I recorded the first podcast episode I’m actually proud of today.
I met the guest on LinkedIn just a few weeks ago, and we immediately recognized a mutual resonance. In a very spontaneous first conversation, I invited them to the podcast and they graciously accepted. Game on.
I had recorded two sessions in the past, and they had been less than inspiring. The recordings sat in my studio, and I was not sure what to do with them. I had gone in not fully prepared, and the sessions had wandered aimlessly in scope, or ended without any real shine.
I had even started to doubt if I could really pull off this podcast thing.
I stayed the course. When this new friend of mine accepted, I was determined it would be a good session that would make it to publishing. I spent hours working on my technical setup; mic adjustments, angle positioning and the like. The night before, I had a list of questions I wanted to touch on. A few hours leading up to the event, I still was very nervous. What if it was another boring hour of shallow conversation?
My guest did something remarkable just before we started. She said “Before we start—how has your day been?” She is such a power woman. That was an advanced grounding technique. It properly diffused some of my nervousness. I thanked and hailed her, and we had a warm rapport before going live.
We had an incredible session. It started out a bit too strictly. I asked some silly questions while trying to get a hold of things. But somehow, somewhere along the line—we hit it off. Real conversation ensued. Mutual exchange flowed, and valuable insight was unearthed. We ended up sparring for well over an hour—closer to three. I did not want it to end.
I learned that podcasting is something that you get better at with time, with real-time practice. No LLM or blog article can teach you how to do it. You need to get skin in the game. Just like many other skills in life.
I can’t wait to share the episode with you.
What’s something you almost gave up on—but didn’t?
I’d love to hear your story.
To growth,
Taiwo.