1 year of podcasting: reflections & future plans - Episode 52
It’s officially been one year of podcasting! In this episode, I’m reflecting on everything I’ve learned from launching and growing the show over the past 12 months.
I’ll walk you through the results of a recent podcast audit I had done, what’s working well, where there’s room to grow, and the behind-the-scenes insights I’ve picked up along the way.
Plus, I’m counting down my top episodes from year one—so whether you’re a longtime listener or just tuning in, this is the perfect way to celebrate the journey so far.
Create & consume
What Austen is creating this week: A mini vlog and carousel post recapping the Summer House event with YouTube shopping this week!
What Austen is consuming this week: We went home for mother’s day and my mom made this fancy bruschetta with whipped ricotta and fresh tomatoes it was so good
My mom was kind enough to share the whipped ricotta recipe with me:
“Whipping ricotta in the food processor transforms it into an incredibly smooth, spreadable cheese—a blank canvas to be paired with any number of flavors and ingredients. To make it, place ¾ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a food processor, then process until very smooth —1 to 2 minutes.* That's it! (Important: Be sure to use whole milk ricotta and process for just 30 seconds at a time and check the consistency. You want smooth and spreadable. Don’t overdo it or it will be liquid-y.)”
To make the bruschetta add the whipped ricotta to toasted garlic bread then add the tomatoes, flaky sea salt, balsamic glaze and basil on top!
In this episode:
Here’s what goes into each episode from idea to upload:
Brainstorming
I keep a running list of topic ideas across a few core categories (content creation, digital media, lifestyle, and more), and I rotate through them to keep things fresh and fun.
Recording
All episodes are recorded right at home in my apartment. It's cozy, convenient, and part of the reason I’ve been able to stay consistent. I just plug my microphone into my laptop and start chatting.
Editing
I use a transcript-based editor and usually listen back on 2x speed. I trim out long pauses and tighten things up for clarity and pacing.
Uploading
Episodes are uploaded to both YouTube and Spotify for Podcasters to reach listeners across platforms.
Promoting
Once an episode is live, I promote it with:
Short clips using Opus AI
Snippets or quotes on Threads
Insightful takeaways on LinkedIn
A full blog post (like this one!)
What’s changed since launching?
Honestly? Not much in terms of format! The biggest shift has been incorporating the podcast into my weekly workflow and getting more efficient with the process over time.
My goals for the podcast
As I look ahead, here’s what I’m hoping to grow and explore in year two:
Increase overall listenership
Get more creative with marketing and promotion
Build up more listener reviews
Foster a stronger community around the show
Eventually monetize the podcast
Podcast audit takeaways
Recently, I had a podcast audit done by Jenny from Podcasting for Moms. Here are some of her suggestions that really got me thinking:
Add a photo of myself to the podcast cover art
Promote episodes with short video clips of me talking (think Amy Porterfield-style!)
Optimize episode titles with keywords and include my name to boost searchability
Include “what to expect” info in the show description
Start building an Instagram and Pinterest presence to foster community
Consider light guest integration even though it’s mostly a solo show
Overall, the audit helped me clarify where the show could evolve and how to make it more discoverable and engaging.
Top episodes from year 1
Here are the standout episodes you all loved most:
Met Gala history – a recent hit that climbed the charts
Why I’m starting a podcast – the origin story
From print to digital media – my career pivot journey
Our wedding day story – one of the most personal episodes I’ve shared
How a print magazine gets made – a behind-the-scenes industry look
I’m hiring a VA!
As the podcast (and everything else I’m juggling) grows, I’m looking to bring on a virtual assistant. If you're detail-oriented, organized, and excited about content creation, check out the link in the description for more info on the role.
What’s next for year 2
I’m dreaming up even more exciting things for the next year of Create & Consume:
More fun, varied episodes
A potential home studio upgrade—or maybe even recording in a pro studio
Bringing on support to streamline production
Exploring guest episodes
And yes… a possible rebrand 👀
Anniversary giveaway 🎉
To say thank you for listening, I’m hosting a giveaway! Here’s how to enter:
Leave a review for the podcast
Send a screenshot of your review to either:
Or DM me on Instagram @createandconsumepod
Submit your entry by May 23rd to be eligible to win a $50 gift card to the retailer of your choice (as long as I can send it online). Open to US residents!
Summary
Can you believe it? One full year of Create & Consume. Hitting this milestone has me feeling both proud and energized for what’s next.
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