Podcasting for Profit
Share Your Story, Earn Money
Source: Adobe Firefly AI image
Welcome to this week’s Silver Solopreneur's Journey, your guide to creating an online business at 55+ that respects your retirement lifestyle.
"The human voice is the most perfect instrument of all." ~Arvo Pärt
I've been thinking a lot lately about podcasting as a digital opportunity.
Maybe you don’t like to write or don’t think you’re good at it and are therefore convinced you’ll never be able to join the digital moneymaking club.
Do you like talking better? Okay, don’t write. Use your voice instead!
Creating a podcast can be a fun way to share your expertise and your story, connect with others, and even make some extra money.
Today, I want to walk you through the basics of audio podcasting as a potential income stream. Yes, I know video podcasting is huge right now, but I'll save video storytelling for another newsletter.
Audio podcasting remains an excellent entry point with a lower barrier to getting started. You don’t need high-tech gear or a big budget. Just bring your voice, a good idea, and a little bit of courage.
Why Podcasting Works for Silver Solopreneurs
We have stories worth sharing. Done right, others will want to hear about the wisdom we gained through our life experience.
As a podcaster you can teach, inspire, and connect without having to show up live or be on camera.
Your podcast also builds trust with listeners, shows what you know, and that trust can translate into income.
I know from personal experience as a longtime radio and television reporter that when people hear your voice regularly, they feel they know you and can trust you.
The Simple Gear to Get Started
Don’t sweat the tech. You can start small and still sound professional.
If you can record a voice memo, you can do a podcast.
Here’s what I recommend:
Mic: Samson Q2U or Blue Yeti (USB mics plug right into your laptop)
Headphones: Any over-the-ear set will do
Recording & Editing: Audacity (free) or GarageBand (Mac)
Hosting: Free platforms Spotify for Creators (formerly Anchor), Buzzsprout, or Podbean. (and many others free and paid)
Content Strategy
Finding your podcast niche is crucial. What specific knowledge do you have that others would find valuable?
Consider these format options:
Solo shows (just you sharing expertise)
Interview-based (bringing on guests)
Co-hosted (partnering with someone in a complementary arena)
Storytelling (narrative approach)
For episode length, 20-40 minutes works well for most topics. Listeners typically tune in during commutes or while doing chores. Consistency matters more than frequency – a weekly 25-minute show works better than longer episodes on an unpredictable schedule.
Plan your content in "seasons" of 8-12 episodes around related themes. This approach makes producing the podcast less overwhelming and gives you natural breaks to assess what's working and make changes.
What Should You Talk About?
Start with what you know. What you’ve lived. What others ask you about.
Some great content ideas:
Personal stories or lessons learned
Guest interviews (start with friends or local experts)
Listener questions (ask your audience!)
Book recommendation: They Ask, You Answer by Marcus Sheridan
It talks about how businesses can grow by simply answering customer questions, building trust by producing educational content and thinking of themselves as media companies and teachers who guide people through the buying process rather than sales people.
Making Money with Podcasts
Here's where the "profit" part comes in. While building an audience takes time, having a monetization strategy from day one helps: You don’t need a million downloads to earn. You can start small and grow.
Here are 5 ways podcasts make money:
Sponsorships Once you have listeners, companies may pay to be mentioned on your show.
Affiliate links – promote products you love and earn a small fee if listeners buy them.
Promote your own services – mention your coaching, writing, or digital products
Subscription content – offer bonus episodes, early access or ad-free versions for paid listeners through platforms like Patreon or Supercast.
Build your brand – show authority in your field, then offer workshops, consulting, or a course This is often the most profitable approach for solopreneurs.
But first, be sure to focus on consistency and connection. Monetization can wait. Money follows value.
Your First 30 Days: A Simple Launch Plan
Here’s a no-stress roadmap to get your podcast off the ground:
Week 1:
Pick your topic, name, and episode format
Week 2:
Record 1–2 practice episodes
Week 3:
Set up your hosting platform
Make your podcast cover art
Write short descriptions for each episode
Week 4:
Launch with 3 episodes ready to post
Share with your email list and on social media
You’ll learn as you go. AI tools can help you with some tasks such as designing the cover art and writing short descriptions.
Tips to Grow Your Audience
· Be consistent. Release episodes on a regular schedule.
· Ask listeners to share your show with friends.
· Invite guests who will bring their own followers.
Final Thoughts
While I haven't created my own podcast (yet!), I've been a guest on several shows and enjoyed the experience. I admit my past life as a broadcast journalist probably gives me an edge because I’m comfortable behind the mic and that’s a real advantage when podcasting.
If conducting interviews make you nervous (as they might with no media experience), start by recording solo episodes until you build your confidence.
Pro Tip: Speak with a smile in your voice and speak with a little extra energy. You’ll sound confident, warm, and friendly.
Accept that your first episodes won't be your best shows. Don’t let perfectionism paralyze you. I’ve trained enough interns and new hires in the newsroom to know everyone gets better with practice.
Plus, the beauty of podcasting is you can edit out mistakes and gradually improve your delivery. And editing is easier than ever. For example, the AI tool Descript lets you edit audio and video with text like a document!
Having your own podcast can make an impact beyond choosing a mic and a message. By sharing your unique perspective you can attract loyal listeners who over time become loyal customers and clients.
Bottom line: Your voice could be your digital retirement plan and your podcast the ticket to confidence, community, and cashflow.
Ask Yourself
· What story or message do I want to share?
· Who would I love to connect with through my podcast?
· What’s holding me back from recording my first episode?
This Week’s Action Steps
· Write down three ideas for podcast episodes.
· Listen to two podcasts in your niche and note what you like or don’t like about them.
· Pick a day this week to record a short practice episode. Don’t publish it. It’s just for you!
Please be kind to yourself and be kind to animals.
Janet
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