Real Truth About Consistency in Podcasting: It’s More Than Just Showing Up

Prologue

Let’s have an honest conversation about consistency—that magical word every content creator, coach, and “how to start a podcast” guru throws around like confetti. “Be consistent,” they say. “Drop episodes weekly or biweekly. Don’t break the flow.” But here's the thing… consistency looks different for everyone, especially if you’re an indie podcaster juggling work, family, and a life outside the mic.

OK now the real deal….. 

Let's dive into the concept of consistency and be completely honest about what it really means to us, or even to you personally. When you start podcasting, there's often a lot of emphasis on the need for consistency, especially regarding how frequently you release episodes—be it weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This advice seems to be endless… but have you ever thought about how important it is to strike a healthy work-life balance? 

Many people aren't aware of the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into podcasting. What listeners typically see is the polished final product, but have you considered the journey from the moment you hit record to when you finish editing?

If you're an indie podcaster with limited funds, you may not have the means to hire someone else to edit for you. Or perhaps you're the kind of indie podcaster who is just particular about how you want your show to sound. In that case, it’s understandable that you want your podcast—your passion project—to be absolutely perfect, without anyone interfering with your vision or dreams.

Now, let’s look at the reality of podcasting. I’m not talking about those podcasters who can afford to outsource work or are committed to making podcasting their entire career instead of treating it as a fun hobby. There’s a distinction here: a job is something from which you clock out at the end of the day, while a profession is something you love so much that you don't mind putting in extra hours. I picked up this idea from a Chris Rock joke in one of his Netflix specials.

So while you may think of consistency as delivering the same podcast with the same energy every time, it’s crucial to remember that you're human. There will be days when you’re not feeling well or when your emotions get the better of you. Sometimes, even if you’ve scheduled a podcast interview, it can be tough to muster the motivation to get on the mic and give it your all.

As you progress in your podcasting journey, you’ll realize that taking breaks is essential to ensure that when you do show up, you’re at 100%, ready to provide your listeners with the best of what you have to offer.

So What Is Consistency, Really?

Consistency is NOT:

• Forcing yourself to record when you're emotionally drained.

• Pushing out an episode just to meet a self-imposed deadline.

• Pretending everything’s perfect behind the mic.

Consistency IS:

• Setting realistic goals based on your capacity.

• Taking breaks when needed so you can come back refreshed.

• Communicating with your audience and being transparent when life happens.

• Honoring the creative process—not rushing it.

My Final Thoughts

If you’re a new podcaster or even a seasoned indie creator, don’t let the pressure to “stay consistent” make you lose the love for what you’re doing. You’re allowed to pause, to breathe, to be human. And honestly? That’s what will keep your podcast alive in the long run—not perfection, but authenticity.

💬 What does consistency mean to you? Drop your thoughts or share your own behind-the-scenes podcasting story. Let's get real about the process.

pic courtesy....online web dossier

Disclaimer: I like to think of myself as both smart and a bit lazy! With the help of AI tools, creating my posts has become much easier and more enjoyable. That said, I’ve still done my research and shared my thoughts in my own way. Technology has made it simple to present my ideas clearly, helping you to easily read and understand them without any tricky jargon or expressions.