The benefits of hosting a podcast

In 2019, my friend Tyler and I started a podcast called Startup to Last. Both Tyler and I are founders of software companies. Tyler’s company is ten-plus years old, and my company is just getting started. Each week, we update each other on our businesses and discuss the new challenges and opportunities we each are facing. 

A few weeks ago, Startup to Last published its 52nd episode. It was a big milestone. Since it is a weekly podcast, this episode roughly represents our 1-year anniversary. I’m glad Tyler and I have stuck with it.

There are many obvious benefits to hosting a podcast. 

First, it’s a total ego boost. I get to say I’m a podcast host and you can find my name listed in most podcast apps.

Second, it has been a terrific way for Tyler and I to grow our long distance relationship. Tyler lives 1,300 miles away from me in Missouri. One 1-hour call per week adds up over the course of 52 weeks. We often cover an uncomfortable topic which requires us to be vulnerable with each other. I’ve gotten to know Tyler on a much deeper level over the last year.

Third, I get free business advice from a super smart dude every week. It’s almost like having a formal advisor, except better. Tyler has no skin in the game, so I don’t question the purity of his counsel.

Fourth, the podcast has led to new relationships and a growing audience. I estimate we have 75 regular listeners and we add new listeners every month. Often, our listeners will reach out to us via social media or email and to discuss the topics we’re covering. We also receive topic requests from our most active listeners. I’ve really enjoyed the community building aspects of podcasting. 

But, there is also another benefit I never expected. The most valuable podcast I listen to today is Startup to Last. At first, listening to yourself is cringe-worthy. The umms, the likes, and the mispronunciations of words add up fast. But once you get past the awkwardness, listening to your own podcast helps in two important ways. 

First, I’m able to improve my verbal communication. I’m saying “umm” and “like” far less often. I’m also enunciating words better. Don’t let me kid you, I’ve still got a long way to go before I sound like a professional. Though, I’m confident my voice and cadence will continue to improve over time.

Second, I get to hear myself “think out loud”. When I share a problem or opportunity with Tyler, he often asks questions or challenges me. This forces me to think and respond in the moment. When I’m able to listen to these exchanges later, I gain much more clarity on the subject we’re discussing. It’s amazing how much we fail to hear in the moment. Listening to the recordings helps me clarify the takeaways from our conversations and act on them with confidence.

Hosting a podcast has many benefits, but my favorite is being able to listen to myself think out loud. Listening to myself think enables me to make better decisions.