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Stop Podcasting for Yourself: Why You Are NOT Your Audience

Here’s a hard truth that every podcaster needs to hear: You are not the audience for your podcast. I know, I know—your show feels personal. It’s your voice, your stories, your ideas. But if you’re creating content that only appeals to you, you’re missing the mark. Big time.

Let’s break down why this mindset shift is critical—and how embracing it can transform your podcast into something that truly resonates with your listeners.

Why This Mistake Happens

Podcasting is intimate. It’s personal. You’re often recording in your home, pouring your heart and soul into the mic. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “If I love this, my audience will too.” But here’s the thing: Your audience isn’t you. They have different needs, interests, and expectations. And if you don’t take the time to understand them, your podcast will fall flat.

“If your podcast is for everybody, your podcast is for nobody.”

That’s one of my core beliefs. The more specific you are about who your podcast is for, the better you can serve them. And serving your audience is the key to building a loyal, engaged following.

How to Shift Your Focus

So, how do you stop podcasting for yourself and start podcasting for your audience? Here are three steps to get you on track:

1. Define Your Avatar: Who is your ideal listener? What are their pain points, interests, and goals? Get specific. If you can’t describe your audience in 10 words or less, you don’t know them well enough.
2. Listen to Your Audience: Ask for feedback. What topics do they want you to cover? What questions do they have? The more you engage with your listeners, the better you’ll understand how to serve them.
3. Deliver Value: Every episode should be about solving a problem, answering a question, or providing entertainment for your audience. It’s not about what you want to say—it’s about what they need to hear.

Why This Approach Works

When you focus on your audience, everything changes. Your content becomes more relevant. Your listeners feel seen and heard. And your podcast starts to grow—not because you’re chasing trends or trying to please everyone, but because you’re serving a specific group of people in a meaningful way.

Remember: They come for the content, but they stay for the voice. Your personality and perspective matter, but they’re the icing on the cake. The content—the value you provide—is the foundation.

Ready to Make the Shift?

If you’re serious about podcasting, it’s time to stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what your audience needs. That’s how you create a podcast that stands out, builds loyalty, and delivers real impact.

At Podcast Partnership, we help creators like you focus on what matters most: your audience. Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Visit podcastpartnership.com to learn more.

What’s your take? How are you making sure your podcast serves your audience? Let’s chat.