Discover how top podcasters spark creativity, beat burnout, and keep fresh ideas flowing to inspire and grow their audiences.
So, you have a podcast (or maybe you’re planning to start one). But after you hit publish on the first episode or season, what’s next? To attract, keep, and grow a podcast audience, you need to consistently put out content. But what’s a podcaster to do when the muse is elusive?
In this one, let’s explore how podcast creators find inspiration and stay motivated while keeping idea droughts and creative burnout at bay.
What Attracts Listeners to Podcasts?
First, let’s start with what it’s all about: attracting podcast listeners. After all, if you’re creating a podcast, you’re looking to connect with people and share your thoughts, ideas, and knowledge. SiriusXM Media, home of the #1 podcast network, recently asked its listeners about the role podcasts play in their lives.
Audiences are turning to the content for entertainment, education, and more.
- 61% of listeners say that podcasting’s role is to entertain them1
- 54% educate them1
- 54% help them learn something new1
- 47% help them understand a topic of interest1
- 44% help them pass the time1
In addition to filling these important roles, podcasts also offer listeners benefits like easy access and in-depth information.
- 71% of listeners say podcast are easy to access no matter what the day brings2
- 63% say they provide access to more in-depth conversations and interviews than other media2
- 55% say they improve productivity2
- 52% say they reflect their values, interests, and identity2
- 45% say they provide access to reliable, factual information2
“Podcasting is a great way to learn, be entertained, and stay current on a wide range of topics.” - Neil deGrasse Tyson
Turn Audience Insights into Action
Audiences are hungry for podcasts, and shows that consistently feed that craving will win over more listeners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for ways to keep the content coming, getting ahead of the creative process is key. If you’re new to the medium, be sure to plan for multiple episodes as a part of your podcast launch plan. As you build your list and script your episodes, keep what makes listeners love podcasts in mind and find ways to naturally align.
If you’ve exhausted your current list of ideas, let’s look at how your podcasting peers are staying motivated and inspired.
What Motivates People to Start a Podcast?
We don’t have to guess why people start podcasts… we asked. In a recent Simplecast Creator Study, we surveyed Simplecast platform users to better understand what drives them. And the answers aligned nicely with the factors attracting audiences to the content.
Creators want to tell their stories, share their experiences, and inform their growing audiences. Motivators for starting a podcast include:
Educating people. Over half (54%) of podcasters say they started a podcast because they wanted to educate people about a topic they care about.3 Cooincidentally, that’s the same percentage of listeners who look to podcast hosts to educate them.1 Take this symbiotic desire and run with it. What is your specialty? What do you know that your ideal audience doesn’t?
Assisting with goals. Nearly a third of creators started a podcast because they want to help people navigate challenges and achieve their goals.3 One in three listeners look to podcasts to connect them to their hobbies and interests and 27% listen for advice on topics that are important to them.1 Consider this your sign: Your audience (or potential audience) is looking for help that only you may be able to provide.
Sharing stories. Over a quarter of podcasters wanted to share their story across multiple platforms (like YouTube and social media).3 For 44% of listeners, one of the many benefits of consuming podcasts includes connecting with a community of likeminded people—and 85% of listeners are following or connecting with podcasters across platforms.2 So, it’s clear: Audiences are eager to hear your story.
Following the leaders. Nearly a quarter of them were inspired by other great storytellers across podcasting, YouTube, and social media.3 Taking inspiration from other podcasters is just smart, especially if they’re consistently drawing an audience. Who do you admire in podcasting? Start analyzing what their secret sauce is, and then develop your own recipe.
Providing more content. Nearly a quarter of podcast creators wanted to give an existing audience more long-form content.3 And audiences are here for it: nearly two in three listeners turn to podcasts for more in-depth conversations and interviews2 and one in three want perspectives or information they can’t get elsewhere.1 You don’t need a large, existing group of followers to tap into this motivation—it’s all about delivering valuable content.
"Podcasting is an amazing way to share your story and inspire others.” - Lewis Howes
Speak Your Bliss
From special interests to current events, from hot gossip to self-help, what motivates podcasters is personal—and that’s what audiences are looking for. When compared to other media, listeners say podcast are more tailored to their specific interests (74%), cover a broader range of topics and categories (68%), and provide access to a wider range of viewpoints from experts and thought leaders (44%).2
No matter how niche your interests and expertise, there is an audience out there looking to relate to your content. And tapping into your passion is the best way to draw them to your show.
How Do Podcasters Find Inspiration for New Episodes
We don’t have to guess why people start podcasts… we asked. In a recent Simplecast Creator Study, we surveyed Simplecast platform users to better understand what drives them. And the answers aligned nicely with the factors attracting audiences to the content.
Motivation is one thing, but what about inspiration? Hitting record is easy… but knowing what to say takes a lot of prep work. Sure, the best podcasts sound breezy and effortless, but don’t be deceived; a lot of planning and preparation goes into each episode. And great show scripts start with great ideas. Here’s how your fellow podcasters are staying inspired to consistently release quality content.
Creators aren’t waiting for inspiration to strike. They’re staying true to themselves, doing their homework, and leaning on friends and colleagues. Here are their top sources of inspiration:
Personal experience. Nearly two in three podcasters go with what they know when looking for inspiration for future episodes.3 And it’s a smart move, with 76% of podcast listeners saying they appreciate it when hosts are authentic and uncensored and 68% value transparency and honesty.2 So, don’t be afraid to be yourself and lean on your unique experience.
Research and data. Nearly half of podcast creators dig into data and information when planning their next release.3 With audiences looking to podcasts for news, information, guidance, and advice, it’s important to make your show worth their while by finding the facts and vetting your data.
Current events. Over a third of podcasters lean on current events to find inspiration for their next episode.3 Podcast content has taken a bite out of traditional news audiences. Audiences want more than headlines and soundbites. This is your opportunity to dive into the whole story and satiate their curiosity.
Audience feedback. Nearly one in three of podcasters use audience feedback to inform their future episode plans.3 Who knows what audiences want better than your listeners. The average podcast listener uses 2.4 platforms to keep tabs on their favorite shows and hosts, from social media, to email, to subscription apps.2 Their desire to stay connected is your opportunity to get feedback.
Workshop with collaborators. Over a quarter of podcasters workshop future episodes with collaborators like co-hosts and producers.3 And 23% of them say they find inspiration from other creators.3 If you’re looking to break through creative burnout, it’s a good idea to reach out to some friends in the podcasting world.
Pique Listener Curiosity by Satisfying Your Own
Don’t wait for inspiration to find you (because it might be a while). As you can see, your fellow podcasters are actively looking for fresh ideas to keep their shows running. When you hit an idea drought, get back to your motivation, do your due diligence, and get a little help from your friends. And those are just the top ways your peers are finding their creative spark. Others are following pop culture, entertainment, and news (17%) or social media (13%). Inspiration is everywhere… if you’re looking for it.
"Podcasting has been such a rewarding journey. It's pushed me to grow creatively, improve my communication skills, and stay consistent. One of the best parts has been hearing from listeners who've connected with the content—it's a great reminder of why I started in the first place. If you're thinking about starting a podcast, I'd say go for it. You never know who you might inspire." – Simplecast user
Turn Motivation and Inspiration into Action with Simplecast
Starting a podcast. Coming up with new episodes. That’s the hard part, but we can make the rest nice and simple. With Simplecast, you can upload your shows, distribute them with ease, analyze their performance, and much more. And, when you’re ready, Simplecast Professional is there to help you monetize your content.
Sources
- Pandora Soundboard, 2025 User Study
- Podsurvey Podcast User Study, Q1 2025
- Simplecast Creator Study, Q2 2025