Recording 50+ Episodes of “Let’s Talk Impact”: Lessons Learned and Insights Gained by Justyna Kedra
The Power of Podcasting and Why I Started
When I first started recording episodes for my podcast, Let’s Talk Impact, to support the work of the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative here at The New School, I had no idea how transformative the journey would be. I had a vision—an intention to create a platform where we could have meaningful, thought-provoking conversations about the impact we make in the world, both personally and professionally. Little did I know, this journey would teach me as much as the guests and listeners who tuned in.
In the process of recording 50+ episodes, I’ve learned more about myself, my craft, and the podcasting world than I ever imagined. It’s been a ride full of challenges, growth, and plenty of “aha” moments that I want to share with you.
Podcasting, for anyone who’s ever considered it, can feel intimidating at first. The idea of creating something that people actually want to listen to—and keeping it going consistently—can be daunting. But after recording over 50 episodes, I can confidently say that the key to success in podcasting (and life) is simple: Start before you’re ready. You might not be good at it initially, and that’s okay. The journey itself is where the magic happens.
Lesson #1: You Will Be Bad at It Before You Get Good—Start Anyway
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned after over 50 episodes, it’s this: you will be bad at it before you get good. And that’s completely normal.
When I first began my podcasting journey, I was terrified. I stumbled through my first few episodes, unsure of how to find my voice, how to balance the conversation, or even how to make sure the technical aspects (sound quality, editing, etc.) were up to par. In the beginning, the whole process felt awkward and unnatural. I fumbled with my intro, my outro, and sometimes even the most basic of questions. But I kept going.
And that’s the most important takeaway from this experience: just start. The people who are successful in podcasting (or in any creative pursuit, for that matter) aren’t the ones who get it right from the start. They’re the ones who show up consistently, even when it’s hard, even when it feels uncomfortable, and even when they’re not sure what they’re doing.
The first 10 episodes were like my training wheels. I had to find my flow, my rhythm, and most importantly, my confidence. You’ll likely hear it in my early episodes—awkward pauses, minor technical errors, and a few offbeat moments. But guess what? The more you practice, the better you get.
Podcasting is no different than any other skill—whether you’re writing, public speaking, or learning a new language. The key is to start and trust that, over time, you’ll improve.
Lesson #2: Podcasting is Not Saturated—It’s a Rapidly Growing Industry
A common sentiment I’ve heard over the years, especially from those just starting out, is that podcasting is too saturated—there are already so many podcasts out there, so why bother? But here’s the thing: podcasting isn’t saturated; it’s a rapidly growing industry.
When I first launched “Let’s Talk Impact”, I had no idea how massive the podcasting landscape was or how quickly it was expanding. As of 2023, there are millions of podcasts worldwide, and the number continues to grow year after year. But here’s the catch: There’s still room for new voices. The world of podcasting is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for diverse perspectives, expert opinions, and fresh conversations continues to rise.
People who say that podcasting is saturated are not following the trends. They aren’t looking at the massive increase in podcast listeners, or the new platforms emerging to support the industry. According to recent data, nearly 80 million Americans listen to podcasts each month, a number that’s projected to keep climbing. And the beauty of podcasting is that it’s so personal—listeners are searching for specific topics, personalities, and niches that speak to them.
Even though there are millions of podcasts out there, most of them are relatively unknown, with a few “breakout stars” that manage to carve a larger audience. This means that, while podcasting may seem crowded, there’s an audience for everyone. You can carve out your space by staying authentic, choosing a niche that resonates with you, and consistently putting in the work.
And remember, the fact that so many podcasts exist is a good thing. It means the market is thriving—and there’s still room for new creators to find their audience and make their mark. So, if you’re hesitating, wondering if it’s worth it to start, the answer is simple: Yes, it is.
Lesson #3: Consistency is Key—But It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey is that consistency is everything. In the world of podcasting, you have to show up week after week, even if you don’t feel like it or think your episodes aren’t perfect.
In the early days, I felt pressure to make every episode flawless. The sound had to be pristine, the interviews had to flow seamlessly, and every episode had to contain a brilliant, earth-shattering insight. The reality, however, is much messier. There will always be room for improvement, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep going.
The beauty of podcasting is that it’s a journey. You don’t need to be perfect right away. What matters is showing up and being consistent with your message and your content. Your listeners will appreciate your authenticity and commitment to sharing your perspective, even if your early episodes aren’t as polished as your future ones.
Over time, you’ll develop a routine, and the process will start to feel more natural. But consistency will always be the cornerstone of any successful podcast. Without it, you risk losing momentum—and your audience.
Lesson #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Evolve
Another lesson I learned over the course of recording 50+ episodes is that evolution is part of the process. At first, I was rigid about my format, my style, and the structure of my episodes. I wanted everything to fit into a neat little box. But as I got more comfortable with my podcast, I realized that flexibility and growth were essential to keep things fresh and exciting.
Whether it’s introducing new topics, experimenting with different episode formats (interviews, solo episodes, panels), or changing up your intro music, evolution is key. My podcast, just like my personal journey, has evolved. It’s become more nuanced, more daring, and more reflective of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve explored new angles, brought in more diverse voices, and even rebranded a few aspects of the show.
The audience doesn’t expect you to be static—they want to see your growth and evolution as a host. Be open to change. If something isn’t working, try something else. It’s okay to experiment, and it’s okay to change your mind. The key is to stay true to your mission but allow room for growth.
Lesson #5: Impact Isn’t Just About What You Say—It’s About What You Do
Finally, the most important lesson I’ve learned from recording these episodes is that impact isn’t just about the words you say—it’s about the actions you take.
When I first started my podcast, I was focused on sharing powerful stories, bringing in inspiring guests, and delivering insightful content. But over time, I realized that the true impact comes from putting the ideas into action. It’s about how the lessons you share inspire others to take tangible steps in their own lives.
Every time I record an episode, I’m reminded that the ultimate impact is the change we create. That means living out the values I talk about, showing up for my community, and staying committed to making a real difference—whether it’s in my work, my relationships, or my personal growth.
Interested in starting your own podcast or learning about The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative? Email me (justyna@newschool.edu) or DM me on Instagram!