I think most times people are just showing interest and I don't want to discourage interest, but it's just not an angle I want to discuss. Because where does the conversation go from there? There really is no serious money AT ALL in podcasts--not unless you're famous or have a whole team behind you. Neither is the case for me, of course. So let's say I explain that. Then what? Is the implication that it's silly to spend time on it? It just feels like sort of a loaded question. Same goes for the listeners question.
I believe that saying KINDLY, “Help by me understand—why do you ask?” Is a better choice for me or perhaps switch the topic and reply, “I love what I do. What’s your passion?” I don’t owe anyone any sort of explanation. I see it as a boundary issue…just saying🥰
For both one and two, you could answer with a question: "Why do you ask?" As for the listener question, it would be legitimate to say you don't know. As far as I know, podcasters have access to info about downloads but not number of listeners. I agree, unless you're talking shop with another podcaster and it makes sense in the context of a "should I run ads?" type of conversation, both of those can feel way too invasive!
Totally agree that talking shop is different, and in that case I feel 100% fine about it. I like to help fellow newbies understand how much work it is for basically no money. The "little to no money" part is hard to explain to other people and puts me on the immediate defense. The question feels loaded with the unspoken "it's only worth doing if you make a lot of money" subtext-- which is obviously my own shtick I'm adding to the equation. But for real I cannot believe how many people have asked me!
Something to think about when you feel defensive: I don’t think you don’t owe an explanation about anything you do in your professional life. If you’re acting in integrity with your values and you’re not hurting anyone, you have nothing to apologize for. YOU know you’re doing important creative work that feeds your soul and helps listeners, so remember that when other people’s judgements (perceived or real) start to creep in ❤️
Well, now I just went down a dense bean salad rabbit hole and going to check out Yearbook!
If you're on TikTok she's worth following there too!
I’m with Pam Moore. I’d reply with a version of “Why do you ask?” Maybe start with “I’m curious” or “help me understand”.
I think most times people are just showing interest and I don't want to discourage interest, but it's just not an angle I want to discuss. Because where does the conversation go from there? There really is no serious money AT ALL in podcasts--not unless you're famous or have a whole team behind you. Neither is the case for me, of course. So let's say I explain that. Then what? Is the implication that it's silly to spend time on it? It just feels like sort of a loaded question. Same goes for the listeners question.
I believe that saying KINDLY, “Help by me understand—why do you ask?” Is a better choice for me or perhaps switch the topic and reply, “I love what I do. What’s your passion?” I don’t owe anyone any sort of explanation. I see it as a boundary issue…just saying🥰
For both one and two, you could answer with a question: "Why do you ask?" As for the listener question, it would be legitimate to say you don't know. As far as I know, podcasters have access to info about downloads but not number of listeners. I agree, unless you're talking shop with another podcaster and it makes sense in the context of a "should I run ads?" type of conversation, both of those can feel way too invasive!
Totally agree that talking shop is different, and in that case I feel 100% fine about it. I like to help fellow newbies understand how much work it is for basically no money. The "little to no money" part is hard to explain to other people and puts me on the immediate defense. The question feels loaded with the unspoken "it's only worth doing if you make a lot of money" subtext-- which is obviously my own shtick I'm adding to the equation. But for real I cannot believe how many people have asked me!
Something to think about when you feel defensive: I don’t think you don’t owe an explanation about anything you do in your professional life. If you’re acting in integrity with your values and you’re not hurting anyone, you have nothing to apologize for. YOU know you’re doing important creative work that feeds your soul and helps listeners, so remember that when other people’s judgements (perceived or real) start to creep in ❤️