Podcasting lessons from the first 100 episodes - Episode 100

Written By Austen Tosone

We finally made it to triple digits! Today marks the 100th episode of Create & Consume, a milestone that felt incredibly far away when I first sat down at the microphone nearly two years ago.

Reaching this point feels like the perfect opportunity to pull back the curtain and share the reality of what it takes to produce this show, the lessons I have learned about building a brand, and where we are headed next.

 
 

Create & consume:

What Austen is creating this week: Instagram collab with Elizabeth Arden and Macy’s

What Austen is consuming this week: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten. I listened on audio book and loved

In this episode:

Reflecting on the journey

I recently went back and played a clip from our very first episode.

In that debut, I talked about why I wanted to start a podcast in the first place.

For me, this medium has always been a way to process complex topics, keep me company during the work week, and inspire me to think differently about everything from technology and career growth to relationships and pop culture.

A lot has changed since then. We have moved apartments, the audio quality has leveled up, and the show has evolved.

But through every transition, I have remained committed to being here with you each week.

To everyone listening, thank you for being part of this community.

It is surreal to see that this show is now streamed in more than 60 countries!

Knowing that 90% of you are women and half of you are in that 28-34 age range makes me feel like I am just chatting with friends.

If you have enjoyed the journey so far, leaving a rating or review is the best way to help us keep growing.

The reality of creating an episode

One of the most common questions I get is about the actual labor behind the scenes. Being a creator in 2026 requires a balance of creativity and systems.

To stay sane while running my business, I stick to a strict 10-hour-a-week schedule for the podcast:

  • Monday: This is my outlining day where I map out the flow and research topics.

  • Tuesday: This is filming day when the cameras and lights come on.

  • Wednesday: I spend this day editing and scheduling the content to ensure everything is ready.

  • Thursday: The episode goes live and I focus on social media promotion.

If you want to see this process in action, I recently shared a full behind-the-scenes vlog on my YouTube channel.

People often ask how I manage to get the episodes onto every platform. It comes down to a reliable hosting service and an RSS feed that distributes the audio everywhere you listen.

While I am still a small team, I have started working with a virtual assistant and utilize tools like Gemini for brainstorming, Riverside for high-quality recording, and Opus for social clips.

These tools allow me to maintain a professional standard without hitting a wall of burnout.

Growth and evolution

The show looks and sounds much different than it did two years ago!

We have invested in a new 4k stream setup, a better microphone, and even a more comfortable recording chair.

We also updated our look with new cover art and a complete rebrand to better reflect the direction of the show.

Beyond the gear, the community has grown significantly since our launch, and I am currently refined my process for hiring help to ensure the show remains sustainable.

Highlighting the hits and the hidden gems

Looking at the data reveals some interesting trends about what resonates with all of you.

On Spotify, our top episodes tend to be a mix of timely deep dives and evergreen guides:

On YouTube, the audience skews more toward commentary culture and personal milestones:

While those are the heavy hitters, some of my favorite conversations are the ones that are often overlooked.

If you are looking for a deep dive, I recommend checking out:

These often get missed because they were released early on or have more nuanced titles, but the heart of the show is right there in those episodes.

The road to episode 200

My vision for the next 100 episodes is simple: I want to keep showing up every Thursday!

I am choosing consistency over burnout, which means I won't be over-promising or chasing trends at the expense of my well-being.

We will continue to rotate between timely cultural moments and evergreen lifestyle topics.

You can expect more seasonal fashion and beauty favorites as the year progresses.

I am also considering guest interviews, though I want to ensure they provide immense value for both the guest and you, the listener.

I am even thinking about a mini-series format for the summer to allow for some intentional time off while still keeping the feed active.

In summary:

Thank you for a wonderful first 100 episodes! It has been a fun journey, and I can't wait to see what the next hundred bring.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple

Watch on YouTube

 
 
Austen Tosone
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How I learned to not hate cooking - Episode 99