One of the first steps I tell new podcasters when they ask “How do I get started?” is to come up with a list of episodes/topics/guests to interview. If they’re unable to do that, there’s a good chance they’ll run out of steam quickly and Podfade— when someone starts a podcast and abandons it for one reason or another (most commonly, it’s because people tend to underestimate the time, money, energy, inspiration, etc. it takes to podcast longterm).
This is fairly common starting advice from podcast mentors, coaches, and consultants.
But what I’ve started including in my recommendations for new podcasters is to not only think about what they want to share with the world, but also what they don’t want to share or do when it comes to their podcast.
I recently worked with a client whose husband had a high-profile job and she didn’t want her podcast to be traced to him or his company in any way because it was more personal for her.
Unfortunately, it’s incredibly difficult nowadays to create a FULLY 100% anonymous podcast. It’s possible, but it takes heaps of podcasting knowledge and a lot of vigilance.
I recommended to this client to create a “No List” that lays out all the things that shouldn’t be mentioned on the podcast or referred to. She said it would be difficult, but doable, especially if she kept vague about things that don’t specifically have to do with the story she was trying to tell.
She ended up creating a pseudonym for herself and has since started her podcast. Only her hosting company and their billing department know her full real name
I also advised her when she buys the domain/website for her podcast to make sure to look for WHOIS Privacy and use it. (I love Hover for buying my domains and WHOIS Privacy is automatically included).
She also created a No List that included all the aspects of her husband and his position to avoid talking about. Having that sheet in front of her (or at least peripherally) keeps that in mind to keep her private information, well, private!
You may also want to create a No List for the podcast responsibilities you absolutely do not want to be responsible for. This can hep when it comes to sorting out jobs for you and co-hosts, as well as give insight into what to look for in terms of outsourcing help.
Want to make a No List for Yourself?
Here are some things to think about:
What will you absolutely not do or say on your podcast?
How open will you be about your personal life?
Are there any people in your life that may have sensitive job positions or high-profile ones that you may not be able to discuss openly?
Is there anyone you would not want to learn about your podcast and what would happen if they do? You may want to check with a supervisor or check the rules of your workplace for any rules of NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) to be aware of, for example.
What don't you want to take responsibility for, no matter what?
Editing and tech
Marketing
Episode promotion
Guest outreach/research
Website/Email list management
What don't you want for your podcast?
Social media community
Patreon or exclusive content
Outside ads or sponsors
Alliances with brands and other podcasts that don't align with your morals and personal beliefs
Aside from those tasks that you would 100% refuse, are any of these things something you may want to outsource or take the time to learn?
Some of these may be put into a category of “No for now, but possibly in the future.”
In fact, sorting these out can help you focus on what’s important for you and your podcast today, rather than get bogged down by worries about the future.
Note: Keep this list in mind when it comes to implementing things into your current podcast. For example, if you’re not doing ads at the moment, but don’t want to surprise your listeners with them later on, consider creating a small ad just for your show that you place in the spot you one day HOPE to fill with an outside ad.
I did this on my podcast The Story Behind inviting listeners to check out the show notes, visit the website, subscribe/follow the show, and later that ad space was used so I could promote my book.
You may also find it helpful to draw up something like a Cohost Agreement as a way of divvying up responsibilities. (Plus, any burned cohost will tell you it's a good idea to have an agreement in place when it comes to monetization and how profits are split between you!)
What’s on your No List?
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