My Podcast Guy® Newsletter

If you've ever felt like your energy for podcasting ebbs and flows. Bursts of motivation followed by stretches where every episode feels like a chore...you’re in good company.

Let's look at why these ups and downs aren’t signs of failure. In fact, they’re a normal part of the creative journey

Podcasting isn’t a straight line, and that’s okay.

The Four Natural Seasons of Podcasting

After ten years of helping podcasters stay podcasting, I've noticed clear patterns. See which one sounds most familiar to you:

Planting Season

This is the start—either launching your show or venturing in a new direction. Ideas flow, motivation soars, and everything feels exciting and fresh. Your “podcast why” is obvious and powerful. Enjoy this momentum, but know it won’t last forever.

Growing Season

Now your show is established. The work gets routine. Results show up slowly, if at all, and the initial excitement fades. This is when self-doubt creeps in. But it’s also when your “podcast why” does its most important job: it keeps you moving forward even when progress feels slow.

Harvest

Suddenly, the effort pays off: new listeners, spikes in metrics, maybe a big opportunity or your first viral moment. Savor this! Harvest is the season that shows you the value of staying in through the slow periods.

Rest

Intentional pauses, not forced burnout. Reduced output and periods of reflection are vital for longevity. The longest-running podcasters don’t just tough it out. They learn how to rest with intention, reboot, and plan for what’s next.

How Can You Use This Framework?

Start by looking back over your journey. Just the past 12 months is enough:

• Can you spot stretches of growth, bursts of harvest, or times when rest would’ve helped?
• Did you ever mistake a “growing” season for failure simply because it felt less exciting?
• Did you fully recognize and celebrate your wins?

Now, pause and ask yourself: What season am I in right now?

Each stage calls for something different. If you’re growing, show yourself patience and consistency. If you’re in harvest, enjoy and share those wins! If you’re due for rest, plan it. Don’t let burnout call the shots.

Bonus: Map Your Future

Your “podcast why” is what ties every season together and keeps your podcast meaningful for both you and your listeners. By understanding the season you’re in, you can tailor your effort and expectations.

Our clients now focus on the WHY they’re podcasting.

Not on the HOW to podcast.

With personalized consulting from My Podcast Guy®, you’ll discover your “podcast why” to help define your podcast’s core purpose.

My Podcast Guy® works with businesses, entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers to develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy.

Ready to create authentic connections and drive meaningful impact?

​Schedule a conversation with Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, Ohio’s first and only full-time podcast consultant.