This week on CLIPPED, I’m refreshing one of the most popular episodes from the past year—updated with fresh insights for 2025. It's all about how to start a podcast in 2025.
If you're thinking about starting a podcast this year, this is the perfect place to start. I’m sharing 12 things I wish I knew when I started, including a few new lessons I’ve learned recently. From prepping and planning to editing, video SEO, and finding your voice, this episode is your blueprint for launching smarter. Whether you're starting a podcast for the first time, or rebooting an old one, these tips will help you avoid the common traps and build a more sustainable show.
A Word From Our Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Riverside.fm, the best platform for recording high-quality remote podcasts and videos. With 4K video, AI-powered tools like Magic Clips, and automated transcriptions, Riverside makes content creation seamless. 🚀 Get started with Riverside and use promo code CLIPPED for 20% off at Riverside.fm.
Follow These 12 Steps (2025 Edition)
1. Prepping Is Key
Prepping takes longer than you think—but it pays off. Whether you’re scripting or outlining bullet points, putting in the time up front helps your recordings go smoother and cuts down on editing.
2. Avoid Interrupting Your Guests
Practice active listening when starting a podcast. Let your guest finish their thought before jumping in with your next question or opinion. It’s tougher than it sounds, but it leads to better conversations.
3. Finding Your Podcasting Voice
Getting comfortable on the mic can take 50–60 episodes or more. You might not like how you sound or look early on—but give it time. You’ll grow into your voice and find your rhythm.
4. Don’t Over-Rely on AI
AI tools like ChatGPT and Descript are helpful—but don’t let them replace your own creative instincts. Use them to support your editing, writing, or idea generation, not to do all the work for you.
5. Video Is the New SEO
In 2025, YouTube is a discovery engine for podcasters. Optimize your video titles and thumbnails like you would a blog post. Use chapters, keywords, and a solid video setup (even just your iPhone) to get seen by more people. Prioritize visuals and strategy over fancy gear.
6. Booking Quality Guests
Don’t assume guests are out of reach—many are more open to interviews than you think. Start small, build confidence, and reach out when your show is in a good groove.
7. Consistent Planning
Coming up with fresh ideas and engaging interview questions week after week is no joke. Build a running list of episode ideas and revisit older topics with new angles to keep things fresh.
8. Stay Ahead in Production
Batch your recordings and stay a few weeks ahead of schedule. It reduces stress and gives you breathing room when life gets busy.
9. Engage in the Podcasting Community
Don’t podcast in a vacuum. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn threads, and attend events. There’s always someone one step ahead who can share a tip—or someone just starting who you can help.
10. Embrace Editing
Trim the fat. Cut tangents, filler words, and rambling to make your episodes tighter. A well-edited show sounds more professional and keeps listeners engaged.
11. Social Media Doesn’t Guarantee Podcast Growth
Likes and follows don’t always convert into downloads. Focus more on podcast-native growth strategies like promo swaps, guest appearances, and newsletter shoutouts.
12. Find the Right Mic for Your Voice
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.