Tulip Podcast Manager 🎙️ Bojana Lalic

Starting a podcast is exciting. You have an idea, a message to share, and the ambition to grow a community of listeners. But after a few months, many podcast founders find themselves losing steam. In fact, it’s reported that 90% of podcast founders quit after releasing just 20 episodes. It’s not that their ideas were bad or that they lacked talent; it’s burnout, lack of support, and the struggle to stay consistent that often leads to the end.

Let’s break down why most podcasters quit and, more importantly, what you can do to avoid it and keep your podcast thriving long-term.

Why Do 90% of Founders Quit After 20 Episodes?

Podcasting Takes More Time Than You Think

Why It Happens

The truth is, podcasting is more time-consuming than many people anticipate. From planning, recording, editing, uploading, promoting, and engaging with your audience, the work quickly piles up.

The Struggle

At first, you’re excited and motivated, but once you realize the time and effort involved, the pressure can build up. When you’re juggling podcasting with a full-time job or other responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

How to Avoid It

The key is to manage your time effectively. Build a realistic schedule that incorporates breaks and time for planning, recording, and editing. Use tools like Trello or Asana to plan episodes in advance, so you’re never scrambling for content.

Lack of Instant Gratification

Why It Happens

Podcasting is not an overnight success. Growth takes time. Most new podcasters expect instant downloads and engagement, but in reality, it often takes months of consistent effort to gain traction.

The Struggle

Seeing slow growth or minimal interaction in the early stages can feel disheartening. Without quick feedback, it’s easy to question whether it’s all worth it.

How to Avoid It

Shift your focus from instant results to long-term goals. Celebrate small wins along the way, like getting your first listener review or growing your social media following. Engagement and growth will come with time, so stay patient and keep pushing forward.

Burnout and Overwhelm

Why It Happens

Many founders burn out because they try to do everything themselves. The excitement wears off when you realize how much work is involved in producing a podcast each week.

The Struggle

When you’re managing every aspect of your podcast (from recording to editing, marketing, and guest coordination), it’s easy to feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends. The excitement that fueled you in the beginning can fade quickly.

How to Avoid It

Delegate and outsource. If you can afford it, consider hiring a podcast manager, editor, or virtual assistant to help with the workload. Even if you’re just starting, you can outsource small tasks like social media promotion, editing, or research. Don’t feel like you have to do everything on your own.

Lack of Engagement or Support

Why It Happens

Podcasting can sometimes feel like you’re speaking into the void. Without active engagement from your audience or a support system, it’s easy to feel isolated and discouraged.

The Struggle

If you don’t receive feedback or listener interaction, it can feel like your hard work is going unnoticed. Without listeners to encourage you, it becomes harder to stay motivated.

How to Avoid It

Focus on building relationships with your listeners. Ask for feedback, respond to messages, and engage with your audience on social media. Creating a community around your podcast can help you feel supported and motivated to keep going. Encourage your listeners to share your podcast with others to expand your reach.

How to Avoid Quitting: Tips for Longevity in Podcasting

Set Realistic Expectations

Understand that podcasting takes time. If you expect to have thousands of downloads after a few episodes, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Set smaller, achievable goals, like growing your audience by a certain number or getting feedback from five listeners. This will keep you motivated as you see progress.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

You don’t need to publish an episode every week to be successful. It’s better to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience than to rush out episodes to meet a self-imposed schedule. Quality content will help you stand out and keep listeners coming back for more.

Repurpose Content

Repurposing content is a great way to reduce your workload while still engaging your audience. Turn your podcast episodes into blog posts, social media snippets, or even YouTube videos. By repurposing, you’ll extend the life of each episode and save time on content creation.

Take Breaks When Needed

Don’t be afraid to step away if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burned out. Schedule breaks between seasons or plan ahead for downtime. Taking a break doesn’t mean quitting; it’s a way to recharge and come back stronger.

Get Support and Build a Community

Surround yourself with people who understand the podcasting journey. Join podcasting communities, seek advice from experienced podcasters, and lean on your audience for encouragement. A supportive network can make a huge difference in staying motivated.

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The statistic that 90% of podcast founders quit after just 20 episodes isn’t a reflection of their potential—it’s a result of unrealistic expectations, burnout, and lack of support. Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. By setting realistic goals, focusing on quality content, taking breaks when needed, and engaging with your audience, you can keep your podcast going long after those 20 episodes.

Remember, consistency is key, and every episode you publish brings you one step closer to building a successful show. So, stay focused on the bigger picture, embrace the journey, and keep pushing forward. You’ve got this!