First up…Happy New Year to our wonderful podcast community! Here’s to an incredible 2024! Now, whether you took a break over the festive season or not, today’s Founder’s Corner post is for you! Because we’re diving into a seriously under-appreciated way to take effective breaks, whether that be a podcast break, a work break, or a [fill-in-the-blank] break – no matter the time of year.
Trust us…it’s going to be fun……
But first…
The Founder’s Corner posts are based on previous segments from our weekly newsletter. So if you want this type of content first, check out the link at the end of this post!
Now, let’s dive into today’s post!
How To Take Effective Breaks
*Note: While this post does focus on podcast breaks, this strategy can be applied to almost all areas!
One of the biggest questions podcasters ask themselves is whether or not they can or should take a break from their podcast.
More often than not, a break is directly related to a drop in listeners, so this is not always the best option.
However, there are tons of ways to work around this while still getting in that much-needed break!
Some of these ways include:
- Creating short-form content for your podcast.
- Batch-recording episodes and scheduling ahead.
- Pulling episodes from the archives for reruns.
- Planning some juicy episodes for the new year!
So what are your next steps?
The key lies in creating what I like to call an “alternate podcast schedule”. In other words, finding ways to make podcasting feel like a break without actually taking a break from your regular publishing schedule!
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve heard me say this over and again: consistency is key!
But that doesn’t mean you can’t be consistent and well-rested!
Now, drumroll please….here’s my not-so-secret strategy…
Instead of focusing on a “break”, try making the mindset shift to having more FUN!
Yes, that’s right… I’m saying, “Bring on the FUN!”
Fun Is As Good As a Break!
So now, let the effective breaks fun begin! Let’s dig into three ways to make podcasting feel like a holiday!
1. Host a Podcast Party
Who doesn’t love a good party? And what better way to have some fun and make your podcasting feel like a break than by hosting a holiday podcast party!
What does this look like, you might wonder?
Well, it can be anything from doing a live recording, to engaging your audience in the event, doing a virtual movie review or watch-a-thon, a virtual “pub quiz”, or even inviting a few of your favorite podcasters or guests on to the show for a little collaborative party behind the mic!
You could celebrate a podcast mile stone, a personal event, or just make it a “just because” celebration.
The options are endless! Just depends on what your vision is for your podcast party. So get planning!
2. Focus on Relaxation and Stress-Relief
A little R&R is exactly what you need to make your podcast feel like a holiday!
Whether you invite on an expert on stress relief or have someone on to give your listeners a much-needed self-care guide, everyone is ready for a few great tips on reducing the stress and chaos in our busy lives!
Let your podcast feel like a spa day, reduce stress levels, and build in that much-needed break!
3. Take an Off-Script Approach
And finally, for my last fun-focused way to have a podcast break, let loose! Try taking an off-script approach to your next couple of episodes. This is your time to finally color outside the lines a bit! Give yourself permission to take on some bold topics, create episodes you’ve always wanted to, or even bring on a guest or co-host to do a mini-series as a break from your usual content.
This approach allows you to cut down on some parts of your podcast process, giving you more time for some R&R in between, while still serving your audience and giving them valuable content.
So, be BOLD! Go off-script, and have the most fun!
Effective Breaks with Actually Stopping Your Podcast is Totally Possible!
If there’s one thing that should be clear from my not-so-secret strategies for having an effective break from your podcast without actually stopping is that FUN is the key! Changing it up and opening yourself and your listeners up to some fun is a great way to help you feel like you’re taking a break without losing your podcast momentum.
The goal?
Serve your listeners by creating an unexpected experience every step of the way! They get great content, and you give yourself something new and rewarding to try.
After all, they do say a change is as good as a rest! And a fun change must be even better!
So give fun a go!
You won’t regret it!
The Founder’s Corner posts are based on a segment of our weekly newsletter.
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