Battling Perfectionism: My Podcast Struggles and the Freedom I Finally Found"— Faith Clarke | Ep 117

If you’re a podcaster who’s wrestled with perfectionism or questioned whether your show needs a “big” audience, this episode is for you. I sat down with Faith Clarke to pick apart what really goes into growing a podcast, giving yourself permission to experiment, and showing up for your audience—no matter the size. Faith shares how changing podcast formats helped her beat creative blocks, and why solo episodes became crucial for finding and sharing her own point of view (not just her guests’ stories). We talk honestly about the myth that success relies on huge numbers and the importance of serving the listeners who truly value your voice.Listen in to learn:Why consistency and intentional sharing matter more than frequency or “expensive” production.How giving yourself permission to break the rules (like hosting conversations on your website, not just on typical podcast platforms) can spark growth and creativity.The practical, low-pressure ways Faith now gets podcast content out the door without letting perfectionism hold her back.Connect With Faith ClarkeWebsite: https://faithclark.comFeminist Founders: https://feministfounders.comWork Ecosystems: https://workecosystems.comIf My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Welcome & Introductions00:23 Faith’s Work and Team Design00:48 From Book Idea to Podcast02:02 Podcast Beginnings: Parenting & Disrupt and Lead03:33 Evolving Podcast Streams & Names04:18 Experimenting with Mini-Series and Website Hosting05:45 Perfectionism and Informal Formats06:09 Active Podcasts & Substack Community07:04 Planning Future Podcasts on Belonging08:47 Joining Feminist Founders as Co-Host10:39 Defining the Podcast’s Audience and Mission12:40 Roles, Content Creation, and Collaboration14:22 Finding and Preparing Guests16:02 Joining Feminist Founders & Podcast Age18:34 Growth Levers: Consistency and Intentional Sharing22:10 Podcasting’s Impact on Professional Life24:21 Bringing Your Own Story to the Mic26:32 Website-Hosted Series and Lead Generation27:57 Last Episodes and Guesting Focus28:27 Struggles with Production and Visibility30:19 Biggest Podcast Mistake: Hiding Behind Guests33:23 Overcoming Procrastination and Busywork35:14 Debunking Podcast Myths: Audience Size37:24 Showing Up for Yourself First38:32 Connecting Faith’s Work to Feminist Founders40:31 Upcoming Project: When We Belong42:12 Legacy: How Faith Wants To Be Remembered43:03 Podcasting’s Future in Smaller Communities44:33 Lightning Round: Dream Guests45:53 Favorite Podcasts Faith Listens To47:05 Unexpected Skills Learned48:56 Advice to Past Self49:19 Where to Find Faith Clarke49:23 Wrap Up and Listener Reminder