504 - What Do You Really Want Your Podcast to Do for You?

Many people begin podcasting with the goal of launching a show and growing an audience. But after observing thousands of podcasting journeys over the past two decades, I have become convinced that the podcast itself is rarely the true desired outcome.

What people really want is what they hope the podcast will help them experience.

That might include more fulfilling work, meaningful income, greater freedom, stronger professional relationships, increased influence, thought leadership, or a creative outlet for expressing what is inside them.

In this episode, I explore the deeper question every podcaster should ask:

What do you really want your podcast to do for you?

I have produced more than 55 different podcast shows, published well over 5,000 podcast episodes, and helped more than 40,000 people launch podcasts. Today, I am less interested in teaching technical setup or tactical audience-growth strategies. Those resources are widely available.

The perspective I now bring to the podcasting industry is focused on strategy, mindset, longevity, reinvention, and business clarity.

I want to help creators design podcasts that support the life and work they actually want rather than allowing their lives to become consumed by algorithms, publishing expectations, and someone else’s definition of success.

Returning to the Podcasting Community

I also share why I have intentionally returned to podcasting conferences and events.

These rooms reconnect me with a community that has shaped my life for two decades. Many of my most meaningful relationships began through hallway conversations, shared meals, meetups, and spontaneous introductions at podcasting events.

I also value the opportunity to meet creators who are standing where I stood 15 or 20 years ago. I can now share both what others generously taught me and what I wish someone had been able to tell me at the beginning of my journey.

I am not returning to an outdated version of my identity. I am bringing the credibility, relationships, experience, and accumulated trust of that earlier chapter into a more mature expression of my work.

Upcoming Podcasting Events

Empowered Podcasting Conference 3

August 21–23, 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina

I will be presenting:

Why You Should Consider Creating a Separate Podcast With Only 5 to 10 Episodes

Learn more:

https://empoweredpodcasting.com

Podcast Movement NYC

September 17–18, 2026

Terminal 5, New York City

I submitted the following presentation for consideration:

Why Your Most Powerful Podcast May Only Need 5 to 10 Episodes

Podcast Movement is selecting 50 percent of its sessions through community voting. The remaining sessions will be selected through an industry review process.

You can vote for my proposed session here:

https://podcastmovement.fider.io/posts/139/why-your-most-powerful-podcast-may-only-need-5-to-10-episodes

Learn more about the event:

https://2026.podcastmovement.com

PodINDY

Saturday, November 7, 2026

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Indianapolis, Indiana

I will be the featured presenter for both the morning and afternoon sessions, helping podcasters and business professionals explore what it means to move to their next level.

Learn more:

https://podindy.com

Podfest Expo 2027

January 14–17, 2027

Orlando, Florida

I will be presenting:

Five Strategic Shifts That Help an Established Podcast Evolve

This session is designed for experienced podcasters whose shows were built for an earlier season of their lives.

I will explore how a long-running podcast can evolve without completely abandoning its audience, identity, publishing rhythm, or everything the creator has already built.

Learn more:

https://podfestexpo.com

What I Now Bring to the Podcasting Industry

The five areas I am most interested in exploring today are:

Strategy

Mindset

Longevity

Reinvention

Business clarity

I want to help podcasters understand the role their show should play within the larger body of their life and work.

I want to