People will criticize you no matter what you do.
My city has an affordable housing problem. Because of this, among other things, we have a lot of unhoused people.
What happens if you pass a person on the street, holding a sign asking for monetary help?
If you give a person in this situation money, you’ll often hear that you’re an “enabler.” But if you don't give a person in this situation money, you may be called “heartless.”
Podcasting is like this—people are going to have opinions about what you do, regardless of what it is.
It doesn’t matter your intention.
It doesn’t matter what the actual outcome of your action is. For example, giving somebody money that allows them to buy food.
No matter the content you produce or the stance you take on an issue, there will be someone who finds fault with it.
Choose a controversial topic? You're seeking attention or being divisive.
Avoid controversy? You're not engaging with important issues or you're too safe.
Offer advice? You're presumptuous or unqualified.
Refrain from giving advice? You're unhelpful or lacking depth.
The act of creation is inherently exposed to public opinion and public opinion is as diverse as the individuals that comprise it. For every listener who finds your podcast valuable or insightful, there will be others who deem it trivial or misinformed.
What's crucial for podcasters, and anyone in the public eye, is to focus on a core mission and values. Understand that feedback is part of the creative process, but it should not dictate your actions entirely.
Being true to yourself and your goals is a balancing act that all content creators must navigate. Contribute in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you and accept that criticism, like praise, comes with this work.