Happy New Year, Reader!

Now that the champagne and peppermint brownies have worn off (my poor liver, my poor pancreas...) it’s time to wrap our head around four numbers:

2023.

Have you thought about your goals for the year yet?

Is “make a podcast” one of them?

If you’ve been thinking about making a podcast (or restarting one) but you're on the fence, I want to encourage you to put it at the top of your 2023 Goals List, and really commit!

I know it’s not easy, mostly because of that pesky thing that follows us whenever we try something new: FEAR.

Not just generic fears like fear of failure or embarrassment. Podcasting comes along with specific fears, mental blocks, and obstacles that keep us from hitting record.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “I HATE the sound of my voice.” Your voice sounds weird to YOU, but not to anyone else. There are real physical, psychological, and sociological reasons why we don’t like the sound of our own voices. Read my article “Do I really sound like that?”: Why we hate the sound of our own voice and how to get over it” to find what they are, and ways to learn to love your voice.

• “The tech is scary! WTF is a shock mount??” There is so much tech out there built specifically for DIY podcasters, you will absolutely be able to find and master the equipment, programs and processes that work for you. And BTW, you don’t have to do it all yourself! Outsourcing and collaborating are great ways to save time and streamline production. Plus, some of the best ways to record great sound have NOTHING to do with tech: watch my IG Reel about how to improve the acoustics in your DIY recording space.

• “I have an idea, but I don’t know what to say” You don’t have to hit record your first day (in fact please don’t!) I firmly believe that taking the time to develop your podcast content, format and sound, is THE most crucial step in making a podcast. Read The Most Important Thing to Think About When Making a Podcast (hint: it's not the microphone) to find out why.

• “What if I get overwhelmed and can’t keep up?” Going in with a plan, investing time in development and prep, and setting clear goals are the best way to avoid overwhelm, confusion and frustration. Start with my 4-phase Path to Pod™ framework for taking a podcast from idea to launch..

• “I just don’t even know where to begin.” I got you. In a few days I’ll be announcing a brand new, comprehensive Workshop that will demystify Podcasting for you. Through the Workshop, you’ll go from feeling overwhelmed and daunted by the podcasting process, to empowered and confident that you have the tools to create a podcast you’ll love to make, and your audience will love to listen to.

Trust me, Reader, I've had ALL those fears. But I can tell you they are manageable, and I have every faith that you can bust through them like the Kool-Aid Man!

So: why not make 2023 the Year of YOUR Podcast? You have something to say, it's time to be heard. Jump down off that fence and join us in front of the mic!

Keep an eye out for that email later this week about the new Workshop, and have a great week!

Best,