Thank you for this! I’ve always been someone who connects more through listening than watching; there’s just something about audio that feels more personal and immersive. I recently started an audio-only podcast for that reason. Video works well for many people, but for my work and the kind of space I want to create, audio feels like the right fit. Plus, I enjoy doing it!
I struggle because I have a dream of my podcast being like a radio show (like The Emerald) which is heavily scripted and heavily edited. Reading this was super helpful reminder that having an intense podcast isn’t a quick road to money—so I better be doing it for another reason!
I love this. Thank you. Over 10 years ago, I had my own podcast. The final month before we shut it down, we had over 30,000 segment downloads. I stopped when Bloomberg inquired about taking us national. Why did I stop is a story. While launching a new business, we are revisiting podcasting. This post arrived just at the right place, and at the right time to the right person. Thank you.
Did you tried to make your own sinteric voice to use it to read your newsletter posts? Why or why not you do it or consider it? Thank you for this piece, it was very insightful ✌️
No I haven’t had much luck with generated voice in other context because of my Australian accent.
And of course the main reason I record the podcast is because the act of reading my post out loud reveals errors and omissions I don’t see otherwise, so a synthetic voice would be counterproductive for me.
Maybe a podcast would help you get speaking gigs, but I suspect having a few images and headlines of your speaking gigs in the ‘Featured’ part of your LinkedIn profile would be more effective than a podcast for that purpose. Someone looking for a speaker is more likely to browse linkedin than spotify.
Thank you for this! I've been including audio in my newsletters but not in a podcast form. The only way to access is through my newsletter post. Have thought about releasing in podcast format but it feels overwhelming to set it all up! Appreciate your process and insights!
Sarah, if you’re already recording the audio I definitely recommend you set up the auto distribution to Spotify et. al. It’s fiddly and takes an hour or two but it is a once-and-done deal.
After it’s done, Substack automatically distributes each audio post with no extra effort. And you can tell your listeners that they can listen on their favourite podcast app, which they may like.
This is great, Karen. I thought I'd add two things from my experience.
First, I was surprised when I started adapting my work for a podcast to find how "writing for reading" does not always neatly translate to "writing for listening." Stuff that worked well on the page clanked or was confusing over the air. It took me a while to understand how to revise for the format. I still write for reading on Substack, but the podcasting process has helped me be a better writer on both ends, I'm sure. Recording existing pieces is a great way to start--it's how I started, but it ended up being a starting point.
Recording a podcast can be fun! It's a great way to connect with someone or work with a person you've always admired. As a solo writer it became an opportunity to collaborate and I partnered up with a friend I always wanted to talk to/work with and it created a way for us to reconnect. Involving someone else--if it's the right person--can be good for the process and the product.
This is such great advice, Paul, about doing it with a friend, that sounds fun! And yes, I totally glossed over the nuances of ‘writing for reading’ vs ‘writing for speaking’… As you say, either way you’ll end up a better writer. Glad you’re enjoying it.
John, Yes. Also, it's fascinating how our interpretations of the meanings of words are so very different. In a way, language can be a significant obstacle to understanding. Some would say that what I know and what you know immediately creates conflict. I imagine that you write your stories to create connections. Do you? Do they? Just musings for a Sunday morning.
Thanks for affirming and reassuring me regarding podcasts. I don't want to do one, but all the hype has me second-guessing every other week or so and I feel pressured that it's a 'must-do' and I'm doing a disservice to my followers by not producing one.
I feel a lot more confident in my decision not to go down the podcast path now.
"The honest truth about podcasts is that 98% of creators don’t need one.
"Actually, it’s worse than that. Not only do most creators not need a podcast, but most creators will end up wasting time and money on a podcast."
I'm convinced you are the most honest person on Substack, and reading your posts is always a special pleasure.
Thank you!! 🙏
Thank you for this! I’ve always been someone who connects more through listening than watching; there’s just something about audio that feels more personal and immersive. I recently started an audio-only podcast for that reason. Video works well for many people, but for my work and the kind of space I want to create, audio feels like the right fit. Plus, I enjoy doing it!
I struggle because I have a dream of my podcast being like a radio show (like The Emerald) which is heavily scripted and heavily edited. Reading this was super helpful reminder that having an intense podcast isn’t a quick road to money—so I better be doing it for another reason!
This is the best and most helpful advice I’ve ever read about podcasting- thank you!
High value! It looks like really value is building trust. Speaking demonstrates I am a "real" person!
I love this. Thank you. Over 10 years ago, I had my own podcast. The final month before we shut it down, we had over 30,000 segment downloads. I stopped when Bloomberg inquired about taking us national. Why did I stop is a story. While launching a new business, we are revisiting podcasting. This post arrived just at the right place, and at the right time to the right person. Thank you.
Wow. Honest and practical advice.
Did you tried to make your own sinteric voice to use it to read your newsletter posts? Why or why not you do it or consider it? Thank you for this piece, it was very insightful ✌️
No I haven’t had much luck with generated voice in other context because of my Australian accent.
And of course the main reason I record the podcast is because the act of reading my post out loud reveals errors and omissions I don’t see otherwise, so a synthetic voice would be counterproductive for me.
What if I am a speaker...
Does a podcast work as a sort of resume or audition, for those seeking to hire a speaker?
Maybe a podcast would help you get speaking gigs, but I suspect having a few images and headlines of your speaking gigs in the ‘Featured’ part of your LinkedIn profile would be more effective than a podcast for that purpose. Someone looking for a speaker is more likely to browse linkedin than spotify.
Good point. A lot does depend on “location”. 🙂
I was thinking about how I would want to listen to the speaker, first, but that would be probably a better second step for most folks. thanks!
Thank you for this! I've been including audio in my newsletters but not in a podcast form. The only way to access is through my newsletter post. Have thought about releasing in podcast format but it feels overwhelming to set it all up! Appreciate your process and insights!
Sarah, if you’re already recording the audio I definitely recommend you set up the auto distribution to Spotify et. al. It’s fiddly and takes an hour or two but it is a once-and-done deal.
After it’s done, Substack automatically distributes each audio post with no extra effort. And you can tell your listeners that they can listen on their favourite podcast app, which they may like.
Thank you for your response!! I will look into setting up the auto distribution!!
This is great, Karen. I thought I'd add two things from my experience.
First, I was surprised when I started adapting my work for a podcast to find how "writing for reading" does not always neatly translate to "writing for listening." Stuff that worked well on the page clanked or was confusing over the air. It took me a while to understand how to revise for the format. I still write for reading on Substack, but the podcasting process has helped me be a better writer on both ends, I'm sure. Recording existing pieces is a great way to start--it's how I started, but it ended up being a starting point.
Recording a podcast can be fun! It's a great way to connect with someone or work with a person you've always admired. As a solo writer it became an opportunity to collaborate and I partnered up with a friend I always wanted to talk to/work with and it created a way for us to reconnect. Involving someone else--if it's the right person--can be good for the process and the product.
This is such great advice, Paul, about doing it with a friend, that sounds fun! And yes, I totally glossed over the nuances of ‘writing for reading’ vs ‘writing for speaking’… As you say, either way you’ll end up a better writer. Glad you’re enjoying it.
John, Yes. Also, it's fascinating how our interpretations of the meanings of words are so very different. In a way, language can be a significant obstacle to understanding. Some would say that what I know and what you know immediately creates conflict. I imagine that you write your stories to create connections. Do you? Do they? Just musings for a Sunday morning.
Thanks for affirming and reassuring me regarding podcasts. I don't want to do one, but all the hype has me second-guessing every other week or so and I feel pressured that it's a 'must-do' and I'm doing a disservice to my followers by not producing one.
I feel a lot more confident in my decision not to go down the podcast path now.
Glad to help, TEP, I’m here to save you from FOMO (coz the pressure is real!)