If you’ve ever hit record and immediately felt your heart race, you’re not alone. Sitting behind a microphone can feel surprisingly vulnerable — even if you’re completely comfortable talking in everyday life. The truth is, confidence in podcasting doesn’t magically appear. It’s built over time, shaped by repetition, structure, and a willingness to grow in public. In this episode, we’re breaking down what actually creates confidence behind the mic — and why feeling a little awkward at first isn’t a red flag… it’s part of the process.
Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and MacKenzie Bennett
Building Confidence as a Podcast Host
1. Confidence Isn’t a Personality Trait — It’s a Skill
A lot of people assume confident hosts are naturally outgoing or extroverted.
Some of the most confident podcasters are actually introverts who simply learned how to get comfortable in their format.
Confidence grows from repetition and familiarity.
Clear episode structureRecording often enough that it stops feeling “new”Regular publishing cadenceThe mic feels intimidating when it’s unfamiliar. It feels normal when it’s routine.
2. Your First Episodes Are Supposed to Feel Awkward
There’s this pressure to sound polished immediately.
But early episodes are where you discover:
Your pacingYour toneYour rhythmYour transitionsIf you wait to feel confident before publishing, you’ll wait forever.
Accepting that improvement happens publiclyMeasuring progress over perfectionLetting your audience grow with youNo one starts smooth. They become smooth.
3. Structure Reduces Nerves</