Recently I created a video and blog post called “What is a podcast?” But assuming you are well aware of podcasting (and probably have a few of your own favorite subscriptions), you might be wondering about the phrase “soul podcasting”.
I coined this term because it was the closest thing to what I could think of that would explain what I think it means to share your heart-aligned message with your unique audience…from your soul. Here are 5 basic tenets of what I believe soul podcasting consists of.
Podcasting with purpose
When you start a podcast, you start with a purpose. Questions to ask yourself are “What is my mission?” and “What do I seek to accomplish with my podcast?” To receive the best return on your podcasting investment, this is the first and main question to ask yourself.
Sharing your truth
Whenever you start a podcast, you have the unique ability to share your truth to many listeners worldwide. This is probably the most exciting part of podcasting, at least for me. Sharing my message authentically and with personal flavor and flair frees me to be myself. Whenever you’re “soul podcasting”, you free yourself to be yourself!
Delivering your message
What is the core message of your assignment? Your podcast and all of its many episodes should have an underlying core message. Whether this is how you want your audience to feel, or the takeaways you want them to walk away from your podcast with.
Podcasting with Passion
Learn to love what you talk about, what you do, and what you bring to the table. Embracing your position as a podcast host means you are passionate about your topic, your mission, and your message.
Sharing until the mission is complete and is over
Lastly, remember to be consistent, bring value, show up, and don’t backtrack. Podcasting is all about continuing to share your message until the time you no longer feel you have anything additional to say. When all has been said, then your mission is complete. In which case, you can either hang up your podcasting mic, or start a new one!
Thanks for listening, friends, and I’ll be back next week with more tips for you on my podcast about podcasting!
(This podcast is sponsored by Faith Media and Impact Podcast Coach, a service that supports women podcasters to boldly share their voices and their powerful messages through the medium of podcasting. Find out more about our podcast coaching services and courses, and download your free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist below.)
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Hey friends, on this week’s show, we are talking about what it means to begin building a tribe for your podcast.
1. Become the leader your listeners are looking for.
Now that you have begun your podcast, you obviously have content that you want to share and that you feel that you have some expertise in, and your listeners are looking to you for those particular answers. This is why they’re subscribed to your podcast. It’s why they look forward to your episodes when you release them.
So just becoming that leader is really as simple as you taking that step to create your podcast. So what you’re doing as a leader is offering answers. You are essentially:
creating solutions for your listeners
offering hope
You want to give your listeners the idea that they too can do whatever it is you’re encouraging them to do, and that there is hope that you can help them in some way, either through the podcast or in addition to the podcast. This is how you begin building your tribe, through gaining trust.
2. Guide your listeners through their journey to their next steps.
As their leader, it’s your job to lead your listeners through the series of steps that they’ll need to take in order to come to the final destination that you want them to arrive at. Help your listeners to get through their journey, taking all those necessary steps and leading them along the way.
They need a guide and you are that guide. So this what your podcast provides. Your podcast is available to give valuable information (although not necessarily free). Make sure that you are solving their problems in some capacity.
3. Create social community.
Keep in mind that building community is how you’re going to actually build your tribe. You can make good use of social media (like Instagram or Facebook). Just be sure to find your community of people where your listeners are likely going to be hanging out and spend time there so that you can cultivate relationships with people and hopefully get them interested in what you’re doing with your podcast.
Another way to create community is to build a membership site. So one thing that I’m working on right now is making a decision between whether or not I want to begin a membership site or if I wanted to simply create a Patreon page. (I eventually settled on a BuyMeACoffee page.) A Patreon page is really just going to give your listener an opportunity to support you financially with a small investment. You’re likely to feel some sense of community and support through your Patreon.
Although I haven’t created a membership site up to this point (but will very likely in the near future), I like to recommend to others. If that’s where you are in your business or in your organization, then creating a membership site outside of using socials like Facebook groups and such, you’re very likely going to be able to keep in touch with your listeners more frequently and have more of an ability to manage what that membership site feels like and the things that you actually want to accomplish within that group.
So those are some ways that you can build out a tribe for your podcast because you want to make sure that as you’re podcasting, you don’t feel like you’re left out here on your own to just come up with content yet not ever hear any feedback or support.
Creators deserve to receive some support for the work that we put out. So as we’re creating these resources and putting out content, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking for support from our listeners, and so I encourage you to do that.
One of my bigger podcasts, which was my Christian Homeschool Moms Podcast, is where I was able to build the most community over the years. That particular niche gave me an audience that was a lot more receptive to wanting to communicate, collaborate, and get together and have meetups. Within that community, there tends to be a lot of summits and collaborative events online. As we homeschool moms were getting together to encourage each other in what we’re doing as teachers and as moms, that community led to a very vibrant type of networking and collaboration. So building a community there was a little bit easier for me, I would say, than some of the other projects I’ve worked on.
It’s just something to think about. As you build out your podcast, how are you going to engage your listeners? How are you going to create community and how are you going to set up your podcast in such a way that you feel that you are honored for the work that you’re doing? How are you going to give your audience an opportunity to support you in some fashion?
That said, as I’ve been thinking about creating this Patreon page, I’ve also been thinking about items that I could drop ship, that I could create so that my listeners would have an opportunity to support me in a variety of ways. Purchasing mugs and t-shirts would be helpful to them and help them to remember what it is that I’m doing for them and vice versa, so we can all feel more connected with each other
I would love to hear about some of the things that you’re planning to do to create community and build your tribe.
Will you be creating a crowdfunding page like on Patreon? Will you create products on Etsy or Shopify?
I hope that this show is encouraging you somehow to keep going with the podcast that you’re working on now and not to give up because you are encouraging your listeners with your project.
So keep on keeping on, and until next time, happy podcasting.
🌟Pick up your FREE copy of your Business Clarity Guide before you start your podcast, plus download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist: https://impactpodcastcoach.com/
So, you’ve decided to start a podcast. That’s exciting! Podcasting is one of the most powerful ways to share your message, build authority, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. But before you hit record, there’s something crucial you need to do—plan your podcast.
Too many aspiring podcasters dive in without a solid strategy, leading to inconsistency, lack of focus, and eventually, podfade (where podcasts fizzle out after just a few episodes). But that won’t be your story! With the right plan in place, you’ll be set up for long-term success.
Let’s walk through the essential steps of planning your podcast so you can launch with confidence and clarity.
Step 1: Define Your Podcast’s Purpose
Before you get into the technical side of things, ask yourself: Why am I starting this podcast?
Are you building your personal brand?
Do you want to attract clients or customers?
Are you passionate about a subject and want to share it with others?
Do you want to educate, entertain, or inspire?
Your purpose will drive everything else—from your content to your marketing strategy. It also keeps you motivated when challenges arise. Write down your purpose and keep it front and center.
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience
A successful podcast speaks directly to a specific audience. Who are you creating this for?
What are their interests, struggles, and pain points?
What questions are they asking that you can answer?
What kind of content do they enjoy consuming?
The clearer you are about your audience, the easier it is to create content that resonates. You’re not just speaking into a mic—you’re speaking to real people who need what you have to offer.
Step 3: Choose Your Podcast Format
Podcasts come in different styles. Choose the format that best fits your strengths and goals:
Solo episodes (great for personal branding and thought leadership)
Interviews (excellent for networking and leveraging guests’ audiences)
Co-hosted shows (engaging conversations with a partner)
Narrative/storytelling (ideal for educational or documentary-style content)
There’s no right or wrong choice—just what works best for your audience and your content style.
Step 4: Develop Your Podcast Structure
To keep your show organized and professional, establish a structure:
Episode length – Will your episodes be 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or an hour?
Release schedule – Will you publish weekly, biweekly, or monthly?
Episode segments – Consider intro music, main content, ads, Q&A, and outro.
Consistency is key to building an engaged audience. Whatever schedule you choose, stick to it.
Step 5: Name Your Podcast and Create Branding
Your podcast’s name should be clear, memorable, and relevant to your niche. Avoid overly complicated names—make it easy for listeners to find and remember you.
Once you have a name, create branding elements:
Cover art – Eye-catching visuals that reflect your podcast’s theme
Intro and outro music – Sets the tone for your show
A compelling podcast description – Tells potential listeners what to expect
Step 6: Plan Your First 10 Episodes
Before launching, map out your first 10 episodes. This ensures you have enough content to stay consistent and prevents you from scrambling for ideas later.
Create an episode outline for each, including:
Topic
Key points
Possible guest (if applicable)
Call to action (what you want listeners to do next)
Batch-recording episodes in advance can help you stay ahead and avoid burnout.
Step 7: Invest in Quality Equipment
You don’t need an expensive setup, but quality audio is crucial. Here’s what you need:
Microphone – A USB or XLR mic like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Shure SM7B
Headphones – Helps with sound clarity and editing
Recording software – Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid)
Hosting platform – Libsyn, Buzzsprout, or Anchor
Good sound quality keeps listeners engaged, so test your setup before launching.
Step 8: Record and Edit Your Episodes
Find a quiet space and record your first episodes. Speak clearly, stay on topic, and keep your energy high.
Editing is where the magic happens. Remove background noise, add music, and tighten up the conversation. If you’re not tech-savvy, consider hiring an editor to polish your episodes.
Step 9: Set Up Your Podcast Hosting and Distribution
A podcast host stores your audio files and distributes them to platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Popular hosting platforms include:
Libsyn
Podbean
Buzzsprout
Anchor
Once your episodes are uploaded, submit your RSS feed to major directories so people can easily find and subscribe to your show.
Step 10: Market Your Podcast for Maximum Reach
A great podcast deserves an audience! Use these strategies to promote your show:
SEO-optimized show notes – Helps new listeners discover your episodes
Social media marketing – Share snippets, quotes, and behind-the-scenes content
Email marketing – Send new episodes to your list
Guest appearances – Get featured on other podcasts to expand your reach
Repurpose content – Turn episodes into blog posts, videos, and social media posts
Consistency and engagement will help you grow your audience over time.
Step 11: Track Your Podcast’s Performance
After launching, keep an eye on your podcast’s metrics:
Downloads and listens
Audience retention
Listener feedback and reviews
Social media engagement
Use this data to refine your content and improve your show based on what resonates most with your audience.
Final Thoughts About Planning Your Podcast: Plan Now, Succeed Later
Planning your podcast might seem like a lot of work upfront, but trust me, it’s worth it. A well-planned podcast not only helps you stay consistent but also positions you as an authority in your niche.
If you’re serious about making an impact through podcasting, take the time to map out your strategy. Your future listeners (and your future self) will thank you!
Resources mentioned on the show
Download your Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist
If you haven’t been feeling confident about sharing your expertise, I aim to help you on this episode to launch a podcast with confidence.
You don’t have to be perfect at doing all the “podcasting things”. You really just need to be very passionate and have some tools and know-how in your back pocket. The best way to launch a podcast with confidence is to be yourself and be authentic to who you are, all while continuing to grow and expand your mind. You will feel so much more capable of doing the work of podcasting if you do the following things.
Take an assessment of your skills and be confident in what you know
Be confident in what you know. Remember that the reason you are starting a podcast is because you are passionate about sharing your knowledge. Again, you don’t. have to know it all, and you don’t have to be an “expert”, but the knowledge that you do have is valuable enough that you want to share it with your audience.
Don’t be afraid to explore what you don’t know and expand your skills
Expanding your skillsets as an entrepreneur is possibly one of the most important things you do for self-development. The more you learn about your craft, the more comfortable you will become talking about it on your podcasts. As I mentioned earlier, you don’t have to know everything there is to know right off the bat. As your podcast grows, you will naturally become more comfortable with your topic. Don’t be afraid to explore and keep learning.
Choose the recording and hosting tools you’re comfortable with
Nothing will discourage you more in podcasting than to work with tools you don’t like. Get comfortabe with your podcasting tools and begin to develop processes that are streamlined just for your work. If you like your tools, you will like the podcasting process. If you want to feel like continuing your podcasting adventure each week, you’ll need tools that you actually like working with. If your tools are cumbersome or difficult, you won’t podcast. Good tools are essential and foundational for a successful podcast. Check out some of my favorite podcasting tools here on my article about how to start a podcast.
Know how you will market your message once it’s released
What marketing tactics will you use to spread the word of your podcast? Personally, I appreciate Instagram and Facebook, and I’m always developing SEO-rich content on my blogs and sharing on Pinterest as well.
So, will you share with your email list? Will you ask your audience to share, and how? When you launch a podcast, remember that each episode deserves to be shared, so go ahead and place that part in your marketing routines: the sharing part. Don’t forget to share.
Launch a podcast with passion
When you began podcasting you had a special message to share with your audience. Whether you encourage them to eat healthier, manage their finances more wisely, or built more meaningful relationships, you should always remind yourself of why you began the show. What was your drive to create your show? Tap into this zeal once in a while when you feel that the going is getting tough.
I truly hope you find the process of finding your podcast purpose enjoyable! I want to help you along that journey with my free Business Clarity Guide (grab the download below)…
I would love to help you jump right on it! Check out my podcast coaching services here, and let’s see how I can be of help to you.
Thanks for listening, friends, and I’ll be back next week with more tips for you on my podcast about podcasting!
Launching a podcast is one of the most exciting and empowering moves you can make as a thought leader, entrepreneur, or content creator. But what happens when self-doubt creeps in? What if you’re second-guessing your expertise or wondering whether you really have what it takes to be the voice behind the mic?
If you’ve been hesitating to launch your podcast because you’re not feeling 100% confident—this post is for you.
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to be perfect to podcast. You don’t need to know every tech tool or master all the marketing methods right away. What you do need is passion, a willingness to grow, and a handful of tools and strategies that help you feel supported as you start your journey.
Let’s walk through the key ways to launch a podcast with confidence, even if you don’t feel fully ready (yet).
1. Take an Honest Assessment of Your Skills
Before you record a single episode, take inventory of what you do know.
Ask yourself:
What subjects am I naturally passionate about?
What experiences or knowledge do I have that could serve others?
What conversations light me up?
You don’t need a degree or decades of experience to share valuable insights. The fact that you’re even considering starting a podcast means you likely have something to say—and someone out there needs to hear it. Give yourself permission to own your voice, even if you don’t feel like “an expert” yet.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Grow Into It
Confidence often comes through doing. As you record more episodes, engage with your audience, and get feedback, you’ll naturally become more comfortable in your message and delivery.
The key is to stay open to learning:
Read about your niche regularly
Listen to other podcasts in your space
Watch how your audience responds to your content
This growth mindset will not only strengthen your podcast over time—it will also position you as someone who’s deeply committed to the value you bring.
So, take the pressure off needing to “know it all” before you begin. Podcasting is a journey, and learning as you go is part of the process.
3. Choose Tools That Fit You
One of the most practical ways to feel confident as a podcaster is to use tools that feel intuitive and easy for you to use. Nothing will kill your creative energy faster than fumbling through confusing software or complicated editing platforms.
Start by choosing:
A recording tool you’re comfortable with (like Riverside, Zencastr, or even Zoom)
A microphone that fits your budget and delivers solid quality
A podcast host that simplifies distribution (like Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Captivate)
Once you’ve chosen your tools, spend a little time getting familiar with them. Create a repeatable workflow that reduces friction and helps you stay consistent. If your tech supports you (not stresses you out), you’re far more likely to stick with podcasting long-term.
Confidence doesn’t just come from recording—it also comes from knowing your voice will be heard.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a simple marketing plan from the start. After all, with over 2.5 million podcasts listed on Apple Podcasts, people won’t just find your show—you’ll need to help them discover it.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Share each episode on Instagram Stories, Facebook, or LinkedIn
Repurpose clips or quotes into blog posts, Reels, or Pinterest pins
Create SEO-rich show notes that help your content rank in search
Email your list every time a new episode drops
You don’t have to do it all—just choose 1–2 marketing channels that you enjoy and stay consistent.
Pro tip: Make sharing part of your podcasting routine. Batch your marketing assets as you create your episodes so promotion becomes seamless and fun.
5. Podcast With Passion
At the heart of a great podcast is purpose. Your “why” matters.
You may be helping people grow their businesses, lead healthier lives, or heal from past experiences. Whatever your message, hold on to it. Passion is what will keep you going when downloads feel low or when life gets busy.
Revisit these questions often:
Why did I start this podcast?
Who am I helping?
What transformation am I guiding my listeners through?
Your audience can hear your passion in your voice. It’s what connects them to you. And when you lead with heart, you’ll build trust, loyalty, and a sense of fulfillment that fuels your journey.
Bonus: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Podcasting can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it all out solo. There’s support available to help you simplify the process, refine your message, and launch with confidence.
I’ve helped many podcasters move from idea to impact, and I’d love to do the same for you.
Confidence doesn’t magically appear—it’s built over time. Every episode you record is a step toward owning your voice and showing up more boldly in the world.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be passionate, prepared, and persistent.
So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment—consider this your sign. Start where you are, with what you have. And most of all, launch with heart.
How to Define Your Podcast Purpose Before You Hit Record
If you’re preparing to start a podcast, you might be feeling excited, inspired, and ready to jump behind the mic. Podcasting is an incredible tool for brand-building, authority development, and customer engagement—but before you record your first episode, there’s one vital thing to get crystal clear on: your podcast purpose.
In our work with clients at Soul Podcasting Collective, we often see brilliant ideas get lost in the shuffle because the foundational “why” was never fully defined. Whether you’re a business leader, agency owner, or content creator, clarity on your podcast purpose will shape every piece of your production—from content themes and episode flow to branding and long-term strategy.
Let’s explore how to pinpoint your podcast purpose and build a strong foundation that supports both your voice and your business goals.
1. What Is Podcast Purpose?
Your podcast purpose is the core reason your show exists. It’s more than just a topic—it’s your message, mission, and motivation. Think of it as the North Star guiding your content strategy, guest interviews, and calls to action.
For example, if you’re a marketing consultant, your purpose might be to help early-stage entrepreneurs navigate digital marketing with ease. If you’re a wellness coach, your purpose could be to inspire busy professionals to integrate mindfulness into their daily routine.
When your purpose is defined, every piece of your podcast becomes intentional. It’s not just about producing content—it’s about making an impact.
2. Why Podcast Purpose Matters for Your Business
From a B2B perspective, podcasting isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a strategic move. It allows you to:
Humanize your brand
Build thought leadership
Attract qualified leads
Nurture community and connection
But these benefits only materialize when your message is clear. Without a defined podcast purpose, you risk producing episodes that feel scattered, lose momentum, and don’t deliver value to your ideal audience.
A clear podcast purpose ensures every episode ties back to your business goals while creating a valuable experience for your listeners.
3. The 5 Big Questions to Define Your Podcast Purpose
Let’s dive into the reflective questions we ask our clients before launching their shows. Take your time with these—it’s the groundwork for a sustainable podcast that aligns with your voice and vision.
a. What message do you want to share?
This is the heart of your content. Your podcast should revolve around a consistent message that resonates with your target audience. Ask yourself:
What core values drive your business?
What do you want to be known for?
What transformation do you want your listeners to experience?
Your message forms the throughline that keeps listeners coming back.
b. Why are you passionate about this topic?
Podcasting is a long game—and passion fuels consistency. If you’re not deeply invested in your topic, your audience will feel it.
Passion doesn’t always mean loud enthusiasm; sometimes it’s quiet resolve and deep commitment. Maybe you’ve overcome a challenge and want to guide others through it. Or you’ve spent years mastering a skill and want to educate with purpose.
Your “why” is the heartbeat of your podcast purpose. It’s what keeps the mic warm even when downloads dip or life gets hectic.
c. Who are you trying to help?
Define your ideal listener as clearly as possible. Not just demographics—dig into psychographics. What are their pain points? What keeps them up at night? What questions are they asking Google right now?
When your podcast purpose is aligned with a specific audience, your episodes become more focused, your messaging stronger, and your marketing more effective.
d. What result do you want for your listener?
What transformation will listeners experience by tuning in each week?
Are you helping them scale a business? Get healthier? Grow spiritually? Create boundaries? Whatever your transformation promise is—make sure it’s clearly embedded in your purpose.
It’s not just about sharing information—it’s about delivering impact.
e. How will your podcast stand out?
We hear this one a lot: “Isn’t the podcast space saturated?”
Yes—and no. There are over 5 million podcasts globally, but most don’t make it past episode 10. Your consistency, clarity, and positioning will set you apart.
Your unique blend of personality, expertise, and delivery is your differentiator. Lean into what makes your voice and message distinct. That’s part of your podcast purpose, too.
4. Aligning Podcast Goals with Business Strategy
This is where purpose meets performance.
Ask yourself: How does your podcast support your bigger business picture?
For example, if you’re a branding agency, your podcast might serve as an inbound lead magnet, offering strategic insights that position you as the go-to expert. If you’re a SaaS founder, maybe your podcast is a storytelling platform to highlight client wins and use cases.
Consider how your podcast can:
Funnel listeners into your email list or offers
Strengthen relationships with referral partners or industry peers
Build visibility in niche markets
Train or educate your audience around your service suite
When your podcast purpose aligns with your business model, every episode becomes a strategic asset.
5. How to Differentiate in a Crowded Podcast Space
Here’s a truth we stand by: Your story has never been told the way you will tell it.
Even if your niche is competitive, your lens, experience, and delivery are uniquely yours. Use that. Infuse personality into your show. Stay authentic, but professional. Lead with service, not just soundbites.
A few ways to stand out:
Focus on underserved sub-niches
Be hyper-specific with your episode topics
Use your podcast to tell real stories—yours and your audience’s
Prioritize audio quality and listener experience
Your podcast purpose acts as the filter to help you decide what’s in or out when curating content, pitching guests, or structuring your show.
6. Building Long-Term Authority with a Clear Podcast Vision
When your podcast has a clearly defined purpose, it becomes a powerful tool for building long-term brand authority. You’re not just another voice in the void—you’re a trusted guide. A consistent voice. A source of transformation.
That’s why this step—defining your podcast purpose—is not optional. It’s foundational.
The business leaders and creators who thrive in podcasting aren’t the ones with the flashiest launch or biggest email list. They’re the ones who know why they’re doing it and who they’re showing up for.
7. Ready to Find Yours?
If you’re thinking of starting a podcast—or refining the one you already have—don’t skip this step. Spend time identifying your podcast purpose before you record or rebrand.
Inside Soul Podcasting Collective, we help purpose-driven entrepreneurs, founders, and small agencies launch meaningful, impactful podcasts that drive results. Our frameworks are built around soulful storytelling, strategic planning, and yes—clarity of purpose.
Need help getting started? Download our free Launch Confidently Podcasting Checklist designed to help you define your voice, mission, and message before launch.
👇 Grab the guide below and take the first step toward a podcast that’s aligned with your business and your soul.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more podcasting insights that empower you to lead with your voice and grow with intention.
