand.

*Check out this post from Hubspot to dive deeper into the relationship between consistency and brand building.

5. Build an Online Presence

Next, if you want to build a strong podcast brand, you also have to build a strong online presence. In this day and age, there is really no way around this. Your podcast brand needs an online presence, and needs to ‘live’ somewhere other than podcast directories.

Create social media profiles for your podcast on whichever platforms align best with your target audience, create a website for your show, and utilize email newsletters so that you can connect with your audience beyond the podcast. And so that you can then leverage your online presence to extend your podcast brand’s reach.

Related read: 20 Effective Social Media Tips for Podcast Growth

6. Engage with Your Audience

Going hand-in-hand with building an online presence as a way to build your podcast brand is then using this presence to interact with your audience. Remember, strong brands are the ones that a community builds and rallies behind. But in order for a community and following to build around your podcast, you as the host need to be engaging with that community.

Genuine engagement is the foundation of a strong podcast community, and this strong community, in turn, strengthens your brand

7. Feature Experts

Another effective strategy for building a strong podcast brand is to look for ways where you can feature niche experts in connection with your podcast. How does this strategy work? Well, when you feature guests who are viewed as experts in their field, you can then leverage their expertise and authority to enhance the authority and credibility of your podcast.

Your show’s association with recognized experts in your niche not only attracts their audience to your show, thus growing your listener base. But it also reinforces the trustworthiness and authenticity of your podcast brand.

8. Network and Collaborate

Next up, to build your podcast brand, you have to focus on networking and collaborations. As you build a network of other podcasters, industry influencers, or experts in your field, you will begin to tap into new channels through which you can amplify your podcast’s reach and credibility.

And through collaborations – you’re able to branch out and reach new audiences through cross-promotions. And this audience growth and extended reach further helps to cement your brand.

9. Leverage User-Generated Content

Strategy Number 9 for building brand authority for your podcast is to utilize and leverage user-generated content. In general, user-generated content is used by all sorts of brands to effectively build and establish their credibility and authority. But this type of content is also a great foundation for building a strong community around your brand.

But when it comes to podcasts, what are we talking about when we’re talking about user-generated content? In most cases, we’re focusing on podcast ratings and reviews. These can serve as great “social proof” as they help to add a layer of authenticity and community engagement to your podcast brand.

This participatory approach fosters a sense of community, loyalty, and trust, ultimately solidifying your brand as a reputable and influential force within your niche. User-generated content serves as a testament to the genuine connection your podcast cultivates, establishing your authority in a way that resonates with your audience.

10. Share Success Stories

And the final strategy for building a strong podcast brand is to share success stories. Sharing success stories on your podcast is a powerful strategy for building brand authority. Seeing success stories linked to your podcast serves to reinforce your brand authority by inspiring greater confidence in you and your show.

More than that, success stories in relation to your podcast will help to establish your credibility and authenticity. Success stories create a connection with your audience, inspiring trust, building relationships, and emphasizing your relatability factor, a key trait for successful podcast hosts.

In Conclusion

Thinking about your podcast as a brand is a key strategy for long-term podcast success. And building and strengthening your podcast brand authority is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, consistency, and a commitment to quality.

But following these strategic steps for building a podcast brand will also make this process that much simpler.

So, invest the time and effort into crafting a brand that reflects your podcast’s essence. And watch as it transforms your show into a memorable and influential presence in the podcasting arena.

First up, let’s talk about “content repurposing”. 

Content repurposing has definitely gained tons of traction recently. Just spend a little time on LinkedIn and you’re bound to come across a number of posts from a wide variety of thought leaders as to why you should be repurposing your content.

And if you break it down, it’s easy to see why content repurposing is a winning marketing strategy. 

Looking for ways to repurpose content is a powerful strategy that allows content creators to leverage their existing assets to reach broader audiences. And when really done well, repurposing their content will also help them achieve multiple goals. 

So how does content repurposing work?

In its most basic form, when we’re talking about content repurposing, we’re talking about transforming a single piece of initial content that you’re created, and then transforming – or repurposing – it into various other formats. This could be blog posts, videos, infographics, podcasts, and social media posts. And you do this so that you can engage new and varied audience segments without having to create new content for any or all of the above mentioned ideas.

And I’m sure, just from that basic summary you can see the benefits of content repurposing, and why it’s experienced a surge in popularity of late. Repurposing your content not only saves time and resources but also enhances search engine visibility, reinforces core messages, and keeps your brand consistently in front of your audience. In a world where content is king, repurposing is the ace up your sleeve, ensuring your messages resonate, your brand remains relevant, and your marketing efforts continue to yield significant results.

Content Repurposing and Your Podcast

Now, podcasters, let’s turn our attention to you. Can podcasters make use of the content repurposing growth strategy? YES! You definitely can! And…I just can’t not mention this here…we have an exciting new resource that can help you do just that! We recently put together a beautiful PDF that not only shares all the reasons why podcasters should be repurposing their content, but we also share 50 – yes, you read that right – 50 ways available to podcasters to repurpose their podcast content. We’ve called it 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content, and I can tell you, we’re really proud of it! Not only is it beautiful! It’s packed with helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to help you repurpose your podcast content so that you can maximize your time and reach without maximizing your output.

And you can get access to it all – FOR FREE – by simply signing up to our weekly newsletter, The Podcast Playbook.

I’ll get to all of the finer details concerning how to get your hands on a copy, but first…

But just in case you need a little more convincing that repurposing your podcast content is a great way maximize your podcast’s potential without having to do tons and tons of more work, here are some of our top reasons why podcasters should repurpose their podcast content.

(Psst: we list a couple more in our 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content! There are really so many reasons why podcasters should be repurposing their podcast content!)

Why Podcasters Should Repurpose Their Podcast Content!

1. Reach a Broader Audience

In general, podcasts are primarily an audio-based medium. But not everyone consumes content in the same way. By repurposing your podcast content into various formats such as blog posts, videos, social media snippets, and infographics, you can reach new members of your overall target audience.

2. Enhance SEO and Website Traffic

Repurposing your podcast content into some form of written format can be a massive boost to your podcast’s SEO. This can help your podcast as a brand to rank higher in search results. Which is obviously a massive win for your podcast’s overall growth.

3. Boost Social Media Engagement

To a large extent, growing your podcast requires some social media marketing. And you may know this, and know you need to do this, but you don’t have the time to create content specifically for social media. Repurposing content is perfect for this. You can repurpose your podcast content into short video clips, quote cards, and engaging graphics which are bite-sized and highly-shareable on all the social media platforms. 

4. Establish Authority and Expertise

It goes without saying (although, I am going to say it) that the more places you and your podcast can “show up” the greater your authority becomes. By repurposing your podcast content into well-crafted articles, ebooks, or guides, you can start to position yourself as an expert in your niche. 

5. Time Efficiency

While it’s hard to pick a favorite reason why we’re big fans of repurposing podcast content, time efficiency is right up there. Creating fresh content consistently can be time-consuming. Repurposing allows you to leverage your existing content, saving you time and effort while maintaining a steady flow of content. 

This is a big one for most of us! There’s always so much to do and so little time to do it in! Repurposing is a key way to consistently deliver high-quality content in way less time.

6. Maximizes Content ROI

Creating high-quality content can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Each episode also requires a great amount of effort from your part to ensure that you’re always giving your audience highly-valuable content. Repurposing allows you to make the most of these investments by using the same content in various formats and across multiple platforms, giving it life beyond that single episode.

7. Reinforce Key Messages

If no one has told you this, your podcast is a brand. As such, your podcast as an overall brand message. Successful podcasters find ways to instill this brand message in the minds of audience, turning them into loyal listeners. A key way to do this is through repetition. And repurposing your content allows you to emphasize important messages or ideas by presenting them in different formats and contexts, and so strengthens your overall brand message.

Like I’ve already mentioned, these are only some of the reasons why content repurposing is such a winning growth strategy for podcasters! But I’m sure you can already see what a powerful tool repurposing your podcast content can be.

But it’s all good and well to know that repurposing your podcast content is a good idea. It’s another matter entirely to know how.

Enter our amazing new resource…

Introducing We Edit Podcasts’ 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content

We Edit Podcast’s latest resource, 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content, is your one-stop solution for understanding, implementing, and mastering the art of repurposing. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower all types of podcasters, from all types of genres, and at all stages of their podcasting journey with a wealth of ideas and strategies to extend the reach and impact of their podcast.

What You Can Expect from Our Guide:

A lot of time and effort went into making this guide the best that it can be. We always want to give you our best. And we always want to set podcasters up for success.

And we really believe our latest resource does this in spades.

Besides sharing all the reasons why podcasters should be repurposing their podcast content, our guide offers something pretty amazing…

Diverse Repurposing Techniques:

We’ve compiled 50 innovative ways to transform your podcast episodes into a wide range of engaging content formats, from blog posts to infographics, social media snippets, ebooks, and more. Discover techniques that fit your style and resonate with your audience.

Easy Options:

Our tips, strategies, and best practices for each repurposing method are easy to follow, ensuring that you can implement these strategies with confidence.

Efficiency:

With everything in one handy guide, you can learn how to make the most of your podcast episodes without investing an overwhelming amount of time and effort. 

Audience Growth Strategies:

While the guide focuses on repurposing strategies, many of these strategies can be used to effectively growth your audience. attracts new listeners and potential sponsors. It’s a game-changer for podcast growth.

Monetization Opportunities:

And as another added bonus, many of the repurposing tips can be used to monetize your podcast. You’ll discover how to monetize your content through merchandise, premium content, and more.

So now, the BIG question…

How to Get Your Hands on 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content

And the answer to that is super simple! Simply sign up to our weekly newsletter, The Podcast Playbook, and our 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content will be delivered to your inbox. Just hit this link, sign up, and it’s yours!

And as an added bonus, you’ll also get access to The Podcast Playbook, where we share podcasting tips, growth strategies, the latest podcasting news, and so much more!

So, In Conclusion

Repurposing podcast content is a fantastic growth and marketing strategy that yields tons of benefits, from reaching new audiences to saving you time and building your podcast’s brand authority. And with our 50 Genius Ways to Repurpose Your Podcast Content in your hands, podcasters can unlock the full potential of their episodes, and experience so many more benefits in the process. It’s a win-win strategy for sure! So, what are you waiting for? Start learning how you can effectively repurpose your podcast content today!

A little interview podcast backstory…

The interview podcast is probably the most common podcast format. I’m guessing if you think about some of the world’s most popular podcasts, it’s the interview-style shows that come out tops. And if you think about it, it’s easy to see why. When done well, great interview podcasts bring thought-leaders and topic authorities together, and deliver amazing content that’s characterized by great chemistry and hilarious banter.

But this doesn’t just happen…

It surprises many when we tell them that those amazing podcast episodes don’t “just happen naturally”. Yes, it sounds like all those insightful questions and interesting answers are just happening on the fly, but usually, it’s simply not the case. It takes preparation and practice. But, honestly, that’s just the tip of the excellent interview podcast iceberg. 

And here at We Edit Podcasts, the topic of what really makes for great podcast interviews is something we discuss often. And we have a running list of the things we see amazing hosts do to really nail their interviews. But because we’re not into gatekeeping, we’re sharing that list with you today. 

In this blog post, we aim to share our best tips and techniques for the interview podcast, honed through years of experience, to help podcasters consistently conduct great interviews. 

Because mastering the art of the interview podcast is a skill that can transform your content and captivate your audience. 

But the reality is that it takes far more than merely finding amazing guests and asking them those burning questions. Great podcast interviews are nuanced, and dynamic, and are the product of a lot of work behind the scenes.

Great Podcast Interviews are More Than Question and Answer

But before we get to those tips and techniques, allow me to get a little nerdy…because I can get really passionate about the “hidden stuff” where I believe all great podcast interviews are really made…

Because great podcast interviews are far more than the mere exchange of questions and answers. They’re an intricate dance that blends the art of storytelling, active listening, and genuine connection. It’s about creating a dynamic conversation that not only informs but also captivates and resonates with the audience. 

The magic lies in carefully prepared, thoughtful questions, but balanced with the interviewer’s ability to ask a unique follow-up, to dig deeper, or pivot the discussion. 

A great interview should be an exploration of the guest’s expertise, experiences, and unique perspectives, turning the interview into a narrative that unfolds organically. The rhythm of the conversation, the authenticity of emotions conveyed, and the skillful interplay of words all contribute to crafting an experience that lingers in the minds of listeners. In essence, a great podcast interview is a symphony of communication, where each participant contributes their notes to create something that is impactful and unforgettable for the audience.

See, I told you…a little nerdy…

So enough about the “why”, let’s dive into the “how” of podcast interviews…

Now, let’s get into the heart of the post, our best tips and techniques for great podcast interviews. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips and techniques to help podcasters excel in the art of interviewing and create dynamic, engaging, and memorable content.

From thorough research to fostering a comfortable environment, each strategy aims to elevate your interviewing skills and create content that resonates long after the episode ends.

Let’s dive right in!

The Best Tips and Techniques for Great Podcast Interviews

Without any further ado, our quick-fire tips and techniques to help podcast hosts ace their podcast interviews time, and time again!

1. Don’t Neglect the Preparation

I firmly believe that a great interview podcast is made in the planning stage. So, take the time to do the due diligence beforehand.

Before the interview, invest time in researching your guest’s background, expertise, and previous interviews. Knowing your guest well gives you the best starting point. It enables you to ask insightful questions that go beyond the surface, fostering a deeper connection with your guest, and offering your audience highly valuable, unique content.

2. Prepare Open-Ended Questions

Now, in your preparation phase, you want to dig a little deeper. Amazing podcast interviews all have one thing in common, the hosts ask great questions. And the type of questions you want to aim for are open-ended questions.

Open-ended questions require more than a simple “yes” or “no” response. They’re the type of questions that encourage detailed responses. Setting up your interview with open-ended questions will allow for a more fluid and dynamic conversation, providing your listeners with all those unique, valuable insights.

3. Always Allow for Guest Preparation

The next step in the preparation stage of great podcast interviews is allowing your guests to be prepared. Again, I know those stellar interviews sound like everyone is just “going with the flow” but I can all but guarantee that the guests who are giving the most during the interview do so because they were prepared.

So, once you’ve crafted those open-ended questions, send your intended list of questions to your guest in advance. This allows your guest to prepare and bring their best to the conversation, enhancing the overall quality of your podcast.

4. Establish a Connection

In the world of podcasting, connection is everything. (Yes, there is a pun in there. Yes, it was intended.) Podcast hosts want to connect with their audience, of course, but it is also super important for said podcast hosts to form connections with their guests. This helps create the space for that banter and chemistry. 

A simple and effective way to do this is to set up a friendly “pre-interview” conversation with your guests to help set the tone and build rapport. A comfortable and relaxed guest is more likely to open up during the conversation, leading to a more authentic and enjoyable listening experience.

(A side-note: this certainly does not mean you have quote/unquote “like” your guest – you can totally have guests on with whom you disagree on the topic at hand. But even if you’re disagreeing, you should still attempt to establish that initial connection that will then form the channel for your different points of view.)

5. Practice Active Listening

Our next technique for outstanding podcast interviews is to practice active listening. Fun fact: great hosts are the ones with great listening skills! You need to learn to actively pay attention to your guest’s responses. 

When you’re able to pay attention to what they’re really saying, you can then use their answers to guide follow-up questions. 

Active listening also demonstrates genuine interest, which will help you strengthen that connection with your guest.

6. Ask Thoughtful Follow-Up Questions

Use your guest’s responses to guide your follow-up questions. Thoughtful follow-ups show that you’re engaged and can lead to deeper discussions, enriching the content and providing more value to your audience.

BUT REMEMBER! 

Not every question needs a follow-up. You also need to be careful that those follow-up questions don’t derail the topic or focus of the interview. So a bonus tip is to keep a notebook handy during your interview. If you think of a follow-up while your guest is still focusing on the current question or topic, write it down. Then, once they’re finished sharing on that particular point, you can see if your follow-up question is still pertinent and necessary, or if it was merely a side-bar.

(I actually heard this tip on Carli’s podcast, Business Beyond the Mic, catch the episode where this came from here, as well as all the other episodes here.)

7. Keep Adaptability in Mind

Next tip, keep adaptability in mind. I know I’ve categorically been stressing the point that good preparation is key to amazing interviews, but you also don’t want your interviews to be too rigid. You also don’t want to create a situation where you’re completely thrown if and when life happens around your interviews. 

You, as much as you have to be prepared, you also have to be adaptable. And that’s also why active listening is so important because it enables podcast hosts to keep the focus of the interview but also to ask really insightful follow-up questions.

8. Embrace the Unpredictable

And while you’re keeping adaptability in mind, this brings us to our next podcast interview tip: learning to embrace the unpredictability of podcast interviews.

Great podcast hosts are able to stay flexible during the interview. If the conversation takes an unexpected turn or your guest introduces an interesting topic, you need to be able to go with the flow. As much as you need to be prepared, you also need to be able to adapt. Rigidity can stifle the natural dynamics of the conversation. So the legendary podcast hosts are the ones who are able to walk the line between sticking the script and following a tangent that’s going somewhere golden.

9. Silence Can Be Powerful

The next tip is one that the truly great podcast hosts understand…the power of silence. Great hosts know how to embrace moments of silence. Silence from the hosts allows guests to fully express their thoughts, without interruption. Even seemingly encouraging “hmm’s” can be distracting (not to mention, time-consuming to edit out!). So the truly great hosts appreciate the power of silence.

They know how to keep silent and let their guests have the floor. And only speaking or adding input when their guests have had the chance to share their thoughts.

And remember, these silent moments can always be edited out in post-production.

Looking for some post-production help? Check out our services here!

10. Tech Check

Our next tip is a technical one…always do a tech check! Before every interview, no matter how many interviews you do, always do a tech check. This is a simple way to help ensure a smooth experience for you and your guests. 

Start by arriving early for all interviews. Even if they’re taking place online, show up before the set time. This gives you the time to sort out any technical issues without compromising interview time.

Start by checking your mic and headphones. Are they delivering the top-notch audio quality you’re after?

You also want to check the quality of your internet connection. This is particularly important if you’re conducting long-distance interviews. Remember, technical glitches can disrupt the flow of the interview, which in turn, can impact the listener’s experience. 

11. Create a Comfortable Environment

Another key tip to those great podcast interviews that is often overlooked is creating a comfortable environment. Why does this matter? Well, because a comfortable environment will go a really long way to make your guest feel at ease. And we’re able to deliver our best insights and thoughts when we don’t feel the intense pressure to do that. 

So, in the build-up to your interview, orientate your guests. Explain the format, assure your guest of the conversational nature, and avoid creating a high-pressure atmosphere. Remember, podcasting is fun, and a relaxed guest is more likely to contribute to an enjoyable conversation.

12. Express Your Gratitude to Your Guests

Send your guest a thank-you message after the interview. (If you don’t have a post-interview email set up, we highly recommend creating one. In fact, we believe in that so strongly, we even created a template for you. You can find it here.) Expressing appreciation fosters a positive relationship and leaves the door open for future collaborations.

Showing appreciation and saying a genuine ‘Thank you’ will never not be a good idea! (I know that’s a double negative, but you get what I’m saying!) And it will always be the right move to foster positive relationships.

13. Request Feedback

And finally, our last tip to help you become the best podcast interviewer you can be is to consistently ask for feedback. As I’m sure you’ve realized through the course of this post, great interview podcasts don’t just happen. They are carefully crafted and created. 

And so it follows that great podcast interviewers are the ones who constantly work to hone their craft and improve their skills. And one of the simplest ways you can do this is to consistently request feedback. 

You can start by asking your guests for some post-interview feedback. A simple way to do this is to include a questionnaire in your thank-you email. 

Seek constructive feedback from your guest. Understanding their perspective provides valuable insights and helps you continuously improve your interviewing skills.

But you can also always reach out to your audience and ask for their input on all aspects of your episodes. You’re creating your show for the listeners after all! Why not keep a finger on the pulse of exactly what it is they’re looking for from your show?

Wrapping It Up On Podcast Interviews

Remember, as with anything of value in life, great podcast interviews do not “just happen.” They are always the result of thorough preparation, diligent input, and practice. Lots of practice! And so while we can’t make you practice, we can equip you with the key tips and techniques that form the foundation of great podcast interviews.

By incorporating these tips into your podcast interview approach, you’ll create dynamic, engaging, and memorable content that resonates with your audience. But more than that, our goal with sharing these tips and techniques is for you, the podcaster, to help you establish yourself as the best interview podcast host you can be.

This issue is even more prevalent for people who make a living from their voices. Teachers, lawyers, TV presenters, voice artists, actors, singers, and you guessed it, podcasters! Your vocal folds are a muscle just like any other. They can be overworked and even damaged just as you can strain a muscle in your leg or arm. So how can you avoid this and how do you use your voice properly so that it will last longer and be in better ‘shape’? The key is to practice vocal health and vocal hygiene. 

Take it from me…vocal health is important!

As a vocal coach who trains professional singers and actors all over the world, I have spent many years focusing on the importance of protecting your vocal folds so that my clients can have long, sustainable careers and a good quality of life. I was fortunate enough to be trained by Adele Strombeck, who is known as “South Africa’s leading vocal coach.” She also happens to be my mother, but that’s beside the point (wink wink). I trained in Musical Theatre at the Waterfront Theatre College, in Cape Town, South Africa. And I have been around performers, and, as I like to call them, ‘chronic voice users,’ my entire life! 

I am passionate about transforming the way people use their voices and developing a general mindfulness and respect for the vocal cords. The technique for developing good vocal habits and healthy vocal cords that I am going to share with you today has been devised to assist podcasters, singers, and ‘voice users’ alike with improving their vocal abilities in the healthiest way possible and protecting the vocal folds. 

In this blog post, I am sharing some signs that your voice is struggling, vocal health tips for rehabilitating vocal fatigue, and ways you can develop better vocal habits. Because, at the end of the day, prevention is better than cure, right? So let’s get down to business! Here are my healthy voice insights that will transform your podcasting career!

Signs of Vocal Fatigue

I want to share my knowledge and experience of how to have a healthy voice with you. But first, let’s talk about how you know your voice is struggling. Have you ever heard someone say that they’ve got ‘a frog in their throat’? Podcasters, I’m talking to you! If your voice sounds hoarse, disappears intermittently, or is gone completely, you are probably vocally fatigued. This may happen as you wake up in the morning or after using your voice for an extended period of time. (Hint: after recording your podcast…) And will most likely worsen without rest and rehabilitation. You might even feel like your voice is pitched differently; either higher or lower than usual and as if you have lost your normal speaking range. It will likely feel like you are exerting too much effort to produce sound. This is your voice’s way of telling you it’s tired!

The Biggest Sign of Vocal Fatigue…

But the biggest tell-tale sign that your voice is struggling is if there is pain when you speak. If you have a sharp pain in your throat or near your vocal folds, it is pretty obvious that your voice needs a rest. Pain is never good and it should never feel sore when you talk. Rehabilitation is essential in this case, and you may even need to consider seeking professional help if the discomfort doesn’t subside. The number one thing I always say is that if it feels wrong, it is wrong! You know yourself best so when you feel like something isn’t right, that is your sign to give your voice some TLC.

Vocal Hygiene Tips for Good Vocal Health

But don’t panic! If you’ve recognized that your voice may need some rest or may be overly strained and fatigued, that is the first step. Now, you can begin to take action! You know that prioritizing vocal health is important. Now, you just need some practical strategies. In order to start rehabilitating your strained voice, you can start prioritizing the following rehabilitation tactics:

• Rest: The most important thing your voice needs when it is strained and tired is rest! Rest, rest, rest! That doesn’t mean that you should stop speaking entirely. It just means you should only speak when necessary and be mindful about how you do it.¹ (But more on that later!)  
• Sleep: You also need to make sure you’re getting 6-9 hours of restful sleep at night so that your body can function properly. Sleep is essential in any healing process and rehabilitating the voice needs the same course of treatment! Your vocal cords need to sleep as much as you do.²
• Hydration: Hydration is essential for the vocal folds as it makes them more nourished and resilient. When the body as a whole isn’t hydrated, it takes the cords longer to recover and makes them fatigued faster. So keep that water bottle near your mic!³
• Reducing reflux: Lastly, make sure to watch your diet, particularly if you suffer from acid reflux. Acid reflux is problematic for the vocal folds as excess stomach acid causes inflammation, bleeding, and even ulcers! It’s best to prioritize foods with high fiber content. This can decrease acid reflux by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation which can contribute to reflux. I hate to break it to you…pizza is not your best bet. If you still struggle after making dietary changes, you may want to take a trip to a medical practitioner to see if some medication is necessary.⁴

Actionable Steps You Can Take to Help Your Tired Voice (From A Vocal Coach)

While it’s true that there is no quick fix for your struggling voice, there are some exercises you can make use of to speed the process along. And they can even be used as preventative measures. If you are a podcaster, you need to build the following exercises into your routine! I guarantee that they are going to change the way you feel when you talk and start you on the path to a healthier voice!

Vocal Exercise Number 1: Straw and Water Exercise

This exercise is the gentlest form of vocal massage as it puts the vocal folds in the most optimum position to produce sound. When you hurt a muscle in your body, a massage is often the first thing you think of to ease discomfort, and the voice is no different. For this exercise, you will need a glass of water and a straw. Place the straw in the water and blow bubbles in it while producing sound. Sliding through multiple pitches smoothly is a great way to massage your vocal cords. You can do this as often as you like but if you are suffering from vocal fatigue, 5 times a day, spread throughout the day is a great start!

Vocal Exercise Number 2: Steaming

Steaming is a great way to bring down any swelling on the vocal cords. Swelling occurs when the muscle is trying to protect itself, so we want to try to keep that down if possible. For this, you will need a bowl (to avoid burning plastic, let’s stick with glass or metal!) and a towel. Pour boiling water into the bowl, place your head over it, and cover your head and the bowl with your towel. Breathe in and out, alternating between nose and mouth for about 20 minutes three times a day until your voice feels like it’s back to normal. Don’t forget to press play on your favorite podcast to ensure optimum vocal health. 

Okay fine, that’s not technically part of the exercise, but we all love a good podcast, right? 

Good Vocal Hygiene Habits to Keep Your Voice Healthy

Even if you haven’t experienced any of the above problems, if you are a podcaster, singer, presenter, or even just using your voice for prolonged periods of time, you need to know how to keep it healthy. If you want to be able to speak beautifully and clearly without experiencing fatigue and strain, then you need to create good vocal habits. And I’ve 3 good vocal hygiene habits to share with you today.

Always Warm Up Your Voice

Warming your voice up before recording is imperative to keep it protected. Semi-occluded exercises are best to warm up and strengthen the vocal cords. These particular exercises create pressure above the vocal cords to negate pressure from below. In layman’s terms, semi-occluded exercises take pressure off the larynx and put pressure on your mouth instead. You can use consonants such as an ‘S’ sound with any vowels or you can even do these using lip trills. Your warm-up should be 10-15 minutes long and no longer – warming up too much can be harmful, too. 

When should you warm up your voice?

If you use your voice for a living, you should be practicing these exercises frequently to keep that muscle active and healthy. I recommend warming up before every podcast recording session and doing a gentle cool-down afterward. If you want to improve your stamina and increase your range, practicing these exercises a few times a week is a great idea. They are easily incorporated into any routine so why not try to do them while cooking dinner or doing research on your next podcast guest?

Pro tip: You can even use your straw and water exercises as part of a warm-up!

Focus On Your Breathing

It is also important to be aware of how you breathe when speaking. Try to breathe in low and avoid letting your shoulders and chest rise when you inhale. Don’t overthink it, it’s easier than it sounds! By the end of a sentence, you shouldn’t be collapsed in your core. If you feel like you are squeezing out the final words of your sentences or running out of air, you’re probably breathing too high up and are likely collapsing. To avoid this, keep your spine straight and your abdominals activated. Imagine that you are growing instead of slouching as you speak.

Sitting or standing upright and activating (not crunching) the abdominals and obliques will make breathing correctly and speaking with air much easier! Make sure to allow air to flow through the vocal folds and ensure you are supporting correctly. During periods of fatigue, or before and after lots of speaking, avoid speaking on the phone, sending voice recordings, or creating voice memos, as you are less likely to support properly when doing so. Podcasters, take a step back from your mic for a little while!

Practice Vocal Mindfulness for Good Vocal Health

Finally, and most importantly, it is imperative to be mindful of your voice in general. How does it feel when you speak? When does your voice feel most tired? When do you feel discomfort (if any) and can you identify what triggers it? Keeping a food diary can also help you figure out what foods cause you reflux. If you feel you suffer from chronic vocal fatigue, or cannot relieve pain and discomfort after making these changes, further action is needed. If this is the case, we advise you to see an ENT specialist to rule out more permanent damage. But don’t worry, most things can be repaired and you should be back behind your mic in no time!

BONUS! Here is a free downloadable food diary template just for you! 

Make Your Vocal Health a Priority

Protecting your voice is no easy task. It requires a lot of dedication, discipline, and mindfulness. But it is so important for your quality of life! You only get one voice. Make sure you look after it! I want to keep listening to your podcast and hear those beautifully healthy vocal folds doing their work! You can be in control of the health of your voice! My goal is to help you feel empowered by this post and maybe even seek out vocal coaching to assist in your vocal journey. If you are someone who uses their voice for work, experiences any discomfort or vocal fatigue, or even if you are just someone looking to improve their vocal health and stamina, now is the time to start!

Sources:

1. St Olaf College: Resting Your Voice
2. CHARLOTTE EYE EAR NOSE & THROAT ASSOCIATES, P.A.: How Does Sleep Affect My Voice
3. Flypaper: How to Hydrate Your Voice So It Stays Healthier Longer
4. John Hopkins Medical: GERD Diet: Foods That Help with Acid Reflux (Heartburn)