Intro to Podcast Design

Take an interest

Having experience in something is the best place to start a podcast.

Chances are, you know a thing or two. Maybe it’s something you’ve studied, something you’ve done for years, or just something you can’t stop talking about. Whatever it is, your lived experience makes it a natural starting point for a podcast. But here’s the catch: knowledge alone isn’t enough.

Too many podcasters choose a topic they’re experts in but don’t actually care about. They lose steam because their interest isn’t genuine and turns out to be something they think they “should” talk about or something they hope will make them money. If you want your podcast to thrive, you need to care deeply about your topic. Not just a passing interest. Not just a paycheck. Real, gut-level passion.

Be honest with yourself when picking your podcast topic. You’re going to spend a lot of time with this idea. Make sure it’s something you truly enjoy and something that fits your natural interests. It’s a two-punch combo: something you’re good at and something you love.

This could be anything. Maybe your happy place is your rose garden, and you want to start a podcast about gardening. Or perhaps you come alive when you’re jamming on your guitar or setting the stage for rock concerts. You could lean into something for musicians, music lovers, or event planners.

Or maybe you’re all about mixing it up. A gardener obsessed with Guns & Roses? An event planner who’s serious about rose gardening? Enter the Rock-and-Roll Gardener Podcast!

The magic is in being honest with yourself about what you’re doing when you’re at your best. Everyone enjoys something. Yes, even you.

If you’re still unsure, take some time to reflect. Go for a walk and ask yourself, “What am I doing when I’m at my best?” Don’t overthink it. One interest will probably stand out, maybe even something you’ve never considered before.

Explore that idea. Could you see yourself talking about it for a year? Could you share everything you know with at least one other person?

If the answer is yes, then congratulations, you’ve found your podcast topic. You’re on your way to creating something worth listening to.