🧙‍♀️ 10 Years of Podcasting Wisdom

With Lessons You Can Apply Today

Aug 31, 2024

Every letter I share a story about my life in a way that you can hopefully relate to. I believe we are all here to share our journey, both the highs and the lows, as this is how we collectively raise the consciousness of the planet. If anything resonates with you, please share! 🙏

[Photo Credit:

Natalie Joanne

]

On January 12, 2014 I boarded a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada, en route to New Media Expo. I was there to learn how to podcast.

What happened next changed the course of my life forever.

It Began With My Passion

Let’s rewind the clock back even further.

When I was about 14 or 15 years old, I was introduced to Freestyle, a style of music that emerged from the earlier Disco and Be-Bop sound of the early 80s. From there I witnessed the birth of House Music, which has become a passion ever since.

Fast forward to 2013. I had partnered with a friend to create a mobile app called Know Your DJ. Up until then the word “podcast” meant a DJ mix, that’s all.

Little did I know that within the world of “podcasts”, there were thousands of conversations happening on a wide range of topics, including digital marketing and mobile apps, which is what I wanted to learn more about.

I thought that starting a podcast would be the best to promote the app, so a few months later, when I heard about New Media Expo, I quickly booked my flight and purchased a ticket.

During the conference, as I was attending all the podcast sessions, I realized how hard it would be to track down these globe-trotting DJs so I pivoted to create my first show Podcast Junkies.

Fast forward ten years, and that curiosity has led me to countless conversations, unexpected opportunities, and a profound understanding of what it means to truly connect with an audience.

I’m grateful to various conferences that have given me the opportunity to share my story on their stages. Shout out to Podfest, MAPCon, Podcast Movement & We Are Podcast.

Telling My Story

Last week I was given the opportunity to share my story at Podcast Movement. My talk was titled “10 Valuable Lessons Learned From 10 Years of Podcast Junkies“.

From guerrilla marketing to finding your superfans, the insights I shared are not just for podcasters but for anyone looking to amplify their voice and message.

One of the most powerful realizations I've had over the years is the importance of authenticity—being your true self, both on and off the mic.

Do you want to create something meaningful? To connect deeply with your audience and make a real impact? Here’s what I’ve learned: it starts with just doing it—starting the damn thing, as I like to say.

Your 100th episode will be leaps and bounds ahead of your first, but none of that growth happens if you don’t begin. It’s about nurturing relationships, both with your guests and your listeners, and constantly evolving.

Whether it's about making a podcast or launching a new project, these principles apply universally. It’s about daring to be different, staying the course, and remembering that your unique voice is your superpower.

Here are a few highlights I shared in my talk.

Yes, You ARE Ready

Ready to take your passion to the next level?

If you’re like most people, your immediate reaction is to say “No, I don’t think I’m ready yet, Harry”

Here’s the cheat code:

You’re never “ready”.

But you have to start. Yes, today. Remember that ‘perfect’ is the enemy of done.

Here are some actionable steps you can start implementing today to get closer to your goals:

Define Your Unique Voice: Take 10 minutes to write down what you are truly passionate about and what unique perspective you bring to the table. This will be the foundation of your message.
Just Start: Yes, it bears repeating. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Whether it's a podcast, a Substack, or another creative project, take the first step today. Outline your first piece of content, record that first episode, or draft that first post.
Engage with Your Audience: Start building connections by asking for feedback. Create a short survey or ask a simple question on social media to understand what your audience wants more of.
Nurture Your Relationships: Reach out to potential guests, partners, or collaborators who align with your vision. A personal touch can make all the difference. Craft a thoughtful email or message that explains why you admire their work and how you see a potential collaboration.
Market Creatively: Think outside the box for promotion. Try one unconventional marketing tactic this week—like creating an eye-catching social media challenge, hosting a live Q&A session, or even handing out branded merch. (yes, that works 👇)
Reflect and Adapt: Take a moment at the end of each week to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Adjust your strategy based on feedback and your own observations. Continuous improvement is key.

Bonus: Download my free slides from the Podcast Movement talk to dive deeper into these lessons and see how they can apply to your journey. Let these steps be your guide as you move forward, one bold step at a time. Podcast Movement has also just released the audio from all the sessions as a podcast feed.

Remember, as cliche as it sounds, every great journey begins with a single step. Please don’t wait for perfection—just start.

Sometimes it’s hard to see the progress you’ve made if you’re only focused on moving forward and don’t stop to celebrate the small wins.

Podcasting has changed my life and it just might do the same for you.

With gratitude,

🙏 Harry Duran

👋 what i’ve created recently…

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🎤 ready to find your voice? here are a few ways i can help…

Done-For-You - Are you a business owner that’s clear on your messaging and ready to launch your own authority-building podcast with the full launch, production and marketing support of our team? Watch This Video

Done-With-You - Do you have a podcast idea in mind and looking for the support of a community and a little hand-holding from me to keep you accountable? Join The Stage

Do-It-Yourself - Are you more of a self-starter and want some help understanding the basics to get started launching your own show? Enroll in Podcast Blueprint 101