WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT PODCASTING | EP 100
100 episodes! What a milestone, and it was an achievement that I can share with all of you who listen to the Fearless Practice podcast.
In the beginning, I really wasn’t sure what would happen. I knew that I wanted to try podcasting but I had no idea what to expect. However, once I knew that it would be something I would enjoy and that it would be a great way to connect with you, I committed, and here we are two years later!
In this episode, I talk about the whole experience from the start to the present moment. I share my learning curves, my process, and any tips for you – if you are thinking about doing this too. To my listeners, thanks for joining me on this journey, and here’s to another year of the Fearless Practice podcast!
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In This Episode
- Why I started this podcast
- Creating the podcast
- The pros and cons
- Lessons I have learned
Why I started this podcast
‘It was a big risk! I chose to do this because of a feeling, a desire to see what it would be like to have a podcast.’ – Julia Smith
There were many reasons why I was considering doing this podcast:
- Would it help my consulting business?
- Would I enjoy recording every single week?
- Finding other like-minded therapists to connect and talk with
‘I wanted to explore it, and I guess that’s sometimes how I make business decisions. It’s less about reaching a goal and more about curiosity and exploring something and seeing if I enjoy doing it or not.’ – Julia Smith
In the beginning of any business venture, I like to follow my curiosity by exploring the possibilities of the new idea before I fully dive in. I want to see whether it is something that I enjoy, and could enjoy developing, before I start to look at funding options to make it work.
Creating the podcast
Once I experimented a little, I knew that I was ready to give it a try! So I:
- Took a course in podcasting
- Decided on the intro music
- Found a sound editor
- Hired a designer for the podcast cards
- Hired a copywriter to write show notes
‘It took a couple of months before it went live … [about] two years ago now to set it up and create a system, and then I was off running!’ – Julia Smith
In many ways, running this podcast is like a second job. In order for me to publish the podcast episodes that you listen to each Wednesday, the process looks a little like this:
- Brainstorming the idea for each episode
- Finding counsellors to interview
- Organizing points for each topic per episode
- Recording the podcast either as a solo show or in an interview
- Sending the the sound editor the audio
- Listening to the podcast myself to make my own edits
- Sending the audio to the copywriter for the the show notes to be written
- Editing the show notes myself
- Sending quotes and titles to my designer for the cards for the episode
- Having the social media manager create posts for the podcast
- Sending the final products to my editor to schedule it for publishing
The pros and cons
When I started this podcast I thought it would take maybe an hour or two a week, but as you can see, it’s a much longer process! Usually I dedicate about three or more hours per week to each episode that gets produced.
Additionally, I’m not able to see clients on Wednesday mornings because that is usually when I record the episodes. In the past, I have definitely been burned out from this work because it can sometimes be tedious, and it takes a lot of effort, but it’s not in vain.
‘Honestly, hearing your comments, your emails letting me know how much you value this podcast really does give me energy to continue to do it! I am so grateful that you listen to this – it is so nice to hear these comments about how this podcast has helped you to start and grow your own Canadian private practice.’ – Julia Smith
Despite the long hours and financial investment, I’m so glad that I also get the chance to meet so many great Canadian therapists! And to interact with my audience, and I’m grateful to those who have invested in my work and purchased from my store.
‘That really really helps me to keep this podcast going, and making it worth it from a financial perspective. So, thank you so much for supporting this podcast! Thank you for rating it … and writing comments. I read those, and it really warms my heart to hear that so many of you find this beneficial.’ – Julia Smith
Lessons I have learned
‘So, after a 100 episodes, what I’ve learned is that podcasting can be hard work! And if you ever think that you might want to do it, it’s really good to have a team around you to help with the podcast! But even with a team, you’re going to have to put a lot of time into it as well, and that’s okay!’ – Julia Smith
Some of the things I now know about podcasting are that:
- It really helps to have a great team around you
- You will need to put in effort and energy to make it great
- There will be pressure to produce great content weekly – but it can be done with the right structure!
- It’s going to be an investment so make sure you have money saved up or coming in so that you can make it work
- You can create community through a podcast, and it’s a wonderful way to connect with other therapists in your area!
On the note of community, I would love to hear from you, my audience, what you would like to know more of! What do you like, which problems are you facing?
I want to know how I can help you so that I can keep creating content that serves your needs. Feel free to reach out to us with your suggestions!
‘As much as I enjoy doing this podcast, this podcast is for you. To help you start and grow your Canadian private practice, so yeah, always feel free to reach out to me and let me know what you think!’ – Julia Smith
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 99: Christine Olsen: How to Settle into Your Niche with Confidence | EP 99
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
About Julia
Julia Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, she provides invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice. Julia’s wealth of knowledge also extends beyond the podcast, as she provides personalized one-on-one consulting to therapists who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with their solo or group private practices. With Julia’s expertise, therapists can confidently navigate the complexities of owning a private practice and find work life – balance.
Julia also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
