To Podcast Or Not To Podcast
Is the extra side-hustle worth it?
The question is less “do you have a podcast?” but instead, “what’s your podcast about?” - meaning, it’s not unreasonable to assume anyone you meet already hosts or is featured on a podcast. I’m no different in that I have my regular rotation of podcasts I listen to and watch. I have also hosted/co-hosted audio shows before - so, despite it being the norm, is it worth all the added effort to contribute yet another new series to the ever-expanding pod-verse?
The simple answer is the same for most creative pursuits, and that is, sure, if you want to. If it is something you enjoy (within reason), then there’s no reason to not pod it up. If you are like me and dallied in podcasting, even if as a mere hobby, you’d be well aware of the time-suck that accompanies making one or more of these programs. It is more of a commitment than one may expect - recording, editing, obtaining music, distribution, designing and/or acquiring images and graphics, as well as maintaining a website along with a social media presence. Pile that onto an already busy work/personal life, and the price of recording equipment starts to look higher and higher. And then there is the constant anxiety of booking guests if you showcase any.
Managing a podcast can be a daunting endeavor even if it is purely a recreational hobby, but whether it’s buddies getting together around a set of microphones or more “serious” series, it can all be a blast. I learned to enjoy the process of producing a podcast back in my “broadcasting” days, which is important because focusing solely on the outcome and growth will drive you nuts. Starting from what is essentially zero means there will be no guarantees, an extremely unlikely quick reward, and a lot of hours feeling like you are one of the many shouting into the void. Podcasting is a lot like writing in that regard - it’s a lengthy process that all too often provides more misses than hits. And as an author, you want readers (well, the majority of authors do), just as a podcast show seeks listeners/viewers. Seeing your metrics move at a the same pace as a geologic age can be discouraging. What do you do when it stops being fun?
As is the case with so many other creative outlets, patience is a virtue. If my readership is stalling, my sales resemble a goose’s egg, and my social media following is more akin to a really secret society, then I have to ask myself what haven’t I tried? Am I working hard enough? How am I making moves to create opportunities? Who is my audience anyway? One thing I have not done in my “career” as a writer is hosting an author-themed podcast. Not that it would necessarily be centered around writing, but I wouldn’t want to stray too far. After all, once you have a better idea of who would actually read your work, then it’s easier to determine who would listen to you.
At the end of the day, podcasting is fun, and nowadays it’s even easier to produce one. I do plan on developing a podcast and, yes, one of the primary motivators for me is to hopefully direct listeners to my book(s) as a way to drive sales. That being said, if I end up having a burning desire to drift from talking about fiction and instead launch a podcast discussing competitive chainsaw juggling, then, well, the heart wants what the best wants.
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Unsecret Identity: Eric Icarus - Book One is available now from the Amazon Kindle store.
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