73. The Truth About Podcast Guilt

04/22/25 • 9 min

You told yourself it would be a short break... but now it’s been weeks (or months), and your podcast is still collecting dust. The guilt? It’s real. But here’s the truth: pausing your podcast doesn’t mean you failed.

In this episode, I’m breaking down podcasting guilt: what it is, how it sneaks into your creative process, and how to come back to your show with compassion, clarity, and confidence. Whether you’ve ghosted your feed or are just feeling a little “meh” about your mic lately, this episode is the pep talk you need.

Inside this episode:

The real reasons podcasting guilt shows up (hint: it’s deeper than missing an episode)
Why executive dysfunction and identity can make podcasting feel impossible
How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking keep you stuck in shame
A gentle journal prompt guide to reconnect with your original podcast vision
Why you don’t need to return with a rocket-launch plan
3 soft re-entry options that make your comeback easier and more sustainable
A reminder that your capacity isn’t a character flaw—and neither is taking a break

This episode is for you if:

You’re feeling disconnected from your show but still love the heart behind it
You’ve paused and want to return, but feel too ashamed to open your host account
You want to build a podcasting workflow that actually fits your life now

Want to Reset Your Podcast With Support?
If you're nodding your head and thinking “this is me,” I’ve got you. Book a Podcast Reset and get a personalized roadmap to return to your show with intention, ease, and strategy.

Let’s Connect
DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios
Shoot me an email: [email protected]
Tell me where you're at with your podcast. I always want to hear your story.

Your voice still matters. Your show is still worthy.

Music Credit: Up An Octave Theme by Rue Spence with additional vocals provided by Darnell Spence
Up An Octave is hosted by Rue Spence of Sonivia. Up An Octave is a podcast for women and nonbinary people who are ready to take up space in podcasting to share their voices with the world.

Inside this episode:

The real reasons podcasting guilt shows up (hint: it’s deeper than missing an episode)
Why executive dysfunction and identity can make podcasting feel impossible
How perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking keep you stuck in shame
A gentle journal prompt guide to reconnect with your original podcast vision
Why you don’t need to return with a rocket-launch plan
3 soft re-entry options that make your comeback easier and more sustainable
A reminder that your capacity isn’t a character flaw—and neither is taking a break

This episode is for you if:

You’re feeling disconnected from your show but still love the heart behind it
You’ve paused and want to return, but feel too ashamed to open your host account
You want to build a podcasting workflow that actually fits your life now

Let’s Connect
DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios
Shoot me an email: [email protected]
Tell me where you're at with your podcast. I always want to hear your story.

Your voice still matters. Your show is still worthy.

Previous Episode

72. The Biggest Lie In Podcasting

If you’ve been thinking the only way to grow your podcast is to go viral, rack up thousands of downloads, and master the almighty algorithm... this episode is your wake-up call.

The biggest lie in podcasting is that high download numbers = success. In reality, a huge audience that doesn’t convert, engage, or align with your goals isn’t helping you grow. It’s just inflating your ego, and your burnout.

This week, we’re busting the biggest myth in the podcasting world and shifting your focus to what actually matters: traction, alignment, and impact.

In this episode, we’re covering:

The real metrics that matter more than download numbers
Why tiny, dialed-in audiences convert better than stadiums full of strangers
The difference between virality and visibility, and which one actually helps your business
What to track instead of downloads to see sustainable growth
How to tighten your content strategy so your podcast works for you
Why your call-to-action might be sabotaging your growth (and how to fix it)

Episode Resources:
Download the 12-Week Content Planner – Get your episodes flowing toward your goal
Day of Voxer – Let’s fix this together. Get private, personalized podcast strategy support for 24 hours
Book Your Voxer Day

Journal Prompts from this Episode:

What do I actually want my podcast to do for me in this season?
What topics do I want to be known for?
Who is my podcast really speaking to? Am I still excited about that person?
What’s working (and what isn’t) about my podcast right now?
If I had 100 more of the right listeners, what would I want them to know or do?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
DM me on Instagram or Threads: @soniviastudios
Email me: [email protected]

You don’t need to go viral. You need to go deeper.

Next Episode

74. The Hidden Costs Of DIY Podcasting

You started your podcast with big dreams, but somewhere along the way, it started feeling heavy. Maybe you're doing every single thing yourself: recording, editing, writing show notes, promoting, scheduling guests, managing social media... and you're exhausted.

In this episode, we’re getting real about the hidden costs of DIY podcasting. I’m not here to guilt trip you or sell you a "one size fits all" solution, but I am here to help you recognize where your energy is leaking, where support could change the game, and why doing it alone isn’t the badge of honor you think it is.

🧠 Inside this episode:

Why so many podcasters end up doing everything solo (and why it’s not your fault)
The sneaky ways DIY podcasting leads to burnout, creative block, and missed opportunities
How the mental load of managing your show silently drains your energy
A simple Podcast Energy Audit you can do in 15 minutes
Different types of podcasting support at every budget (from free to full-service)
How to know whether it’s time to get help or let something go altogether

🎁 Want My Eyes (and Expertise) on Your Podcast?
If you’re ready to stop carrying your podcast on your back like Luisa and the donkeys in Encanto, my Day of Voxer service might be the magic you need.
Spend 24 hours with me in your back pocket—no Zoom calls, no pressure—and get personalized support to finally move through your biggest podcasting bottlenecks.

Book a Day of Voxer Here

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
DM me on Instagram or Threads: @SONIVIAStudios
Email me: [email protected]

You don't have to do everything yourself to prove you're serious.
You just have to keep showing up for your podcast, your people, and yourself.