Why Most Podcasts Fail (And How to Avoid It)
Something most podcasters don’t want to hear—but we hear it over and over again:
Most podcasts don’t make it past a few months. And that’s a shame.
Not because people lack passion or talent, but because many shows are launched without a clear game plan.
Here are some of the reasons podcasts fail.
4 Reasons Podcasts Fail
1. Chasing Trends Instead of Using Their Voice
One of the first ways podcasts fail is by focusing too much on what everyone else is doing—and not enough on what you are doing.
For example: “Everyone’s doing true crime, so I should too.”
But that might not be your story, your calling, or even something you have the time and energy to sustain.
When you chase other people’s trends, it often leads to burnout and makes your show feel generic and less authentic.
You don’t want to end up on a hamster wheel—busy running, but not actually going anywhere.
How do you avoid this? Be yourself. Pay attention to trends if you want, but don’t let them become your only focus.
2. Treating Podcasting Like a Side Hustle, Not a Habit
For a lot of people, podcasting sounds really fun—and like something that should be easy to maintain long term.
So they jump straight into “I want a podcast” without a clear purpose beyond that.
The problem? Podcasting without a goal can lead to burnout fast.
Clarity matters. It’s what helps you build consistent habits and systems so you’re not just recording once in a blue moon. Excitement alone won’t carry a show long term.
You can’t just wing it. That kills momentum and isn’t sustainable. Podcasting isn’t a sprint.
How do you avoid this? Get clear on your mission and your goals.
3. Doing Everything Yourself
Another fast track to burnout? Trying to do everything yourself.
As a podcaster, you already wear a lot of hats. Add even more if you’re also a business owner, parent, or working another job—and suddenly your plate is overflowing.
That’s where many podcasts start to fail: post-production becomes overwhelming, tasks pile up, and it all feels like too much.
How do you avoid this? Batch your episodes, simplify your workflow, and outsource early when you can.
4. Expecting Instant Results
Nothing kills motivation and inspiration faster than unrealistic expectations and jumping the gun.
Podcasting is a slow-growth tool. It’s easy to find yourself thinking, “Is this even working?”—especially when you’re comparing your brand-new show to big, established podcasts with full teams and large budgets.
How do you avoid this? Remember, your podcast is built for your listeners. What works for those shows likely won’t work for yours anyway. And don’t measure success by downloads alone—look at consistency, clarity, and connection instead.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success From Day One
Now that you know some of the common reasons podcasts fail, here are a few simple tips to help set yourself up for success—and avoid becoming another short-lived show.
Define the role your podcast plays in your life or business
Build systems before your motivation fades
Keep things simple, sustainable, and aligned with your current season of life
Treat your podcast like a long game
Remember: your show can only continue if you continue to pour into it. Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with what works best for you, then make sure it supports your show and serves your listeners.
The most successful podcasts aren’t perfect—none of them are.
The ones that last are consistent, clear, and supported (and support doesn’t have to mean having a full team).
If you’re considering starting—or restarting—your podcast and need help getting set up, book a free discovery call with us today.
Aleea
