Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t have to churn out a new podcast episode every single week to be successful. You don’t have to hit 52 episodes a year. You don’t have to grind yourself into the ground trying to keep up with some imaginary standard. In fact, taking a break—or even running reruns—might just be the smartest move you can make for your show. Let’s break it down.
Somewhere along the way, the idea of weekly podcasting became gospel. “You have to release every week, or your audience will forget you!” Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: that’s not true. Not for everyone, anyway. Podcasting isn’t a one-size-fits-all game. Your audience doesn’t care about how often you release—they care about the value you deliver. If you’re cranking out episodes just to hit a schedule, you’re missing the point. And your audience can tell. Trust me, they can feel it when you’re phoning it in.
Here’s a thought: what if you treated your podcast like a TV show? Seasons, themes, and yes—hiatuses. Taking a break between seasons isn’t just okay; it can be a game-changer. It gives you time to recharge, plan, and come back stronger. Plus, it creates anticipation. Your audience will look forward to your return, especially if you’ve left them with a killer season finale. Michael Hyatt did this brilliantly, shifting his podcast to a seasonal model and completely reinventing his approach in the process [6].
Think reruns are lazy? Think again. Your back catalog is a goldmine. If you’ve been podcasting for a while, chances are you’ve got episodes that are just as relevant today as they were when you first released them. Why not reintroduce them to your audience? Highlight your best work, give it a fresh intro, and remind your listeners why they fell in love with your show in the first place. I’ve seen episodes from years ago still pulling in downloads because they hit the right keywords and deliver timeless value [5].
Another way to break free from the weekly grind? Batch your episodes. Record multiple episodes in one go, then release them on a schedule that works for you. This approach not only saves time but also allows you to focus on quality over quantity. You can even release an entire season at once for binge-listening or drip them out over time [4][8]. The point is, you’re in control. Use that control to create a schedule that serves both you and your audience.
Here’s a radical idea: ask your audience what they want. Do they need a weekly fix, or would they prefer deep-dive seasons? Would they appreciate reruns of your greatest hits? Your audience is your greatest asset, and they’ll often tell you exactly what they need—if you’re willing to listen [7].
Podcasting isn’t about following someone else’s rules. It’s about creating something that works for you and your audience. Whether that means taking a hiatus, running reruns, or switching to a seasonal model, the choice is yours. Remember, the goal isn’t to produce more episodes—it’s to produce better ones. So take a breath, rethink your strategy, and give yourself permission to break the mold. Your audience—and your sanity—will thank you.
At The Podcast Partnership, we help podcasters like you create shows that engage, inspire, and deliver real results. Ready to take your podcast to the next level? Let’s chat.