Let’s talk about something no one really admits out loud: I disappeared for a few weeks and dropped the ball on this podcast.

Not strategically. Not intentionally. Just… life.

When Life Happens (And Your Content Plan Doesn’t)

I had every intention of staying consistent.

Instead, here’s what actually happened:

* I was in the Maldives and got sick

* Led a grief retreat

* Went into my annual grief week with my sister

* Got caught in a stressful situation while travelling

* Launched a book in New York

* Caught another bug

* Flew to LA for an Oscars event

And somewhere in there… podcasting for myself took a back seat.

My usual cadence for How We Navigate Grief is three short episodes per week.

My last episode before the pause? March 6.This recording? March 19.

So yes, there was a gap.

Here’s What Blew My Mind…

Even though I stopped posting consistently:

* I kept gaining new subscribers daily

* I kept getting new followers on Substack

* I’m nearing 3,000 downloads

* I gained paid subscribers while inactive

The coolest stat, IMO: 67% of my podcast listens are coming from Apple Podcasts

Not Substack.

Not social.

Apple.

Let that sink in.

Why Podcasting on Substack Works (Even When You’re Not Perfect)

What I’m doing is simple:

* Recording short, 5–10 minute episodes

* Publishing them on Substack with:

* Audio

* Written content

* An image or two

* Letting Substack distribute to platforms like:

* Apple Podcasts

* Spotify

So while Substack is the hub…

The reach extends far beyond it.

Which means your content keeps working even when you’re not.

Real Data From a Brand-New Podcast

For How to Podcast on Substack:

* Only 3 episodes published

* Last episode was over a month ago

* Still reached 183 downloads

Breakdown:

* 57% from browser

* 32% from Apple Podcasts

* The rest from other platforms

Not viral. Not massive.

But consistent traction without constant effort.

That’s the game.

The Lesson Most Creators Need to Hear

Yes, consistency matters.

But here’s the nuance:

Consistency builds momentum.But systems sustain it.

Because I had:

* Content already working

* Distribution built in

* A clear strategy

…I didn’t lose everything when I paused.

I just… slowed down.

And the machine kept running.

What I’m Changing Moving Forward

Because let’s be honest, disappearing every time life gets chaotic isn’t a strategy.

So here’s what I’m doing next:

1. Batch Creating Content

I’m recording multiple episodes at once so I’m never scrambling.

2. Building Evergreen Episodes

Content that stays relevant whether it’s published today or next month.

3. Scheduling Ahead

So even if I’m:

* Traveling

* Hosting retreats

* Or life just life-ing

…my podcast stays consistent.

Because consistency shouldn’t rely on your energy. It should rely on your systems.

What I’m Seeing With My Clients

This is where it gets really interesting.

One client:

* 700+ downloads

* Only 17 subscribers

That’s huge.

Most people struggle for months to get that kind of traction.

Another client told me:

“I don’t like Instagram anymore. It feels inauthentic.”

After starting on Substack?

“I actually love creating again.”

Because this isn’t about chasing algorithms.

It’s about:

* Sharing your expertise

* Telling real stories

* Building connection

And yes… still growing your audience

The Bigger Shift: From Performance to Presence

Podcasting on Substack works because it removes the pressure to perform.

You don’t need:

* Perfect lighting

* Fancy edits

* Viral hooks

* A mic (I use my phone)

* Extra money (everything I use for my Substack podcasts are free)

You need:

* A voice

* A perspective

* And a willingness to hit record

Final Thought (If You’ve Been Overthinking This)

You don’t need to be perfect.You don’t even need to be consistent 100% of the time.

But you do need to start.

Because even when I stopped…

My content didn’t.

Your Next Step

If this gave you clarity:

* Follow the show

* Subscribe on Substack

* Leave a quick review

And if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your podcast?

This is it.

Now stop overthinking it…and go hit record.

Here we grow,

xx Blair Kaplan Venables

P.S. I can help you build this out. I will create your podcast, set everything up and create a 3-month plan for you, while supporting you in creating and publishing your content. Don’t let overwhelm stop you from getting your content into the world! HIRE ME and don’t stress.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howwepodcast.substack.com