Podcasting is the quintessential independent work platform. Now, just to be clear, from this side of the tracks, a podcast is not automatically the same as podcasting. There are many commercial radio shows that post segments and episodes on a podcast platform after the original show airs on radio. That’s different. I’m talking about podcasters that produce shows from start to finish and live or die by their download count. Though the podcasting landscape is rich with a variety of shows to fit almost anyone’s fancy, finding and keeping loyal listeners presents a set of challenges commercial radio podcasts don’t necessarily deal with. The competition is fierce and the niches get more crowded by the day. So, when podcasters toast to their latest episode release, that sense of exhilaration is short lived as the reality of the podcast hustle sets in, turning that glass of champagne into a shot of liquor. Here are five things that bring the pressure on for podcasters.
1. Not meeting a deadline
Many podcasts have a set schedule of when they release new episodes. Though having deadlines is likely the best motivator of all to complete a show, it also creates pressure as dates draw near and you are nowhere near finished. There are, of course, a plethora of variables that attribute to this, but none more uncontrollable than time itself. For example, because independent podcasters generally have other means of generating income, podcasting has to take a back seat to other priorities. Thus, one cannot escape the matter of a limited quantity of hours in a day. Even for commercial podcasters, time is never a true friend.
2. Losing part or all of recorded tracks
Imagine being almost done with an episode due for release in a couple of days, or even a couple of hours. And then, the unthinkable happens: You go to finalize the show and part of it is missing. Being quite certain it was saved the last time you opened the program, you search and search and nope it isn’t there. You know throwing stuff at the computer is a bad idea, so you toss a pillow or something unbreakable against the couch. That still does nothing to relieve the rising of your inner temperature, so out comes the whiskey.
3. Cancellations
Sometimes podcasters use part of their homes as makeshift studios. Setting things up often takes a little time if the studio is a part time thing. The lucky ones have a section of their house solely for the purpose of a sound studio, and the real pros have an office/studio somewhere. Whatever the case may be, inviting guests or voice actors on your show takes a little planning and probably a bit of setup time. A wise podcaster told me once to always have a backup guest in case someone flakes out or has to cancel for good reasons. Of course, sometimes entire shows are centered on particular guests, it can be quite irritating when one cancels. These kinds of setbacks are a good cause for cheap wine if they happen midweek.
4. Technical difficulty
Now, technical difficulty can mean different things to different levels of podcasters. Software, Internet, and computer glitches can spell disaster for most podcasters. However, technical difficulties often extend beyond your keyboard and mouse. Recently I had an issue with my Mackie board. During takes I kept hearing a crackling noise. I thought for sure it was a loose input or perhaps a bad XLR cable. And this went on for weeks, in and out, raising my blood pressure in the process. Getting through a take without any cracking was something to celebrate. Then, a good friend with a sound engineering background told me to not plug directly into the wall and use a surge protector. Sure enough, it was evidently a grounding issue. But when the crackling was relentless, I had to take a swig of bourbon to calm my nerves.
5. Losing Listenership
What do all podcasters want? Listeners. When do they want them? Now. A good production with good content is always a winning formula. However, marketing is also a key in growing your download count. And sometimes, let’s be honest, marketing is a tricky business. Which is why people who are really good at it charge a king’s ransom for their services. Networking, word-of-mouth and trying everything under the sun to get the word out about your show are what most podcasters end up doing. Getting good results means periods of elation and temporary euphoria. Not getting a lot of downloads or activity on your show can really be deflating at times. And the more the numbers drop, the more gets poured in the glass.
If there is one thing I wish to convey to my fellow podcasters is you will never find the answers to podcasting woes in a liquor bottle. Hopefully, you pop open more champagne to celebrate the success of your work. The podcasting arena is not always generous, but it is still unchartered waters for the most part. Podcasters are pioneers, cutting paths through the wilderness because it is actually a whole new world, and they are providing an alternative to commercial radio and entertainment. A salute to podcasters large and small everywhere…CHEERS!
JV is the creator of the audio drama THE RISE OF KING ASILAS, and the author of an upcoming novel of the same title. Follow on Twitter @kingasilas.
