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Podcasting for Beginners: 6 Lessons We Learned in Our First 6 Months

Johnny Mack and Ricky G recording an episode of The Mack & G Show, with text overlay that reads ‘6 Lessons We Learned in our First 6 Months'

Thinking about starting a podcast? So were we. Six months ago, we launched The Mack & G Show with a couple of mics, some ideas, and a belief that every person has a story worth telling. Along the way, we picked up some valuable podcasting lessons learned—things we wish we knew before we hit record.

Now, after months of trial and error, here are six key lessons every new podcaster should know before diving in.

1. Starting a Podcast? Plan, But Don’t Overthink It

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make? Overthinking it. We’ve seen people spend months researching the “perfect” setup, debating microphones, watching endless YouTube tutorials—yet they never actually hit record. Don’t let perfection slow you down. The truth is, your first few episodes won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. You’ll improve as you go.

Decide on a Format

Will your show be solo, co-hosted, or interview-based? For The Mack & G Show, we do a mix—some episodes are just the two of us, while others feature guests with great stories to tell. Having this flexibility keeps things fresh and allows us to explore different topics in different ways.

When we first started, we debated whether we wanted every episode to have a guest or if we should keep it just the two of us. Ultimately, we realized that having both formats worked best. Some of our best episodes are just us riffing, while others shine because of a great guest conversation. Don’t box yourself in—your format can evolve.

Know Your “Why”

Is your podcast for fun, business, or building a community? If you don’t know why you’re doing it, it’s easy to quit when things get tough.

For us, it started as a passion project—having real conversations, sharing laughs, and connecting with people. But we’re also investing real time and money into it, so yes, we’d love for it to generate income down the road. Right now, we’re focused on making it the best show it can be, and if that leads to growth and monetization, even better.

The key is making sure you’d still want to do it even if it never made a dime. If you enjoy the process, it won’t feel like work.

Plan a Few Episodes Ahead

Life gets busy, and knowing what’s coming next helps avoid last-minute scrambling. We usually have a few topics lined up so we’re never stuck thinking, What should we talk about this week?

In the early days, we thought we could just wing it. Spoiler: That didn’t work. We quickly learned that having a simple outline—even just a list of key points—made the show flow much better.

Here’s how we plan:

  • If it’s just Ricky and me, we pick a topic, then build out an outline.
  • If we have a guest, we ask for their bio and refine it to make it more conversational.
  • We build an episode outline and share it with them via Google Docs, so they can add input.
  • On recording day, we display key points on a TV screen (out of the camera’s view) to help keep us on track.

Ricky and I don’t have great memories, so having key points on the screen is a game-changer. If you can remember everything off the top of your head, great—you won’t need it. But we do!

Good planning doesn’t mean over-scripting—it just means having a roadmap so the conversation flows naturally.

🎯 Lesson Learned: Just starting isn’t enough—having a plan makes all the difference. The best podcasts aren’t necessarily the ones with the fanciest gear or the biggest budgets; they’re the ones where the hosts show up consistently, know why they’re doing it, and have a clear direction. You don’t need a perfect plan—but you do need a starting point.

2. Better Sound = Better Podcast: Why Audio Quality Matters

Your content could be amazing, but bad audio will make people click away fast. Trust us—we cringe when we listen back to some of our earlier episodes. We thought we had everything dialed in, but in reality, there were times when the audio levels were off, background noise crept in, or the sound just wasn’t as crisp as it should’ve been.

Invest in a Good Mic

If you’re just starting out, we recommend the RØDE PodMic USB because it gives you the best of both worlds—you can start with a simple USB connection, and when you’re ready to upgrade, it has XLR support to connect to a professional audio interface. That’s exactly the path we followed.

Learn Basic Audio Editing

We started out processing audio in GarageBand, which was completely free since it came with my Mac. Eventually, we moved to Logic Pro because of its advanced capabilities, but it didn’t actually save us time—it just gave us more control over the sound.

Save Time with the Right Gear

The real game-changer was investing in the RØDECaster Pro II. Instead of spending hours tweaking audio in post-production, we could process the sound in real-time while recording—balancing levels, reducing noise, and applying compression automatically. This one piece of equipment saved us a ton of time. While it’s not cheap, if you’re serious about podcasting, it’s absolutely worth the investment.

Record in a Quiet Space

It doesn’t matter how good your mic is if your recording environment is noisy. Soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, and foam panels help cut down on echo and background noise. And if you have a home studio like we do, be prepared for interruptions—occasionally, one of our dogs decides it’s time to bark at the mailman, and we have to hit pause until the coast is clear. Nothing kills a serious conversation faster than a dog losing its mind in the background.

🎯 Lesson learned? People will forgive a lot—but not bad audio. Get this right early, and you’ll keep listeners coming back.

3. Why Video Can Help Your Podcast Stand Out

When we started, we thought, It’s just a podcast—why worry about video? Turns out, video is a huge driver of growth.

Podcasting is an audio-first medium, but in today’s world, video content is how people discover new shows. More people scroll through Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube than browse podcast directories. If you’re serious about growing your audience, video isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why Video Matters

YouTube expands your audience – More people discover podcasts through video than through audio alone. A YouTube presence helps you get found organically.

Short-form clips are gold – People have short attention spans. Posting 1-2 minute clips from each episode on social media (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts) drives engagement and introduces new listeners to your show.

Multi-camera angles help – Yes, editing is more work, but having multiple angles makes your content look more dynamic. A static single-camera setup works, but switching between different shots keeps people visually engaged.

Our Video Workflow

When we committed to video, we invested in a simple multi-camera setup to give our podcast a more professional look:

  • Host Shot: Panasonic LUMIX G95D (our primary camera)
  • Guest Shot: iPhone 15 Pro (yes, an iPhone works surprisingly well)
  • Lighting Setup: NEEWER CB100C LED + Elgato Key Light Air
  • Editing Software: Final Cut Pro for video + VEED for fast social clips

🎯 Lesson Learned: If you’re starting, don’t stress over Hollywood-level production. A simple camera (or even a smartphone), good lighting, and solid content matter way more than fancy gear.

4. Editing Takes More Time Than You Expect

Recording is fun. Editing? That’s the real time-suck. A 45-minute episode can take hours to edit.

When I first tried editing audio in GarageBand (and later in Logic Pro), I was completely lost. I watched tutorial after tutorial, trying to figure out how to properly process speech. I’d tweak waveforms, adjust levels, and mess with EQ settings—but I had no idea if I was actually making the audio better. And since we were recording directly into my laptop, every track had to be edited separately, which took forever.

Then we got the RØDECaster Pro II, and that changed everything. Instead of spending hours cleaning up audio in post-production, we could process it in real-time while recording—balancing levels, reducing noise, and applying compression automatically. Now, instead of guessing if I’m doing it right, I just hit record and it sounds good from the start.

Our Editing Workflow Today

  • RØDECaster Pro II handles live audio processing – Compression, EQ, and leveling are applied while recording, so we don’t waste time fixing it later.
  • Logic Pro for editing the show – This is where we cut filler, remove bad sections, and tighten up the conversation.
  • iZotope RX 11 to adjust LUFS – Since YouTube and podcast platforms require different loudness levels, we use iZotope to properly balance our audio for each.
  • Final Cut Pro for video editing – Multi-camera angles add extra work, but they make the show more engaging.
  • VEED for social clips – Quickly generates captioned clips for social media without manual transcriptions.

🎯 Lesson Learned: If you’re new to podcasting, don’t overcomplicate the audio editing process. Get the best sound you can while recording so you don’t have to spend hours fixing it later. Also, editing your podcast isn’t just about sound quality—it’s about shaping the episode so it flows smoothly and keeps listeners engaged.

5. Growing a Podcast Takes Time

Podcast growth is slow at first. We’re still in the early stages, and while we’ve seen progress, there’s no magic formula for overnight success.

The key? Keep showing up. Every great podcast—whether big or small—started with zero listeners. The ones that succeed stick with it, learn from what works, and keep improving.

What We’ve Tried So Far

Google Ads + Backlinks for YouTube – We’ve run small test campaigns to promote specific episodes, and it does boost visibility. Normally, we’d get 50-100 organic views per video, but with targeted ads and backlinks, we’ve seen episodes hit 2,000+ views. Does it lead to more subscribers? Not yet. But it builds visibility, and we hope it will pay off long-term.

SEO-Friendly Titles & Descriptions – One of the easiest ways to grow organically is to optimize episode titles and descriptions. Instead of vague titles like “Great Conversation with a Guest”, we now use clear, keyword-driven titles that explain exactly what the episode is about. This helps people find our podcast when searching for topics they care about.

Posting Clips on Social Media – Short-form YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikToks have huge potential to reach new audiences. We’re experimenting with different formats to see what gets the most engagement.

What We’re Still Figuring Out

The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all growth hack. Some things work for a while, some don’t. We’re still trying to crack the code on what works best for long-term growth.

Right now, our focus is on consistency—putting out quality content, improving each episode, and making sure that when new listeners find us, they want to stick around.

🎯 Lesson learned? Podcasting is a long game. If you expect to go viral overnight, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Keep showing up, and results will come.

6. The Most Important Lesson? Enjoy the Process.

If podcasting feels like a chore, you’re doing it wrong. The best moments happen when you’re having fun, rolling with the punches, and figuring things out as you go.

Mistakes Will Happen—Learn to Laugh at Them

Even when you think you have everything dialed in, things will go wrong. Case in point: during our episode with Jack Silva (Episode 17), we completely forgot to hit record on our RØDECaster Pro II. We had two cameras rolling, but no audio. We didn’t realize it until 25 minutes in. We had to start the whole thing over. Frustrating? Yeah. But we laughed, hit record (for real this time), and did it again.

Perfection is Overrated (But Good Audio Still Matters)

At first, I was obsessed with cleaning up every single filler word. I’d spend way too much time removing every “um,” “uh,” and awkward pause. Over time, I’ve learned to let it go (a little).

For YouTube, visual is everything, so a few filler words don’t matter much. But for audio-only podcasts, sound is king. Some guests say “um” every other word, and in those cases, I still go in and clean things up. The trick is knowing when to fix and when to leave things natural.

🎯 Lesson learned? Mistakes are part of the process. The key is to stay flexible, laugh at the hiccups, and keep improving. The best podcasters aren’t the ones who get everything perfect; they’re the ones who keep going.

Tools We Use for Podcasting

One of the most common questions we get is “What gear do you use?” Here’s our current setup:

This setup has evolved over time, and if you’re just starting out, don’t stress about getting the “perfect” gear. Start with what you can afford, then upgrade as you go.

Podcasting FAQs: Common Questions Answered

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

You can start with a basic USB mic ($50–$100) and free editing software like GarageBand or Audacity. But if you want better quality, expect to spend $200–$500 for a solid mic, headphones, and an audio interface.

Do I need video for my podcast?

No, but it helps a lot. YouTube is one of the biggest podcast discovery platforms, and short-form video clips on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts make it easier for new listeners to find you.

What’s the hardest part of podcasting?

Consistency. Recording is the fun part—but balancing editing, promotion, and scheduling takes time. The more you plan ahead, the easier it gets.

How do I get more listeners?
  • Use SEO-friendly episode titles (Make it clear what your episode is about)
  • Promote clips on social media (Short-form content drives engagement)
  • Experiment with Google Ads & collaborations (Paid + organic growth)
  • Stick with it! Many podcasts don’t see real growth until 6–12 months in.
How long should a podcast episode be?

There’s no perfect length—it depends on your format.

  • Interviews: 30–60 minutes
  • Solo or co-hosted discussions: 20–45 minutes
  • Bite-sized content: 10–20 minutes

The key is keeping it engaging and respecting your audience’s time.

Should I script my episodes or go unscripted?

A mix of both works best. Fully scripted can sound robotic, but going in with no plan at all can lead to rambling. We use a structured outline to keep the conversation on track.

If you’re doing an interview, prep questions in advance but allow room for natural flow.

What are the biggest mistakes new podcasters make?
  • Not using headphones while recording – This can cause echo and feedback issues. Always monitor your audio.
  • Forgetting to normalize audio levels – Uneven volume is a quick way to lose listeners. Use iZotope RX 11 or manual volume adjustments to keep everything balanced.
  • Using long intros – If you don’t get to the point quickly, listeners will bail. Your intro should be short, engaging, and set the tone without dragging on—because nobody wants to sit through a two-minute monologue before the real conversation starts.
  • Neglecting show notes & descriptions – A well-written title and episode description help SEO and make it easier for new listeners to find you.
  • Ignoring social media – Even if you don’t love social media, posting clips and engaging with listeners helps you grow.

Final Thoughts: Should You Start a Podcast?

Short answer? Yes—if you’re passionate about it. But here’s the real question: Why do you want to start one?

If it’s just to “go viral” or make quick money, you’ll probably get frustrated fast. Podcasting is a long game, and growth takes time. But if you genuinely enjoy talking about something, sharing stories, or having real conversations, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

One of the biggest podcasting lessons learned is that you don’t need a perfect setup to start—you just need an idea, a voice, and the commitment to keep going. Overthinking and waiting for the “right time” will only slow you down.

If you’re on the fence, here’s our advice: Start small, learn as you go, and most mportantly—have fun with it. Every successful podcaster started somewhere, and the only way to improve is by doing.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase an item, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and tools that we personally use and believe can benefit our audience. Thanks for supporting The Mack & G Show!

Let Us Know if We Can Help

If you’re thinking about starting a podcast and have questions, send us an email or reach out to us on social media. We’d love to hear from you.

And if you want to hear more about our journey, our guests, and our take on fatherhood, life, and everything in between, check out The Mack & G Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

🎙️ Got a funny podcasting mistake or a lesson you’ve learned? Let us know—we’re always up for a great story.

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