“Reaching 50 episodes of the Impact Through Voice Podcast feels like a dream come true.” - Lisa Hugo

Introduction:

Reaching 50 episodes of the Impact Through Voice Podcast feels like a dream come true. When I started this journey, I had no idea how much podcasting would transform not only my business but also my life. It’s been a platform to amplify my voice, connect with incredible people, and share valuable insights with entrepreneurs and experts like you.

This milestone is a moment to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned, the challenges I’ve faced, and the incredible power of podcasting to create visibility, build connections, and make an impact. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, just starting out, or simply curious about the process, I hope this post inspires you to take your voice to the next level.

The Power of Visibility: If You’re Not Visible, You’re Invisible

As entrepreneurs and experts, we all have something valuable to share—a message, a story, or a solution to someone’s problem. But here’s the hard truth: If you’re not visible, you’re invisible.

In today’s fast-paced, content-driven world, invisibility is the fastest way to get left behind. That’s why visibility is so important. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being remembered.

Podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building that visibility. Why? Because it allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Your voice carries emotion, authenticity, and authority in a way that written content simply can’t.

When you show up consistently in someone’s earbuds, you’re building trust. You’re becoming a part of their routine, their commute, their workout. And that trust translates into opportunities—whether it’s growing your audience, landing clients, or creating partnerships with other experts in your field.

But here’s the thing: podcasting isn’t just about visibility. It’s about sustainable visibility. It’s not a one-hit wonder. It’s a long game. And that’s where the magic happens.

The Power of Connection: Building Relationships Through Podcasting

One of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of podcasting has been the incredible connections I’ve built with my guests.

There’s something truly special about spending 40–60 minutes with someone in a studio—or even virtually—having a deep, meaningful conversation. It’s not just an interview; it’s an experience. You get to know the person behind the title, the business, or the brand. You dive into their personal life, their challenges, their triumphs. And that kind of connection doesn’t just switch off when the recording ends.

In fact, some of the most amazing relationships I’ve built in my career have come from this podcast. Guests who started as strangers have become collaborators, mentors, and even friends.

And here’s the best part: when you bring on guests who have their own following, you’re not just creating a connection with them—you’re also expanding your reach. Their audience gets introduced to you, and your audience gets introduced to them. It’s a win-win.

Podcasting is such a powerful networking tool because it’s not transactional. It’s not about pitching or selling—it’s about having a real conversation. And those conversations can open doors you never even knew existed.

So, if you’re thinking about starting a podcast, don’t underestimate the power of connection. It’s not just about the content you create—it’s about the relationships you build along the way.

Lessons Learned: My Personal Podcasting Journey

When I first started this podcast, I was so prepared. I had eight episodes recorded and ready to go before I even launched. I was working six weeks ahead of schedule, and I thought, “This is great! I’ve got this all figured out.”

But then, reality hit.

You see, I was recording in a professional studio, which sounds glamorous, but it was anything but. The studio I used was a good 90-minute drive from my home. That’s three hours of driving for every recording session. And because I wanted to make the most of my time, I tried to schedule multiple guests back-to-back.

At first, I thought this was a smart move. But what I didn’t realize was how exhausting it would be. Recording one podcast episode takes a lot of energy—you’re fully present, you’re listening intently, you’re asking thoughtful questions, and you’re engaging in meaningful conversation. Doing that for two or three episodes in a row? It’s draining.

And I’ll be honest—there were moments when I just hit a wall. I’d be mid-conversation with a guest, and my brain would completely blank. I couldn’t think of the next question to ask, and there were these awkward pauses where I just stared at them, thinking, “What on earth do I say now?”

Thank goodness for video editing! We were able to cut out those moments, but let me tell you, it was not a good feeling. I wasn’t giving my guests the focus and attention they deserved, and I wasn’t showing up as my best self.

And then, things started to snowball.

Because the studio was so far away, it became harder and harder to schedule guests. I’d have cancellations, or I’d struggle to find times that worked for both me and my guests. And before I knew it, I was no longer six weeks ahead.

I found myself running week by week, scrambling to get the next episode recorded and out the door. There were even a couple of weeks where I recorded the episode the day before it was supposed to go live.

Let me tell you—this is not the way to do it.

It was stressful for me, it was stressful for my team, and it wasn’t fair to anyone. My team had to rush to create the artwork, write the show notes, and get everything uploaded in time. And I was constantly feeling this pressure, like I was on a never-ending treadmill, just trying to keep up.

The Lesson: Stay Ahead

That experience taught me one of the most important lessons of my podcasting journey: Always stay ahead.

If you’re just starting out, I can’t stress this enough—make sure you’re at least six weeks ahead of your actual release schedule. And once you’re ahead, don’t get slack like I did.

Because here’s the thing: life happens. Guests cancel. You get sick. Your schedule gets busy. And if you don’t have that buffer, you’ll find yourself scrambling to keep up—and trust me, you’ll pay for it with your stress levels.

When you’re ahead, you have the freedom to focus on creating great content. You can give your guests your full attention. You can take your time with editing and promotion. And most importantly, you can enjoy the process.

So, learn from my mistakes. Stay ahead, keep it simple, and remember that podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint.

Practical Tips for New Podcasters

If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, here are a few practical tips to help you get started without the stress:

1. Start Small. You don’t need a fancy studio or expensive equipment to launch a podcast. Some of my best episodes have been recorded right at home with a simple microphone and a quiet room.

2. Use Tools Like Descript. This tool is a game-changer. You can record, edit, and even create show notes, headlines, reels, and highlights all in one place.

3. Prepare Before You Launch. Have 6–8 episodes ready to go before you launch. Release 3–5 episodes on launch day to encourage binge-listening.

4. Be Patient. Podcast growth takes time. Most podcasts don’t start to see real traction until 4–6 months in.

5. Stay Consistent. Decide on a schedule that works for you—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and stick to it.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As I reflect on the past 50 episodes, I’m so proud of the journey this podcast has taken. We’ve had incredible guests like Devon Brown, Dan Henry, Jon Penberthy, and Sarah Brooks, who’ve shared their stories and expertise. Each episode has been a reminder of why I started this podcast in the first place: to help you amplify your voice and create the impact you were born to make.

Here’s to the next 50 episodes and beyond!

What’s Next?

In January 2025, I’ll be launching a brand-new podcast course designed to help you go from idea to impact with ease. Stay tuned for more details—I can’t wait to share it with you!

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. What’s been your favorite episode of the podcast so far? Or, if you’re new here, what topics would you like me to cover in the future? Drop a comment below or leave a review—I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for celebrating this milestone with me. Let’s keep using our voices to make an impact.