Wondering how to start podcasting?
Googling “how do I make a podcast” will only end up buried in checklists: get this mic, download that app, hit record. Technically, yes, that’s podcasting.
However, as a founder or executive, you don’t just want another show in the sea of podcasts; you want a platform that builds authority, attracts leads, and positions you as the trusted voice in your space.
At Digital Monk Marketing, we believe podcasting is more than plugging in a mic. When done right, your podcast becomes the place where people hear your real voice, get to know your ideas, and start trusting you enough to reach out for a conversation or even a deal.
In this blog, we’ll walk through:
✅ Why executive podcasting is taking off (and why now).
✅ What makes podcasting the ultimate storytelling channel for founders.
✅ How the process really works—from strategy to post-production.
✅ The ROI you should expect (and how to measure it).
✅ Case studies from leaders who turned episodes into influence and revenue.
✅ Where podcasting is headed, and how to get in early.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Podcasts: The New Power Lunch
Not too long ago, podcasts were a little secret hideout for hobbyists and superfans. Today, they are a powerhouse for sharing ideas, with over 500 million people tuning in worldwide.
But the interesting part? Listeners aren’t just scrolling past. Unlike a 10-second ad or an Instagram reel, they’re hanging out for 30, 40, sometimes even 60 minutes with their favorite hosts.
So why are founders, CEOs, and thought leaders learning how to start podcasting?
Because it gives you something no press release or LinkedIn post can touch: time and trust. Half an hour of conversation lets you tell your story, share lessons, and connect directly with decision-makers in a way no ad ever could.
| “If you’re not telling your story, someone else is. Podcasting makes sure it’s you holding the mic.” |
But, if you’re figuring out “how to build a podcast”, you want credibility, not just downloads. It’s about showing the human side of your leadership, strengthening your employer brand, and building real connections with both customers and employees.
As corporate comms get noisier and digital ads lose their punch, leaders who speak authentically are standing out. The mic is the new boardroom table, and your audience is thousands of potential customers, partners, or recruits.
How Founders & CEOs Use Podcasts to Lead the Conversation
Now, you must be thinking “how do I make a podcast that actually matters?” or just “how can I start a podcast”. The truth is, it’s not as simple as buying fancy gear or setting up a high-end studio. What really matters is knowing why you’re starting in the first place.
| How do we start a podcast with no audience? We identify your niche and create valuable content for your target listeners. Then promote episodes via LinkedIn, email newsletters, and social media. |
So, why are more leaders jumping on the mic? In our research, we found three major reasons why Podcasting works for them:
Creates Space for Authentic Storytelling
Traditional PR often comes out as too polished and cannot fully capture the real intent. The podcasts, on the other hand, bring out authentic voices, unfiltered and human; the executive sharing business ideas, the founder expressing his risk -taking abilities, or lessons from a painful failure. That’s the raw, human side people connect with.
Humanizes Leadership and Showcases Company Culture
A podcast where the CEO chats with the team, clients, or industry peers says a lot; it shows that the leadership is approachable. Employees take pride in it, while recruits and partners get a glimpse of culture in action.
| “Podcasting is leadership with a mic — it’s how CEOs show up as humans, not just job titles.” |
Turns Thought Leadership into Business Opportunities
Building a podcast is not another marketing checkbox; influence capital. High-quality, regular episodes show real expertise and before long, that credibility starts opening doors to leads and partnerships that money alone can’t buy.
How We Do It, Step by Step
Coming to the part where most newbies trip up. They set up a studio, grab a mic, record an episode, and wait for magic; but all they hear is silence.
The hard truth? Podcast production is not about fancy gear; it’s about the process. Which is exactly what a podcast production agency like Digital Monk Marketing delivers—strategy-first approach to every stage.
| Curious Minds Ask |
| What does it cost to produce a podcast?A professional production can range from $500–$3,000 per episode, covering strategy, recording, editing, and post-production. |
Planning: Strategy Before Mic
Great podcasts don’t begin with mic, but with a strategy. Who’s listening? What’s worth their time? And how does it ladder back to business goals? We map out your listeners, your content roadmap, and a KPI checklist before you ever hit record. That’s what turns ‘chatter’ into a podcast that means business.
| You might be asking—who ensures all this actually comes together? A podcast executive producer oversees the entire show, from concept to distribution. They manage strategy, guest coordination, recording schedules, editing quality, and ensure each episode aligns with brand goals, audience needs, and business objectives. |
Production: Where Quality Meets Consistency
This is where most DIY podcasts stumble; the sound. Good audio isn’t just pleasant to the ears, it makes people take you seriously.
Our podcast production service handles the heavy-lifting for you:
- Recording (in-studio or remote)
- Top-quality mics and software
- Editing out background noise and awkward pauses
- Mixing & mastering for a clean, professional sound
- Adding branded intros and outros
- Proper tagging for smooth distribution
The best part? We batch record so you’re never scrambling for content. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes crew, making sure your voice carries authority.
Publishing: Get Found Everywhere
Recording is only half the job—podcast isn’t done until it’s live. We make sure it lands where your listeners already hang out; Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
That’s not all. Each episode comes packed with optimized show notes, transcripts, and SEO-ready titles. This way your episodes aren’t just uploaded, they are discoverable.
Promotion & Repurposing: More Than One Episode
Hitting record is just the start; the real magic happens once your podcast goes live. And here’s the kicker: one episode can keep your whole content machine running. We slice it up into:
- Short video clips for LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
- Blog posts pulled straight from episode insights
- Newsletter snippets and email content
- Social media graphics and quotes
One episode doesn’t just stop at “publish.” With expert podcast post production services, it becomes a content goldmine; at least a week’s worth of marketing ammo, that works overtime for you.
Reality Check: Time & Commitment
Podcasts aren’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. They need consistency. A good podcast production agency handles the messy parts so you can focus on running the show, not trimming audio files.
Turning Podcast Into Measurable ROI
What’s in it for you? More than you think. With professional podcast production services, your show becomes a credibility magnet, a trust booster, and a lead engine all in one.
Here are the biggest wins executives can bank on.
Podcasts stretch your reach way past LinkedIn posts or newsletters. Each episode is like your own radio station, putting your voice in people’s ears wherever they are.
And here’s the kicker—podcasts don’t expire. Months or even years later, new listeners can stumble across your show and still hear your message loud and clear. The best podcast production companies design shows that stay relevant and outshine the competition long after you hit ‘publish’.
SEO & Discoverability
Post-production can be a secret weapon. With transcripts, catchy titles, and smart distribution, each episode becomes a search magnet. Someone Googling their problem could land right on your show notes, and boom, you’ve just won a warm lead without lifting a finger. That’s your podcasts building SEO muscle while you sleep.
Business Development & Warm Leads
Ever tried getting a cold prospect on a call? Tough game right? Now flip the script; invite them as a guest on your podcast. Suddenly, it’s not a pitch, it’s a platform. That one conversation can spark partnerships, referrals, even direct deals. It’s one of the most overlooked benefits of executive podcasting.
| “Unlike ads, podcasts compound — today’s episode is tomorrow’s inbound lead.” |
Reputation Management & Control
Podcasting lets you own your story. Instead of waiting for media coverage, you set the narrative. And with long-form episodes, you’ve got plenty of space to unpack ideas, add color, and build real connections, something a 160-character tweet could never pull off.
Proven Approaches for Leadership Podcasting
As Calgary’s top podcast production agency, here’s what we’ve learned about creating leadership shows that actually connect.
Consistency Over Perfection
You don’t need Hollywood-level gear to kick things off. What matters is a steady release schedule. Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—pick your rhythm and stick to it. Your production partner even helps you batch record so you always have spare content. A steady show beats a one-off masterpiece every time.
Storytelling, Not Jargon
Remember, listeners aren’t here for corporate buzzwords, they’re here for stories. Treat each episode as a friendly chat: open with a problem, sprinkle in insights, and wrap up with a crystal-clear takeaway. Smart podcast production companies make sure the flow stays smooth, fun, and downright binge-worthy.
Smart Guest Strategy
Guests are more than content—they’re your secret distribution squad. Industry pros, clients, even team members will happily blast the episode across their networks. That way, each guest amplifies your reach.
Bonus: Those guest invites often open doors to deals and referrals.
Repurpose Everything
As mentioned above, a 30-minute episode isn’t just a podcast, it’s a content buffet. Slice it into a blog post, a few LinkedIn clips, and even an email campaign.
At Digital Monk, we bake repurposing in from day one, so your show keeps feeding your funnel long after the mics are off.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Sure, podcasting looks easy; hit record, upload, done. But the truth? A few common slip-ups can tank your show before it even finds its voice. Here is what we’ve learnt from our years of experience:
- Don’t quit before you even get rolling.
- Skimping on sound quality kills credibility.
- If you don’t promote it, nobody knows it exists.
Stories That Show the Impact
1. How a Podcast Became a Lead-Generating Machine
A SaaS founder in Calgary came to us asking if working with podcast production companies could actually help get clients.
We built a niche interview show targeting the exact people they wanted to reach: tech leaders and operation managers.
Six months later?
- 2,000+ downloads
- Leads without cold outreach
- 4 new client partnerships from guest appearances
- A happy founder calling it “the best networking hack I’ve ever used.”
The takeaway: One show, the right podcast production agency, and suddenly you’re connecting, converting, and getting noticed like never before.
2. Employer Brand Wins with Podcasting
A Calgary consulting firm wanted two things: attract top talent and strengthen internal culture.
The Plan:
We produced a podcast featuring their CEO and team members sharing industry insights and personal growth stories.
The result?
- Job applicants mentioned the podcast in interviews
- The firm started turning heads as a key player
- Internal culture strengthened, giving employees a sense of pride
3. 10X More Visibility, Thanks to the Mic
Drowning in blogs and ad campaigns, a sports wellness coach needed a lifeline to reach her fans and keep her sanity intact.
The Plan:
We cooked up a podcast around leadership insights and individual sporting wins. One episode, endless content; newsletters, social clips, blogs, all without the stress.
Just within three months:
- Newsletter list x 2
- Scored two high-ticket clients
- Content stress? Gone
- Coach became a go-to voice in local sporting community
Takeaway: For solo leaders, one podcast and the right strategy can make you the expert everyone turns to.
What’s Next for Executive Podcasting
The future of podcasting is not limited to audio. The next wave of shows are video-first, short-form clips, and multi-channel distribution.
What does this shift mean for executives curious about how to build a podcast? It’s a personal content rocket, launching your know-how across LinkedIn, YouTube, and beyond.
AI is also knocking at the door; editing, transcripts, even show notes can now be automated with the click of a button. However, AI can’t tell your story, craft your strategy, or speak in your brand’s tone. That’s why a podcast production team that puts strategy and storytelling first will always have the edge over AI-based approach.
| “Video-first podcasts are the new keynote stage — and YouTube is the conference hall.” |
Podcasts aren’t flying solo anymore. They’re joining bigger ecosystems: events, books, courses, and community hubs. Executives who get in early now will own the mic before their competitors find out what’s going on.
Digital Monk podcast production ensures every episode pulls double duty, repurposed, shared, and remembered long after the mic is off.
Ready, Set, Broadcast!
Still think a podcast is just talking into a mic? Think again.
Podcasting isn’t just a shiny toy for your brand. It’s your secret weapon. It’s how leaders grab the mic, own their story, rack up authority points, and open doors to real business opportunities. From planning and production to publishing and promotion, the difference between another forgotten show and a full-blown growth engine comes down to one element: the right partner.
At Digital Monk Marketing, we are podcasting pros and we don’t just produce a recorded show; we build podcasts that think ahead, blend with SEO, and turn every episode into shareable content.
Partner with us to build a podcast that amplifies your leadership and cements your place as an industry authority
Ready to get started?
