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Hey beautiful souls!
If you’ve been sitting on that podcast idea, waiting for the “perfect” moment to hit record, I’m here to tell you that moment is now. But before you dive headfirst into the technical side of podcasting and how to plan your podcast, let’s talk about something even more important – the heart and soul behind your show.
As creative entrepreneurs and CEOs, we often get caught up in the how of podcasting that we completely skip the who and the why. Today, I’m sharing the exact framework I use to go from a random idea in my notes app to a published podcast episode that actually lands with the people I want to serve.
So grab your favorite drink – whether that’s your morning matcha, an iced latte, or some sparkling water – and let’s dive into creating a podcast that doesn’t just sound good, but actually shifts culture.
Start with Your North Star: The Vision Behind Your Podcast
Your podcast vision isn’t just some fluffy branding exercise. This is your North Star – the why that fuels every single decision you’ll make about your show, from format and guests to content direction and monetization strategies.
Too many creators jump straight into recording without ever getting clear on their mission, and that’s exactly why so many podcasts fizzle out after a few episodes. When you’re anchored in your mission, you won’t flinch when the algorithm changes, when downloads dip, or when imposter syndrome tries to talk you out of showing up.
Before you even think about pressing record, ask yourself these three foundational questions:
1. What is the soul of this podcast? I use the word “soul” pretty loosely here – I really mean what’s your mission? What’s your purpose? What’s the deeper why behind what you’re doing? This isn’t just about having a topic; it’s about understanding the transformation you want to create in the world.
2. Who am I trying to impact and what do I want them to feel, know, or do because of my show? Get specific here. What’s the final result you hope to achieve? Are you trying to inspire creative entrepreneurs to take bold action? Help busy mamas find their voice? Empower CEOs to lead with more authenticity? The clearer you are on your ideal listener and the transformation you want to create, the more focused your content will be.
3. What are the three themes or values that this podcast will stand for? These become your content pillars – the non-negotiable values that guide every episode you create. Maybe it’s authenticity, community, and bold action. Or perhaps it’s healing, empowerment, and practical strategy. Whatever they are, these values will keep you on track when you’re brainstorming content.
Here’s a journal prompt for you: What is the transformation that I want to offer my listeners every single time I show up?
Remember, your podcast isn’t just content – it’s a container, a frequency, a legacy. Keep that energy in mind as you’re creating each and every show.
Planning Episodes That Actually Transform Lives
Now that you’re crystal clear on your vision, let’s talk about planning episodes that deliver real value. I want you to think of each episode as a mini journey – there’s a starting point, a destination, and your message is the vehicle that gets your listeners there.
Here’s my five-step process for episode planning:
Step 1: Focus on One Clear Transformation
Instead of trying to cover everything under the sun in one episode, focus on one main topic and one transformation. For example, instead of a broad topic like “how to grow your podcast,” I might create something more specific like “Three Organic Ways to Grow Your Podcast Audience This Summer Without Burning Out or Buying Ads.”
See the difference? It’s strategic, specific, and promises a clear outcome. Your listeners will know exactly what they’re getting and why they should stick around.
Step 2: Brain Dump Everything You Know
Open up a document or hit record on a voice note and just start talking about your topic. Don’t edit yourself – this is about letting your ideas flow freely. Get everything out of your head and onto paper (or into audio form). This brain dump becomes your raw material.
Step 3: Identify Your Core Talking Points
From that brain dump, pull out 2-4 core talking points that will become the pillars of your episode. These should build on each other and support your main point. They’re not random thoughts – they should follow a logical flow that helps your audience understand and implement your message.
Step 4: Layer in Your Call to Action (CTA)
Every episode should leave your listener doing one of three things: taking action, reflecting deeply, or wanting to connect with you further. If your episodes aren’t achieving at least one of these outcomes, you might not be getting the results you intended.
Some effective CTAs include:
- “DM me on Instagram if this resonated with you”
- “Download my free checklist in the show notes”
- “Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it”
The key is making it feel natural and giving your audience a clear next step.
Step 5: Prepare Yourself Energetically
This might be the most skipped part of the process, but it’s absolutely sacred. Your microphone will catch your energy before it even catches your words – that’s real talk.
When I prep to record, I don’t just check my mic levels; I also check my mindset. Am I grounded? Am I present? Am I speaking from a place of wholeness, or is this just hustle energy?
On a practical level, this means:
- Making sure I’m hydrated and fed
- Doing a few vocal warm-ups (even just humming helps!)
- Setting the mood in my space with candles or lighting
- Creating a quiet environment free from distractions
- Having my outline ready (not a full script, just flow points)
Your voice deserves to be supported, so don’t rush through this part of the process.
Building Systems That Support Your Success
Consistency builds credibility, and it’s so easy to lose momentum when you don’t have systems in place. The way I stay organized is by using a combination of tools and templates that remove decision fatigue and let me focus on my voice.
Organization Tools
I currently use Google Docs and Notion to keep everything organized. Notion helps me plan content by category and month, organize guest pitches and outlines, and track where each episode is in the workflow – from idea to outline to recorded to edited to uploaded to promoted.
Templates Are Your Friend
I use templates for show notes, audiograms, Instagram captions, and promo graphics. Templates equal creative freedom because they remove the decision fatigue. Instead of starting from scratch every time, you can focus your energy on creating amazing content.
File Organization
Create a Google Drive folder system with clearly labeled folders: Episode Outlines, Edited Audio, Promo Assets, Show Notes. Having a place for everything will change the game for your workflow.
Batch Your Tasks
Consider having one day for outlining, one day for recording, and one day for editing or scheduling. This kind of rhythm will save your time and sanity. Even if you’re working with an agency or outsourcing your editing, you’ll still benefit greatly from having a batch scheduling system.
Your Voice Matters – Start Today
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to launch or grow your podcast, this is it. You don’t have to do it chaotically – you can actually build your podcast with clarity, intention, and soul.
Whether you’re a creative, solopreneur, or CEO, your voice matters. When you plan with purpose, you make space for your message to have real impact. Your podcast becomes more than just another show in someone’s feed – it becomes a transformational experience that creates real change in people’s lives.
The world needs what you have to offer. Your unique perspective, your experiences, your wisdom – it all matters. But it only matters if you actually share it.
So let’s make this happen. Let’s build something beautiful together. Your voice is your platform, your soul is your strategy, and there’s never been a better time to step into your power as a podcaster.
What transformation are you ready to offer the world? The time is now, and your audience is waiting.
Join the Conversation
Was this episode helpful for your podcast journey? Tag me on Instagram @soulpodcasting or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!
Links & Resources Mentioned:
• Pick up your Podcast Dream Team Checklist
Get 25% off Quantum Squares – (use Promo Code: SOUL)
- Ready to create your own legacy podcast? Work with Soul Podcasting Collective
- Pick up your Fearless Podcast Launch Challenge
- Find your perfect podcast guests: PodMatch.com https://www.podmatch.com
Ready to lighten the load and podcast with more soul?
Let’s work together. Learn more about our services at Soul Podcasting Collective or book a discovery call to see how we can support you.
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