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Have you ever had one of those conversations where, halfway through, you’re thinking, “Oh… this is different. This is deeper.”
Who is Carl?
Carl Richards has spent more than 25 years behind the microphone, on radio and on stage, entertaining and influencing audiences world wide. He’s a 3x best selling author, TEDx Speaker and emcee, Podcast host and the founder and CEO of Carl Speaks and Podcast Solutions Made Made Simple. Carl helps coaches, consultants and other subject mater experts become the got authority by launching world class podcasts. He lives with his spouse in Gananoque, Ontario Canada, where he enjoys camping and boating in the 1000 Islands.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things in your business but still struggling to be seen, you’re not alone. Every solopreneur knows the grind: juggling client work, content creation, admin tasks, selling your offers, and trying to stay visible in a digital world that changes by the minute.
This week on the Soul Podcasting Podcast, I sat down with Carl Richards — TEDx speaker, bestselling author, long-time radio broadcaster, and founder of Podcast Solutions Made Simple. And let me tell you, this man didn’t come to play. He came with clarity. He came with conviction. And he came with a fresh take on what it really means to step into your authority in today’s marketing landscape.
He also came with some truth bombs that every coach, consultant, and creator needs to hear.
This isn’t the old era of marketing. We’re living in something completely different — and podcasting, when done intentionally, is sitting right at the center.
Why Visibility Is Still the #1 Challenge for Solopreneurs
Carl said something early in our conversation that hit me: most solopreneurs aren’t lacking expertise — they’re lacking visibility.
And not because they aren’t doing enough, but because they’re doing too much.
So many entrepreneurs are spinning plates, stretching themselves thin across every platform, hoping something sticks. But as Carl pointed out, algorithms keep shifting. Traditional media no longer guarantees attention. And conventional marketing methods from 20–30 years ago just don’t work anymore.
Today, the question is:
How do you rise above the noise and become the go-to authority in your space?
Carl’s answer: podcasting — but not in the sloppy, “just hit record and ramble” way that people often think.
He believes in intentional podcasting:
Podcasting that builds community.
Podcasting that amplifies your message.
Podcasting that positions you as the voice people trust.
Because trust is the new currency.
The Shift: Why Podcasting Works in 2025 and Beyond
We talked a lot about the new era of marketing — and Carl brought the fire.
He explained that years ago, experts built authority through book tours, conferences, and traditional media exposure. Today, our world has changed. People consume content digitally. And more importantly, they’re looking for connection, not just information.
There’s no shortage of information online — we’re drowning in it.
What’s missing?
Human connection. Authentic voice. Community.
Podcasting gives your audience something they crave:
A familiar voice.
A consistent place to learn.
A host who feels like a guide, not a gatekeeper.
And when you’re strategic — purposeful — about the content you share, your podcast becomes more than episodes. It becomes a home base.
As Carl said so perfectly:
“People want to feel like they belong. When you create a podcast with intention, you build a community where they know they’re part of something.”
That’s the new era of marketing — belonging.
Why “Done Is Better Than Perfect” Doesn’t Apply Here
Carl wasn’t shy about pushing back on a popular business mantra:
“Done is better than perfect.”
He explained why this doesn’t work in podcasting:
If you’re putting your voice out into the world, your audience deserves more than something half-baked. Your podcast is often the first impression someone gets of you — the first time they hear your expertise, tone, energy, and heart.
None of that should be rushed.
Carl compared it to a surgeon:
You don’t want a surgeon who does “half” the job just to say it’s done.
You want precision. Care. Intention.
Your podcast deserves the same respect.
And the truth is, when you slow down just enough to create strategic episodes instead of random ones, you instantly stand out in a noisy digital world.
The Five Biggest Myths That Stop Solopreneurs From Podcasting
Toward the middle of our conversation, Carl broke down five myths that hold entrepreneurs back from starting a podcast.
Here they are — and they’re spot-on.
1. The Money Myth: “It’s too expensive.”
Carl challenged this beautifully. Instead of asking, How much will a podcast cost? he asks:
What’s the cost of NOT having one?
If your dream clients are listening to podcasts… but you’re not there, the opportunity cost is massive.
2. The Content Myth: “What would I even talk about?”
Most entrepreneurs don’t need more content — they need curation.
You’ve already lived, worked, coached, taught, and learned enough to fill dozens of episodes. The key is breaking it down into digestible pieces so your listeners aren’t overwhelmed.
3. The Competition Myth: “There are too many podcasts already.”
Sure, there are 4–5 million podcasts… but:
- A tiny fraction are consistent.
- Even fewer are strategic.
- Even fewer are hosted by you.
People don’t buy content — they buy connection.
And there is exactly one you in the marketplace.
4. The Tech Myth: “It feels too complicated.”
Carl has spent 25+ years in broadcasting. If anyone understands technical overwhelm, it’s him.
And his message was simple:
Technology is easier than ever. Equipment is more accessible than ever. Support is everywhere.
Tech is the easiest part of podcasting now — not the barrier.
5. The Authority Myth: “Who am I to do this?”
This one stops more people than anything else.
Carl reminded us that most podcasts aren’t run by celebrities or giant brands. They’re run by normal business owners with a message.
Your voice doesn’t need to be perfect.
Your story doesn’t need to be dramatic.
You just need to care about helping people.
That’s authority.
The Power of Community in Your Podcast
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was when we dug into the heart of podcasting: creating a sense of community.
Carl talked about how people follow hosts because they feel connected to them — their personality, their values, their mission. That connection naturally leads to deeper engagement, course enrollments, coaching, and community growth.
And yes — that’s intentional.
Great podcasters don’t leave connection to chance. They design it. They invite it.
They create a space that says:
“You belong here. Let’s grow together.”
And when listeners feel like they’re part of a community, they don’t drift away. They stay. They share. They engage. They invest.
That’s what every entrepreneur wants.
And podcasting is one of the strongest paths toward it.
Final Thoughts: Stepping Into Your Own Authority
If you’re thinking about launching a podcast — or restarting an old one — Carl’s insights are the clarity you’ve been waiting for.
You don’t need perfection.
You don’t need celebrity status.
You don’t need a huge team.
You need intent, consistency, and a genuine desire to serve.
This episode is going to push you, inspire you, and remind you that your voice matters. You have something to say. And the world is waiting for it.
How To Reach Carl
Web: https://podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/podcastsolutionsmadesimple/
- How Podcasting Builds Authority, Visibility, and True Community — with Carl Richards - November 30, 2025
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