How do you manage your emotions when facing backlash on social media for your podcast topics?

Some of the tips highlighted resonate. Two key aspects I always consider is 1. Just because some disagrees or doesn't like my podcast is not a reflection on me personally. My identity is separate from my content/podcast. 2. A disagreement can sometimes lead to growth - asking why can be powerful? What is the backlash in regards to? What can I learn from this? Sometimes, the answer is the backlash actually indicates my message is spot on and aligns with my beliefs even if there is resistance.

Managing emotions during social media backlash is crucial for any podcaster. When criticism arises, it's natural to feel defensive or even hurt. As someone deeply involved in podcasting, I've learned that staying grounded is key. Remember why you started your podcast - your mission and the value you want to deliver. This helps in filtering feedback: constructive criticism can guide improvement, while baseless negativity shouldn't derail you. It's about using criticism wisely, focusing on growth, and not letting it drain your energy. This approach ensures your podcast stays true to its purpose and continues to resonate with your audience.

When facing social media backlash, pausing is crucial. It helps you step back, breathe, and assess the situation objectively. This moment of reflection allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. By taking a pause, you can handle negative comments with a clear mind and avoid regrettable, emotionally charged replies.

Take a moment to yourself. Practice mindfulness by going for a walk and paying attention to your surroundings. What do you see around you? What sounds do you hear? Use your senses to calm yourself. Focus on breathing. When you're focusing on breathing, you can likely stop racing thoughts and when you're done, listen to some content from someone who motivates you and take naps.

Navigating criticism on social media is a crucial skill for any podcaster. When faced with backlash, it's essential to approach it calmly and objectively. Not all criticism is created equal—some may offer valid insights despite being delivered harshly. Separate the emotional sting from the actual content of the feedback. Look beyond the tone to grasp the underlying message. Assess if there's merit to what's being said. If the feedback has substance, consider incorporating it constructively into your podcast without compromising your core values. This approach helps you improve and shows your audience that you value their input.

Choose which comments deserve a response and ignore those that don't add value. Always maintain professionalism and respect in your replies. A thoughtful response that acknowledges criticism and shares your perspective can defuse tension and show your audience you're listening. This approach fosters a constructive dialogue and strengthens your credibility.

One perspective to consider is that social media is very rarely the place to have an informed discussion. Social media primes people to put their best “perceived” self forward. So take most online criticism with a grain of salt - rarely did someone deeply consider what you said, and even more rare is someone willing to publicly adjust their thinking. So thank people for those criticisms because at its core it’s just engagement. Rely on a diverse group of people who hold you accountable offline and online to enhance your perspective. Social media is a circus, and the only people who take a circus seriously are the clowns. Have fun, engage, learn from others, and do your best.

A word of wisdom, social media is a person opinion or feeling of a subject. Believe in yourself and only consider what others may say about you.