You’ve got an idea, maybe a few notes jotted down, and a growing itch to share your voice in a deeper, more meaningful way.
And you’re asking the right question:
“Is starting a podcast worth it?”
Let me give you the honest answer:
Yes.
But maybe not for the reasons you think.
The Real Value of a Podcast
If you’re thinking, “I need a podcast to grow my brand, get sponsorships, and make money…”—I hear you. That’s what the internet tends to sell us.
But here’s the thing I share with every creator I work with:
Podcasting isn’t a business model. It’s a business asset.
The payoff starts with clarity–not cash.
It allows you to shape and distill your thinking.
It builds a deeper bridge between you and your audience.
And it helps you practice the muscle that most creators avoid—showing up with your voice consistently and intentionally.
It’s not for everyone. But for the right kind of creator? It’s a game-changer.
Why Podcasting Matters
Yes, there are over 700,000 “active” podcasts out there, in an ocean of roughly 7 million total podcasts. And no, most of them don’t have giant audiences. In fact, the median podcast has just 124 listeners.
But that’s not a flaw. That’s the opportunity.
Because podcasting is about depth, not width.
This isn’t purely YouTube. It’s not TikTok. It’s not designed to go viral.
Podcasting is an independent bookstore, not a billboard.
It’s long-form, intimate, and intentional.
People tune in with their full attention, not while scrolling past your face in 0.3 seconds.
If you’re building a brand, a practice, or a community—there’s no better medium for trust.
But… What About The Money?
Let’s be clear: podcasting is a terrible short-term monetization channel.
Advertisers spend 1 cent per listener hour on podcasts. Radio gets 10x that. TV gets 13x. Magazines and newspapers? 50x and 70x.
Why?
Because podcasting wasn’t built for advertisers.
TV was designed to support selling ads. So was radio. So were newspapers, and magazines, and social media.
But podcasting? Podcasting was invented so people like you could talk to people like us.
And that changes everything.
What You Can Expect from Your Podcast
Here’s what starting a podcast will give you:
- Clarity – You’ll sharpen your message every time you hit record.
- Connection – You’ll build deeper trust with your audience, even if it’s small.
- Proof of Work – You’ll demonstrate consistency, creativity, and voice.
- Leverage – A great episode can turn into blog posts, social clips, newsletter content, and more.
None of this happens by accident. It happens when you show up with intention.
Don’t Wait for Permission
You don’t need a huge audience to start.
You don’t need advertisers banging down your door.
You don’t even need to “monetize” it yet.
You just need a reason.
If you’ve got something to say, a mission you care about, or a story that deserves to be told—that’s reason enough.
So here’s your challenge:
Before you worry about downloads, gear, or growth—ask yourself this:
What could happen if I spent the next 7 days turning my ideas into a voice someone can actually hear?
It’s why I wrote the 7 Day Podcast Challenge. It’s why podcasting is creative work worth doing.
Because podcasting won’t solve all your near-term problems.
But it might just unlock your next big, long-term move.
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