Podcast Creativity, Inspiration, and Getting Out of a Publishing Slump

06/15/21 • 30 min

It's my first rule of podcasting: it's your show, and you get to do whatever you want with it. In this episode, you'll meet the host and get a fresh perspective on content for your podcast.

This podcast is all about re-engaging with the joy you first felt when you launched your podcast. Yes, it's a podcast about podcasting, and it's hosted by Paula Jenkins of Jump Start Your Joy. With 7 years in podcasting, and 6 of those as a podcast producer for top shows, I'm sharing what I know about the podcasting world, and sharing those insights, tips, tricks and stories with you so you will keep podcasting.

In this episode:

creativity, process and project management for podcasting

my first rule of podcasting (and the story behind it)

embracing "measure twice, cut once" as a way to plan

what the phrase "well planned, loosely held" means for you and your show

why right now, after the pandemic, might be the best time ever to re-evaluate your content and your podcast

Listen to Jump Start Your Joy (my first show)

Hire me to produce your show (yay!)

It's my first rule of podcasting: it's your show, and you get to do whatever you want with it. In this episode, you'll meet the host and get a fresh perspective on content for your podcast.

In this episode:

creativity, process and project management for podcasting

my first rule of podcasting (and the story behind it)

embracing "measure twice, cut once" as a way to plan

what the phrase "well planned, loosely held" means for you and your show

why right now, after the pandemic, might be the best time ever to re-evaluate your content and your podcast

Listen to Jump Start Your Joy (my first show)

Hire me to produce your show (yay!)

Previous Episode

Coming soon: Joy of Podcasting

Joy of Podcasting is a brand new podcast that talks all about the creativity strategy, technology, relationships, growth, and ongoing production. Hosted by Paula Jenkins, it's a show that will help you rekindle your love and joy with your podcast. I am over the moon to announce a project that I’ve been working on for over a year: A podcast about podcasting. Joy of Podcasting will look at how you can tap into your own unique story and share it with the world in your own heart-centered way. It's a show that will look at the creativity, strategy, relationships and what to do if you hit the wall with things like fear or burnout. It's a way to reconnect with the excitement and joy that you felt when you launched your show. And, it's a way to reconnect with the joy that you want to feel for your show on an ongoing basis.

Season one is going to be eight episodes, and it will look at topics such as:

my first rule of podcasting and why it matters
how to come back after pod fade
what you can do if you feel disconnected from your show or your topic
how to work with a PR agency
how you can overcome fear
getting past the 7th episode (which is the average number of episodes most podcasts ever release)
creative inspiration for ongoing shows

Next Episode

Top 10 Reasons You Need A Creative Process for Your Podcast

I love talking about the creative process, and how it applies to podcasting. Being a podcaster means that you are putting out episodes on a schedule, and to do that you really do need a process to support you. One of the things I didn't think about or realize when I got started was that maintaining a show, and putting out an episode every week, takes sustainable creativity and a process that is repeatable, dependable, while still leaving room to be creative. In this episode, I am sharing top ten reasons to develop a creative process to support your podcast production (and any other creative project you are working on):

1. Listen for the idea. Creative ideas will flirt with you, and get stuck in your head. It is your job to listen, and say yes, and bring it to life.

2. Lay the foundation. Much like advertising creative teams, you will be more likely to succeed if you put a bit of process into your creative process.

3. Be true to the idea that has come to play with you. Share in an authentic way, and not just for shock value. Get very clear on the value of what you are bringing to the world through your creativity.

4. Get curious. Now that the idea has come to roost, notice what else shows up. when you have set your mind on something, notice how many times there are little reassurances of it from the universe.

5. Show up and do the work. Set aside a time to work on your craft.

6. Make it a conscious effort. From a practical standpoint, podcasting is not something that can be done in a rushed effort; everything about it takes time

7. Honor your craft. Let your idea grow organically. My ideas for the podcast tend to mull for a week or so before they take shape. Sometimes I am taking notes, sometimes I am just noticing what is going on. Past guest Fred Waitzkin recommends carrying a notepad with you to capture the inspirations you get as you are going about your day.

8. Be protective of your bubble. Fred Waitzkin and I chatted in episode 212. When you are in the midst of your creative process, and doing the work, make sure and leave time and space for it. Be protective of this time. This can be difficult. and sometimes it means saying no to other things to make room for creativity.

9. When it is time to record / do the thing and give it structure. Honor that you will need time to create.

10. Do not get overwhelmed or let "end thinking" stop you. Fight the urge to make the outcome bigger than it needs to be. Keep it simple, and take the first steps that are right in front of you.

Bonus! Let go of the outcome, and let the journey take you.

Listen to Jump Start Your Joy (my first show)

Hire me to produce your show (yay!)