Latest #VirtualPaul Posts

Why “Finding Your Voice” Through Podcasting is Like Opening a Restaurant to Learn How to Cook

Here’s the thing: publishing a podcast to “find your voice” is kind of like opening a restaurant to figure out how to cook. It’s backwards. It’s messy. And it’s a recipe for frustration—for you and your audience. Yet, so many podcasters jump into the game without a clear sense of who they are, what they’re about, or what they want to say. And then they wonder why their show isn’t resonating.

The Problem with “Finding Your Voice” After You Hit Publish

Imagine this: you open a restaurant. You’ve got the tables, the chairs, the menus, the staff. But you don’t actually know how to cook. So you start experimenting in the kitchen—while customers are waiting at their tables. The food is inconsistent. The service is slow. And the reviews? Let’s just say they’re not glowing. That’s what it’s like to publish a podcast before you’ve found your voice. You’re experimenting in public, and your audience is the one paying the price.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Experimentation is essential. But there’s a time and a place for it. And that time is before you open the doors—not after.

Why Your Voice Matters More Than You Think

Your voice is your podcast’s secret sauce. It’s what sets you apart from the sea of other shows out there. It’s what makes your audience connect with you, trust you, and keep coming back for more. Without a clear voice, your podcast is just noise. And in a world where everyone and their dog has a podcast, noise doesn’t cut it.

Finding your voice isn’t just about sounding good on the mic. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and what you want to say. It’s about being authentic, consistent, and intentional. And it’s about doing the work to figure all of that out before you hit record.

How to Find Your Voice Before You Publish

So, how do you find your voice without turning your audience into guinea pigs? Here are a few tips:

  1. Start with your “why”: Why are you podcasting? What’s your mission? What do you want to achieve? Your “why” is the foundation of your voice.
  2. Know your audience: Who are you speaking to? What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? The more you understand your audience, the clearer your voice will become.
  3. Practice, practice, practice: Before you publish, record a few episodes just for yourself. Experiment with different styles, formats, and topics. Listen back. Take notes. Refine.
  4. Get feedback: Share your practice episodes with a trusted friend or mentor. Ask for honest feedback. What’s working? What’s not? Use their insights to improve.
  5. Be patient: Finding your voice takes time. Don’t rush the process. Give yourself the space to explore, experiment, and grow.

The Bottom Line

Podcasting is an incredible tool for self-expression, connection, and impact. But if you’re publishing episodes to “find your voice,” you’re putting the cart before the horse. Take the time to figure out who you are and what you want to say before you hit publish. Your audience—and your podcast—will be better for it.

At The Podcast Partnership, we help podcasters like you create shows that engage, inspire, and deliver real results. Ready to find your voice and take your podcast to the next level? Let’s chat.