Launching a brand new podcast today is much different compared to the 2010s. Because of the development of the industry, the rise in tools to assist the independent podcaster and mindset shifts in the space; podcasts have gone from simply being a fun side project to having the ability to generate revenue for your business. However, creating an impact with your show and growing your business depends largely on the relationships you create with other podcast hosts, your guests, and your audience. Tabatha Thorell is here this week to talk about her relationship-focused approach to her new podcast, being vulnerable to connect with your audience, and more! This week, episode 174 of Listeners to Leads is about building relationships and creating impact through podcasting!
Key Takeaways:
- Building relationships through podcasting can lead to collaborations and opportunities.
- Vulnerability in storytelling can lead to healing for both the speaker and the audience.
- Monetization in podcasting goes beyond just numbers; it’s about connections.
- Podcasting requires a long-term mindset – you won’t see big results after only a few episodes.
Building Relationships and Creating Impact Through Podcasting with Tabatha Thorell
In the ever-evolving world of content creation, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for building connections, sharing stories, and driving impact. However, navigating the podcasting landscape can be a daunting task, especially for those new to the medium. That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with Tabatha Thorell, the host of the captivating “What Went Wrong” podcast, to uncover the secrets to her success.
Tabatha’s podcasting journey is anything but conventional. She initially dipped her toes into the podcasting waters in 2018, launching a show focused on fitness and lifestyle tips. But as she soon discovered, maintaining a successful podcast requires more than just great content – it demands a strategic, long-term mindset.
“I was like, okay, and I got an intro, and I was doing it, and then I realized this takes a lot of work. I can’t just, like, sit and talk and do it,” Tabatha shared. “And my whole focus of doing this was to give back to my audience, but then also to grow my business. Like that was a number one thing for me. And so I was like, if this is not generating revenue if this is costing one more time, if there’s a better way that I can increase my revenue, I’m going to do that.”
Tabatha’s initial experience with podcasting taught her a valuable lesson: success doesn’t happen overnight. Rather than giving up, she took a step back, reassessed her goals, and eventually found her way back to the microphone with a renewed sense of purpose.
“I looked at it like I’m going to give this a year minimum, and I’m going to invest X amount of dollars no matter what, even if I don’t have any coming in, I’m looking at it like a business,” Tabatha explained. This long-term perspective is crucial in the world of podcasting, where building a loyal audience and establishing a strong brand can take time and consistent effort.
But Tabatha’s approach to podcasting goes beyond just a business strategy. She sees it as a platform for connection and collaboration, a way to elevate the voices of others and create meaningful impact.
“I’m constantly looking at that. Could I add value to them? Because those are what my friend Christopher calls ROR – return on relationships,” Tabatha shared. “I’m looking at the podcast host, I’m connecting with them. A lot of people that we meet, my husband, I because we’ve been real estate investing for 20 years, and they always say, I’ve always wanted to do that, but then they never do it. And so when I’m doing my podcast, whether again, like I’m a guest or a host, I’m listening to them. I’m connecting with them. How can we collaborate in business? Could they be a potential client, or could they add value to my clients that I’m going to get? Could we do an event together? What are their skills?”
This focus on building relationships and finding ways to add value to her guests and her audience sets Tabatha’s approach apart. She understands that true success in podcasting isn’t just about the numbers or the revenue – it’s about the connections you make and the impact you can have.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of Tabatha’s podcasting journey is her willingness to dive deep and explore the raw, emotional stories of her guests. Her podcast, “The What Went Wrong,” is a testament to her belief in the power of vulnerability and resilience.
“When we’re vulnerable, it’s freeing and it’s healing. And so when they do that, when people are sharing their stories, they don’t realize but they’re healing themselves,” Tabatha said. “And other people that are hearing it and putting themselves in that place, they’re healing.”
By creating a safe space for her guests to share their most vulnerable moments, Tabatha taps into the universal human experience of struggle and triumph. Her podcast becomes a platform for healing, not just for her guests, but for her listeners as well.
As a podcaster myself, I was deeply inspired by Tabatha’s approach. Her commitment to the long game, her focus on building relationships, and her embrace of vulnerability are all lessons that every content creator should take to heart.
If you’re a podcaster or aspiring to start a show, I encourage you to take a page from Tabatha’s playbook. Approach your podcast with patience and a
long-term mindset, understanding that true success isn’t measured in immediate results but in the relationships you build and the impact you create.
Tabatha’s emphasis on collaboration and finding ways to add value to her guests and her audience is a powerful lesson. Rather than viewing your podcast solely as a revenue stream, consider how you can use it as a platform to elevate others, forge meaningful connections, and explore mutually beneficial opportunities.
And perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to dive deep and embrace vulnerability. Tabatha’s willingness to create a safe space for her guests to share their most raw and emotional stories is a testament to the transformative power of podcasting. By tapping into the universal human experience, you can foster a sense of community and healing that goes far beyond the confines of your show.
Of course, implementing these strategies isn’t without its challenges. Tabatha herself acknowledged the difficulties of maintaining a podcast, especially when it comes to the technical and logistical aspects. But by outsourcing the tasks you don’t enjoy and focusing on the aspects of podcasting that truly energize you, you can overcome these hurdles and create a show that is both sustainable and impactful.
As you embark on your own podcasting journey, remember that the path to success is rarely linear. There will be ups and downs, moments of doubt and frustration. But if you approach it with the same tenacity, creativity, and empathy that Tabatha has demonstrated, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the true power of podcasting.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, embrace the long game, and let your voice be heard. The rewards that await may just surprise you.
Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on turning your podcast listeners into leads and to hear even more about the points outlined above.
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CONNECT WITH TABATHA THORELL:
What Went Wrong: The Untold Stories of Bouncing Back podcast
CONNECT WITH ALESIA GALATI:
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