The One About the Secrets of Success

The other day, I happened to listen to a really bad podcast interview. 🫢

There were a lot of things that contributed to this, but the top ones were that the questions were generic, the host didn’t listen to what the guest was actually saying, and they consistently talked over their guest (one of my WORST podcast pet peeves, btw.). And overall, although the host was technically doing all the things a podcast host should do, it just wasn’t working.

And why was all this so noticeable? Because I listen to and have listened to so many amazing podcast interviews over the years.

And do you know what all these amazing interviews have in common? I’ll give you a hint…it’s a word that is often used to describe amazing things…from great works of art to the world’s best musicians, and athletes, and even groundbreaking feats of design…

And that word is effortless.

Which is ironic, because there was most certainly A LOT of effort that went on behind the scenes to get to that point where it feels like this success just happened.

And if we’re talking about the secrets of success – for podcasting or for any area of your life – this has to be one of the top ones…hard work will always be a direct determinant of success. There are no two ways about it. Success is built upon consistent, diligent effort.

But, there is a catch. Oftentimes, that hard work – that effort – has to stay a secret. 🤫

Because here’s another secret of success…hard work speaks for itself. You don’t have to speak for it.

A successful podcast host shouldn’t have to tell their audience how hard they work, how much preparation they put in, or even how much editing went on behind the scenes to create their episodes.

ALL of this will be evident in an episode that feels effortless. And it's these podcasts that ultimately experience that long-term podcast success.
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​My final takeaway is this: Hard work and diligent effort will always be the foundation of success. But the real secret is letting that hard work speak for itself.

- Jennay

P.S. I get real nerdy about the “secret things” that make for great podcast interviews in this post. So if you want to learn more about the art of podcast interviewing, check it out. 👇

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Pssst! 🤫 Stay tuned! Carli has another secret for success to share with you today! 🤩

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Behind the Scenes...and Beyond the Mic

The ✨LATEST✨ episode of Business Beyond the Mic is here! And if you're looking to find out more about the correlation between podcasting and brand building, this is one episode you don't want to miss!

This week Carli van Heerden sits down with Lauren Teague, the all-in-one business strategist, speaker, startup founder, and podcast host (to name a few)!

Lauren is also the Founder of FANWAGN and the host of the Brands to Fans Show, so Lauren knows that the secret to building a great business is cultivating fandom rather than followers. 🤩

And she's sharing her secrets with us!

Lauren also shares her 💥SUPERPOWER💥 when it comes to podcasting and how that completely elevated her show!

Believe us, you do NOT want to miss this! Hit this link to tune in now, and be sure to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen in! 🎧

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Links Worth A Look...

• Some food for thought from Sounds Profitable: Putting Success In Your Way With Video. 🎬
• Top Podcast Recommendations Alert! 🚨Apple shares the most popular podcasts of 2023. (Hint! Keep a lookout for our list dropping in December!)
• And finally, a little bit of controversy...earlier this week, Auddia Announced Commercial Free Podcasting Enabled by Proprietary New AI Technology...but it didn't receive the warmest of responses...check out some feedback from Podnews readers here...🫣

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Founder's Corner

With December upon us, it can be so hard to slow down. We are planning ahead, trying to work ahead of schedule, and really ramping up on all cylinders before the holiday season hits!

This can bring with it all kinds of new stresses. But with all the things still on your to-do list, how can you remain productive without burning out? 🧐

So often we can get caught up in the hustle and grind, while also trying to "have it all". Especially if you are internally driven by high or unrealistic standards.

I talked about this in greater detail in last week's newsletter. So if you're curious, read it here. 👈

Somewhere along the way, we have become inundated with the belief that success is an all-or-nothing game; a game in which every milestone must be reached flawlessly!

The truth? These big triumphs don't sustain us. In fact, it's the collection of small victories that truly move the needle.

Now, the good news is...

It is possible to have success without the burnout! 🏆🏆

Let's start by really defining what success means to you.

In a world that is constantly telling you what to do, who to be like, and how to get there, it can be really hard to find your own voice.

But I'm here to tell you, if you want to find that lasting success without the burnout, then it is crucial for you to define success on your own terms!

So let's look at three keys to keep in mind when defining success for yourself.

► Throw Comparison out the Window.🪟

Not only will comparison steal your joy, but it won't actually help you get closer to achieving success. So throw that bad boy right out the window. Focus on what success means to you, and then invest your energy into achieving just that.

Just because other podcasters have already recorded all of their episodes for the rest of the year, doesn't mean that will necessarily work for you. Set your goal - whether that's being two weeks ahead of schedule, or one month - and then invest your energy into doing just that.

► Create Success Categories. 🪜

Your definition of success should always be specific to your current goals and needs. Therefore, you have to break success into categories 👉 past, present, and future.

If you are just starting out on your podcasting journey, then it doesn't help if your definition of success is the same as someone who is three years and 150 episodes deep.

Yes, those types of goals may be in your future, but that is not where you are now. File that away for "future you", and get back to putting your energy into what you need to do today to find success.

► Set Your Own Standards. 📊

Whatever your definition of success, it is important to remember that you DO NOT have to live by anyone else's standards. You are the author of your life, so make sure that you are writing accordingly.

I heard an interesting phrase this week:

"Set up your expectations so that victory lies in every step!"

Perhaps your definition of success includes a fancy new holiday episode, or maybe you simply have time for a re-run. That is okay!

Find what works with your schedule and what you can accomplish. When you are the one setting the standards for yourself, you will find so much more joy doing it.

Okay, so now you've defined success. What is next?

Build in R&R(&R)! 🧘🧘‍♀️

Yes, that's right. You have to build rest, relaxation - and my personal favorite, reflection - into your daily and weekly routine. Prioritizing self-care, or as I like to say, "the art of nurturing the soul" is essential if you want success without the burnout!

So often, our self-care takes a back seat or becomes a casualty of our relentless pursuit of excellence. But if you are not at your best, then how can your results be the best? We need to "nourish" what carries us through our accomplishments!

Now it might be hard to see where in your schedule you can fit that R&R(&R). And I'm not here to tell you to spend more time at the spa than at work.. because that too is unrealistic if you want to achieve your goals. But you have to find moments to schedule it in.

To make this a bit easier, let's look at this mindset shift:

► "Self-care is not an act of indulgence, but instead it is a necessary act of self-preservation!"

Navigating this can truly require you to create a tapestry, weaving together both excellence and well-being.

By defining what success means to you and scheduling in your self-care, you honor both your pursuit of excellence and your prioritization of well-being.

Now be warned: the path that lies ahead is certainly not devoid of challenges. However, you will be continuously guided by accomplishment and fulfillment.

So embrace this delicate art of navigating burnout, seeing it not as a burden to carry, but as a true testament to your strength!

Until next week...

Happy podcasting! 🎧

The Team at We Edit Podcasts

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