How can podcasters overcome imposter syndrome?

Podcasters can overcome imposter syndrome by recognizing and reframing negative thoughts. Acknowledge your accomplishments, skills, and the value you bring to your audience. Focus on continuous improvement rather than perfection. Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements. Seek constructive feedback from your audience and peers to gain external validation. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, and growth is a gradual process. Connect with other podcasters to share experiences and support one another. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and be kind to yourself. Overcoming imposter syndrome is an ongoing journey, and with time and self-compassion, podcasters can build confidence in their abilities.

While being in the audio industry for more than a decade, I experienced imposter syndrome firsthand when I had to start my podcast. Here's what I did. Wear blinders like a horse wears. Make your podcast launch plan and only focus on that. Create a close-knit community for feedback. Only focus on their feedback and avoid everything else. Of course, choose Feedback Community Members wisely. Keep on focusing on publishing your episodes. If possible have a podcast mentor in your community. Track your progress with them and keep your eyes and ears SHUT for the rest of the world.

Be a Student of Life and of the Craft. Having the attitude of I'm learning a new skill minimizes the pressure of imposter syndrome. Every attempt unlocks a way of expressing competence in mastering this skill. Everyone is a learner until they become a master by practising and applying. There is no imposter syndrome. Just a pressure from society to be perfect, to be competent before you show yourself to the market. Be like a child who is learning to walk. Falling down is part of the experience. You don't talk bad about a child falling down. You encourage them and smile and they get back up. Be a child. If you choose to look at life from the eyes of a learner, you will discover new things that may not be obvious.

I come from a non-media background and started podcasting with 0 knowledge and expertise. It is more about how passionate you feel with the medium and how hard you are trying to overcome all the difficulties. Learn those skills to up level your podcasting experience. Today, I have 2.5 lakhs downloads and two awards for my show. The mantra is to try new things, give your best, don't strive for perfection and never quit because it is a long-term game.

From the moment you commit to the decision to releasing that first episode, to getting the very first download - CELEBRATE. Fight the urge to compare, because that is taking away from your experience and clouding your journey. Know that you have a unique voice and as long as you are committed to delivering value, you will connect with the right audience. There are billions of people in the world, so while your content might not be for everyone - you absolutely have an audience waiting to hear from you. Acknowledge the milestones, and the impact you’re making. A ripple has to start somewhere. Confidence grows with every victory lap.

This is the most important thing to do when it comes to tackling imposter syndrome as a podcaster. Sure, there will probably be someone else who podcasts about what you are podcasting about, but no one will say it like you. No one will share the examples you have. Own that! With podcasting, you get to be uniquely you and no one can take that away.

Remember, every single person suffers from imposter syndrome. This simply becomes a fact of life when you're starting / creating anything. "I'm not that great ..." "I don't belong here" Find a community of others that you can talk w/ mutual support.

Remember that the mistakes are what make us human and a podcast is about not only your topic of choice but allowing people to get to know you - flaws and all! We all have them!

Less expectations and celebrating small wins in the key. Do not expect unrealistic listens for your podcast. Study articles on what are average listens to a podcast. The top 3% of podcasts in the world don't get more than 700 listens in a week. Compare your progress with it. Again, being a podcast mentor, I would always suggest getting one on board as they help you set realistic goals. Always remember your WHY. I am sure most answers would be that you enjoy conversations with like-minded people or industry experts, or that this is your way of learning and growing. Focus only on your podcast purpose and you'll automatically see the imposter syndrome fading away. After all, practice and consistency help you master the art.

Normalizing the thoughts associated with imposter syndrome happens to every human who is grounded by the desire to do better than the day or moment before is the first step. If you are able to say to yourself, okay, these thoughts are happening because I want to be the best version of me I can be and want that to reflect on the work I do, interviews I host, intimacy I create with my audience, etc… then you lessen the anxiousness that could tip you into a shame spiral. After you do this, I encourage you to circle up with 3-5 other podcast professionals and create a support pod. Exchange best practices, gift each other REAL TALK moments (challenges or stuck points) with podcasting. Grow together and you’ll go further. With love- ♾️💜💋