Is Your Passion Podcast Worthy? A Guide to Making It Work - Abound

What You’ll Find in This Blog

Insights on hosting a successful live podcast.
Key strategies for balancing passion with purpose.
The importance of clarity when turning an idea into a podcast.
Pros and cons of different podcast formats.
The role of preparation in delivering engaging content.
How AI is influencing podcasting and where human connection wins.
Expanded key takeaways from the “Show Up” episode.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

Passion vs. Purpose: Passion is essential but not enough; it must be supported by purpose for long-term success.
Flexibility in Podcasting: Shows evolve over time, and creators should be open to refining their format and topics.
Research Before Launch: Studying the competition and market saturation can help refine a show’s unique value.
Human Connection Matters: AI might generate content, but genuine stories and experiences set human podcasts apart.
Preparation is Key: Pre-interviews and structured plans help maintain engaging conversations.

There’s an energy in live podcasting that’s hard to replicate. In our most recent episode of “Show Up,” Isaac Anderson and I brought that energy to the forefront, diving deep into whether your passion is enough to fuel a podcast that people will want to tune into week after week. And let me tell you—passion is just the starting point.

The Heartbeat of Your Podcast: Passion and Purpose

Passion is crucial; it’s the gas in the tank. But without a car (your strategy and purpose), that fuel won’t get you far. One of the most overlooked truths is that passion alone isn’t going to put an episode on Spotify. During our conversation, I emphasized that passion void of purpose will fail. It needs to be underpinned by purpose—the ‘why’ that gets you through the late nights of editing and the hard work of guest outreach.

Where Do You Start? With Clarity

Are you podcasting because you love discussing a topic, or are you aiming to grow your business? Your goal determines the format, guest choice, and even the evolution of your show. In our chat, I shared how my journey with podcasting evolved as I became more skilled at identifying what content worked best for my audience. It’s all about striking the right balance between what excites you and what provides value to listeners.

Isaac added that many people aren’t even fully aware of what they’re passionate about until they’ve been in the trenches for a while. You might start with an idea, but over 15 episodes, realize the true focus of your show was a few degrees off. And that’s okay. The best podcasts evolve.

The Power of Research

I can’t stress enough the importance of doing your homework. One piece of advice I gave was to go to Spotify or iTunes and search for your topic. See how many shows come up. Are they active, or did they burn out after seven episodes (which, according to Spotify data, is the average lifespan for many podcasts)? This due diligence helps you gauge whether there’s room for your voice.

But remember, competition isn’t a bad thing. As Isaac pointed out, if there’s a lot of content in your niche, that could mean a strong market. The trick is finding how your perspective stands out.

AI in Podcasting: The New Frontier

Here’s a twist I didn’t see coming until recently—the impact of AI. Notebook LM, Google’s AI podcasting tool, is shaking up the industry. Imagine inputting your research and getting an audio conversation generated by AI. It’s efficient, but it raises a critical question: Is your passion podcast-worthy if AI can do it better? The answer lies in your ability to bring what AI can’t—human experience and stories.

Isaac shared how NotebookLM can be a game-changer for data-heavy shows, but he and I agreed that the most successful podcasts tap into human connection. AI can provide facts and mimic conversation, but it can’t replicate the emotional depth of shared experiences. That’s why if your passion revolves around storytelling, relationship-building, or expertise shaped by personal journeys, you’re in a good place.

Crafting Engaging Content: Tips from the Trenches

One of the best ways to ensure your podcast doesn’t lose steam is to prepare thoroughly. In the episode, I mentioned that I don’t believe in ‘cold podcasts.’ This means interviewing guests before the show and creating a roadmap for the conversation. When your audience hears that seamless flow, it’s often the result of thoughtful preparation, not on-the-spot brilliance.

Having pre-show interviews also helps align your guest’s stories with your insights. You’re not just interviewing; you’re having a conversation where you can share your expertise in real time. And trust me, listeners pick up on that.

Exploring Different Formats

Don’t lock yourself into a single format. On “Show Up,” we’ve experimented with different styles—from solo episodes to roundtable discussions—to see what resonates. Your podcast can be a mix of guest interviews, solo stories, or even a combination of both. This variety keeps your content fresh and engages different segments of your audience.

When Passion Isn’t Enough

Isaac and I agree that passion without a plan is risky. Passion will push you to start, but it won’t carry you when things get tough. You need to evaluate what your commitment level is—not just emotionally, but practically. How much time and money are you willing to invest? Are you ready to research, prep, and deliver consistently?

Final Thoughts: Human Connection Will Always Win

In an era where AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent, human-driven podcasts still have the upper hand. Why? Because we’re wired for connection. AI can simulate dialogue, but it’s not going to tell you about that time your guest had a last-minute revelation that changed their career or how they learned a lesson the hard way. These are the stories that stick.

If you’re ready to dive in, remember this: passion is your starting point, but purpose and preparation are what make your podcast stand the test of time.