Need a Podcast Holiday?
Taking a break from podcasting doesn’t mean your show has to go dark.
If you’re feeling the burn of podcast burnout, or you’re staring down a busy schedule and can’t imagine recording another episode, don’t worry. Even the most committed podcasters need a breather now and then.
But I get it—the fear is real.
- What if people think I’ve quit?
- Will I let my listeners down?
- Could skipping an episode kill my momentum?
These concerns are valid, but the solution isn’t to push through until you burn out completely. Instead, you can use the magical strategy of repurposing content to take a break without skipping a beat.
Here are two different approaches:
1. Republishing Old Episodes (with a Fresh Spin)
If you’ve got a library of episodes, consider republishing a fan favorite. Many of your newer listeners haven’t heard the earlier content, and your die-hard fans probably won’t mind revisiting a valuable episode.
But don’t just re-upload and call it a day—give it a little refresh! Add a new top and tail (that’s radio speak for intro and outro) to explain why you’re resharing it.
Here are a few ideas:
- Timely Relevance: Is there a reason this episode is relevant now?
- Most Popular: Highlight its popularity or why it resonated with listeners.
- New Perspective: Share how your views have evolved since recording it.
- Personal Impact: Talk about how the interview or topic affected you.
You can also use the outro to mention a new offer, program, or announcement that ties into the content. Writing and recording these fresh intros and outros takes a fraction of the time required for a full episode, keeping your podcast active while you recharge.
2. Create Patchwork Episodes
This strategy works best with some help (a VA or editor) but can be a huge time-saver. Think of it like a quilt—stitch together clips from previous episodes around a central theme or topic, to create something new.
Here are a few tips:
- Focus on Themes: Curate clips based on your show’s content themes (if you’re not familiar with podcast themes, check out episode 122).
- Golden Nuggets: Gather 3–5 tips or moments per theme and stitch them together with fresh commentary.
- Add Context: Record a quick intro explaining the value of what you’re sharing and short transitions between clips to tie it all together.
Not only do you save time, but these “best of” episodes are often a hit with listeners because they provide valuable highlights in one place. No VA to help you out? Use AI to identify standout clips from your transcripts to save even more time!
Batch-Create “Break” Episodes
Whether you want to take a break over the holidays, you’re planning a summer vacation, or would love to have a backup episode in the can for those insanely busy times, these strategies allow you to prepare in advance without overwhelming your schedule.
Repurpose your podcast episode by:
- Republishing episodes with a fresh spin.
- Creating a “best of” series based on themes or golden nuggets.
- Using these as backup episodes for unexpected busy weeks.
Repurposing content isn’t just a way to save time—it’s a chance to showcase the value of your past episodes to new and loyal listeners alike.
Being an entrepreneur with a podcast can feel like being a hamster on the wheel. With a little creativity and planning, you can keep your podcast running while giving yourself a well-deserved break.
Nothing Worth Resharing in Your Podcast Vault?
If you’re looking back at your library and thinking, “Yikes, I need better content to work with,” it might be time for a tune-up. The Podcast Tune-Up Program is designed to align your podcast with your business goals and boost your ROI. And, build you a back-catalogue of episodes worth revisiting.
See what the Podcast Tune-Up can do for you: Podcast Tune-Up Program
Taking a break doesn’t have to mean leaving your listeners hanging. Try these tips to stay consistent and keep your podcast momentum going. Now, kick back and enjoy your time off.
