Building My Podcast: From Vision to Reality
After deciding to step into podcasting, I had to ask myself a few reflective questions: Who is the specific audience that I want to target? What is the message that I really want to convey to them? And how do I achieve all of this? Transitioning from an idea to a tangible podcast felt daunting at first, but I reminded myself that every great journey starts with small, actionable steps. Here’s how I made it happen:
1. Defining My Purpose
I started by reflecting on my "why," or my “North Star." My goal was clear: to amplify voices, share stories of resilience, and create a space for honest and careful conversations about topics that matter, like raising awareness of mental health, parenting healthy families, and navigating the complexities of the human experience. I knew that my professional experience as a social worker and personal experience as a parent had prepared me to approach these topics with empathy and insight. This purpose grounded me as I moved forward.
2. Tackling the Technical and Digital Side
Next, I dove into the technical side of podcasting—something entirely new for me. With no prior experience, I took small steps. Because I wanted my podcast to sound professional but also feel approachable, I invested in a simple and affordable microphone to get started. I also learned how to use audio editing software that was beginner-friendly, which allowed me to add sound effects and enhance audio easily for a more professional touch. I started with Garage Band (for Mac users) because it was free and simple and offered pre-installed sound effects to make my audio sound polished. It gave me the confidence to produce professional-quality episodes right from the start.
Next, I researched various beginner-friendly hosting platforms to make my podcast accessible to listeners and then selected the one that met my needs. I chose Anchor as my hosting platform because of its user-friendly interface and ability to distribute my podcast to major platforms effortlessly. It allowed me to focus on storytelling while ensuring my episodes reached a wide audience.
Also, I explored website-building tools to develop an online hub for my podcast. The website would house episodes, share updates, and serve as a resource for listeners. I chose Squarespace to build my podcast website because of its sleek design options and ease of use. It allowed me to create a professional online hub where listeners can stream episodes, read blog updates, and connect with me—all in one place.
3. Planning Content
Content planning was the fun part! This is where my passion came to life. I outlined the themes that I wanted to explore—like resilience and recovery; parenting and family dynamics; personal growth; healing from life transitions; and building stronger communities. I reached out to ordinary people—and these weren’t celebrities or influencers. They were everyday heroes and champions whose stories and incredible journeys I knew would resonate with others.
4. Hitting Record
Finally, I hit the record button! Sitting down to record my first episode was a surreal experience. It wasn’t flawless, but it was genuine and heartfelt. I chose to focus on being authentic rather than striving for perfection, knowing that honesty and sincerity were what truly matter.
5. The Result
Now, my podcast is a space where meaningful stories meet practical solutions, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. The accompanying website serves as a hub for connection, offering resources and updates for listeners.
A Word of Advice
To anyone considering starting something new, I’ll say this:
Start where you are.
Use what you have.
Trust that your passion will guide you.
Stay tuned—this is just the beginning!