Should You Host a Podcast?

We can't do it all. Between running a business, managing priorities, and staying focused, deciding whether to start a podcast depends entirely on your stage, goals, and resources. But I can tell you this—podcasting has helped me generate business faster than I would have without it.

I’ve hosted two podcasts in my life, and both proved to be game-changers. Here’s what I learned and why hosting a podcast might be worth considering for you.

How My Podcasts Opened Doors

Podcast #1: Building Influence in the Club Scene

In my early years, I was organizing parties with DJs. Before we were officially event promoters, we launched a podcast and blog featuring interviews with underground artists. It was a passion project at first, but I quickly realized something powerful—being associated with influential names gave us instant credibility.

Big clubs that wouldn’t have considered us before suddenly started taking us seriously. Just by talking to the right people and sharing their insights, we positioned ourselves as insiders, which fast-tracked our growth.

Podcast #2: Startup & Innovation Interviews

Years later, after moving to the U.S. and Silicon Valley, I created a podcast on YouTube—this time focused on innovation, startups, and leadership. I left the nightlife scene behind (partly because waiting in line for bathrooms got old fast) and started interviewing C-level executives, bestselling authors, American disruptors, Navy SEALs, and more.

This time, I wasn’t just getting into clubs—I was getting into boardrooms, networking with top executives, and gaining insights directly from the best in the business.

Looking back, I have zero doubts it was worth it, and here’s why.

The 5 Big Benefits of Hosting a Podcast

1) Brand Association: Borrowing Credibility

Your influence increases when people see you alongside high-profile individuals. Think about major podcast hosts like Joe Rogan—his status isn’t just from his own work, but from the sheer number of influential guests he attracts.

When you interview industry leaders, bestselling authors, or respected professionals, you borrow their credibility. Your name becomes associated with theirs, making you more reputable in the eyes of your audience, partners, and potential clients.

2) Podcast Insights: Free Consulting… or Becoming the Expensive Consultant

Hosting a podcast gives you front-row access to knowledge.

  • You control the interview.

  • You ask the questions you care about.

  • You extract insights others might never get.

It’s like free consulting from industry giants—except instead of paying for advice, they’re happy to share because it’s a mutually beneficial conversation.

But it doesn’t stop there. Over time, as you build your reputation, something interesting happens: you become the expensive consultant.

Podcasting turns you into an authority. When you consistently showcase knowledge and surround yourself with experts, people start seeing you as the expert. Suddenly, companies and individuals want your advice—and they’re willing to pay for it.

And it’s not just about experts. If your target audience is everyday consumers, interviewing regular people can be just as powerful. For example, if you wanted to create a new women-focused product, interviewing 100+ women on your podcast would give you deep insights that no report or focus group could match.

Companies like Microsoft have leveraged podcasts to gain knowledge across industries, helping them humanize and refine their products. It’s no coincidence that their approach to product development has become more consumer-driven over time.

3) Networking Superbooster: Relationship Building at Scale

A podcast is one of the best ways to build lasting relationships with influential people.

Even if you pay guests to appear, the process of:

  • Researching them deeply

  • Having a meaningful, in-depth conversation

  • Highlighting what matters most to them

...creates a real connection that lasts long after the episode is over.

Podcasts aren’t like business meetings. They’re casual, engaging, and—when done right—memorable. Unlike a one-off call or networking event, podcast interviews often turn into long-term professional relationships.

4) The Virtuous Cycle: The More You Interview, The More You Attract

Once you have a few big names on your podcast, it becomes much easier to invite others. Influential guests are more likely to say yes when they see you’ve already interviewed people they respect.

I personally used this strategy—mentioning past guests, name-dropping when relevant, and even showing photos of interviews with respected figures. The result? More doors opened.

This reminds me of an inspiring story: Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, interviewed billionaire Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie agreed to the interview on one condition—that Hill also interview every other industry giant in his network. The result? Hill gained access to the most powerful people of his time.

This strategy still works today.

5) The Power of Influence: Becoming a Magnet for Opportunities

Humans are drawn to power, knowledge, and influence. Throughout history, people have always wanted to be close to kings, queens, and leaders—because access means opportunities.

A podcast positions you as an influential figure. You become a connector, an interviewer, and an authority in your space. That influence attracts business, partnerships, collaborations, and unexpected opportunities.

But with influence comes responsibility. Not everyone will like what you do. Some people will criticize or doubt you. It’s part of the game.

Final Thoughts: Should YOU Host a Podcast?

Hosting a podcast isn’t for everyone. It requires:
✅ Time
✅ Effort
✅ Consistency

And it won’t be perfect. You’ll have technical hiccups, awkward moments, and even haters.

But if you’re in a stage where networking, credibility, insights, and influence matter to your business—a podcast can be a powerful tool.

Think big. Start small. Do your best. Forget the rest.

Alistair

I have built and led three businesses, generating over four million in revenue, securing investor funding, and launching two successful software products. Along the way, I have helped over 70 companies grow, become more customer- and revenue-focused, pivot, or overcome challenges. My goal is simple: to empower and support fellow entrepreneurs—those with unique inner grit and inspiration—on their journey to success.

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