Why Purpose Comes Before Podcast Production

Why Podcasts Fail When Purpose Isn’t Clear — A Strategy-First Approach

The first conversation I have with an organization is never about podcasting equipment. It’s about purpose.

When an organization reaches out, they’re usually ready to talk about production. But I’ve learned that jumping straight into the how before understanding the why is how podcasts fail.

Clarifying What You Actually Need a Podcast to Do

So I start differently. I want to understand what you’re trying to solve.

I ask about your goals. What do you want this podcast to do? Educate members? Help them feel like they’re getting more value from their membership? Raise your organization’s profile in your field? Create deep discussions around a specific topic?

Understanding Your Audience Before You Hit Record

I ask about your audience. Who are they? What do they care about? What are they already engaging with?

I ask about what you’ve tried. Have you launched a podcast before? What happened? What worked, and what didn’t?

And I ask what you like in the podcasts you listen to. Because that tells me what good content looks like to you.

Why Podcast Strategy Matters More Than Production Quality

These aren’t podcast questions. They’re strategy questions. But they shape everything that comes after: format, tone, structure, and sustainability.

What Actually Makes a Podcast Successful

Because the best podcasts aren’t the ones with the best equipment. They’re the ones with the clearest purpose and the deepest understanding of who they’re for.

That’s why I don’t start with production.

I start by listening.

To your mission. Your challenges. Your audience.

And then we build something that actually serves those things.