Episode 22
The Why Show
February 5, 2016 · Mike Murphy
Ep22: The Why Show Why Did I Start A Podcast? Episode Summary: 10 Reasons Why You Should Start A Podcast in 2016 (10 Reasons Why)
Episode Summary: Why this podcast started in the first place, and 9 real reasons to start a podcast in 2016 — knowing your “why” is what keeps you motivated when the work gets hard.
What You’ll Learn
- Why knowing your “why” matters more than the topic you pick
- The real purpose and belief behind starting this podcast
- 10 real reasons to start a podcast in 2016, still mostly true today
- A recommended tool for recording remote interviews beyond Skype
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain
Ask Mike Anything: Recording Interviews Beyond Skype
Guest question from: Cara Lumen, Deeper Song Community.
Question: Any suggestions for recording coaching calls or interviews besides Skype?
Answer: Plenty of options — Zoom, Google Hangouts, or iOS apps like Ringr. The pick, though, is a newer service called Zencastr, whose tagline is “record your guests in top quality directly from their web browser.” It’s built specifically with podcasters in mind — send a link to guests, hit record, and Zencastr handles the heavy lifting, delivering high-quality audio on separate tracks. Genuinely easy.
I. Why Start a Podcast?
Why: the purpose, cause, or belief that drives what you do. Resource mentioned: Simon Sinek’s Start with Why.
What inspired this podcast? The purpose is simply to teach and inspire people to do great things by sharing technical knowledge and a unique perspective.
The belief driving it comes from a Steve Jobs quote: “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?” It may be naive, but the belief holds that talent, skills, interests, and a genuine passion to learn and create things can add up to something meaningful. A recurring frustration with being a jack-of-all-trades has always come from knowing there’s a lot to offer and wanting to share it and help others along the way — wanting to put a dent in the universe, no matter how big or small, without ever being quite sure how to start.
The core “why” here: this podcast is a platform to teach and impact others, and a starting attempt at making that dent. Pretty deep, admittedly — but knowing your why is genuinely critical, since it’s what keeps you motivated, focused, and excited when the work gets hard.
II. Why Start a Podcast in 2016?
There are real benefits to podcasting for one-man bands and small brands. Disclaimer: podcasting is a big commitment that takes real work to start and maintain — it’s a great platform, but that shouldn’t be downplayed.
- It’s gaining popularity. Still a relatively new medium, so getting in early helps establish long-term footing.
- Entertain and be creative. It’s your show — make it great.
- Establish authority. Be seen as an expert in your field or topic.
- Networking. Meet and cross-promote with other podcasters, and with guests if interviews are part of the format.
- Relationships. Engaging an audience builds real connections — community is how great businesses get built.
- Global audience. The potential reach extends worldwide.
- Inexpensive. Not free, but the investment is minimal and attainable for most people.
- Market & promote your brand. Use the podcast as a communication and marketing tool.
- Make money. A podcast alone rarely generates much income directly, but it can drive side income through affiliate links and promoting products and services.
Music: “Life of Riley” & “Wallpaper” (incompetech.com).