How Podcasting is Boosting My Happiness: Learning, Serendipity and Community

My podcast launched 3 months ago and it has already changed my life significantly. My only regret is that I didn’t start it years ago.

I’ve found so much joy through my podcast and here’s why:

1.) Excellent learning opportunity: One of the reasons why I love journalism is you can dream up any topic, talk to experts and ask them anything you want. Seriously. I cannot emphasize this enough. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn.

Also, I’ve improved my public speaking skills. When you listen to raw audio over and over during the editing process, you can dissect how people speak. I’ve been fortunate to interview professional speakers like CNBC anchor Jon Fortt and also Triad Consulting Group managing partner Elaine Lin Hering, so I get to study every aspect of how they speak - from pacing, to avoidance of filler words (I say “um” and “like” a lot. They use pauses and are meticulous with their word choice.)

I’ve also taught myself programs like GarageBand and Canva, and I’m honing social media marketing skills.

2.) Introduce Serendipitous Opportunities: Running this podcast has helped me cross pollinate ideas with people not normally in my sphere, which has led to great opportunities. For example, I recently called a guest who was a friend that I hadn’t spoken with in about a year. She was in the process of investing in an asset class that I’d never entered. She shared information and all the tools required to purchase the asset — which I did. Conversations outside of my regular sphere have led to new opportunities.

Running this podcast introduces serendipitous conversations which have led to fascinating outcomes.

3.) Widen and Deepen Your Social Circle: Many of my guests are personal friends, some of whom I haven’t spoken with in decades. It’s fantastic to reconnect, create new shared experiences and deepen relationships.

Also, guests and listeners have connected me with their communities, and I’ve created an active Facebook group to discuss episodes and share tips.

As a work-from-home solopreneur parent of young children during a pandemic, it can be really hard to meet people and have community. If you want to expand your social circle, a podcast is a great way to connect.

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There you have it. While I’ve spent more time than I ever expected on this podcast, the emotional and physical results have been greater than I’ve ever dreamed.

What projects are bringing you joy these days? Why?