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If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the tech, the strategy, or even just the idea of sitting down to record, you’re not alone. So many aspiring podcasters hold back because they assume they need the perfect microphone, a professional studio, or a crystal-clear strategy before they can begin. But as podcast coach Seth Goldstein reminds us—perfection isn’t the goal. Getting started is.
I recently had the chance to chat with Seth on the Soul Podcasting Podcast, and the conversation was full of practical advice, encouraging truths, and a few good laughs about the messy beginnings of podcasting. If you’re a podcaster—or just curious about what it takes to start—this one’s for you.
Who is Seth Goldstein?
Seth Goldstein is many things: an entrepreneur, founder, podcaster, tech enthusiast, father, husband, and self-proclaimed social media junkie. He’s been podcasting since 2010, back when uploading audio files to the internet was far from user-friendly. On top of that, he’s been running his digital marketing agency, Goldstein Media, for over 15 years.
Through his podcast consultancy, Podcast Mastery, Seth helps business owners and individuals step into the podcasting world with confidence. His background in journalism and digital marketing makes him uniquely equipped to guide others—not just on the technical side of things, but also in storytelling, branding, and building lasting audience connections.
When Seth isn’t working (or, let’s be real, sometimes while he is), he’s spending time with his wife, his son, and their Airedoodle pup.
The Journalist Who Found Podcasting
Seth didn’t set out to become a podcast coach. After college, he spent six years as a newspaper journalist before hitting major burnout. “I was done,” he says, reflecting on that season of his career. In 2008, he started Goldstein Media during what he jokingly calls “the best time to start a business” (right at the height of the financial crisis). But out of necessity, he built skills in digital marketing that would sustain him for nearly two decades.
Alongside his agency work, Seth started listening to podcasts in the mid-2000s. By 2010, the technology had improved enough for him to jump in and create his own shows. Since then, he’s hosted multiple podcasts, including Digital Marketing Dive and Entrepreneurs Enigma—both business-focused shows that highlight his expertise and curiosity.
Podcasting as a Brand Builder
One of the most powerful takeaways from my conversation with Seth is his perspective on the role of a podcast in business. “You don’t necessarily make money on your podcast,” he explains. “You make money around your podcast.”
This shift in perspective is crucial for new podcasters. Instead of obsessing over ad revenue or sponsorships right out of the gate, Seth encourages podcasters to see their shows as brand-building tools. A podcast can open doors for consulting, speaking gigs, services, and products. It’s about authority, trust, and connection.
Even if your show has only 30 listeners, Seth argues, those 30 people are engaging with you in a deep way—listening to your voice for 20, 30, or 40 minutes at a time. That’s brand loyalty you can’t get from a single Instagram post.
The First Episode Will Be Terrible (And That’s Okay)
Seth’s first piece of advice for new podcasters? Just start. Don’t wait until your audio is perfect. Don’t wait until you’ve mapped out 100 episodes. Don’t even wait until you’ve figured out exactly what you want your show to be. “Your first episode will be total crap,” he says bluntly, “but you have to post it.”
Why? Because until you publish that first messy, imperfect episode, you don’t have a podcast. Once it’s out there, you can improve. And you will improve—because podcasting is a skill that grows over time.
He also emphasizes using whatever tools you have. Whether you’re recording on Zoom, Riverside, or even your phone, the point is to begin. Production value can increase as you go.
Pivoting, Pausing, and Avoiding Burnout
Podcasting, like any creative endeavor, comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest? Burnout. Seth has experienced it firsthand, both as a journalist and as a podcaster. That’s why he encourages podcasters not to fear taking breaks. Shows can have seasons. You can step back, regroup, and return without losing your audience.
Another key strategy: batch recording. Instead of scrambling to record, edit, and publish week by week, try banking three or four episodes in advance. That buffer can save you from the weekly grind and keep you consistent without the constant stress.
And perhaps most importantly: don’t be afraid to pivot. If your format isn’t working, change it. If you’re tired of solo episodes, bring on guests. If interviews feel stale, experiment with panel discussions. Podcasting is flexible—it should work for you, not the other way around.
Storytelling at the Heart of Podcasting
With a journalism background, Seth naturally gravitates toward storytelling. He believes the heart of any good podcast is the story. Whether you’re interviewing guests, chatting with a co-host, or going solo, the key is to help listeners connect through narrative.
That’s why, when coaching, Seth tailors his advice based on a podcaster’s format. Interview shows need a different approach than solo pontification shows. The level of prep, structure, and spontaneity shifts depending on the host’s style. His goal isn’t to force every podcaster into the same mold, but to help them tell their story in the most effective way.
The Community: Podcast Mastery
Beyond one-on-one coaching, Seth is building a community through Podcast Mastery. It’s a space where podcasters can learn, share ideas, troubleshoot, and support one another. For him, the community model creates a “hive mind” effect—where not every question needs to be answered by him personally, because peers can step in to help too.
This sense of collaboration is essential. Podcasting can be a lonely endeavor, especially in the early stages. Having a supportive network keeps podcasters motivated and connected.
It’s Not Too Late to Start
One of the recurring themes in our conversation was timing. Many would-be podcasters worry they’re too late to the game. With millions of podcasts already out there, does the world really need another one?
Seth’s answer: Absolutely. “Just because you’re late to the party doesn’t mean you can’t show up fashionably late,” he says. What matters most isn’t being first—it’s having a message that resonates. If you have something valuable to share, there’s an audience for it.
Podcasting isn’t oversaturated; it’s diversified. The opportunities are still wide open, and there’s room for more voices, more perspectives, and more stories.
Words of Encouragement for Podcasters
To sum up, Seth’s advice is clear and refreshing:
- Don’t overthink—just start.
- Remember your first episode won’t be perfect (and that’s fine).
- Build your brand around your podcast rather than expecting it to fund your business overnight.
- Batch episodes to avoid burnout.
- Don’t be afraid to pause, pivot, or experiment with new formats.
- Above all: enjoy the process.
Podcasting is, as Seth says, a “beautiful mess.” And that’s what makes it powerful.
Connect with Seth Goldstein
If Seth’s story and advice resonated with you, here’s where you can dive deeper into his world:
- Podcast Coaching: https://podcastmastery.coach/
- Free Giveaway: https://podcastmastery.co
- Follow Seth on Socials: Social.SethGoldstein.me
Podcasting doesn’t have to be complicated. As Seth reminds us, you don’t need to wait for the perfect setup or strategy. Grab a mic, hit record, and start sharing your story. Because the world doesn’t just need a podcast. It needs your podcast.
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