The Ripple Effect of Podcasting
A lot of podcasters who want to change the world. Some talk about “legacy,” whatever that is.
Some get really involved with listeners, to the point where it affects their non-podcasting work. I especially see this with those who have a related consulting or coaching practice.
If you’re having an issue with this, here’s something from Seth Godin that may help you …
“I don't do any coaching or consulting. Because I figure, if someone hires me to be a consultant, they want me to solve their problem, and I can't solve their problem. All I can do is turn on some lights so they can solve their own problem. And I'm much happier doing that for large numbers of people as widely as I can than to have to sit with one person and be their therapist at the same time.”
He’s correct—sometimes people want you to solve their problems.
He’s also correct that people like podcasters can “turn on some lights” for lots of people.
Being a podcaster doesn’t mean you have to carry the weight of your listener’s problems on your shoulders. You’re not required to be a one-size-fits-all solution or the ultimate guru in your field. In fact, trying to be that will not only exhaust you, it will also dilute your message.
Seth Godin’s perspective is spot on: your role is not necessarily to solve people’s problems; it’s to spark new ideas, offer insights, or even just provide a moment of connection.
And that’s enough.
People are resourceful. They’re capable of taking bits and pieces of what they hear from you and other sources, weaving it together, and crafting their own solutions.
Your job as a podcaster isn’t to serve up a perfectly wrapped solution; it’s to show up consistently, share your perspective, and let your audience do the rest. Sometimes you’ll turn on a single light for someone—a small moment of clarity or inspiration. Other times, it might be as simple as making them feel less alone.
Think of your podcast like a house—you don’t need to light up every single room. Maybe you light a hallway that leads a listener somewhere else. Maybe you illuminate one corner of their lives that they hadn’t noticed before.
Keep it simple. You don’t need to have all the answers because your listeners can figure things out. You’re just helping them see what’s already there.
Most listeners don’t tune in expecting you to solve everything or know everything. They show up because they relate to your voice, your perspective, and your authenticity. If all you do is show up as yourself, share what you know, and be honest about what you don’t, that’s enough.
You’re enough.
So don’t overthink it. Your podcast doesn’t have to be life-changing every single time someone hits play. Just focus on being present, sharing your unique angle, and leaving the door open for exploration.
You’re not here to fix everyone, you’re here to show up. The world’s problems are bigger than any one podcast (or podcaster), but the ripple effect of one good idea? That’s massive.
