How to Start a Podcast (Without the Overwhelm, the Bro Advice, or the Expensive Gear)
You’ve got a podcast idea that’s been living rent-free in your brain for months. Maybe even years. You’ve talked about it with friends, daydreamed about your episode titles, maybe even made a Canva cover mockup late at night. But every time you Google "how to start a podcast," you get hit with a wall of jargon, gear recommendations, and “expert tips” that make it feel like you need to drop $3,000, quit your job, and learn audio engineering overnight.
I’m here to tell you: You don’t.
I’ve helped plenty of creators, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs go from "I have an idea but no clue where to start" to launching a podcast they’re proud of without the gatekeeping or the grind.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly what you need (and what you don’t) to start your podcast the Good Story way, with clarity, confidence, and creativity at the center.
What You Actually Need to Start a Podcast (It’s Less Than You Think)
One of the biggest reasons people delay launching their podcast is because the internet makes it sound way harder than it is. You don’t need a fancy studio, a $500 microphone, or a radio voice.
Here’s the bare minimum you actually need to start a podcast:
A clear idea and audience
A basic microphone (the Samsung Q2U is a solid budget pick, or any other mic you already own)
A way to record (Zoom, GarageBand, Descript, or even your phone)
A hosting platform like Buzzsprout, Anchor, or Captivate
That’s it. Everything else is extra, and most of it can wait until after you hit publish.
The Hardest Part Isn’t Tech. It’s Your Story.
The truth is, tech is the easy part. Anyone can figure out how to hit “record.”
The real challenge is getting clear on what your show is about, who it’s for, and why it matters. That’s why, inside my programs, we don’t start with gear. We start with your vision.
If you don’t know where to begin, grab my free Podcast Vision Framework. It’s a simple, guided exercise to help you get clear on your podcast’s purpose, vibe, and audience.
Because a clear, thoughtful show will outlast fancy production every time.
Your First Episodes Will Be Messy. And That’s the Point.
Here’s something no one wants to admit. Your first episodes won’t be your best. And that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
One of the biggest mindset blocks I see with new podcasters is the belief that their show has to sound like it came straight out of NPR on day one. And when it doesn’t, they freeze. They fiddle. They over-edit. They never publish.
But here’s the truth. Podcasting is a skill you learn by doing. The sooner you let go of perfection, the sooner you’ll find your rhythm, your voice, and your audience.
Inside my programs, I remind every client and cohort member, your podcast doesn’t have to sound like “The Daily.” It just has to sound like you.
How We Help You Start Strong Without Burning Out
This is the part where I could throw a giant to-do list at you, but that’s not how we roll around here.
At Good Story Branding, we help you launch your podcast with a clear plan, accountability, and strategy that fits your life. No overwhelm. No hustle culture. Just a clear, creative path to finally putting your voice out there.
If you’re ready to get serious, check out our Launch Roadmap Package. It’s a one-on-one workshop plus a step-by-step plan to get you from “thinking about it” to “published.”
Or join our next Good Story Great Podcast Cohort. It’s a five-week, small group program designed to help you refine your idea, find your voice, and launch alongside other new creators.
Here’s what one of our past cohort members had to say:
"I had been dreaming about starting a podcast for two years and Vienna’s cohort is what finally made me DO IT. The support and clarity were unmatched."
Your Realistic, No-Fluff Plan to Start a Podcast
Here’s the step-by-step version you came here for:
Clarify your idea and audience
(Use our free Podcast Vision Framework to map this out.)Name your podcast
Outline your first three episodes
(We show you how to do this inside the cohort.)
Choose your gear and recording setup
Record your trailer and first episodes
Design your cover art
Set up your hosting platform and submit to Spotify, Apple, and other directories
Launch. Messy, imperfect, and real.
Final Thoughts: Your Podcast Deserves to Exist
You don’t need to be an influencer, an audio pro, or have a huge following to start a podcast.
You just need a story, a message, and the willingness to show up imperfectly.
If you’re ready to finally stop overthinking and start podcasting, here are your next steps:
Grab the Podcast Vision Framework
Join the next Good Story Great Podcast Cohort
Or, if you’re ready for one-on-one support, check out our Launch Roadmap Package
Your audience is out there waiting. Let’s get your voice in their ears.