Let’s face it: Podcasting is having its moment, and it’s here to stay! Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, the humble podcast has exploded into a full-blown renaissance, though its roots go much deeper. Long before we all became homebodies, podcasting was already a thing fueled by young listeners who were tired of the same old radio jams and wanted something more engaging.
Fast forward to today, and we’ve got over 400 million podcast listeners worldwide, tuning in to everything from true crime mysteries to deep dives into quantum physics. With that kind of audience, it’s no wonder there are over 2 million podcasts out there, each with tens of millions of episodes just waiting to be discovered. Yep, you read that right—2 million podcasts. The podcast scene is more packed than a sold-out concert!
And guess what? The United States is leading the charge, boasting the largest number of podcast listeners on the planet—over 100 million strong. The growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. Almost 80% of Americans over 12 now know what a podcast is, a massive leap from a decade ago when podcasts were still the new kid on the block. Back in 2015, you were in the minority if you were listening to podcasts regularly. How times have changed!
If you’re like me and love tuning into different podcasts, you’re right in the front row of this booming medium. Podcasts give me a chance to connect with people in ways that are both fun and meaningful. It’s a one-of-a-kind way to listen in on honest conversations with fascinating people—from experts and influencers to thought leaders across various fields.
And that’s what makes podcasting so unique. Whether you’re learning the ropes of Brazilian jiujitsu from a black belt or soaking up wisdom from the CEO of a top company, podcasts are packed with valuable insights. Thought leadership is everywhere you turn, educating listeners in ways that are both innovative and entertaining.
If you’re thinking of becoming a podcaster, don’t worry about being a small fish in this vast podcasting ocean. You don’t need millions of listeners to make an impact. The secret sauce? Knowing your audience and serving them content that’s fresh, engaging, and just plain awesome. Find your “superpower”—that unique expertise only you have—and share it with the world. You’ll be amazed at the connections you can make.
Personally, focus on Building relationships with potential clients, getting to know current ones even better, and strengthening ties with the media. There’s something incredibly personal about podcasting—it’s like having a chat over coffee but with the potential to reach thousands. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
At its heart, podcasting is all about relationships. The best podcasters are connectors, weaving bonds with their guests, listeners, and everyone in between just like Fitness Gurls Podcast has done. The stronger those bonds, the more your podcast will flourish. There’s no magic formula to success in podcasting, but nurturing a network of people who know, like, and trust you is a big part of it.
If you care about thought leadership—and you totally should—podcasting is a golden opportunity. The space is growing faster than ever, with people hungry for all kinds of content that didn’t even exist a few years ago. And there’s still so much untapped potential out there.
Just think, a decade ago, who would’ve guessed that The Joe Rogan Experience or Pod Save America would be household names, reaching millions of listeners worldwide? And yet, here we are.
If podcasting feels like your jam, now’s the time to dive in. The iron is hot, and there’s no better moment to start building your own podcast empire. Who knows? Your next big idea could be the next podcast sensation. Put out great content for the right audience, and the sky’s the limit!
