Top 5 Lessons I've Learned from the First 5 Episodes of The Savour Success Podcast
Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve learned over the past few weeks.
Over the past few months, I’ve immersed myself in something that had been on my mind for over a year: launching my podcast. From learning the ropes of editing and producing to creating a platform where food and beverage entrepreneurs can share their stories, it has been both challenging and rewarding.
In April, I finally took the plunge into podcasting—a new and somewhat intimidating space for me. Initially, I struggled with thoughts like, "What will people think?" and "What if no one listens?" But a close friend gave me a valuable piece of advice: "It’s better to be shite when no one is watching so you can become great when people do." That really helped shift my mindset. I also reminded myself that even Joe Rogan probably didn’t have many listeners when he started. I’m not comparing myself to him, but it’s humbling to think that consistency is what drives growth. This lesson tied back to my days playing football—real progress came through analyzing my performance after each game. Self-reflection was crucial then, and it’s equally important now with podcasting. By taking the time to review each episode—whether I asked the right questions or edited it well—I continue to refine my skills and deliver better content.
Now, with five episodes under my belt (and the sixth on the way), here are the top five lessons I’ve learned:
1. Every Episode is a Learning Opportunity
Just like in football, where analysing performance led to improvement, the same applies to podcasting. After each episode, I reflect on how things went: Did I ask the right questions? Was the editing smooth? This post-episode analysis has been key to improving. What used to take days to edit now only takes hours, and I’m constantly learning ways to streamline the process. Each episode helps me improve and add more value for the listeners.
2. Quality Audio Matters
Technology can either make your life easier or harder. I’ve learned that the equipment and software you choose greatly impact the quality of your show. Investing in good audio tools has paid off in delivering a polished product for my listeners. Poor audio quality can be a dealbreaker for an audience, no matter how good the content. As my audience grows, I’ll continue to invest in better equipment and, hopefully, improve things like background noise. One day, I even hope to do in-person shows to elevate the experience further.
The software we use, Riverside.fm, Youtube, and Spotify Podcasting has streamlined our recording and distribution processes, ensuring high-quality audio and seamless publishing for each episode.
3. Listen More, Talk Less
We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. I’ve realized that listeners tune in to hear the guest’s story, not mine. By listening more and speaking less, I allow my guests to share their journeys in a more authentic way. While it’s important to connect with the guest, the focus should remain on their experiences and insights, not mine so I must fight the urge to ask questions and interrupt while the guests are speaking. Too much self-comparison shifts the attention away from them, something I’ve consciously tried to avoid. Being mindful of the conversation flow has been a big takeaway.
.
4. Find the Right Episode Length
Different podcast genres call for different formats. Andrew Huberman or Chris Williamson listeners are happy to tune in for 3-4 hours of casual conversation, but I’ve found that food entrepreneurs work best within a 30-40 minute window. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered that episodes longer than 50 minutes often lead to a significant drop in engagement, while those under 40 minutes tend to be fully completed. Staying focused on the most compelling parts of the conversation—especially the origin stories and challenges—has helped maintain listener interest. It’s still an ongoing process, and sometimes staying within that timeframe can be tough, but the goal is to keep refining.
5. Adapt to Every Guest
No two entrepreneurs are the same, and that’s what makes this journey so exciting. Every guest comes with a unique origin story and perspective. Doing my homework by researching their social media, business background, and personal journey has helped me tailor questions to each guest’s strengths and passions. This preparation brings out the best in every conversation and helps showcase the diverse paths each entrepreneur has taken.
These are just a few of the lessons I’ve picked up so far, and I’m excited to keep learning as Savour Success grows. Podcasting, much like entrepreneurship, is a journey, and I’m grateful to share it with all of you.
Thank you for being part of this adventure and a special thanks to all our outstanding guests so far. I hope you’ve enjoyed the first five episodes, and here’s to the next five! The Savour Success Podcast.