How to beat "Podfade": Let's crush those first 8 podcast episodes... and keep it going!
Starting a podcast? Amazing! But let’s be honest: most shows face “podfade” before they even reach episode eight. So how do you beat that trend and keep your podcast spark alive? Here are eight ways to make it to episode eight (and keep it going!).
1. Be Brutally Real About Your Time (and Boundaries)
Yes, being realistic about your time helps avoid “podfade”. But let's level up: it's not just about time, it’s about boundaries. Block out your podcasting hours like they’re “me time.” No guilt. No wiggle. That's how you protect creativity and consistency.
2. Lean on Structure Without Soul-Crushing Repetition
A tight structure (think format, release schedule, a hook per episode) is still gold. But here’s your unique spin: keep each episode feeling alive and fresh. If you’re repeating the same formula, remix it: change up the intro vibe, toss in a mini-story, or bring in a surprise co-host. It's structured with a dash of spice.
3. Build Episodes Like Lessons. Keep it Short and Sweet
The first eight episodes are a major milestone. But why stop there? Think of each as a micro-class: one clear takeaway, one emotional nugget, one tiny homework. Maybe that’s "one tip to make your voice sound less like a cat in a vacuum" or "a mini-challenge your listener can try right now." Learning that sticks builds habit, and habits keep you going.
4. Pre-Plan Like It’s Your Podcast’s Grand Piano
Most shows melt before episode eight when planning meets chaos. Rather than winging it, schedule a “pre-production sprint.” Block a weekend and script, record, and schedule your first 4–6 episodes in one go. It’s like batch-meal-prep, but with words and mic. This cushion means you're never scrambling for content when life gets busy.
5. Carve Out Your Podcast’s Special Sauce
You do need a standout angle, that’s your hallmark. But it’s more than a niche. It’s the slice of you you serve on every episode: that dry sarcasm, that Nordic efficiency, that vulnerable honesty. Tell yourself: “What’s my lens? What story only I can tell?” That’s what keeps listeners returning.
6. Grab Listeners at Hello… Hook Them (Then Deliver)
Every episode needs a hook. Yes, that’s still the compass of your show. But add your spin: start with an oddly specific sensory detail, like "that sound your dog makes when he forgets how to bark”, then link it to your topic. Odd, playful, and unforgettable.
7. Make It Feel Human, Not Polished
Sure, consistency is sexy… but sterile is soulless. Embrace the gentle stumbles, the authentic breaths, the mid-episode giggle. This builds connection, not polish. Because perfection? That’s a teaser. Vulnerability? That’s something your listener subscribes to.
8. Build for the Long Haul, But Romanticise the First eight
Most shows fade before seven episodes. So treat your first eight as a sweet honeymoon phase. Celebrate each as a mini-milestone. Share simple rewards: maybe a cheeky thank-you tweet thread, or a not-so-serious "I survived episode 3" bingo board. Make it fun. This is your origin story.
Final Word: Your Voice Is Enough
So, yes, plan smart, be consistent, and watch those eight episodes roll out. But more than anything, don’t lose yourself in the grind. Your quirks, your tangents, your gentle laugh, that’s your spark. Nurture it, and you don’t just avoid podfade. You glow. And your listeners will glow with you.
Ready to turn those first eight into the first of many? Let’s make your podcast unforgettable.