Podcasting for Therapy

Podcasting offers numerous therapeutic benefits for both creators and listeners. Sharing experiences, discussing issues, and connecting with like-minded people can lead to personal growth and healing. Utilizing podcasting as an outlet to openly express thoughts and feelings can be a valuable coping mechanism for both the creator and their audience. Dave Jackson highlights the power of podcasting to help connect individuals through shared experiences and interests. Jackson treats his podcast, Building a Better Dave, as his therapy where he shares content without a rigid schedule, choosing to create episodes when he feels emotionally compelled. He emphasizes that podcasting is more than just a way to generate income; it can provide a sense of purpose, and personal growth, and even help save lives. Jackson stresses that delivering impactful messages to the audience, regardless of size, is a reward in itself.

The Value of 22 Downloads

Understanding the value of one's audience, regardless of size, is essential in podcasting. Recognizing the significance of even a small number of listeners can be the key to personal satisfaction and motivation for podcasters. Engaging with an audience, even if it consists of only a few dozen people, can still produce meaningful connections and have a positive impact on those who tune in regularly.

 In this episode, Dave Jackson urges podcasters to appreciate the importance of each listener, as they contribute to the podcast's overall purpose and success. During the conversation, Jackson emphasizes that having a podcast audience of merely 22 individuals is still significant, comparing it to having a full classroom focused on the content being shared. By prioritizing the quality of connections and the value each listener brings, podcasters can maintain their determination to deliver valuable content for their audience, regardless of its size.

How Podcasting Can Connect You with the Right People

One of the most powerful aspects of podcasting is the ability to connect with others. For podcasters, this can translate to networking opportunities, building relationships with industry experts, and even opening doors to new career paths. Leveraging one's podcast content as a digital resume showcases the creator's expertise to potential future collaborators, employers, and partners. In this episode, Dave Jackson shares his personal experience with podcasting, which led to his being hired three times and provided him with opportunities to travel globally. By treating one's podcast as a digital resume, creators can demonstrate their expertise and create connections that positively impact their professional lives.

Key takeaways:

• Save emails from listeners who express gratitude or appreciation for your podcast in a Gmail folder to revisit during times of doubt or discouragement.

• Reflect on the impact your podcast has on your audience by remembering specific stories of how your podcast has positively affected your listeners.

• Focus on the personal connections and relationships you form through podcasting, rather than solely on the number of downloads or ad revenue.

• Share your own personal stories and experiences on your podcast to connect with your audience and provide inspiration.

• Allow yourself to be authentic and genuine in your podcast, while also being mindful of removing fluff or unnecessary content.

• Experiment with different podcast formats or segments to keep your audience engaged and entertained.

• Use your podcast as a platform to showcase your skills and expertise, potentially leading to job opportunities or collaborations.

• Be open to feedback from your listeners and continue to evolve and improve your podcast based on their input.

Timestamped summary of this episode:

00:00:00 - The Value of 22 Downloads, The guest recognizes the frustration that comes with getting only 22 downloads at a time, but encourages podcasters to understand the significance of that number. He reminds podcasters that 22 downloads represent a full class of people who have chosen to listen to them instead of watching something else.

00:03:23 - Impact of Podcasting, The guest shares a story of how his podcast helped a man from committing suicide. He emphasizes the power of podcasting in making people feel less alone and the importance of knowing one's purpose as a podcaster.

00:05:24 - Podcasting for Therapy, The host and guest discuss the healing modality that's hidden inside podcasting. They both agree that podcasting is not just a means of making money but also a form of therapy that can help people in different ways.

00:07:02 - Your Voice Needs a Microphone, The guest shares his experience of starting his podcast in his brother's basement after going through a divorce and a bankruptcy. He encourages podcasters to get their voice out there and explains how podcasting can help people realize they're not alone.

00:09:15 - Embracing Goofiness, The guest emphasizes the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and embracing goofiness in podcasting. He shares examples of how he made his podcast more entertaining and memorable by trying something new, even if it didn't always work out.

00:11:32 - How Podcasting Can Connect You with the Right People, Dave shares how his podcast helped him land three different jobs, get invited to speak at events and connect with like-minded individuals. He sees podcasting as a digital resume that can showcase your expertise and attract opportunities.

00:12:39 - Using Podcasting as a Full-Time Gig, Dave lost his teaching job, but he had built up a reputation as a podcasting expert. He reached out to Lipson, a podcast-hosting platform, and was hired shortly thereafter. Dave emphasizes the importance of building a digital presence that can serve as a safety net in case of unexpected job loss.

00:13:49 - The Cure for Podfade, Dave's secret ingredients for avoiding podcast burnout are a calendar, to-do list, and Evernote. By organizing your tasks and ideas, you can reduce overwhelm and free up mental space for creative thinking. Dave believes that podcasting can be a therapeutic outlet for those who can't afford therapy.

00:14:56 - Final Thoughts on Podcasting, Dave's parting words of wisdom are that podcasting is for everyone, regardless of skill level or topic. You may end up with a great podcast or a great story about starting one. Either way, you'll learn, grow, and connect with others along the way.