Podcasting With Impact: From Doubting to Doing

Are you worried that you won’t sound professional enough to start your own podcast? Are you questioning your voice and how you express yourself? 

It’s a common fear that holds many potential podcasters back from hitting that record button. But let me tell you something: sounding "professional" isn’t needed to bring you the podcasting success you aspire to. 

And I am so excited for you and me as we will be working through busting some myths about sounding professional for your podcast together. 

In this episode I will share six of the most common misconceptions about sounding professional that I have encountered from working with my clients from across the world over the past few years, but also my own when I first got into podcasting in 2016. 

I know that this will help  you to rethink everything that you have so far thought about sounding professional.

More resources for your Podcasting journey:

When you want to start or continue your podcast, your do to list is long.  The general perception is that - at any given time - you have a million things to consider and to do.

Your social media feed is full of the advice of podcast marketers, telling you about all the things you have to do to be considered a successful podcaster.

• Publish every week

• Promote on every social media platform.

• Invite high caliber guests.

• Have the most crisp and perfect audio quality. 

• Come up with an innovative, creative format

It can feel so overwhelming to have this long to-do list in front of us. 

What often times happens then, is that we freeze.

We don't know what to start with and what to do, so we don’t do anything instead.

Or we start doing something completely unrelated, just to not be confronted with this uncomfortably long to do list. 

I see that on myself all the time too. 

Looking at my coaching podcasting business I have a lot on my plate.

What I do on those days, not just when the list is particularly long, but in general, how I organise my work, with the help of 1 brilliant question.

A question that will move you from overwhelm to taking action.

Today I will teach you all about it so that you start taking simple action steps that actually matter the most at this point of your podcasting journey. Enjoy!

More resources for your Podcasting journey:

Disclaimer:

In this episode, we will explore one of the most important questions every podcaster should ask themselves.

• It has nothing to do with podcasting equipment or which media host to choose for your podcast.

• It has also nothing to do with how long your episode should be or how you should best market your podcast.
• It has nothing to do with the technicalities or SEO strategies to grow your show
• It has nothing to do with how to be a better host or how to ask better interview questions

Although all of the questions above are important, they aren't even close to the one crucial question that will impact the long term success of your podcast.

It's a question that will help you paint a vivid picture of the extraordinary possibilities that await your podcast.

The question we will unpack today will you help embrace your podcasting journey with more excitement, certainty and passion from here on out. All ingredients necessary to reap long term benefits of your podcast.

Enjoy listening and reach out to me if any questions come up.

More resources for your Podcasting journey:

Every podcaster has things on their plate that feel "not-fun."

When it comes to your podcast, what is it for you?

Editing, Marketing, Researching, Social Media?

It’s easy to find yourself procrastinating or putting off important tasks that you know you need to do because they don't feel fun.

So how do we solve  this?

First, it's important to categorize the not-fun task so you know what you are up against.

There are 2 types of not-fun stuff:

1. The Boring Stuff

2. The Scary Stuff

How you motivate yourself to do the not fun-stuff depends on what type it is.

And in today’s  podcast episode I share my tips and tricks for motivating yourself on all the not-fun stuff. 

Listen if you are ready to stop procrastinating or putting-off the "not-fun stuff" in your podcast.

Or, if you simply want to inject more energy and intention into an area of your podcast that doesn’t feel fun right now, this is the perfect companion for you.

If you've been thinking about starting your own podcast for what feels like an eternity, you need to hear this. (I know because I needed to hear it too when I started my podcast back in 2017) 

Seriously, how long have you been pondering over this? Weeks? Months? Perhaps even years?

I want to help you cut through the procrastination, the doubts, and the excuses because, truthfully, at this point, you are wasting your time. Time you don’t have. 

So instead of time wasting, I will have you make a choice. 

A tough choice.

But one that is necessary to make for you to stop wasting your time when it comes to starting your podcast once and for all. 

In this episode, I will break it down for you.

I kept it super short and sweet too. 

It's a reality check, a pep talk, and a roadmap all rolled into one.

We will tackle the two fundamental questions you need to ask yourself if you want to stop wasting your time in regards to starting your podcast. 

It's not rocket science, but it's the kind of clarity you've been missing in your podcasting journey. 

After listening, my hope for you is that you'll be equipped to make that crucial choice and start podcasting with intention and purpose - in the most time efficient way (because I know, you are super busy, Coach!) 

Warning / / This episode contains a generous dose of tough love. It’s  not everyone's cup of tea. So, listen with caution. If it stirs up thoughts and you need someone to talk it through with, my calendar is open for you. Schedule a chat with me [here], and I will help you stop wasting your time. 

Here’s to you as you stop wasting your time and start putting your energy where it will truly make an impact.

Reach out to me with your questions & get them answered in one of the upcoming episodes.

More resources for your Podcasting journey:

In this episode I will talk about disappointment in podcasting and how to look at this inevitable feeling we will all be confronted with in our podcasting journey from a whole new angle. I am so curious to hear your thoughts on this too. 

Here’s how I see it: 

On the long and windy road of our podcasting journey, disappointments are lurking everywhere.

 Disappointments happen when our expectations are not met. (And I know you have big dreams and expectations for your podcast - AS YOU SHOULD!) 

So what do you feel disappointed about when it comes to your podcast?

😞Are you disappointed that you haven’t launched your podcast yet?

😞Are you disappointed that you can’t seem to find the time for your podcast?

😞Are you disappointed because you wish you had more listeners already?

😞Did you have some great episode planned but then the guest cancelled on you last minute?

😞Or did you have to part ways with your co-host?

It is inevitable that we will encounter disappointments in our podcasting journey. 

My own podcasting journey is a massive minefield of disappointments and set backs. (but of course also GLORIOUS and triumphant moments!)

But let’s just acknowledge something for a second here.

When things don't work out with our podcast IT SUCKS. 

Its annoying, its frustrating.

What you are about to hear is hands down one of the most beautiful conversations about podcasting I ever had.

It all started with this very spontaneous idea of mine to get a bunch of podcasters together to honour International Podcast Day.

Podcasters are just so wonderful people, they really are, so I did anticipate a beautiful conversation unfolding, without following any speaking points or agenda

But what actually happened in that room was even more than I could have ever envisioned.

I could pull out at least 100 quotes from what these talented podcast creators shared that would inspire you as you work on your own podcasts, but I just want you to hear for yourself. 

I know there will be something in there for you that will allow you to look at your own podcasting journey with so much more curiosity and courage. 

Just sit back, press play and enjoy the ride.

Happy International Podcast Day! 

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Connect with today’s guests: 

Regina Larko (host):

We all want it - growing our listenership. As we should! We work hard on creating a beautiful podcast. It deserves to be heard by more people. Here's an idea for you how to make that happen.

Testimonials from your existing listeners are so powerful. Leverage that! You have probably heard that on other podcasts. Hosts asking for those 5 star ratings for their show. And that's fab. I do that too.

Here's the problem though.

Once we get those reviews most of us do exactly one thing with them.

That one thing is....

NOTHING.

Oh yeah. Same here.

I made it a sport to collect reviews when I first started out. Just so that those reviews would sit in one App waiting to be miraculously found and read by someone for years.

Then I realised, that putting these reviews also on my social media and in my newsletter (and on my website!) helps to encourage even more people to press that play button on my podcast for the first time.

What's more, you can also ask listeners that you are already in touch with to just share a short note with you about what they love about your podcast with you directly.

Because leaving those reviews within certain Apps - especially on the Iphone Podcast App - is way complicated.

Make it easy for them. They comment on your posts? They share your new episode in their stories? Reach out to them and just ask them if they can give you a short testimonial. As a thanks you can mention them in your next episode. That'll be a super sweet surprise for them for sure when they listen next time.

Welcome to the BRAVO series that celebrates the brave and courageous podcast creators that I have the privilege of working with.

Today I want to tell you about Sara Coggiola, creator of Reinventions in between podcast. Listen in to find out what we can all learn from her.

Reinventions in Between Show Description:

Your go to podcast for real stories of reinvention that happen between life stages, career changes and living abroad.

Get inspired, find resources, start your journey.

I’m Sara Coggiola, a Life coach, Intercultural trainer and Reinvention facilitator, helping people on their quest to what’s next. 

I have reinvented myself a few times, and in the past 16 years, I have collected fascinating stories of change.

In each episode, my guest will talk about why and how they took the leap and seized the opportunity to change their life.

You’ll hear accents, countries, vulnerability and hooray!

Don’t forget to hit subscribe so you’ll never miss the opportunity to spark curiosity and get inspired on how YOU can navigate change in your own life.

Listen to Sara's Podcasts here:

Welcome to the BRAVO series that celebrates the brave and courageous podcast creators that I have the privilege of working with.

Today I want to tell you about Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge, Mastermind behind Roaming Roots Podcast. She also hosts Stories for the Future.

Listen in to find out what we can all learn from Veslemøy.

Roaming Roots Show Description:

Roaming Roots is the podcast for the modern traveler. Hosted by Veslemøy Klavenes-Berge, the show is focused on responsible and mindful travel and tourism. Through fascinating conversations with experts in the field, Roaming Roots takes on the hard questions in travel: What makes responsible and sustainable tourism? How can we make sure our visit to a place respects and benefits the local community? Is it possible to balance our impact on our environment with our desire to explore? If you’re looking for thoughtful advice on how to take on mindful and responsible travel, tune in to Roaming Roots!

Listen to Roaming Roots here:

Welcome to the BRAVO series that celebrates the brave and courageous podcast creators that I have the privilege of working with.

The Podcast #Resilience explores resilience through inspirational stories and straightforward ideas. Season 3 explores how discovering our WHY creates a solid foundation for a resilient life. With each episode, you can learn one more thing about resilience and how you can develop it. Our BIG IDEA is that you can learn how to be more resilient. Our promise is that our 5-3-1 plan will help you, our listeners, develop and retain resilience.

In the Bravo Series I am celebrating the courageous and brave creators that I have the privilege supporting on their podcasting journey.

Today you hear what I love about Rosann Ling and her brilliant Podcast Branding for impact.

Branding for Impact Show description:

Welcome to the BRAVO series that celebrates the brave and courageous podcast creators that I have the privilege of working with.

A podcast celebrating a global community of women in risk, regulation and compliance.

Show Description:

Welcome to the BRAVO series where I am celebrating the brave and courageous podcasters that I have had the privilege to support on their journeys. 

And I want to start off with celebrating my own production! Wohooo! My flagship production #impact Podcast has been on air for 6 incredible years. 

So and here’s the newsletter I sent out recently to celebrate this milestone.

My dear #impact listeners, 

When I pressed publish on the first episode of #impact 6 years ago, I was sitting in a Hong Kong Cafe, with my friend Celia pretty much lovingly screaming in my ear that I should finally publish. 

It was an exciting day. And I have so fond memories of this podcast's beginnings, stumbling from one recording to the next. 

I met so many wonderful people on this journey. My beautiful guests trusted me - and later also our co-hosts - by sharing their stories. 

Although the starting point of our conversations is always the impact they make in their professional lives it often is the moments where they share their personal moments of impact that made the most impression on our listeners. 

Because, in the end, it is because of who we are, because of the experiences we made, that we show up the way we do for our professions as well. There’s not one without the other. And my recent experience with the illness and recovery of our daughter showed me that as well. 

This episode was recorded back in February, just before our daughter got sick, and meant to be on aired for a long time. Listening back to this episode now, I can hear a lightness in my voice that I am still searching to win back. 

And it made me wonder, how light (or heavy) does your voice feel today? 

We all carry experiences in us that need healing. And somehow I feels as if it was all meant to be, that for this special anniversary recording I had invited breathwork facilitator extraordinaire, Aigul Safiullina, to teach us how to channel our breath in times of distress. So we can show up more fully for making that impact we want to make - in our professional as well as personal lives. 

Of course there was also so much laughing and funny misunderstandings, as can be expected when my brilliant Tyrolian co-host Belinda Esterhammer jumps in to turn the tables on me to find out how my reintegration in my hometown Vienna is going after 13 years abroad in China and how #impact podcast is doing here in Europe. 

We ate cake. 

Punschkrapfen to be precise.

We had our lovely community tune in from across the continents. 

And we honoured that #impact has been up and running for 6 incredible years. 

Listen in for celebration, reflection and as always, for…

…Love and healing,

Regina

And then I got some lovely replies from my community, thank you so much for all the love and birthday wishes. 

In this episode I play you the voice note that hit me BIG TIME and the 2 big learnings from it (one actually inspired THIS VERY BRAVO Series!!)

Come back for more when we get celebrating all the amazing podcasters that are bravely putting their voices out their and will hopefully inspire you to do that too!

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RESOURCES FOR YOUR OWN PODCASTING JOURNEY

Start a Podcast with impact - Free Guide HERE:

More resources for your Podcasting journey:

His side of the story. Recorded taking a walk through Vienna, giggling about how he looks at that crazy podcasting journey I've been on for 6+ years.

It just puts the biggest smile on my face having this audio memory. Listen in to hear for yourself.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR OWN PODCASTING JOURNEY

Start a Podcast with impact - Free Guide HERE:

How to promote your Podcast? Today you find out how to get your first 100 subscribers!

In this episode, Regina will share quick and simple tricks how you can get started with your promotion, without spending any money on ads but instead leveraging the network you already have to get your show off to a great start.

How to edit a Podcast? Which software do you need?

Audio editing! Regina knows many new Podcasters dread this part. Many don’t even start in the first place because of it. It was the same for her. Before Regina started her first Podcast-production #impact in 2017 she had no idea how to edit an audio file.

In this episode, Regina shares which software you can use to get your Podcast edited and how you can use music in your show. She shares what to consider as you choose the sound for your show and which important things you have to keep in mind so you don’t get in (legal) trouble.

How to be a great Podcast host?

This question is incredibly important, because the success of your Podcast will depend on YOU. You the host, the creator, the storyteller, the mastermind behind your production.

This time Regina will share 5 tips on how to be a FANTASTIC host - and these tricks can be applied to any Podcasting format no matter if interview style or solo show!

What kind of equipment do you need for your Podcast? Which microphones are the best for Podcasting? And how should you set up?

These questions raise in the mind of every new Podcaster. Regina will save you lots of time here today. When she first started her first Podcast #impact she spent WEEKS on deciding which equipment to buy. In this episode, you will learn about the in her opinion best value for money microphone on the market for your professional audio production.

As always, Regina will also share an OFF THE RECORD secret whats happening behind the scenes at #impact Podcast that will hopefully encourage you to start recording your first episode.

This time, you will also hear from fellow Podcaster Cait Donovan from Fried, the Burn Out Podcast, One of Cait’s biggest learnings around microphones will surprise you!

Which Podcast Format should you choose? Interview style? Educational Solo Show? Storytelling?

There are so many ways to tell your stories and engage with your audience. In this episode, Regina will walk you through 4 questions to help you find the right format for your show.

As always, Regina will also share one of her #impact OFF THE RECORD secrets. Fellow Podcaster Jules Hanaford will also let you know what she wishes she knew before starting her Podcast. Jules is running 2 shows with different formats, one interview style, one true crime, so she has some great insights that you can benefit from as well.

How can you create an enticing concept for your Podcast? What topics should you address that will help you build and grow an audience?

Regina will walk you through a bunch of questions to give you a quick start on how to brainstorm and validate topics for your show. This will help you build a strong concept for your Podcast and curate topics that resonate with you as well as your audience.

As always, Regina will also share one of her embarrassing OFF THE RECORD secrets. This time, fellow Podcaster Surmayee of the popular Sassy Speaks Podcast will also let you in on what she wishes she would have known before starting her show.

How to start a successful Podcast?

This is one of the most common questions Regina gets from aspiring Podcasters that she works with in her Podcasting Mentorship Programme: How to start? Where should you even begin?

Today Regina will share her answer where you should start if you want your Podcast to be a success. It is actually really simple.

It takes 3 simple steps.

You don’t need anything for it, no audio recording equipment or fancy microphone, no investment, just a pen and a paper.

You will be surprised how empowering it will feel to write those steps that will bring you Podcasting success down.

The steps that you can take today, to get your Podcast started.

In this episode you will find out what you can expect in Season 1: OFF THE RECORD | Podcasting with impact.

Meet your host: 

Meet your host Regina Larko and hear how she will guide you through creating and launching an impactful podcast. Get resources and tools for launching a successful Podcast that makes an impact from day 1.

Find out which mistakes to avoid as you hear from Regina and fellow successful Podcasters when they share what they wish they would have known before starting out.