The trajectory is something like this:
✔ They have been (rightfully) told they have the magnetism and mic appeal to carry a podcast
✔ They have a differentiated POV, maybe even a deliciously hot take
✔ They start asking me questions like: what equipment should I get? I have to do video, right? What’s the best length for an episode?
And then…nothing.
OR...
✔ They’ve started their podcast
✔ They’re humming along, recording great conversations with powerful people
✔ They’ve started to identify as a podcaster–both internally and externally
And then…nothing.
In the world of podcastery, we have a name for this: podfade. And it hits faster, sooner, and more often than anyone realizes. Sometimes before a podcast even starts.
podfade
/ˈpädˌfād/ (noun)
The sudden, fanfare-free disappearance of a podcast after the initial burst of enthusiasm wears off–typically after episode 3, which is where nearly half of all creators quit. Only 8% of shows actually survive to see double digits.
And if you are among the rare class of creators who have survived the creeping specter of podfade and made it to episode 30: congratulations, you’re in the elite 1% of podcasters!
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Since I know some of you have been in this podcasting game for some time (or are merely operating in a podcast-adjacent function)...Though this particular story is about beginning, I’m just as interested in what it takes to continue… to keep creating without burning yourself out, getting lost in the sauce, or quietly podfading into the abyss.
