In this episode, I’ll walk you through how my “podcast why” has changed over the years, the lessons I’ve learned from supporting dozens of podcasters, and the real reason I keep coming back to the mic—even when things get hard, or the numbers aren’t what I hoped.

Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson—My Podcast Guy—and in this episode, I’m turning the spotlight on myself to share my own “podcast why.” After spending this first season (episodes 1 through 6) helping you reconnect with the deeper mission behind your podcast, I realized it was time to get honest about my journey, too.

Over the past decade of working with podcasters, I’ve noticed something important: it’s not about the fanciest gear or slick marketing tactics.

The shows that last are the ones powered by a clear, authentic sense of purpose.

Along the way, I’ll give you the same practical guidance I offer my clients, plus a simple exercise to help you define your own “why”—one that feels honest enough to sustain you through the ups and downs.

If you want clarity, confidence, or just a friendly voice in your corner as you build your show, this episode is for you.

Here are 3 key takeaways podcasters (and creators of all kinds) should consider:

A Clear Why Is Your Compass.

It’s not gear or tactics that keep shows alive—it’s a lived-in, honest why. The hosts who stick with it know exactly who they’re serving and what impact they want to make.

Your Why Can (and Should) Evolve.

My why started as a love for audio and helping people. Now? It’s about helping creators make shows that are true to themselves and their audience—even as their lives and goals shift.

Test Your Why—For Real-Life Stickiness.

Ask yourself: If you had to keep podcasting for a year, with no big numbers or opportunities, what version of your why would still make it worth showing up week after week? That's the deep fuel that lasts.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

I’ll show you how to come back honestly, confidently, and truly connected to your purpose—not just out of guilt or obligation.

Welcome to The Podcast Why—I’m Brett Johnson, your trusted friend in podcasting. In this episode, I’m exploring something that so many podcasters quietly carry: the shame of taking a break from your show.

Maybe you’ve missed a week, dropped off for months, or your podcast feed hasn’t seen a new episode in almost a year. I want to help you see that break not as a failure, but as a form of feedback about your real life, your capacity, and the “why” behind your show.

Over the years, working with podcasters, I’ve seen this struggle time and again.

In this episode, I’ll share composite stories, practical steps to navigate your return, and a new way to look at your podcasting gaps. We’ll talk about naming your break, getting curious about what really caused it, revisiting your mission, and redesigning how you show up so your podcast is actually sustainable.

If you’re ready to leave shame behind and restart from a place of clarity, this is the episode for you.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone who’s struggling to hit record again:

1. A break is data, not failure: Your hiatus says more about your capacity and season of life than about your worth as a podcaster. Instead of self-judgment, treat the break as feedback that can guide you in making the show sustainable.
2. Focus on your WHY, not guilt: Before you return, ask if your core reason for podcasting still matters and if your listener still exists. Let your motivation to serve—not a need to apologize—shape your comeback.
3. Make it work for your real life: Whether it’s switching to bi-weekly episodes, planning short seasons, or simplifying your format—adjust your podcast to fit your life, not the other way around.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’ve ever felt disconnected or stuck as a podcaster, this episode is your invitation to rethink your format, realign with your core purpose, and make changes—big or small—that help your show serve both you and your listeners in the way you always intended.

Welcome to another episode of The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, your trusted friend in podcasting, here to help you reconnect with the real purpose behind your podcast so you can keep showing up with clarity and confidence.

In today’s episode, I talk about something that quietly makes a lot of podcasters miserable: when your show’s format doesn’t actually match your “why.”

Maybe you started with a solid mission and a clear sense of what you wanted to accomplish. But along the way, you found yourself locked into a format that just doesn’t feel right for you.

Maybe it’s a string of interviews, an overly produced style, or quick news updates that don’t really speak to your heart.

I’ll share with you a composite story drawn from my experience working with podcasters—about a host who found herself trapped in the wrong format, and how we worked together to realign her show with her true mission.

Along the way, I’ll offer practical steps and honest questions you can use to evaluate whether your current show structure is lifting up your “why,” or holding you back.

Here are my 3 top takeaways for podcasters (new and experienced):

1. Your Format Should Support Your Mission - Don’t settle for a show style just because it’s “what everyone does.” An interview format isn’t the only path. Make sure the way you structure your episodes actually enables the kind of connection and impact you’re aiming for.
2. Small Format Tweaks Can Have a Big Impact - You don’t have to overhaul your entire show overnight! Even adding a short solo segment or reconsidering episode length can help your podcast better serve both you and your audience.
3. Let Your WHY Drive the Vehicle - Ask yourself honestly: “If I could design this show from scratch, what would feel most true to my mission?” Don’t be afraid to experiment and shape your format around your why, not someone else’s template.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’ve ever wondered, “Shouldn’t my show be bigger by now?” this episode is for you. Let’s rediscover together why your mission matters more than your numbers.

I’m talking about one of the toughest moments we face as podcasters: when our download numbers and rankings just don’t seem to match the heart and effort we pour into our shows.

I know firsthand how discouraging it can be to pour yourself into every episode and still feel like your audience isn’t growing the way you’d hoped.

I’ll share a story inspired by real conversations I’ve had with other podcasters—a moment when the excitement of launching a show faded, and the reality of slow growth started raising tough questions.

But more importantly, I’ll walk you through how reconnecting with your core mission—your real why—can keep you showing up, even when the metrics aren’t on your side.

Learn how to use numbers as feedback, not as a verdict on their worth or the value of their mission. Hear practical ways to rethink success, find fulfillment in serving your true audience, and keep your purpose at the center of everything you do.

3 Key Takeaways to Anchor Your Podcast Journey:

1. Your mission is your compass, not your stats. Metrics are feedback, not your identity. They should inform your direction, but never replace your purpose.
2. Numbers don’t get to dictate your worth. They can signal areas for growth, but they don’t get to say your mission doesn’t matter or you “shouldn’t” show up.
3. Success can be measured in impact—not just growth. A single thoughtful listener message can validate your show’s value more than any chart ranking ever could.

If you need a reset, ask yourself: If your numbers stayed the same for three months, would your mission still be worth it?

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If your show ever feels a little “off,” or you’re ready to make a meaningful shift, this episode will give you new clarity and actionable ideas.

Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and I’m here to help you reconnect with the real reasons behind your podcast—so you can keep showing up with clarity and confidence.

I’m inviting you to dig deeper into what drives your show. It’s not just about why you hit record, but also about why your listeners press play. I’ll show you how aligning your motivation with your audience’s needs is the secret to feeling truly connected, beating the usual doubts about downloads, and seeing actual growth.

You’ll hear a story about a podcaster named Maria—a perfect example of what happens when your internal engine (your why) isn’t delivering your listener where they want to go (their why). I’ll share simple, practical steps to help you discover both, see where they might be out of sync, and bring them together.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Here are my 3 key takeaways for every podcaster:

Your “Why” and Your Listener’s “Why” Are Both Vital

You have a personal reason for hitting record, but your audience has their own reason for tuning in—and those might not be the same! When both are acknowledged and addressed, everything just works better.

Alignment Creates Momentum

When your motivation and your listener’s needs line up, ideas flow and engagement increases. But if they’re out of sync, you might work harder without seeing results (even if download numbers look okay).

Small Shifts Make a Huge Impact

Don’t overhaul everything overnight. Try structuring episodes to first explore ideas, then give practical takeaways. Ask yourself: “How can my internal engine serve my listener’s destination?”

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

Over the years, I’ve watched podcasters—including myself—get sidetracked by reasons that sound impressive, like chasing big download numbers or proving ourselves as industry leaders. But here’s the truth: those reasons aren’t enough to keep us going for the long haul.

Welcome to The Podcast Why! I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and today I want to cut through the noise and talk about something every podcaster faces but few admit out loud: fake “whys.”

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from over a decade working with podcasters who feel stuck and burned out because they’ve been running on fake whys—not real purpose.

You’ll hear real stories, common pitfalls, and practical ways to spot when you’re powering your show with the wrong fuel. Most importantly, I’ll help you reconnect with your true motivation, so you can bring more clarity, confidence, and energy to your podcasting journey.

Let’s get honest, make the shift, and rediscover the real “why” that keeps us hitting record—even when nobody’s watching.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

3 Key Takeaways:

“Fake whys” look logical, but won’t fuel you long-term. Chasing download numbers or fearing you’ll be left out aren’t powerful enough reasons to keep your podcast going month after month.

Outcomes aren’t foundations. Metrics like downloads and sponsorships are results—not your core reason for creating. Treating them as your engine will drain your energy fast.

Your true why is your North Star. When you anchor your podcast in a deeper purpose—like serving others honestly or sharing what you wish you’d heard—it sustains you even when the numbers fluctuate.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’re struggling with consistency, feeling stuck, or wondering if your show still belongs in your life, this episode will help you find a purpose that’s honest, specific, and powerful enough to carry you forward.

Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting, and in this episode, I want to help you reconnect with the real reason your podcast matters—both to you and to your listeners.

After ten years working with podcasters, I’ve noticed that most of us start out with answers that sound good, like “I want to grow my business” or “I want to build my brand.” But when the excitement fades and the grind sets in, those surface-level reasons just aren’t enough to keep us going.

Today, I’ll share a story that illustrates what discovering your real, sustaining “why” feels like. You’ll hear practical advice and questions to help you cut through the noise and get clear on what truly motivates you to keep showing up behind the mic.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Here are three key takeaways that can help any creator rethink their podcast’s purpose:

1. Surface answers won’t sustain you. Saying you want to “help people” or “grow your business” sounds great, but if you’re struggling to show up consistently, your why might be out of date or too fuzzy.
2. Your real why is personal and current. Ask yourself: Why does your show exist today? Who would truly miss it if it were gone, and what would they miss? Getting specific makes your content—and your motivation—more sustainable.
3. Clarity is a game-changer. When you uncover your deeper why (like speaking directly to a past version of yourself or helping someone feel less alone), creative energy and consistency start to flow again.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or started doubting your show, you’re not alone—and this podcast is for you.

Welcome to The Podcast Why—I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting.

After more than a decade working behind the scenes with everyone from solo creators to big business podcasts, I’ve learned that the secret to a sustainable show isn’t perfect gear, viral moments, or chasing algorithms. It’s about knowing your “why.”

I share what you can expect from each episode: short, focused, and practical ideas to help you reconnect with your purpose, clarify the direction of your show, and make podcasting feel more meaningful and manageable. Every episode includes real stories from my years of podcast consulting and simple reflection questions so you can take action right away.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

If you’re ready to go deeper than surface-level advice and build a show that’s aligned and worth the effort, join me for season one. Let’s rediscover your why together and create a more intentional, fulfilling podcasting journey. Hit play—your mic, your listener, and your future self will thank you.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy