So You Want to Start a Podcast? Here’s What to Know Before You Hit Record.
Insights from our July Intersessions with podcasting veteran Lorraine Ball
The idea of starting a podcast can be exciting. A microphone, a message, and maybe a loyal audience waiting on the other side. But before you dive in, it’s worth asking, “what does it actually take to create a show that lasts?”
In our July 2025 Intersessions, we invited Lorraine Ball, host of More Than a Few Words and the voice behind over 1,000 podcast episodes, to share what she’s learned through 15 years of podcasting. She’s made the mistakes, learned the hard lessons, and helped countless others avoid early burnout.
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation.
Start Small, Stay Consistent
Many people jump into podcasting full of excitement and ambition, only to realize just how much work it really is. Lorraine reminded us that “most podcasts have fewer than 100 episodes, and the majority haven’t posted anything in over two years.”
Rather than launching with plans for a weekly show, start with a short run—five or six episodes. See what it takes to create, edit, and promote each one. Once you’ve got a rhythm, adjust your schedule accordingly. One episode a month? That’s still a podcast. What matters more than frequency is consistency.
Perfection is Overrated
Podcasting is meant to feel real and human. That means it’s okay to stumble over a word or have a less-than-perfect transition.
“There’s an authenticity in podcasting,” Lorraine shared. “Unless it’s really awful, people will forgive you. The little mistakes go by in a second.”
Rather than chasing perfection in editing, focus on creating natural conversations and stories that connect.
Know Your Audience (For Real)
One of Lorraine’s biggest lessons came from realizing she had been talking to the wrong audience…for years. What began as a podcast aimed at small business owners evolved into something much more aligned with marketers, even though the content hadn’t changed much.
It was only when she got clear on who she was truly talking to things began to click: “As soon as I did that, everything changed. It got easier to write about it. It got easier to market it.”
Don’t be afraid to go niche. Whether it’s notaries or nonprofit professionals, your show doesn’t have to be for everyone. In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Batch, Plan, Repeat
Lorraine’s current schedule includes a mix of solo episodes, interviews, and short clips, all carefully planned and batched. She records several episodes at once, edits them together, then stacks up promotion content like YouTube Shorts and LinkedIn posts.
This process lets her stay weeks (sometimes months) ahead of schedule. “You want the podcast to fit into your schedule, not the other way around,” she said. That’s the key to avoiding burnout.
Want Visibility Without the Work? Be a Guest.
Starting a podcast isn’t the only way to get in front of an audience of new faces. Guesting on other people’s shows can be just as valuable, without the ongoing production commitment.
But be warned: being a good guest takes prep. Listen to the show beforehand, come with ideas that serve the audience, and treat it like a true collab. As Lorraine put it, “Don’t expect the host to do all the work. You won’t get invited back.”
Podcasting is All About Connection
At its best, podcasting isn’t about downloads or the perfect cut. It’s about building a connection through stories, honesty, and real-life conversation. And that all begins by identifying your audience and getting personal. If you’re starting a podcast or considering guest spots, lead with that intention.
As Lorraine reminded us, “Podcasting isn’t just a microphone and a message. It really is about the conversation. It’s about connecting with an audience.”
Want to join our next Intersessions? Stay tuned, we host them bi-monthly featuring creatives, entrepreneurs, and marketing experts.
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