Podcasting

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“Your first podcast will be awful. Your first video will be awful. Your first article will be awful. Your first art will be awful. Your first photo will be awful. But you can’t make your 50th without making your first. So get it over with and make it.” – unknown

I was recently interviewed by Troy Headrick on the Wise and Shine podcast about my creative process. It was my first time and if I haven’t set your expectations too low with the quote above 🙂 and you are interested in listening, here’s a link to the podcast: Wynne Leon On Writing and the Creative Process Or you can search on Spotify for Wise and Shine and find it there (and subscribe).

After we were done, Troy asked why podcasts are so popular since there are at least 2 million out there (more if you could episodes). So I’m throwing that out as a question. Anyone have any theories?

88 thoughts on “Podcasting”

  1. I was like white on rice about podcasts when they were a new thing 10 [?] years ago, but as more & more people jumped into the game the quality became uneven. Some good, some tedious– and many abandoned entirely. I lost interest in them.

    What I’d like to know is: what percentage of the 2 million podcasts are active with more than a couple of subscribers. I’m guessing that when you consider those variables there aren’t so many podcasts out there. Still lots of them, but not 2 million. 🤨

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  2. Ah! I’m glad to see this post. I listened to your podcast with Troy yesterday and it was great – but I wasn’t sure where I might share feedback! I love listening to podcasts while I’m walking but I had no idea it was THAT prolific. Wow. As for you and Troy? I loved it — especially your sharing of your ‘morning process’, Wynne. Same, same, same…and I enjoyed the discussion about writing for ‘self’ vs. a perceived audience. Well done! 😉

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    1. Thank you, Vicki! I loved hearing your podcast with Troy as well. Was that the first time you’d done the podcast format?

      And I appreciate that my process resonated with you. Not terribly surprised since I think we’re soul sisters in many ways….

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      1. Yes to the soul sisters! And no, it wasn’t my first pod recording but I still feel like such a novice…I’ve done some voiceover work, too, but prefer a lively companion to chat with, always! Xo to you and congrats! 😘

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  3. I’ve always pondered the connection between podcasts and audio books along with auditory information and learning in general. I am very visual, especially when it comes to learning or remembering things. I have to see, read and absorb with that eye to brain connection so it all sticks. Do consumers who are more auditory gravitate to podcasts because they absorb the content more easily? I’ve never been a podcast/audio book person. I simply can’t concentrate long enough to get anything from what I’m trying to hear!

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    1. That’s an interesting point about auditory vs visual, Deb. I like both audio books and podcasts when I’m cleaning, driving or weeding so it’s very specific tasks that are repetitive but I can’t read. Hmmm…

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      1. Yes, I put music on when cleaning or cooking but it’s background for me. I don’t care so much if the vacuum outshines the music for a bit, but if I had a podcast playing or an audio book I would miss sections. This all being said from a person who does not use earbuds of any sort so that would clearly make a difference I suppose!

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      3. Yes, to missing things. That makes sense. It’s why I don’t like listening to podcasts (or books) when I walk – because they I miss out on the walk. Interesting.

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    2. Hi Deb, this is me, too! I’ve tried to listen to audiobooks on the way home from work or when I’m cleaning. But my mind wanders every time! Others seem to be able to listen with ease. My husband listens to books on YouTube. He loves it. Like you, I can’t seem to absorb the info just listening. I can listen to podcasts. But, idk. …

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      1. I appreciate knowing I’m not the only one! I sometimes wonder how I ever made it through lectures during school? I know that I loved online learning when I finally went back to finish my degree. The courses I took were almost always reading, no videos-no listening.

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      2. Both of your comments are making me think back to my school years. I skipped lectures so much in college – I always found it faster to just read the book or go through the exercises. I wonder if it’s a speed thing when we prefer to read rather than listen?

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  5. I think podcasts are popular because they’re infotainment, and our species loves that. It makes us feel like we’re being very productive. I listen to a couple, but not religiously and no more than a couple. I already have so many inputs; podcasts seemed like a potential straw.

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  7. It was lovely to hear your voice and learn the proper pronunciation of your name! (I hope)!! Voices give us more of a connection in human terms as the world becomes more virtual. If there is a downside to them, it is their tendency be included in a multitasking moment, diminishing the likelihood of putting full concentration and thought into our consumption of them. You made the 24 minutes worthwhile, despite that.

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    1. Oh, I’m so warmed by this comment. Thank you, Dr. Stein. You’re right about it being fun to hear people’s voices – I really enjoy that too. Your point about multitasking is well-taken too. I always listen to podcasts when I’m doing something else.

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  8. My children listen to podcasts constantly because they can listen and clean, or listen and workout, or listen and while working. Someone earlier said it makes them feel productive because most of the time they are learning about something new. I agree. My kids all read too so it hasn’t replaced their reading but it does consume their free time. I listen on occasion. I. listened to yours today and I like hearing your voice because that is the voice I now hear when I read your words. I admire your morning routine and I just melted into your words, it was as if I could feel the calm and peaceful atmosphere you’ve created. You did a great job on the podcast. Your words had clarity and were informative and that’s why people listen. Well done Wynne. Hugs, C

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  9. Easily digestible entertainment. I listen to podcasts every morning when I’m out walking and they help pass the time…especially since it’s dark this time of year and there isn’t much visual stimulation.

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  10. I really enjoy podcasts. I subscribe to many. I like listening to them while driving, cooking dinner, stretching, on the airplane, and sometimes on power walks. I even have a few I listen to as I’m falling asleep because I find that this drowns out the noise in my head. I think they’ve become so popular because when you read online you can’t really be doing anything else (well, maybe eating your lunch). Yes, there is the multi-tasking aspect, but we’ve always done other things while listening to the radio. for instance. At the end of the day, my eyes are often so tired from reading, editing, and online tasks that I prefer just listening. Also, I’ve learned so much! I may write a blog post about the shows I find valuable. You can find everything from health, education, humor, psychology, inspiration, and politics (blah). I’m fairly picky about the quality of production and voice of the podcaster. One’s I like involving writing are StoryStudio out of Chicago, The New Yorker Fiction, Page One-The Writer’s Podcast, and Talking Writing, Telling Your Story with Joyce Maynard.

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    1. That sounds like a great blog post about the shows you like and a wonderful list of podcasts.

      And I agree so much about needing a change from the screen – especially at the end of the day.

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  12. Congrats on finishing your first podcast interview. What a fun process that must’ve been for you. I look forward to putting a voice to a face. 🙂

    Podcasts are a lot of fun. I think the fact that they can be so targeted towards specific subject interests and are conversational in nature and harken back to the days of radio are what make them appealing. People crave good conversation.

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    1. I like the parallel you make to the days of radio. That makes sense. And you are so right, people crave good conversation. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head with that one, Ab!

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  14. So much to do, so little time! I can count the podcasts I’ve heard on about two fingers, and one of those fingers is you, Wynne. I really wanted to tune in to hear your voice and I’m so glad I did. It was worth all 24 minutes. I hope that you’ll do another soon!

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  15. I wasn’t fond of podcasts before, I am a more visual person. But our podcasts are simply great. I liked the process of recording it when Troy and I prepared our first W&S podcast. It was fun! I love the unknown quote Wynne, it’s so true!

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  16. Hi Wynne! Ok I can’t wait to listen! I think podcasts are popular for several reasons. I think because we’re in the Age of Information (aren’t we?) people are like sponges and really want to absorb things. And good podcasts make facts, information, and even emotions, really digestible. I also think technology over the last 50 years has made us a bit spoiled. We want what we want and we know we can get it if we just look (online). So whenever anyone has anything they’re remotely passionate about or interested in, these days, there’s probably a podcast about it. And that alone can make someone feel really connected, validated, heard, understood, and inspired, even if they’re just listening. I don’t think any of this is bad, it’s kind of nice. But these are my thoughts. Now what do you think?? Of course I’ll listen to your pod and maybe find out for myself once I do! 🤣🤣

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    1. First of all, I was just thinking, “I miss Libby” because I haven’t seen posts from you lately. But I also have been intending to go and listening to your last podcast which sounded so interesting but I haven’t tracked it down.

      Secondly, I love your sentence, “good podcasts make facts, information, and even emotions, really digestible.” Wow – that blows me away. Especially the emotions part. Yes!

      And finally, I love all your comments because they make me feel validated and heard so I think your point about there being a podcast for everything and that it is validating is another great one.

      Sending light and love!! XOXO

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      1. Aww thanks Wynne! Yes I’m still here and my blog has been soooo neglected! But I’m going to trust this hibernation period and see what comes of it. Also, I can’t wait for you to listen to my podcast! You sound so nice in this episode, you actually sound EXACTLY how I imagined you would ☺️☺️ in the best way!! xoxox

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      2. Awww, thanks, Libby! I love that I sounded like you imagined.

        And that you are trusting your hibernation period. That is some deep wisdom! I’m cuing your podcast up for this weekend. I can’t wait!

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  17. Wynne! I can’t wait to listen to this in the car!!! I’m sitting in a coffee shop right now with no headphones but I’ve missed you AND your blog SO much. It’s been a busy few weeks but I’m trying to make time for writing even if it means I’m up past midnight and running on only a couple hours of sleep LOL!

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    1. I love your commitment to the creative process, LaShelle! I’ve missed you and am glad to hear from you again (and see that you’ve posted) – can’t wait to read! Sending you lots of love!

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  18. I’ve opened this in another tab for later listening! While I do enjoy podcasts for reasons I don’t actually understand, my listening mood this evening is definitely “cheesy pop tunes.” 🙂

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      1. I did already listen to the podcast! I so loved hearing your spoken and conversational voices. Then, much more in the mood for more of that kind of voice-hearing, I searched for (& am now listening to!) Brown Taylor. So good for my heart and soul, this evening of hearing. 💙

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      2. “This evening of hearing” – what a wonderful phrase. Thanks for listening to the podcast.

        I already found Brown Taylor’s book from the library so I’m excited about that too!

        Hope you have a lovely evening of hearing! 🙂 ❤

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  19. Congrats on your first podcast!!! I now have a greater understanding of why you write and of course I am glad you do. You have a nice ‘on-air’ voice, and I am expecting more podcasts in the future!
    Best weekend wishes!

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  20. Thank you for sharing!!.. best of luck on your podcast, looking forward to listening.. I think that podcasts add a personal touch as versus printed and perhaps gets the person in the podcast closer and more believable to the audience who listens… 🙂

    Be it blogging or podcast, let your heart do the talking and until we meet again..
    May the love that you give
    Always return to you,
    That family and friends are many
    And always remain true,
    May your mind only know peace
    No suffering or strife,
    May your heart only know love and happiness
    On your journey through life.
    (Larry “Dutch” Woller)

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    1. What a great point about the personal touch, Dutch. You’re right, hearing someone’s voice can really add to the believability. Thanks for weighing in with that wisdom!

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  21. I think podcasts help us to feel better connected to people. Reading blogs can be a more solo, intimate experience, but podcasts allow us to be a part of a discussion. Especially when we’re consuming them while multitasking. You don’t feel as alone in the car on your commute, or it helps time pass while doing chores. Unlike an audiobook, a podcast feels like a chat with friends.

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  22. I’m so embarrassed to discover I’ve been pronouncing your name wrong in my head all this time! Also, fun to hear your voice. 🙂 This line: “As shallow as a muddy puddle and just as unclear” or something like that. Such terrific imagery! Liked that Brene Brown quote you ended on about how unused creativity is malignant. Wow.

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    1. Ah, thanks for listening, my friend! That’s funny about my name – it being mine, I don’t really think about it…

      Isn’t that a great quote from Brene? And the other line you picked about the muddy puddle. It is one of my favorites too even though I came up with it – because it makes me giggle. Not surprised that you caught it since you are so tuned in!!

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  23. That’s a great question. I’m more of a visual person myself. I have been thinking of podcast. I guess they are a great way to speak on any subject you want and attract like minded people. I guess people like podcast for the same reason they like talk radio.

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      2. That’s wonderful! I just made a random post to get started. But I’ve always written only to throw it away. Afraid I’m not doing it right, or afraid of criticism. I’m too old to worry about that now. I’m in college now, and hoping to perfect my skills. It’s time. Let’s stick with it!

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  25. Honestly, I am not sure why people like podcasts. I’ve never really been into them. I am listening to yours though! I have always had a preference to read so I love the blogging format.

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  26. I have to say, once again, the way you write resonates with me. You seem like a genuine human being- so few these days. I think people listen to podcasts because everyone’s driving around all the time, whether commuting to work, going on a road trip or running errands. That’s my take.

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  27. Thank you so much, Camilla. What a lovely compliment! You’re right – we are spending a lot of time in our cars.

    I love your Christmas tree post – especially the picture of the cat under the tree. So cute! Merry Christmas!

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