Friday Newsflow: Let’s Talk About Burnout in Podcasting
We don’t talk enough about what podcasting can take out of you.
And since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this week feels like the right time to say it out loud:
Podcasting is work.
Even when it’s fun.
Even when it’s a “passion project.”
Even when you love it.
Because let’s be real—most indie creators aren’t just recording and releasing.
You’re planning, editing, promoting, chasing guests, marketing, managing a platform, and probably also working a full-time job, raising kids, or trying to stay afloat in this chaotic world.
That’s a recipe for burnout. And you’re not alone if you’ve felt it.
What’s Happening
This month, we’re honoring Mental Health Awareness Month by talking about something that affects every podcaster—especially those of us doing it all on our own: burnout.
The kind of burnout that creeps in quietly.
The kind that makes something you used to love feel overwhelming.
The kind that tells you maybe your voice isn’t enough.
If podcasting has started to feel more like a burden than a joy lately—you’re not alone.
And you’re definitely not doing it wrong.
Let’s dig into what’s really going on, and how we can shift the culture around “hustling” for growth at the expense of our peace.
Why It Matters
Burnout in podcasting often doesn’t look like “I quit.” It looks like:
“I’ll take a quick break,” which turns into months of silence
Dreading recording, even though you used to love it
Feeling like you’re doing all the things, but nothing is moving
Constantly questioning if it’s even worth it
And when you're a Black or brown woman in this industry, the mental load is even heavier. You’re not just creating—you’re fighting to be heard, to be taken seriously, to be seen beyond a trend or theme month.
But podcasting doesn’t have to feel like survival.
It can feel like power. Like joy. Like freedom.
But only if we build it that way.
Your Move
This week, take a moment to:
✅ Write down all the behind-the-scenes tasks you’ve done for your show this month—then give yourself some credit
✅ Check in with a podcasting friend and ask, “How are you really doing?”
✅ Say no to one thing that isn’t essential—because your energy is not infinite
✅ Celebrate any step forward, even if it’s just showing up to the mic
You don’t have to earn your rest.
And your show doesn’t have to hustle to be valuable.
Bottom Line
Burnout is real.
But it’s not the end of your story—it’s a sign that something needs to shift.
Let’s normalize sustainable podcasting. Let’s prioritize joy over pressure.
And let’s remember: your voice is powerful, even when it’s quiet.
💬 What’s one part of your podcasting process you’d let go of—or redesign—to protect your peace?
Help Us Grow WOC Voices in Podcasting
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Right now, less than 3% of our Substack audience are paid subscribers. But even a small shift would mean a lot:
🟣 At 5% paid, we could offer free memberships to Black and brown women who can’t afford to join the community
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Catch up on our shows
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are diving into the rise of dating apps and the growing epidemic of loneliness. Are swipes solving anything or just adding to the chaos?
When a woman goes missing after a night at the bar, investigators and community members must work together to find justice. What happened to Amanda? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime.
On Grad School Femtoring, Yvette discusses the financial challenges that first-gen, BIPOC, and low-income graduate students often face, particularly those who find themselves unable to graduate because they owe money to their university. I share strategies on how to become a “squeaky wheel” to access discretionary or emergency funds, highlight the importance of building a support network, and advocate for policy changes within institutions.
On The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana is joined by the multi-talented Dale Novella Anderson Lee, who happens to be a funk songwriter and teaching artist. Dale shares her journey of navigating the arts world while staying true to her beliefs and community values. From her early passion for music and songwriting inspired by family performances to her exploration of teaching artistry and the therapeutic aspects of the arts, Dale discusses the ups and downs of her creative path.
On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the intuitive Dr. Lenka Schulze. Intuologist, Author, Educator, and Spiritual Guide. Her lifelong experience, ongoing research, and ample knowledge of intuition. and consciousness, create a solid platform from which she invites others to view and see life from the soul’s point of view.
The ladies of Wining About Herstory are PUMPED to bring you two amazing stories filled with controversy, inhabitable landscapes, and DIY surgery! First, Emily tells the harrowing story of Dr. Jerri Nielsen FitzGerald who, after a messy divorce, decided to get away from it all- by going to the bottom of the world to be a doctor at an Antarctic research station. But when Dr. Jerri herself was in need of medical attention, it was up to her and a battle promotion crew to keep her alive. Kelley returns to her roots to cover the celestial Vera Rubin who studied the space and stars and, despite all of her efforts to avoid it, was the center of controversy throughout her career and still today.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
*Inside the Circle: A WOC Podcasters Open House - May 20th at 3:30pm ET
Your invited inside WOC Podcasters! Experience what makes WOC Podcasters so powerful: the support, the resources, the real talk—and each other.
✨ What to Expect: A behind-the-scenes look at our workshops, events, and community perks; A chance for guests to ask questions, share their podcast dreams, and connect; Honest stories from members about how the community has helped them grow; Space to celebrate our wins and support each other’s next chapter {Add this to you calendar here}
The Soundwave Summit - May 4th in Toronto, Canada: We’re bringing together creators making waves in podcasting. Join us for a high-energy day dedicated to independent podcast creators and audio enthusiasts! The 2025 Soundwave Summit is packed with expert-led sessions, hands-on insights, and valuable networking opportunities—perfect for those looking to level up their podcasting game. Plus: A live recording of Canardian with host Kattie Laur (Pod The North/Bumper) and guest Hannah Sung (Media Girlfirends).
Riverside and B&H present: Master Your Setup - Insider Tips for Pro-Level Video Production - May 6th at 12pm ET: Join Riverside for an exclusive event with B&H - the leading experts on video and audio gear. In this session, we’ll do a deep dive into the gear and tools you need to build your best possible setup for high quality video production, for all levels and budgets.
Podcasters Meet Up: Atlanta - May 7th at 6pm ET at at Skewed Orbit Studios: Atlanta podcasters, join us for a meet up! Come connect with other creators in your area, make some new friends in your field, find new guests, enjoy some free refreshments, and more. Plus, we’ll host a panel on podcasting growth, so you can learn what’s working from other creators in your field.
How to Craft a Sponsorship Pitch No Brand Will Ignore - May 8th at 1pm ET: There are very specific reasons why brands don’t respond when you slide in their DMs or contact them using the press email from their website. And it’s not because you have cooties (actually...do you?). During this session, Justin Moore, Sponsorship Coach, author, and the founder of CreatorWizard will share the surprisingly easy way to transform your pitching strategy and income in one fell swoop. {This is a WOC Podcasters Member event. Join WOC Podcasters to attend this event and many more!}
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 30-day free trial here.
Want to Submit Your Content to The Podcaster’s Digest?
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This is too real, I was launching two new podcasts this month but due to a family passing, I had to pause on at least one of those podcasts. This made me also realize that the last couple of months, I was burning out.
One project at a time, there is no need to get everything done at once. It was for the upcoming Podcast Show, a conference in London but now I am not going and that is okay. I have time, and I am looking forward to the release but we need to also be there for ourselves and our loved ones.