Can You Do A Solo Podcast?

The podcasting world has grown so much over the last few years and nowadays, there are various ways you can format a podcast. There are solo podcasts, interview podcasts, co-hosted conversational podcasts, roundtable podcasts, narrative podcasts, and even scripted murder mystery podcasts. Such a huge variety!

So, the question of the day is: can you do a solo podcast? Well, the short answer is…of course you can! Podcasts are becoming more and more popular every single day, so it’s no wonder that you might be thinking about starting one yourself. And if so, you’ve totally come to the right place! Here at Dear Media, we know a little something about podcasting and we’re here to answer alllll your questions about starting a solo podcast!

Can You Do A Solo Podcast?

The answer is YES. Solo podcasts are wildly successful and you can totally do it! Okay guys, let’s get right down to it: if you’ve been dreaming of starting a solo podcast, your dream might be closer to reality than you think! There are tons of successful solo podcasts out there like Looking Up, Recovering from Reality, It’s Sure is a Beautiful Day, and so many more!

Starting a solo podcast is a fantastic way to get the ball rolling and see if podcasting is something you’re actually interested in doing long-term. In fact, starting a solo podcast might even be the easiest route to take at first…this way you can make absolutely sure that you enjoy being on this side of the microphone!

Plus, you don’t have to stop at a solo podcast. As you grow your podcast, you may want to try your hand at interviewing, co-hosting, or roundtable conversations. Solo podcasting opens up a lot of room for thought and realization and it’s really common for solo podcasters to evolve, host their own shows, co host occasionally, and bring on guests regularly. So you can mix it up. In reality, it’s all about getting the most out of your podcast and choosing whichever podcast format you enjoy most!

So, with that being said, there is alot to consider when thinking about starting a solo podcast. Let’s take a quick look at some suuuper helpful tips to keep in mind as you move forward with your solo podcast!

What To Consider When Starting A Solo Podcast

How will you come up with topics?

As a solo host, it can sometimes be hard to brainstorm, research, and prepare topics to discuss on a regular basis. Take some time to think about whether or not you can consistently come up with new and awesome topics, or whether you’d prefer to have a co-host or team that could contribute to the creation of new ideas.

Are you knowledgeable about your topics?

When it comes to podcasting, listeners need to feel like they can trust their host. So, it’s important to ask yourself: Am I an expert about this subject? Do I know enough about this subject to lead a conversation about it? Can I provide any additional insights or share my point of view about this topic? For example, Dr. Jackie, podcast host of Dr. Jackie’s Point of V, trained OB-GYN, and bestselling author, is an expert in her field which has helped make her podcast that much more successful and trustworthy.

Do you have an interesting point of view?

As a solo podcaster, your point of view is very important because it is what draws listeners in and keeps them coming back for more. Before recording your first podcast, be sure to consider your point of view and make sure that you’re ready to share your thoughts and opinions with potential listeners! For an example of a solo podcast host with an interesting, entertaining, and unique point of view, take some time to check out Absolutely Not! with Heather McMahan.

Can you speak for a whole episode?

Depending on the podcast, episodes can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2-3 hours – wow! But, what’s important to remember here is that, as a solo host, you’ll be the only person talking the entire time. So, be sure to consider how long you feel comfortable talking and if you have enough content, knowledge, and topics to create whole episodes on your own.

How many episodes/seasons can you record?

It’s also important to consider how many episodes or seasons you think you could record alone. Are you prepared to create whole seasons of content by yourself? Or would you rather have an occasional interview, a co-host, or a team of people to assist with content creation? Anisha Ramakrishna, host of Currently Cringing, is a great example of a podcast host who easily creates content on her own, but who also occasionally brings in special guests, experts, and friends to fill time and create more awesome episodes!

Are you prepared for the workload?

From researching topics and creating episode outlines to editing and marketing each episode for release, podcasting can be A LOT of work for just one person. Be sure to consider the amount of time you have to devote to podcasting and if you’re willing to take on this type of workload!

Do you have the motivation?

Starting a podcast by yourself can require a ton of self-motivation! Without a co-host or team for support, you have to complete each and every task on your own. And to some people, this can seem super daunting. Before you start a podcast on your own, just be sure that you’ve got the time and motivation to see your dream through!

Do you have access to a podcast studio?

This is such an important question for all new podcastsers, especially solo hosts. Figuring out where and how you will record your podcast episodes is one of the biggest considerations for starting a podcast. Luckily, there are many options to consider for how you will record your podcast. You can rent a studio, set up your own podcast studio, or work with a producing company that can help you find the resources you need!

Are you financially prepared for an investment in podcasting?

Investing in podcasting equipment, technology, editing software, and more doesn’t have to break the bank. But, at the end of the day, it can still require a substantial upfront investment, especially if you’re planning to incur all the costs by yourself. Be sure to take some time to research costs and prepare yourself financially for the creation of your podcast!

Are you ready to do it ALL?

And lastly, are you mentally, physically, and financially prepared to do it ALL? Starting a podcast by yourself is totally doable and we definitely encourage you to give it a try! There are sooo many successful solo podcasters out there and you can totally be one too! Just be sure that you’re ready to take on everything from planning and scheduling to recording and releasing each and every episode on your own.

For more information about alllll things podcasting…

Here at Dear Media, we love sharing all the best tips and tricks for becoming the absolute best podcaster you can be! From How to Write a Good Podcast Description to Ways to Promote Your Podcast and How to Measure Your Podcast Performance, we’ve totally got you covered! For beginners, we also highly recommend checking out Everything You Need to Launch Your Podcast and How to Title Podcast Episodes! We hope you guys found this article super helpful and we wish you the best of luck starting your podcast! And as always, don’t be afraid to drop your favorite solo podcasts below along with any questions or comments you might still have!