How can podcasters manage their stress levels?

First off, remember to breathe—no one wants a hyperventilating host. Treat your goals like episodes: don't expect an Oscar-winning performance every time. Sometimes your 'umms' and 'ahhs' add character, just like that lovable but slightly weird uncle. Delegate tasks like you're casting co-hosts—spread the workload. And hey, if the stress monsters still lurk, visualize them as grumpy listeners who forgot to hit the 'subscribe' button. Embrace the chaos, crack a joke, and remember, editing out stress is just as important as editing out background noise!

First of all it’s absolutely normal to feel stressed or anxious. It means you care! You care about the podcast, the people you want to interview or the topics you want to highlight on the show. To begin your podcast journey, I’d suggest to start by identifying your access. It could be: - Access to the people who will resonate with your vision (in my case the network of immigrants) - Access to the case studies or resources (just like Andrew Huberman has) - Access to the existing following (if you already create content) Don’t wait for stars to align. Just take the first step and everything will align automatically.

Podcasters are typically thought leaders and innovators. This often correlates to high performing lifestyles which can result in non-optimal physical conditions in the body- fatigue, brain fog, adrenal stress. In my experience, there are hidden physiological stressors that when identified and handled will result in increased energy, clearer thinking and the ability to be creative and present for others- key attributes of a fantastic Podcaster!

The first thing is to aks yourself if what you are telling yourself is true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind. The THINK method. Sometimes we create a false narrative about what we are stressed about and can resolve the upsets before we go down the rabbit hole. If what you are feeling is causing discomfort or stress, feel it. Understand where it's coming from and take time to write about it. Often times we just say, "I'm stressed" and allow that to be our story. Find a new narrative by understanding where the stress is coming from. Awareness is the first step to change.

Often stress comes from feeling overwhelmed & underprepared ... Show up early & come prepared! Is the audio right? Do you know how to pronounce their name? Are you familiar with your guest's background? Do you know what to do immediately after the interview? etc. etc. A checklist may be useful :)

Don't forget that the path you expect to take can go places you'd never have imagined. As long as you make a show you love, success will come from unexpected places. Make something important and let the universe guide you.

Just because your favourite podcaster publishes new episodes weekly, and they are an hour or more long, doesn’t mean you have to do the same. I’d suggest: - Creating and publishing whatever length and frequency suits you best (I started with 30 min and now an year later it goes up to 2 hours sometimes) - Being consistent is the key. It’s like building a muscle. Decide on a frequency. Whether weekly, bi-weekly or monthly episodes and stick with it. You’ll be surprised how your mind and body works in tandem to make it happen.

Consistency is everything. Be consistent with your format, the time/date you release episodes, the length, your format, your voice, your energy, etc. Once you know who you are and who your audience is you can better push your boundaries and serve your audience.

Leveraging my previous point, decide on a schedule and stick with it. In the initial weeks or months, it will be hard or unattainable. It’s absolutely normal. We are all human. Life happens and you might not adhere to it and schedule 1 less introductory call a week with your potential guest. Pro tip: Have at least 7 episodes ready to publish before you launch your show.

Consistency Is everything. You're not just gaining an audience but training an audience. Training an audience is how you keep listeners. You become a part of their lives. Their routines. They count on you to be consistent and give them what they want. For example if you come out Thursday night your audience will associate you with their Friday drive to or from work. Or better yet, they associate you with the weekend. They work a hard week. And they know, they start the weekend with you.

Seek support by: - Asking your guests to share the episode featuring them or any other episode they might like - Asking your listeners at the beginning or at the end to subscribe and reach out to you on your socials if any particular episode resonates with them - Reaching out to people already in podcasting for any suggestions or tips Don’t hesitate to ask for the guidance or feedback. Feedback is very, very, very essential to help you drive your show and a little appreciation is always encouraging.

It takes a village to build a podcast. Always be networking and learning from others. You never know what opportunities may arise. You never know who can plug you into a great opportunity. Be open and collaborate.

In Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich", he talks about the importance of finding people who can do a job better than you. In other words, find others who can support you so that you're not always doing all the work. Delegate responsibilities. Trust others to be part of your process. Reclaim your time. This gives you time to grow your network so you can friendwork, and build relationships.

We do have the tendency to move on to the next thing rather than celebrating and patting your back for the work you’ve done. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements (12 Episodes or 25 episodes). And take a break when necessary. Sometimes you need that to rejuvenate and come back with more zeal and enthusiasm.

The more consistent you can be and the more streamlined you can make your process the more time you can spend outside your podcast. Build a team so you can delegate responsibilities and free yourself up.

How in the world are you going to show up for others if you don't show up for yourself? Take time to find tools to self-regulate before you press record. Get outside and experience moments of awe. Podcasters spend a lot of time in a closed room, sometimes with no windows.

Practice breathing techniques to massage the vocal cords and diaphragm. You're going to be doing a lot o of breathing and talking. So treat it like an instrument you tune. It requires care too.

Find self-soothing tools that change the brain. I use Havening Techiniques. I'm also a practitioner. And when I am anxious or overwhelmed, I pause and use this self-applied, neuroscience-based approach to turn chaos into calm. It's like CPR for the Amygdala. Trust yourself. You're here because you have a story to tell or a voice to amplify. The loudest voice is your own. Make sure the thoughts are good ones...HIListically Speaking.

At the end of a record session I feel a buzz. Its addictive. Create a space or conversation that fuels your desire to create.