This #ThrivingThursday, we’re lifting the curtain on an exciting creative outlet that’s becoming a powerful tool for performers everywhere: podcasting.
Why? Because your voice, your story, and your experiences as a performing artist are valuable – and podcasting offers you a platform to share them authentically, creatively, and on your own terms. Whether you want to reflect on industry life, connect with fellow artists, build your profile, or simply scratch a creative itch between gigs, launching a podcast could be one of the most rewarding (and surprisingly accessible) moves you make.
This detailed guide will walk you through every stage of launching your own show – from shaping your concept to publishing your first episode and beyond.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose and Niche
Before you buy a microphone or hit record, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
- Why do I want to start a podcast?
- Who is it for?
- What do I want my audience to feel, learn, or do after listening?
Your answers will shape every creative and technical decision to follow. Maybe you want to support other emerging artists, create space for conversations about mental health in the arts, or simply explore what it means to be a working performer today. The clearer your purpose, the more powerful your podcast will be.
And when it comes to topic? Don’t be afraid to niche down. “Acting” is broad. “Life on the road as a children’s entertainer,” “audition tips for over-40s,” or “vocal health for musical theatre performers” are specific—and that’s what helps listeners find and stick with you.
As podcasting expert Daniel J. Lewis says: “The power of podcasting is the niche.”
Step 2: Research the Landscape
Once you’ve got a clear idea of your podcast’s purpose and audience, take the time to listen to what’s already out there. This isn’t about copying – it’s about becoming a more informed creator.
Explore podcasts in your chosen area and note:
- The tone: Is it informal? Professional? Chatty?
- Structure: Do they use regular segments or stick to a freeform flow?
- Episode length: 10 minutes? 30? An hour?
- Frequency: Weekly, fortnightly, sporadic?
Also pay attention to what’s missing. Is there a conversation you wish someone was having? A topic that deserves more airtime? That gap might be the exact space your podcast can fill.
Shows like School of Podcasting, Podcraft, or The Audacity to Podcast can also help you start building confidence around the technical side.
Step 3: Choose a Format That Suits You
There’s no perfect podcast format – only the one that works for you and your content. Here are the three most common:
- Solo: Just you and the mic. Great if you’ve got strong storytelling chops or a clear message. It gives you full control—but requires planning, confidence, and energy.
- Co-hosted: Two or more hosts can create a fun, conversational dynamic. It’s brilliant for chemistry and shared workload but requires good communication and scheduling.
- Interview-based: Inviting guests keeps content fresh and opens you to new audiences. It’s ideal for performers who enjoy connecting and learning from others.
You can even combine formats – solo for some episodes, interviews for others. But consistency is key. Listeners should know what to expect.
If you’re unsure where to start, think about your natural strengths. Are you a strong storyteller? Do you thrive in dialogue? Are you curious and love asking questions? Let your skills lead the way.
Step 4: Plan Your First Few Episodes
With your format chosen, it’s time to sketch out your first batch of episodes. Aim to plan 3–5 before you launch. This helps you:
- Build momentum
- Refine your flow
- Create a buffer when life (or work) gets busy
For each episode, outline:
- The core theme or question
- Your key talking points
- Guests (if any)
- A call to action (CTA) for listeners: subscribe, share, leave a review, etc.
A sample structure might look like:
- Intro (show name, topic, welcome)
- Main content (story, lesson, interview)
- Takeaways or reflection
- Outro (what’s next + CTA)
You don’t need a full script (unless it helps you), but having a clear plan keeps things focused. And don’t forget to do a dry run or test recording – it’ll boost your confidence and help spot any technical issues early on.
Step 5: Name Your Show
Naming your podcast is both exciting and strategic. You want something that’s:
- Easy to say and spell
- Reflective of your theme or niche
- Clear to a first-time listener
- Available as a domain name and social handle
Here’s a great test: Say the name aloud to someone who knows nothing about your podcast. Can they guess what it’s about? If not, it might need tweaking.
Avoid being too abstract. A clever name might appeal to you – but if it confuses your audience or gets buried in search results, it’ll hurt your visibility. Keep it simple, strong, and aligned with your brand.
Step 6: Create Your Podcast Artwork
Your cover art is the visual first impression of your show. It should:
- Be bold, clear, and readable at thumbnail size (1400×1400 to 3000×3000 pixels)
- Include your show name
- Reflect your tone (fun, serious, inspiring, quirky, etc.)
Tools like Canva offer ready-made templates. For something more custom, check out freelance designers on Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs.
This is also the time to consider your podcast’s visual branding overall – fonts, colours, and imagery that align with who you are and what you’re sharing.
Step 7: Write Your Intro and Outro
Most podcasts open with a short intro that includes:
- The show name
- The host name(s)
- A quick summary of the podcast’s purpose
For example: “Welcome to The Working Actor’s Studio, the podcast where we go behind the scenes with working artists making a life – and a living – in the performing arts.”
You can add music too -just make sure it’s royalty-free (sites like Epidemic Sound, AudioJungle, or Artlist.io are great starting points).
Keep it brief (under 30 seconds) and consider writing an outro to thank your listeners and invite them to subscribe, leave a review, or follow you on social media.
Step 8: Set Up Your Recording Space and Equipment
Your podcast doesn’t need a professional studio to sound professional. What matters most is clarity, consistency, and minimal background noise. That starts with choosing the right space.
Find a quiet room – one with carpets, curtains, and soft furnishings. Echo-heavy spaces (think tiled kitchens or empty halls) create a distracting sound. Surprisingly, many podcasters start recording in wardrobes or closets because the clothes absorb sound so effectively!
At minimum, you’ll need:
- A USB microphone (like the Samson Q2U or Blue Yeti)
- A pop filter (to reduce harsh plosives on ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds)
- Closed-back headphones (to monitor sound and catch issues early)
- A stable surface to record on
As your confidence grows, you may want to upgrade to:
- An XLR mic with audio interface
- A portable recorder (like the Zoom H5)
- Basic soundproofing panels or blankets
Your gear is important, but it’s not everything. A well-prepared host with great content will always beat a crystal-clear podcast with nothing to say.
Step 9: Choose Your Recording and Editing Software
Once your space is set up, you’ll need software to actually record and shape your episodes. There’s a wide range of options – from beginner-friendly to professional-grade:
Recording Software:
- Audacity: Free, open-source, and widely used. A great place to start.
- GarageBand: Built into Macs, user-friendly with good editing capability.
- Hindenburg Journalist: Designed specifically for podcasters and storytellers.
- Adobe Audition or Reaper: More advanced options with pro-level control.
Choose software that fits your comfort level. What matters most is how easily you can use it consistently. Don’t get bogged down in features – start simple and scale up as you go.
Editing might sound intimidating at first, but think of it like rehearsing a monologue. You’re refining the timing, flow, and delivery – not rewriting the story.
When editing:
- Cut long pauses and filler words (like “um,” “you know,” “like”)
- Adjust volume levels so voices sound balanced
- Add your intro/outro and music
There are also services and freelancers who can edit for you if you’d prefer to focus on content.
Step 10: Record Your First Episode
It’s time to hit record – but don’t worry about getting it perfect. Podcasting, like performing, is a craft you build over time.
Start by recording a short practice session. Speak naturally and keep your energy up. Imagine you’re talking to a fellow performer or a good friend who’d love what you have to share.
Some helpful tips:
- Sit or stand comfortably, close to the mic (about 6 inches)
- Record in short segments if that helps your delivery
- Keep a glass of water nearby
- Smile as you speak—it really does make a difference in tone
And yes, your first episode might feel awkward. That’s normal. You’re building a new skill, and with each episode, you’ll find your rhythm.
Step 11: Host and Distribute Your Podcast
Once your first few episodes are ready, it’s time to share them with the world. To do this, you’ll need a podcast host – a platform that stores your audio files and distributes them to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and more.
Popular hosting platforms include:
- Buzzsprout: Great analytics and simple interface
- Libsyn: A long-standing favourite for professionals
- Podbean: User-friendly and cost-effective
- Spotify for Podcasters: Free and integrated directly with Spotify
Most platforms provide an RSS feed – a kind of digital trail that updates all podcast apps whenever you publish a new episode.
When uploading an episode:
- Write a compelling title and description
- Add relevant tags or keywords
- Include links mentioned in the episode in your show notes
Make it easy for listeners to find, follow, and share your content.
Step 12: Promote Your Show and Grow Your Audience
Creating a podcast is just the beginning – now it’s time to let people know it exists. Promotion doesn’t need to be pushy; it just needs to be purposeful.
Here’s how to get started:
- Launch with 3–5 episodes so new listeners can binge your content
- Create a teaser trailer and pin it to your social channels
- Use audiograms (short video clips with waveform graphics) with tools like Headliner or Wavve
- Post behind-the-scenes content from your recording process
- Ask guests to share their episodes – it expands your reach and builds credibility
- Join relevant online communities (Facebook groups, Reddit, LinkedIn) and engage meaningfully
And don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask listeners to rate, review, and share your show. Many podcasts grow organically through recommendations.
Step 13: Keep a Consistent Publishing Schedule
A successful podcast isn’t made by a viral moment – it’s built through consistency. Set a release rhythm that works for you and stick to it. Weekly is common, but fortnightly or even monthly can work if it’s regular.
Batch recording is your friend. Try to stay a few episodes ahead to avoid last-minute scrambles.
You can also create a simple content calendar to map out future episodes, guest invites, and promotional plans. Tools like Notion, Trello, or even a shared Google Sheet can help you stay organised.
Remember: Done is better than perfect. What matters is showing up, delivering value, and improving over time.
Step 14: Monetise (When You’re Ready)
If you’re hoping to earn income from your podcast, that’s absolutely possible – but it takes time. First, focus on building a loyal audience. Once you’ve done that, there are a few ways to monetise:
- Sponsorships: Brands pay to be featured on your show. These usually require 1,000+ downloads per episode to be viable.
- Crowdfunding: Ask your audience to support the show via Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee. Offer bonus content or shout-outs as thank-yous.
- Affiliate marketing: Promote products or services with a custom link and earn commission on sales.
- Sell your own services or merch: Coaching, online workshops, performer resources, or branded gear.
Be transparent and authentic—only promote what you genuinely believe in. Your integrity is part of your brand.
Final Thoughts…
Podcasting is an incredible platform for performers. It allows you to build your brand, share your journey, and connect with a wider community – all on your own creative terms.
And like any performance, it might feel nerve-wracking at first. That’s normal. But with consistency, heart, and a little trial-and-error, your podcast can become a powerful extension of your artistic voice.
So whether you’re in-between gigs, touring, teaching, or just wanting to say something meaningful – this might be your moment to step up, hit record, and be heard.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. And someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you have to say.
Now go on – start the show.
Sources:
- Field, Hayden. “How to Become a Podcaster,” Backstage.com
- Provost, Rex. “Magic Mic: Your Guide to Recording a Podcast,” Backstage.com
- “How to Start a Podcast in 2025,” Soundandgo.com