Toward the end of 2014 Emily emailed me saying “podcasts are the future” and recruited me to join up with her to launch what we now know is Being Boss. (We’ll be sharing our entire origin story on June 20th – sign up to attend that conversation live or for access to a recording afterwards.) Little did I know that creating a podcast really would support the career trajectory I had already charted out, and at the same time, create new opportunities I could have never imagined.

A couple years later and Emily was right. Podcasts are the future – and if I’m feeling really bold I’d dare say that podcasts are replacing blogs. And what I really want to tell you is that it’s not too late for you to get into the podcasting game! Here are a few simple ways you can get started:

First, listen to podcasts

I believe to really be engaged with creating content on a platform you’re unfamiliar with, it’s best to consume first. I like listening to a blend of business, comedy, lifestyle, and philosophy podcasts. Being a fan of podcasts first helped me understand what format, style, and tone I want to strike with my own. We even did a post yesterday that will literally teach you how to find and download a podcast to your computer or phone.

Be a guest on podcasts

I could have never had the courage to start my own podcast without being a guest on a few to begin with. If you have a friend, creative colleague, or some connection to a host of a podcast reach out and see if they would be interested in having you on the show. A note on pitching podcasts: I think it’s best to either get an introduction, know the person you’re pitching, or be a raving fan of a podcast before you pitch. Be sure to let them know why you’re a fan, what you would love to contribute, and if there are any timely products you’re promoting for yourself by coming on the show.

Finally, start your own podcast

If you like being a guest on a podcast, chances are you have what it takes to start your own. Starting your own podcast can be as easy or as in-depth as you want to make it. There are a few considerations and decisions to make before beginning your own show:

  • How will you brand and position yourself?
  • What kind of content will you share? And how will you format your show?
  • What kind of microphone will you use? How will you edit and publish the show?
  • How will you integrate this kind of content sharing into your workflow?
  • What kinds of systems will best help you create a show that supports your biz?
  • How will you launch and market your podcast?
  • In what ways will you engage your listeners and create community?
  • How will you monetize your show in a way that works for you?
  • Will you have guests? If so, who?
Starting your own podcast can be as easy or as in-depth as you want to make it. Share on X

Those are a lot of questions to answer, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Like most things, getting started is the hard part, but it’s pretty easy to figure out as you go. You’ll hit some bumps along the way (like your audio not recording, having a rude guest on the show, suffering from a vulnerability hangover after you hit “publish” … just to name a few), but you’ll come out the other side with some content that will help support your creative expertise and small business.

HOT SHIT 200

One of the most valuable tools I’ve used in my business and for my podcast is my “hot shit 200” list. This is a list of 200 people I want to work with, interview, be interviewed by, or simply be friends with. My original list had names like Brené Brown, Chalene Johnson, David Heinemeier Hansson, Paul Jarvis, Ezzie Spencer, and Ramit Sethi just to name a few – and guess what!? I’ve had a chance to personally interview or work with everyone on that list! Your list doesn’t have to be filled with famous people but could include rockstars you admire in industries you’re interested in.

I’ve created a template for listing out your own hot shit 200 and the action steps you can take to get on their radar. Just enter your email to get that PDF.

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In this episode, the Hot Shit 200 worksheet was mentioned. Download your copy here!

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P.S. LEARN HOW TO PODCAST

If you find yourself needing a little more guidance on starting a podcast to support your business, you can learn how to podcast like a boss in a live masterclass I’m hosting with Emily Thompson, Paul Jarvis, and Jason Zook on June 22nd. Learn more and sign-up here.

Kathleen is the co-host of Being Boss Podcast, helping creative entrepreneurs learn how to run their own creative business while being their most authentic selves. She also co-owns Braid Creative, a business visioning & branding agency for people- and purpose-driven businesses.