Infographic by Ca’ren Franklin

“I think it’s just a great outlet, great platform, and obviously the hope and the goal is to get people who wanna listen,” Cal Lutheran alum and podcaster Nico Sapphire said. “It means something to have people who are actually wanting to listen to the things I have to say.” 

Podcasting is not only a form of content creation that has grown rapidly, but it is also one of the easiest ways to enter the communication industry today, opening the door to young professionals in the industry.

According to Priori Data, there are 464.67 million podcast listeners worldwide, a 189.89 million listener growth from 2019. With podcasting, you can share your interests and create your show with no restrictions. 

Kyle Tamkin, co-station manager of iCLU Radio, said that within podcasting, you develop various skills that help build a competitive resume. Tamkin also said the podcasting industry has been evolving as visuals are beginning to be incorporated and more editing is necessary.

“You have to have editing skills, you have to have videographer skills, and you have to, like I said before, make connections and be able to interview people … it’s not just one thing,” Tamkin said.

Tamkin also said that your podcast does not have to go viral for it to be considered a usable podcast. Your podcast work can still be sent out as a “sizzle reel” and be used to set you apart from others. 

“Even if it’s not gaining traction and you don’t have a lot of people watching it, you could turn it to a positive career-wise,” Tamkin said. “Especially when you’re in school, it could still benefit you. It can give you, like, almost like a virtual live working resume.”

In the article, “How To Start A Podcast And Make Money In 2024,” written by Mimi Polner she also said that a large following is not required for your podcast to be successful. According to Polner, if you make content that resonates with your audience, you can build your fan base. 

“I can build a community online and still exist within the creator space,” Ethan Klein, senior and content creator at California Lutheran University, said. “The community is like a huge thing when it comes to, like, the creation, like, the community and actually, like, putting forth your foot forward.”

Cal Lutheran Alum Nico Sapphire (’24) said that her podcasting work as a student has helped her get her foot in the door of the professional world. Podcasting has allowed her to be her own brand and has helped her land the jobs that she has now. Sapphire said she is in the process of pitching some of her ideas to bigger news outlets. 

“I think it’s just a great outlet, great platform, and obviously the hope and the goal is to get people who wanna listen,” Sapphire said. “It means something to have people who are actually wanting to listen to the things I have to say.” 

Podcasting is becoming easier to do and you don’t need to have the top-of-the-line equipment to get started. Polner said that you can create a podcast with the tools you already own because there are many free resources already available. 

Klein has developed a career in content creation and some of his vocal work has aided to that. Klein said that with easier accessibility to equipment, he encourages people to go out and practice creating content. 

“My favorite part is just … making the editing process is fun … just creating and writing the ideas,” Klein said. “I’m happy to do it, like, I enjoy it, like, I really do.”

Sapphire said the best thing you can do on your shows is to be yourself, be unique, and add your own twist to relevant topics. 

“With podcasting, you really can do whatever you want and you can have your own show and you can be your own brand,” Sapphire said. 

An important takeaway is that anyone has the ability to create their own podcast, regardless of their personality. Tamkin said that as long as your podcast has structure then it is doable for anyone. 

“It’s all about your mindset. I always say do it as if you’re talking to one person,” Tamkin said. “So I think for introverted people, if you’re talking to one person, it’s easier than in your head. So I think anyone can do it.”

Klein also said that to have a productive conversation, it needs to align with your beliefs and values. 

Sapphire said that practice on podcasts helps gauge whether podcasting will be for you; essentially you can test the waters before committing to it. 

“It’s all about who the listeners are, and what the viewers are gonna wanna listen to. And if you are not, you don’t seem excited about where you’re talking about … then they’re going to change the channel or just turn it off,” Sapphire said. 

Podcasting continues to grow and the skills you develop from it can help you pursue any career of your choosing. Even if you don’t feel qualified to create a podcast, or don’t go viral, the time spent creating your show will pay off in the long run. 

“Many doors can open, you know, sometimes you’ll get no, sometimes you’ll get yes, but just reach yourself, you know, you never know what’s out there,” Klein said. “Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there.”