Pod-Crashing Episode 36 Facing Podcast Burnout

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Pod-Crashing Episode 36 Facing Podcast Burnout

How much work is actually required to create a somewhat successful podcast?  Just being honest.  The work isn’t the biggest challenge.  Showing up is.  If I can get you to faithfully be on that microphone committed to making great content...the workload doesn’t sting quite as much.  

Podcast burnout flairs up when you pull off the performance then set it aside to edit another day.  After it’s completed you push it away again.  You’re too tired to post it on social media.  Right away you’ve turned this one episode into a three day project.  No wonder I keep hearing about the rising number of performers and guests that have chosen to not start a podcast or have walked away.

The more new listeners discover how cool listening to a podcast is the more they expect binge listening quality entertainment.  In the beginning banging out your performance might have been the initial ear collector but just like Netflix and Hulu if you’re episodes aren’t bringing the goods, you’ve made it extremely easy to hit Next.    

The man that got me onto the digital platform relentlessly kept pushing me beyond the podcast burnout.  He was fighting the same low depressing times caused by walls that weren’t blazingly fun or entertaining to the creative genius inside your head and heart.  He always complained about the team of three never showing up on time.  So those involved waited around hoping they stayed in the mood.  Then when they finally did the episode it was his job to do post production.  They were there for the nifty cool show’s performance but left him to wash the dishes.  Over and over again.  He eventually walked away.  

I was recently with the brilliantly funny Will Vought.  An out of control expression artist and comedian with mind blowing characters that cause an overdose of laughs.  He does it all.  Television, live stages, he writes for late night hosts and more.  But he doesn’t host a podcast.  Because he knows what the beast expects to stay alive.  He was more than happy to make sure I knew how much fun he has being a guest on a podcast.  

Jessica Kirson is another extremely busy funny person camper.  She uses podcasting as a way to blow off steam.  All those people constantly saying do this and do that.  Once she’s on that podcast microphone oh baby she hits that dance floor knowing there are no rules only a damn good episode.  

I keep the day fresh by staying away from doing the same thing.  My guests aren’t always Rock Stars or Movie makers and actors.  National Geo Wild’s got two new shows headed our way that deal with two different types of veterinarians.  Book authors of every type.  Political news men and women wanting to   always planning the next episode.  

Another podcast I do deals with creativity being an addiction.  I honestly thought oh maybe ten shows and I’ll drop it.  I just did my 330th episode!  You've gotta quit treating your podcasts like two old people no longer having sex.  Ever been to a modern day assisted living?  Wow!  There’s a lot of love going on!  

So back to the original question.  How much work is actually required to create a somewhat successful podcast?  Not to throw gas on a fire.  Before you put focus on the work.  Ask yourself if podcasting is really what you want to do and why?  Who is your dream audience?  Where would you like to take them?  How often would you like to record an episode?  There are no rules.  Just know that in order to build a strong following requires a relationship.  By showing up occasionally are you ghosting your listeners?

Those in the entertainment business not podcasting know of the command and demand and are honest enough with themselves to find better ways to participate with the growth of podcasting,be the forever guest.  

But what happens if you don’t do interviews?  What if you’re doing a sports show?  Politics or something completely off the wall like sew clothing for dolls and other toys.  The physical burnout may not be in the performance of the episode followed by post production and posting.  It might actually be a lack of interest in the subject.  Coming from terrestrial radio we were bombarded by program directors to never do a break on the air unless there was a benefit for the listener.  So many times podcasters know what they’re talking about but the listener isn’t anywhere close.  

Break up your shows!  Make it one subject at a time.  Keep it around 7 to 10 minutes in length.  Information overload is like kicking a listener out of your private club.  While you’re keeping the subject fresh and moving forward your followers are saying, “Don’t stop I want more!”  

I go through the same challenges as a daily writer.  I’ve been doing it for twenty five years.  Not one day of burnout.  If I feel something strange I revert to a page where I penned out subjects I might be interested in.  Taking the time to make a list for future use serves as a net.  Go ahead and fall into it knowing the importance of keeping your communication skills wide open.  

So what’s the moral of the story?  Burnout is completely natural.  It’s not always easy to keep it under control and it’s always got the ability to bring your podcast fortress to the ground.  Awareness is key.  If you feel the pains moving in then call it what it is.  I keep a daily de-frag journal where I am truthful to mind body and soul of podcasting.  If I wasn’t feeling it or went numb on one particular episode.  I make it clear to the creative process that maybe I need to change the time I’m recording or change up the way I show prep.  Nobody’s asking you to be Happy Jimmy every time you pop that mic open.  But you should have total control over what’s stealing your energy supply.

I’ll never tell you to step away from your podcast.  It’s too easy to never come back.  Try something new with your episodes or better yet create a second or third podcast.  You can’t turn off creativity.  You can only injure it by saying no.