This is my 1,000th podcast episode and it still feels surreal to say that out loud. I didn’t start podcasting with a goal, a strategy, or a plan to turn it into a career. I started because, in 2016, listening to podcasts just to get through my days while working on a remote island in Alaska. In this episode, I reflect on the full journey from that season to now the fears, pivots, unfinished episodes, broken RSS feeds, career shifts, and the people who believed in me along the way. More than anything, this is a reminder that you haven’t failed until you’ve given up trying, no one is paying as much attention as you think they are, and if podcasting brings you joy, your only job is to keep showing up.

Fear shows up in podcasting in sneaky ways not as “I’m scared,” but as “I don’t have time,” “I don’t know what to say,” or “I’ll start later.” In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph gets real about the fears that stop people from hitting record, from worrying about how you sound or look, to wondering what family, friends, or strangers might think, to the deeper fear of trying hard and being seen. She shares her own fears around live podcast events, posting clips online, putting paid offers out into the world, and pushing past the discomfort of marketing something she knows can help people. This episode isn’t about eliminating fear it’s about moving forward anyway. As Steph reminds us through a quote from Mark Twain, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.” If you’ve been sitting on a podcast idea, avoiding the next step, or feeling that pit in your stomach when you think about creating, this episode is your reminder that courage comes from action.

It’s 10:46 p.m., the phone battery is dead, the video didn’t save, and the pressure to be on camera suddenly feels exhausting which leads to the five predictions Steph shares in this episode of Pod Savvy Guide about podcasting in 2026. She breaks down why audio-only podcasts are still incredibly important, even as video dominates platforms like YouTube and Spotify, why small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are in the best position to stand out through podcasting, and why audiences are craving more real, honest content in an AI-heavy world. Steph also shares her hope for a return to conversations where people can agree to disagree, and why small, intimate live podcast events in backyards, community spaces, and local venues may become one of the most effective ways to connect and grow. This episode is a reminder that there isn’t one right way to podcast your voice, your experience, and hitting record still matter most.

Netflix just made a massive move into podcasting and it’s a signal every creator should be paying attention to. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down Netflix’s new partnerships with Spotify and Barstool Sports, what it means for video podcasts coming to the platform in 2026, and why long-form content is officially mainstream. We talk about why Netflix is making room for podcasts alongside scripted and reality shows, how this move directly responds to YouTube’s dominance in podcast video, and what it reveals about where attention, trust, and connection are heading. Steph also zooms out to explain why podcasts fit so naturally into everyday life workouts, commutes, laundry, real routines and why creators don’t need to be “big” to benefit from this shift.

Women love podcasts they listen, share episodes, and talk about them with their friends but far fewer are actually hitting record. In this episode of Pod Savvy Guide, Steph breaks down the real gap between women who consume podcasts and women who create them, pulling from industry research and her own experience working with podcasters. She talks about the barriers that keep women stuck at the “someday” stage time, confidence, perfectionism, fear of being seen or heard and why so many women doubt that what they have to say matters, even when their ideas are powerful in conversation. Steph also shares the encouraging truth that women who do start podcasts are more likely to stick with them, and why accountability, consistency, and community matter more than expensive gear or having it all figured out. This episode is a reminder that if you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, your voice is needed exactly as it is.

In this episode of PodSavvy Guide, Steph discusses the inaugural Golden Globe podcast awards, highlighting the six nominees and the 25 eligible podcasts. She explores the diversity of podcasting styles, from celebrity-driven to niche and educational content, and emphasizes the impact of podcasting for both established and DIY creators.

Ever tried to “level up” your podcast… and accidentally broke what was working? In this solo episode your Pod Savvy Guide, Steph Shoell gets real about a recent podcasting mistake that led to overwhelm, guilt, and a backlog of unpublished episodes. After completing 100 podcasts in 100 days, she tried to emulate big-name podcasters by batching and scheduling far ahead, only to realize it completely disrupted her rhythm. In this episode, Steph shares three hard-earned lessons: do what actually works for you, remember that podcasting should be fun, and stop trying to podcast like everyone else. Whether you’re DIY-ing your show for business or just for the joy of creating, this episode is a permission slip to let go of perfection, ditch the guilt, and keep the creative train rolling your way.

In this episode, Steph kicks things off with a simple but powerful truth every host should know: before you ever ask your first question, your guest is already picking up on your tone, your enthusiasm, and even if you’re frazzled or running late. Steph shares her own experience being nervous as a guest on the How to Podcast series with Dave Campbell and how his welcoming energy instantly put her at ease. That moment sparked five actionable points on how to be an excellent host this year from setting the right tone in the first ten seconds and being on time to leading with vulnerability, giving specific compliments, and truly listening. As Oprah Winfrey has observed from the thousands of people she’s interviewed, “Everybody wants to know, did you hear me, and did what I say matter?” and that instinct is at the heart of great hosting, making every guest feel seen, heard, and appreciated.