Feeling Legitimate as a Podcaster

Schedule your complimentary ⁠⁠Podcast Boss Call with Regina HERE⁠⁠. 

In this episode, I talk about something close to my heart, and maybe yours too: feeling “legitimate” as a podcaster. Many (aspiring/new/but also experienced!) podcasters, especially purpose-driven coaches and solopreneurs, struggle with the question, “Who am I to do this?”

1. Your Voice and Perspective Matter

When I launched #impact podcast in 2017, I was in Hong Kong, my vision was to share stories of individuals driving social impact, even if no one knew who I was or what I was doing. My identity as a podcaster wasn’t built on high-tech setups or fancy intros, but rather on my commitment to those stories.

Your voice matters because it’s yours. No one else sees the world quite like you do, and no one else will speak on behalf of the people, causes, or ideas you want to amplify quite like you will. That authenticity is exactly what people connect with. Even if you’re starting with just a simple mic and an idea, know that your voice is already impactful.

2. Imposter Syndrome: The Not-So-Silent Co-Host

Almost every new podcaster I’ve coached has faced imposter syndrome at some point. That voice in the back of your mind saying, “Why should anyone listen to me?” I can relate so much, because felt it too, who was I to try to make a difference with this podcast? It didn’t help that I was a new mom when I first launched my podcast, and still trying to figure out how to record in a very, very sleep derived state.

Imposter syndrome often shows up when you’re doing something worth doing. It’s a signal that you care deeply about your work.

One thing that helped me? Learning from others who where running purpose-driven podcasts and impact makers speaking up openly and confidently on their social media channels.

I remember connecting with Hannah Gay Keao and John Lim in my very first months of launching my podcast and they were so kind to listen to my show and they even left a 5 star review with an encouraging comment.

Back then, that meant EVERYTHING. It still does.

Up until today I still have the ‘IMPACT BOSS’ screen saver on my phone, a goodie I found on Hannah’s website back then and John recently connected me with The Johns Hopkins University Odyssey programme, where I now teach on Podcasting for Beginners.

3. Stepping Into Your Role Confidently

When I started my podcast coaching practice, I was driven by one goal: helping people find and share their voice with courage and confidence. Because confidence isn’t about reaching a certain number of listeners or mastering the tech, it’s about owning your story and the topics you want to address, trust that there are people out there who need to hear it and showing up, with each single episode, proud and courageous to give people a reason why they need to hear this.

Some tips to help you embrace your role:

• Celebrate small wins: That first edit you made in Audacity or Descript? That first download? The first listener reaching out to say they connected with your episode? They’re proof of the impact you’re creating.
• Surround yourself with a supportive network: Joining a community of podcasters who share your values and struggles can be a game-changer. It’s why I love connecting with purpose-driven podcasters within my Podcasting with impact programme so much – it reminds me that I’m part of something bigger.
• Remember your ‘why’: On days when the tech doesn’t do its thing or when doubt creeps in, go back to why you started. Reconnect with the reason you’re showing up.

Purpose Over Numbers

I’ve been fortunate to watch clients transform their doubts into purpose-driven impactful podcasts. Like the coach who launched a podcast to help others find resilience, the woman who celebrates female leadership, the charity giving their beneficiaries a stage to share their voice, the young activist raising awareness for mental health. They all started with a strong “why.” That purpose is what made them legit right from the start.

You Are Already a Legitimate Podcaster

You don’t need a massive audience to be a real podcaster. You don’t need the latest gear or industry connections. You need a voice, a message, and the courage to keep showing up. It’s not the numbers that make you legit- it’s the purpose.

Start listening to the full episode to dive deeper into the mindset shifts and small, powerful actions you can take to feel legitimate from day one. 

We’ll talk about my early struggles, the moments of doubt, and the ways I see my clients overcome these same fears to become the impactful voices they aspire to be.

Whether you’re just thinking of launching a podcast or already have a few episodes under your belt, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical advice to help you own your voice, grow your confidence, and fully embrace the journey ahead. 

This one’s for anyone who’s ready to feel like they belong in the world of podcasting, right here, right now.

Free resources for your Podcasting journey:

• Free Ebook! How to start Podcasting with impact.⁠
• Schedule your complimentary ⁠Podcast Boss Call with Regina HERE⁠. 
• Podcast Website: ⁠https://reginalarko.com/podcast/⁠
• Connect with Regina on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-larko/⁠
• Email Regina with feedback, questions or just say hi at: ⁠regina@hashtagimpact.com