TPU120 – How to Find Time to Podcast – Productivity Hacks and Tips

How to Find Time to Podcast?

You have a passion for podcasting, but life is demanding and you are struggling to find time for your podcast.

And with all of those steps that people are talking about, you are overwhelmed and you aren’t sure how you will find time to podcast.

If that is you, then this episode is for you.

Today we’re tackling a challenge that many podcasters face: “How to Find Time to Podcast.”

I get asked this question a lot by most people who come on my discovery calls and I am sure this is a question that most of you beginner podcasters might also have..

Whether your schedule is jam-packed or you’re struggling to balance podcasting with other commitments, we’ll explore some practical strategies to help you make the most of your time and continue sharing your message with the world.

Setting Priorities:

The art of setting priorities is crucial. Identify podcasting as a top priority in your life. When you recognize its importance, you’ll naturally find ways to fit it into your schedule.

Decide how important your podcast is to you and make it a priority. This means setting aside time each week to work on your podcast, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

TIP: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, not urgent but important, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus on the important tasks.

Time Management Techniques:

Let’s begin with a fundamental building block – time management. Techniques like the Pomodoro method or time blocking can be game-changers.

The Pomodoro method involves working in focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, followed by a short break.

Time blocking is about allocating specific blocks of time to different tasks. By implementing these techniques, you can create dedicated windows for podcasting amidst your busy day.

TIP: Set aside blocks of time for recording, editing, and promotion, and stick to these appointments as you would with any other commitment.

Batch Recording:

Batch recording is a podcasting superhero’s secret. By recording multiple episodes in one sitting, you save time in the long run. Plan your episodes ahead of time, so you can record efficiently.

Similarly plan for batch editing. Batching is probably the best way you can optimize your available time and get the most out of your efforts.

TIP: Prepare episode outlines or scripts in advance to streamline the recording process and minimize interruptions.

Planning and Scheduling:

Podcast planning and scheduling is a non-negotiable.

Create a content calendar that outlines episode topics, recording dates, and release dates. Staying organized helps ensure consistency and avoids overwhelm.

TIP: Use scheduling tools or podcast hosting platforms that allow you to automate episode releases on a set schedule.

Delegating Tasks:

Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks if possible.

Consider outsourcing editing, transcriptions, or social media management to professionals if your budget allows.

Or, if you have trusted friends who share your podcast’s vision and might agree to help you with your podcast, you can reach out to them for help.

TIP: Clearly communicate your expectations and provide guidelines to maintain the quality and style of your podcast.

Utilizing Downtime:

Downtime is your secret weapon. Utilize those moments during your daily commute, waiting in line, or during lunch breaks. You can brainstorm ideas, outline episodes, or even record short voice memos.

TIP: Keep a portable recording setup, such as a smartphone and a quality microphone, handy for spontaneous recording sessions.

Avoiding Burnout:

Remember, avoiding burnout is extremely important if you want to be in the podcasting game for the long run.

Schedule regular breaks, and respect those boundaries. Overexertion can lead to diminishing returns.

TIP: Develop a self-care routine and stick to it. Your well-being directly impacts your podcast’s quality.

Guest Episodes:

Consider incorporating guest episodes into your podcast, especially if you find it difficult to come up with episode topics and ideas of your own.

Not only do they bring fresh perspectives, but it also helps avoid creator’s block and get content.

TIP: Create a clear process for guest outreach, preparation, and recording to make the experience seamless for both you and your guests.

Tools and Resources:

Explore tools and resources that can streamline your podcasting workflow.

Wherever possible try to automate tasks. Like using macros in Audacity is one of my favorite ways of saving time.

Similarly you can use social media management tools that help you schedule your episode promotions.

I love Descript because it saves me a lot of time in editing and creating promo materials for my promotions.

And now with the integration with Squadcast, you have an all in one tool for recording, editing and publishing.

TIP: Invest time in learning how to use these tools effectively; the initial learning curve is worth the long-term efficiency gains.

Know that it is OKAY!

Finally, something that you need to always keep in mind is that – you are running the podcast. The podcast shouldn’t be running you.

So it is ok to sometimes take a break from your schedules.

It is also ok to give your episode a miss especially if you are feeling too burdened. But only if you have the determination to not extend it beyond a week.

And it is ok to sometimes prioritize a bigger responsibility over your podcast.

Conclusion:

As we conclude this episode, remember that finding time to podcast isn’t just about squeezing it into your schedule. It’s a testament to your dedication and creativity. Adapt the strategies that resonate with your unique circumstances, prioritize self-care, and know that the podcasting community is here to support you.

Join my WhatsApp group. The link in Show notes..

My parting advice: Embrace the journey, embrace the challenges, and most importantly, embrace your passion for podcasting. Keep finding those pockets of time, keep crafting amazing content, and keep shining through your podcast.

Show Notes:

Here’s what we discussed in the episode about preparing to promote a podcast on social media –

1. Tips to prepare to promote podcasts on social media
2. Tips on choosing music for podcasts
3. Expert tips on picking music for your podcasts.

Thank You for Joining

Thank you all for joining me on the show today.

If you enjoyed this episode then I am sure you will love some of the previous episodes as well. Pick your favorite ones and give them a listen.

The podcasting university is available on all podcasting platforms. You can pick your favorite one to listen to the show there. The links to some of the prominent ones are mentioned below.

CASTBOX: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/castbox
STITCHER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/stitcher
TUNEIN: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/tunein
GOOGLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/googlepodcasts
APPLE PODCASTS: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/itunes
PLAYER.FM: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/playerfm
SPOTIFY: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/spotify
HUBHOPPER: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/hubhopper
AMAZON PRIME: https://thepodcastinguniversity.com/prime

Recommended Resources for Podcasting

Here are some of the recommended resources for Podcasting. These are the ones that I personally use and am satisfied with and hence am recommending them.

• Acast Podcast hosting – Acast is my favorite podcast hosting company. They have excellent customer support, have a pocket-friendly plan, and even have a free option with no limits.
• Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
• Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast. Go to zencastr.com/pricing and use my code “thepodu” You’ll get 30 percent off your first three months of Zencastr professional.
• Audacity – This is the best and the most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone – My recommended microphone
• Tidycal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
• Fusebox – Embeddable Podcast Player
• Descript – Audio Editing, Transcription and Video editing software

AMAZON DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Podcasting University is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

MICROPHONES –

1. ATR-2100x
2. MAONO AU-HD300T : https://geni.us/ro48q
3. Maono AU-WDM01 : https://geni.us/PhZ3V2v
4. Samson Q2U – https://geni.us/k9cuk
5. Audio Technica AT 2035 – https://geni.us/g2URDI
6. Rode NT USB – https://geni.us/O6b65K
7. Shure MV7X – https://geni.us/w7rZ4

LAVELIER MICROPHONES

1. Boya ByM1 Auxillary Lavelier Microphone – https://geni.us/boyabym1lav
2. Boya ByM1 Pro Lavelier Microphones – https://geni.us/boyabym1prolav
3. Digitek Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/R3cGd
4. Boya – BYXM6 Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/OS6gq
5. Vook Dual Channel Wireless Microphone – https://geni.us/V9YBO1i

PORTABLE RECORDERS –

1. Zoom H5 Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/rVTAIAV
2. Zoom H1N Portable Recorder – https://geni.us/dOaDg

AUDIO INTERFACE –

1. Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 – https://geni.us/gBCjm
2. M-Audio M-Track Solo – https://geni.us/RnhHr
3. HAYDEN HY-229 – https://geni.us/c80KbWB

MIXERS –

1. HAYDEN 4 Channels – https://geni.us/cXQ0
2. Behringer Q502USB

MONITORING HEADPHONES –

1. Oneodio Studio Pro-10 : https://geni.us/IQI88Se
2. Maono AU-MH501 : https://geni.us/AbNrU
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X : https://geni.us/eEUf9

POP-FILTER –

1. JEYANG Metal Pop Filter – https://geni.us/JMfuY
2. Wright WP 101 – https://geni.us/OcOAzj

DESK-STAND/BOOM ARM –

1. MY-STANDS MC 18 : https://geni.us/Lwnb
2. Bulfyss Professional Recording Microphone Stand: https://geni.us/mV4S

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