Every podcasting journey is different, and Suzanne Culberg knows that better than most. Suzanne is here to share her journey in podcasting, discussing her experiences with co-hosting, audience engagement, and the significance of authenticity. She then delves into the dynamics of guest selection and the relationships built through podcasting, as well as insights on connecting with audiences and the value of genuine interactions. This week, episode 199 of Podcasting Unlocked is about the power of taking imperfect action!
Key Takeaways:
- Batching episodes when you’re feeling good to maintain quality recordings when you’re sick or tired.
- Transitioning from co-hosting to a solo podcast.
- The importance of having guests who are excited and willing to share their episodes.
- The benefits of podcasting for creating authentic connections and building a community.
The Power of Taking Imperfect Action with Suzanne Culberg
Diving into the Podcasting Journey
Every podcaster’s path is unique, and Suzanne’s is no exception. We kicked things off by exploring her initial foray into podcasting with a co-host. While co-hosting can be fantastic, it comes with its own set of challenges – coordinating schedules, dividing responsibilities, and ensuring both hosts are aligned with the content. Suzanne candidly shared her experience of doing the lion’s share of the work, which is a common struggle in many co-hosted shows.
This led to a crucial realization: sometimes, going solo is the way to go. Suzanne’s decision to launch her own show was a game-changer. What’s even more inspiring is how she did it – spontaneously and with minimal fuss. She recorded a few episodes, submitted her show to Apple, and announced it to her list. The immediate positive feedback sparked an audacious idea: a 100-day podcast challenge!
The 100 & 365-Day Podcast Challenge
Imagine committing to creating and releasing a podcast episode every single day for 100 days. That’s exactly what Suzanne did. What started as a spontaneous project turned into a full-blown experiment in consistency and content creation. And guess what? She didn’t stop at 100 days. She pushed herself even further, extending the challenge to 365 days!
Suzanne emphasized the importance of batching episodes when she felt inspired and energized. This strategy allowed her to stay consistent even on days when motivation was low. Plus, she kept her episodes short and sharp (15 minutes or less), making them digestible and easy for her audience to consume.
Guest Selection: Beyond Big Names
One of the most insightful parts of our conversation was about guest selection. Many podcasters chase after “big names” with large followings, hoping for a surge in listeners. While that strategy can work, Suzanne shared a different perspective. She found that featuring “newbie” guests – those who are just starting out – often led to more engagement and better results.
Why? Because these guests are incredibly excited and eager to share their episode. They tell everyone they know, leading to a wider reach and genuine connections. Suzanne’s most-listened-to guest episode featured someone with no prior podcasting experience and a fledgling business, simply because of the enthusiasm and sharing. This is a powerful reminder that authenticity and genuine excitement can outweigh a large following.
The Power of Saying “Nope”
Suzanne is, after all, The Nope Coach. So, we delved into the art of setting boundaries and saying “no.” This applies to various aspects of podcasting, from guest selection to dealing with audience feedback. Suzanne shared a story about an episode she decided not to air because it felt misaligned with her values and audience. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s okay to say no and protect your podcast’s integrity.
We also discussed how saying no is essential for emotional regulation and avoiding burnout. As podcasters, we pour our hearts and souls into our work. It’s crucial to set boundaries and prioritize our well-being.
Private Podcasts on Patreon
Suzanne also shared her experience with creating a private podcast on Patreon. This allowed her to have more intimate conversations with her audience without the pressure of public scrutiny. Patreon provided a seamless platform for managing subscriptions and delivering content, making it a fantastic option for podcasters looking to create exclusive content.
Key Takeaways for Podcasters
Here are some key takeaways from my conversation with Suzanne:
- Just Start: Don’t overthink it. Sometimes, the best strategy is to launch and learn as you go.
- Experiment: Try different formats, episode lengths, and content styles. Find what works for you and your audience.
- Batch Content: Record multiple episodes when you’re feeling inspired to stay consistent.
- Focus on Authenticity: Let your true personality shine through. Your audience will connect with you on a deeper level.
- Embrace “Newbie” Guests: They often bring more enthusiasm and genuine sharing.
- Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no and protect your energy.
- Build Relationships: Podcasting is about connection. Focus on building genuine relationships with guests and listeners.
Connect with Suzanne
If you want to learn more from Suzanne, head over to her website at SuzanneCulberg.com. You’ll find a wealth of resources and a contact page that’s guaranteed to make you smile!.
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.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!
Learn more about Podcasting Unlocked at https://galatimedia.com/podcasting-unlocked/
CONNECT WITH SUZANNE CULBERG:
CONNECT WITH ALESIA GALATI:
LINKS MENTIONED:
Successful Podcasting Unlocked Ep 47: What Do I Need to Know About Adding a Co-host to My Podcast?
Ep 133: Being an Effective Podcast Host with Emily Aborn and Lisa Zawrotny
