School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast From Idea to Launch: How Long Does It Really Take to Start a Podcast?
Welcome back! In this episode, I tackle this month’s big question: "How long did it take you to bring your podcast from an idea in your head to execution—and how long to find your audience?"
I share stories from guest contributors and reflect on my own process after launching nearly 40 different shows over the years. Todd the Gator kicks things off describing how his gaming show “Guardian Downcast” was born, with community members pulling him into hosting after another podcast called it quits. He recalls the whirlwind of learning what a podcast actually is, how to publish it, and how long it took their show to fully find its identity—hint: half their existence!
Steve Stewart joins in, sharing that his first podcast took a full year to go from idea to launch. Facing the usual fears and uncertainty, Steve found accountability and guidance with a coach, which made all the difference. He also talks about the slow climb to finding an audience and how connecting with similar podcasts really helped boost those early numbers.
Chris shares a personal journey that traces 20 years of tinkering before launching his current show “Cool Cars with Chris.” After plenty of experimenting and previous podcasts, he finally returned to his passion for cars and found a format that felt true to himself.
I reflect on my own timelines, explaining that those first launches tend to take much longer thanks to the steep learning curve. Once I got the hang of things, I could launch new shows in a day or even a weekend. That said, good planning is key. I break down a suggested six-week timeline for new podcasters—everything from concept and audience research to equipment, recording, editing, feedback, and hosting. Trust me, the more time you spend planning in the beginning, the less time you’ll be spending fixing things later.
We also dig into the importance of feedback. Whether you’re getting listeners’ reactions or setting up listening parties to watch how your core audience responds, feedback is what helps you refine and grow your show.
I wrap up with tips for making your podcast stand out, advice for building a website and collecting email addresses, and a reminder that your launch strategy matters as much as your content. Plus, a quick book recommendation for anyone working on their visuals—and a little movie review, just for fun!
As Always - It Depends
If your podcast is "just for fun" then maybe you don't need to spend so much time thinking about how your show will be different. You do need to check and make sure someone else is not using your name.
Check out the Podcast Launch Checklist
When It Comes to Podcast Marketing
At it's basic form, podcast marketing strategies start with knowing who your audience is (specifically) and going to where they are. Then make friends with them, and finally tell them about your show.
Thanks To The Contributors!
Steve Stewart - Podcast Editors Academy
Chris Smith - Cool Cars With Chris
Todd the Gator - Guardian Downcast / Fifty Years Experience Required
Links referenced in this episode:
- schoolofpodcasting.com
- guardiandowncast.com
- 50yearsexperiencerequired.com
- coolcarswithchris.com
- podcasteditoracademy.com
- schoolofpodcasting.com
- stevestewart.com
- podcastinghotseat.com
Mentioned in this episode:
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Mark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Question of the Month November 2025
What do you wish you had known before starting a podcast? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question and answer, and be sure to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so we can link to it in the show notes.
I'd Love T See you!
I will be at the following events: November 8, Podindy.com Whiteland Indiana January 15-18 Podfest Multimedia Expo in Orlando, Fl February 17–20, 2026 NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention, Nashville, Tennessee
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