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After almost 11 years behind the scenes with hundreds of podcasters, I’ve heard every excuse in the book for why people don’t start their shows. And honestly? I almost let a few of them stop ME from launching my own podcast, and I literally work with podcasters every day.
So let’s talk about the most common excuses I hear, and more importantly, how to beat them.
But First, A Disclaimer
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about starting a podcast at some point. Maybe you’re thinking about it right now, or maybe you’ve put it on the back burner and you’re looking for motivation to start back up.
Here’s what I’m NOT doing: shaming or guilting anyone into starting a podcast.
If you don’t want to podcast (if 100% in your heart you know it’s not for you, then don’t do it). I know that sounds counterintuitive coming from someone who helps people launch podcasts, but I’ve seen time and time again that when someone does it for the wrong reasons, it never works out. You’ll quit, you’ll resent it, and that’s not good for you or podcasting in general.
So ask yourself: Why do you want to start a podcast?
I had a call recently with a prospective client who was explaining her business and what she does. Something felt off, so I asked her that exact question: “Why do you want to start a podcast?”
She hesitated. Then admitted: “My coach told me to book a call and get a podcast going because it could help build my business.”
I asked point blank: “Do you want to start a podcast?”
“No,” she said. “I really don’t.”
She’s introverted, like me. She just didn’t want to do it. And that’s perfectly fine. Give yourself permission to focus on other parts of your business if podcasting isn’t for you.
But I have a feeling that at least some part of you DOES want to start a show. So let’s tackle those excuses.
Excuse #1: “I Don’t Have the Right Equipment”
This is the number one excuse I hear. People wait for the perfect microphone, the perfect camera setup, the perfect recording space before they even record episode one.
I’m guilty of this too. Before I started my podcast, the temptation was to run online and get a comprehensive setup and make it all perfect.
But here’s the truth: You can get a USB microphone that plugs into your laptop for $100. If you have a laptop and a microphone, you can get started right away.
Don’t let someone tell you that you need a $1,000 mixing board or a Rode Podcaster Pro. You can always add that later. With how good equipment is now (and how accessible and affordable things are now versus even 5 years ago) you can get great sound with minimal setup.
Real example: One of our clients, Jenna Kutcher with the Gold Digger podcast, started recording in a closet. We’ve worked with Jenna since day one in 2016. She now has nearly 1,000 episodes, a top-rated podcast, and over 125 million downloads.
The most important thing? Just get started.
Excuse #2: “I Don’t Know What to Talk About”
This happens when people overthink content instead of just starting with what they know. There are almost too many directions to go, and that creates paralysis by analysis.
I struggled with this too. I’ve been working with podcasters for 11 years. I talk to them constantly. I read about podcasts, listen to podcasts, study podcasting trends. I thought, “Oh my gosh, what am I going to talk about?”
So I just started with excuses, right back at square one. And we’ll see where this podcast goes.
Here’s the truth: You know what to talk about. You just don’t trust that it’s podcast-worthy yet.
How I decided to start my podcast was by noticing patterns in my client calls. I was sharing things they found valuable, and I thought other people could find them valuable too.
Grab a notepad, start jotting down ideas, and trust me, you’ll be off to the races.
Excuse #3: “Nobody Will Listen”
“Who’s going to listen to me?” This is assuming failure before you’ve even given it a shot.
Podcasting isn’t just for mega influencers or people with big followings. Absolutely everybody has a voice.
Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. You have something to share, and people will listen.
I’ve seen shows where people asked themselves this same question, and before they knew it, they were at 1,000, 2,000, 10,000 downloads. It’s one of my favorite things about working with new podcasters – seeing that people are actually tuning in and getting value from their show.
Excuse #4: “I Don’t Have Time”
I know everyone’s busy. For years, I told myself the same thing. We were busy getting client shows out.
But here’s what I’m doing with my show: I’m releasing episodes bi-weekly instead of weekly. Because that’s what I tell clients they’re free to do.
You don’t have to release an episode every week and make this a stressful chore.
Want to do one every two weeks? Every three weeks? Even seasonally? We work with podcasters who release a set of shows every fall, then focus on other parts of their business for the rest of the year.
There are no rules. Slow and steady wins the race. If you’re only comfortable doing one episode every couple of weeks, give yourself permission to do that.
Excuse #5: “I’m Not an Expert”
People think they need certain credentials or years of experience to share their perspective.
Here’s the reality: People aren’t tuning in because you’re the world’s leading expert. They’re tuning in for your take, your story, and your angle on something.
The “expert excuse” is just fear dressed up as humility. You’re an expert in your own experience. That’s the only credential that matters for starting a show.
Excuse #6: “Podcasting Is Too Saturated”
Right now, there are roughly 4.5 million podcasts globally (shows with at least three episodes published).
In June 2015, when I started working in this space 10+ years ago, there were 250,000 podcasts. Just a fraction of what exists today.
And guess what I was hearing on almost every call back then? “It’s too saturated. How am I going to fit in this space?”
Well, there are way more now. It’s growing every day. And it’s only becoming more popular.
Don’t let this one hold you back.
Excuse #7: “I Don’t Sound Good”
This is probably the excuse that held me back the most.
I’m used to being behind the editing software. I go on lots of client calls and networking calls. I’ve appeared as a guest on podcasts, but I’ve never had my own podcast. This is brand new for me.
I’m sure if I listen back to my episodes, I won’t like how I sound. But here’s what I know: I haven’t heard a single person say they love the sound of their own voice.
I’ve had clients ask to rerecord because they don’t think they sound good. I encourage them to push through because we’re our own worst critics.
I don’t sound like I think I do when I’m talking. And neither do you. Push through it anyway.
Excuse #8: “I’ll Start When…”
“When I lose weight, I’ll start going to the gym.” “When I have more money, I’ll start investing.” “When my life calms down, I’ll start my podcast.”
We can come up with millions of conditions.
I remember someone who wanted to hold off on starting a podcast until they had 10,000 Instagram followers. I think that’s the wrong strategy.
Jump, and the parachute will open. Just start and see where things go.
Excuse #9: “The Tech Is Too Complicated”
People get caught up in editing software, hosting platforms, RSS feeds.
Yes, there’s technology involved in getting episodes out to the world. But don’t let “tech is too complicated” hold you back.
There are lots of tools and places you can go for help that won’t cost a lot. And honestly, a big theme you’ll hear from me is that people teaching podcasting are overcomplicating it.
Keep it stress-free, and you’ll podcast for the long haul.
Excuse #10: “I’m Not Getting Enough Downloads”
This applies to people who’ve stopped podcasting because they’re not seeing what they think is “big enough” growth.
Quitting early because you’re not going viral after three episodes is not a good reason to stop.
Here’s some perspective from Podmatch’s monthly podcast data report:
For the first seven days after releasing an episode, you only need 29 downloads to be in the top 50% of all podcasts.
That’s only 29 people listening to your show in the first week, and you’re already in the top half of all podcasts.
Look at your numbers if you’re interested in them, but don’t be obsessed with them. “I’m not getting enough downloads” isn’t a reason to stop , or not even start.
Your Permission Slip
Pick one or a few of these excuses that you relate to most closely.
This is your permission to put them out of your mind, or write them on a piece of paper and throw them in the garbage.
You don’t have to do anything else. Today’s just about setting the intent. If you want to start a podcast and one or more of these things have been holding you back, I hope I’ve given you some food for thought. I didn’t let them hold me back, and I don’t want them to hold you back either.
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Want to talk about your podcast idea? I offer no-obligation calls where we can brainstorm your concept, talk through your hurdles, and see if working together makes sense for your goals. We provide comprehensive professional podcasting services to help you launch your show, and to keep it running!
You can book a free discovery call right now, or feel free to connect with Matt Mawhinney on LinkedIn to share your thoughts on this episode.
I’d love to hear if there are other excuses I didn’t cover here that have been holding you back. Reach out and let me know!