5 Things I’d Do Today If I Were Starting a Podcast From Scratch

Let me take you back. Not to the polished, content-planned, CTA-optimized version of today, but to the real beginning. The doubt-filled moment, when I asked myself, “Who am I to do this?” The moment I nervously hit publish on my very first podcast episode.

That moment changed everything.

I didn’t set out to become a podcaster. What happened was this. I shared my personal story publicly for the first time on someone else’s podcast. The interview aired on a Friday. By the weekend, I was sure I had made a huge mistake. I felt exposed. I was terrified of the judgment.

But then something remarkable happened.

People didn’t run away from me; they ran toward me. And my biggest vulnerability turned into visibility, opening doors for me that I could have never imagined. Messages started pouring in. DMs, emails, and notes from guests who had never told their stories before. They told me that hearing mine gave them the courage to speak theirs.

That interview became the spark for my first podcast, Sober Living Stories. It was a show where guests could share their story, sometimes for the very first time. It showed me the power of podcasting not just as a content tool but as a space for leadership and transformation.

Now, with a new show launching soon, The Female Entrepreneur Podcast, I’ve learned even more.

If I were starting from scratch today with nothing but a microphone and a mission, here’s exactly what I would do and what you can take with you, too.

1. Get Crystal Clear on the Transformation, Not Just the Topic

Too many podcasts fizzle out because they’re about "business," or "motherhood," or "mindset." That’s not enough. You need to be clear on what change your listener will experience.

When I launched Sober Living Stories, I knew it wasn’t about sobriety itself. It was about shattering stigma and freedom. About sharing what’s been in the shadows for too long. That clarity shaped every interview, every episode title, and every invitation.

🎧 Your Move: Fill in this sentence:
“This podcast helps [who] go from [pain point] to [result].”
Tape it to your laptop. Let it guide every decision.

2. Drop 3 Bingeable Episodes on Day One

I’ll never forget a coach — and later, Pat Flynn too — recommending this strategy. I thought, “Three?! I haven’t even recorded one!” But I trusted it. And they were right.

Episode 1: My story.
Episode 2: A tactical “how-to.”
Episode 3: A heartfelt pep talk to the woman who feels stuck.

This gives your listeners a full taste of who you are and WHY they should stay. It builds trust fast.

🎧 Your Move: Batch and launch three episodes at once. Not perfect, just real.

3. Leverage the Power of One High-Vibe Guest

I received my first wave of listeners because I was on someone else’s podcast. That single appearance gave me visibility and credibility. When I launched my own, I invited one guest with an engaged community and an aligned mission, and they shared the episode like crazy.

🎧 Your Move: Identify ONE person in your circle who lights you up and already has an audience. Invite them to Episode 4. Promote the heck out of it together.

4. Promote the Podcast Like It’s a MOVEMENT

In the beginning, I was way too shy about promoting my show. I would just post a link and say, “New episode’s out!” (Yawn.) Once I treated it like a movement with reels, quotes, behind-the-scenes content — everything changed.

Now I take each episode and repurpose it into 5+ pieces of social content.

🎧 Your Move: Treat your podcast like your core brand content. Use it to drive your social, your email list, even your FB group discussions. Make it a conversation, not just a broadcast.

5. Use Clear, Confident CTAs — From Day One

This is where I want to shake you (lovingly). Most of us, me included, start way too passive. “If you liked it, maybe you could rate it?” Nah. Say it with confidence:

👉 “DM me the word ‘EPISODE’ if you want the checklist.”
👉 “Join the FB group to keep the convo going.”
👉 “Book a 1:1 if you’re ready to go deeper.”

When I finally added CTAs — mid-roll and end-roll — everything shifted. I went from putting out content to creating opportunities for engagement and business.

🎧 Your Move: Decide ONE action you want listeners to take and say it clearly every time. The listener is not a mind reader, guide her.

Bonus Truth: You Can Never Lose When You Serve Others

Here’s what I know.

When you start with service, you win.

Launching my first podcast wasn’t just a platform for my voice; it became a microphone for others’ stories. It grew my network, deepened my mission, and created the most loyal, loving community I’ve ever had.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t polished. But it was purposeful. And that made all the difference.

Final Word, FEO members 💖

Whether you’re still thinking about launching a podcast, already on your second season, or just love to binge episodes on your walk, remember this:

🎤 You don’t need permission.
🎤 You do need purpose.
🎤 And it’s never too late to start the thing that sets someone else free.

👉 Ready to get started, yet still have more questions? Grab a FREE 10-minute virtual coffee on my website at https://www.jessicastipanovic.com, and we will talk it out. My favorite thing to do!