When I first decided to start my podcast, Talk of Fame, at 14, I was filled with excitement, passion, and a lot of uncertainty. Looking back, I wish I had known a few things that could have made the process smoother and less overwhelming. So, whether you're thinking of starting your own podcast or you're just curious about the journey, here’s what I wish I had known from the start!
1. Perfection Is Not the Goal
I thought everything had to be flawless right out of the gate. Perfect audio, seamless editing, professional-level interviews—it was exhausting trying to get everything right. The truth is, podcasting is a learning process, and your first few episodes might not sound the way you imagined. And that's okay! The most important thing is that you start. The quality will improve over time as you find your rhythm and voice.
2. Consistency Is Key
One of the hardest lessons I learned was the importance of consistency. Releasing episodes on a regular schedule—whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—helps build a loyal audience. In the beginning, I didn’t realize how crucial this was, but over time, I saw the impact of sticking to a schedule. Consistency builds trust, and trust keeps your listeners coming back for more.
3. Prepare for Tech Troubles
I wish someone had told me that tech glitches are inevitable. Whether it's your microphone acting up, your editing software crashing, or even losing an entire episode recording (yes, it happens!), don’t let it discourage you. Learn to embrace the technical learning curve and have backup plans in place. If something goes wrong, it’s not the end of the world—just a bump on the road to becoming a podcast pro.
4. Interviews Can Be Challenging but Rewarding
I used to think that interviewing people would be the easiest part. I mean, how hard could asking questions be? But conducting a meaningful interview requires preparation, active listening, and sometimes, keeping a conversation going even when things aren’t flowing as smoothly as you’d hoped. With over 200 guests on my show now, I’ve learned that each interview is a unique experience. The more you do it, the better you get, but give yourself grace in the early stages. It takes practice to build rapport and create engaging dialogue.
5. Networking Is Everything
Podcasting is not a solo journey. Building connections with fellow podcasters, potential guests, and even your listeners is crucial. I didn’t realize how much networking would play a role in my podcast’s success. Join podcasting communities, reach out to guests who inspire you, and engage with your audience on social media. People love supporting creators they feel connected to.
6. You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment to Start
I initially thought I needed top-of-the-line gear to create a podcast worth listening to. While quality is important, you don’t need to break the bank to get started. A decent microphone and free editing software can get you pretty far. As your podcast grows, you can upgrade your setup, but don’t let the lack of fancy equipment hold you back from launching your show.
7. It’s Okay to Ask for Help
Starting a podcast as a teenager can feel overwhelming, and I wish I had reached out for help earlier. Whether it’s technical support, feedback from friends or mentors, or even help with promotion, there’s no shame in asking for assistance. The podcasting community is incredibly supportive, and most people are more than willing to offer advice or lend a hand.
8. Your Audience Will Grow Over Time
In the beginning, I thought I needed to have thousands of listeners from day one. When that didn’t happen, I questioned whether my podcast was worth continuing. But here’s the truth: growth takes time. Building an audience is a slow process, but if you stay committed and keep producing content you're passionate about, your audience will find you. Focus on creating episodes that resonate with your values and message, and the right listeners will follow.
9. You Will Find Your Voice
When I started, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction my podcast would take. I explored different topics, interview styles, and formats. Over time, I found my niche—mental health and women’s empowerment—and that’s when Talk of Fame truly took off. Give yourself the freedom to experiment and evolve. Your podcast doesn’t have to be set in stone from the beginning.
10. It’s a Journey, Not a Destination
Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments of self-doubt, episodes you aren’t happy with, and challenges you didn’t anticipate. But every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and every episode is a chance to grow. Enjoy the process, celebrate the small wins, and remember why you started in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Starting Talk of Fame at 14 was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s given me the opportunity to interview incredible people, learn from different perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, my advice is simple: go for it! You’ll learn so much along the way, and who knows? You might just inspire others to follow their dreams, too.
Now that you know what I wish I had known, take that first step. You’ve got this!
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