Don’t Let These 4 Barriers Stop You from Launching Your Podcast.

What's Really Stopping You from Starting Your Podcast? Let’s Break It Down.

Hey friends,

I recently asked a question to my Linkedin community: What's stopping you from starting your podcast? The results were fascinating, and more than anything, it highlighted just how many people want to start but feel held back by common challenges.

Here’s what you told me:

Today, I want to help move you past those barriers by breaking each one down and giving you practical steps forward. I totally get where you’re coming from—when I first launched Pharmacist Diaries, I had many of these same concerns. But I promise you, these obstacles are more manageable than they seem.

Let’s dive in.

1. Don't Know Where to Start (45%)

Starting anything new can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Here’s how to break it down:

• Start with Your Why: Before diving into the logistics of creating a podcast, the most important question you need to answer is why you want to start one in the first place. Understanding your core motivation will act as the foundation for everything you create—it will shape your content, guide your approach, and keep you motivated during challenging times.
• Outline a Few Episode Ideas: Don’t worry about mapping out an entire season yet. Just start with a handful of episode topics or questions you’d like to explore. In the beginning of your podcasting journey, this is a perfect way to start so you can analyse the feedback you get on social media from friends, family and colleagues and make the necessary amendments that will improve your content week by week.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t need to know everything from the get-go. Record an episode with minimal equipment to get started and improve as you go. This is exactly what I did and look where I'm at now!
• Resources to Help: I’m in the process of creating a private podcast series that’s specifically designed to help people figure out if podcasting is for them and how to start. It’ll be totally free and I'll be sharing it with you through Linkedin in the next few weeks.

Remember: Don’t let perfectionism stop you from making progress. Take small steps, and you’ll build momentum.

Here are a few common reasons people start podcasts:

To Educate: Do you have specialised knowledge or expertise that could benefit others? Whether it’s sharing tips for aspiring pharmacists, helping people understand complex topics, or providing insights into a niche industry, podcasts are a great way to educate. When you know your purpose is to help others learn, it becomes easier to structure your episodes and design content that serves that goal.

To Inspire: Maybe your goal is to motivate others through stories of success, resilience, or personal growth. If your why is about creating an emotional connection with your audience, you’ll focus on storytelling and sharing human experiences that resonate deeply with listeners.

To Share Stories: Sometimes, it’s all about giving a platform to voices that deserve to be heard. If you’re passionate about giving others the opportunity to tell their stories, your podcast might focus on interviews, discussions, or spotlighting personal journeys.

To Build Community: A podcast can be a wonderful way to bring together like-minded people around a shared interest. If community-building is your goal, your podcast will likely be interactive, with opportunities for listeners to engage, share feedback, and become part of the conversation.

To Entertain: Perhaps your goal is to entertain, whether through humor, storytelling, or creative content. Knowing this will guide you to keep your episodes fun, engaging, and lighthearted.        

2. Not Enough Time (23%)

Trust me, I understand time constraints more than anyone—juggling full-time work, parenting, and producing Pharmacist Diaries hasn’t been easy! But, there are ways to make it work.

• Set a Dedicated Day: I used to work on my podcast Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Now, I block out Mondays from 9-3, and it’s been a game-changer. Having a set time each week means that podcasting becomes a priority, not an afterthought.
• Start Small: You don’t have to release weekly episodes. If time is an issue, try releasing biweekly or even monthly until you find your rhythm.
• Batch Recording: One of the best strategies I’ve found is to record multiple episodes in one sitting. This gives you a buffer and helps keep the content flowing, even during busy periods.
• Streamline Editing: Focus on content over perfection. You can always hire help or outsource some of the editing when you're ready.

Remember: It’s about consistency, not quantity. Find a schedule that works for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust as you go.

3. Unsure If It's the Right Fit (27%)

It’s natural to question whether podcasting is the right platform for you, but here’s the thing—there’s only one way to find out: try it.

• Test the Waters: Start with a small, simple episode. It doesn’t have to be public right away. Record a test episode or two and see how it feels.
• Consider Your Passion: If you’re excited to share ideas, stories, or knowledge, podcasting could be the perfect creative outlet for you. Your excitement will resonate with listeners.
• Listen to Your Audience: If you have a following or community, they will give you feedback and help you refine your content.

Remember: You don’t need to have all the answers now. The journey will unfold as you go.

4. Worried About the Tech (5%)

The tech side of podcasting can feel intimidating, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. Here’s a breakdown:

• Start with Basic Gear: You don’t need expensive equipment to start. A good USB microphone and simple editing software are all you need for your first few episodes.
• Free Tools to Help: There are plenty of free and easy-to-use platforms for you to record and edit podcasts. Many of these platforms offer step-by-step guides on how to get your podcast up and running. If you need some support with this, feel free to reach out to me or Sunjay Vyas to chat through options.
• Tutorials: There are loads of free tutorials online. If you’re feeling lost, search for YouTube videos or join podcasting communities where you can ask for advice.

Remember: Don’t let the tech scare you. You can always upgrade your gear and processes as your podcast grows.

Final Thoughts

I hope this newsletter gives you the encouragement and guidance you need to move forward with your podcasting journey. Each step can feel challenging, but the key is to take it one piece at a time.

So, which challenge resonates most with you? If you still feel unsure, reply to this email and let me know—I’d love to help you take the next step.

Keep pushing forward!

Anisha & Sunjay

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