Building a Real and Thriving Community Around Your Podcast

The world of podcasting is ever-evolving, and as more creators join the scene, building a sense of community is becoming increasingly essential for both podcasters and their listeners. In the latest episode of As It Relates to Podcasting, Simona hosted a roundtable discussion with her team, Sam and Emily, where they unpacked the powerful role community plays in a podcaster’s journey. Here are some highlights, insights, and practical tips for fostering a supportive and engaged audience.

The Growing Importance of Community in 2025 and Beyond

As we approach 2025, community-building has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s an online membership, a private group, or a Discord server, podcasters who prioritize community are better equipped to create a loyal and engaged audience. During our discussion, Emily highlighted how belonging to a creative, supportive community helps spark her creativity, while Sam, balancing her role as a mom and marketing expert, shared how valuable it is to have a supportive network.

In a world where content is easily accessible, building a meaningful community connection sets podcasters apart. A strong community isn’t just about broadcasting your message; it’s about creating a space where listeners can interact, support, and learn from one another.

Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Shared Values

Values are a powerful foundation for any community. They create alignment and give members a shared sense of purpose. During the roundtable, Simona shared how values can create a strong sense of belonging. When podcasters join communities where they align with the core beliefs and goals, the experience becomes richer and more meaningful. For example, values like mutual respect, creativity, and continuous learning are at the core of VOLT Productions’ community.

Building a values-driven community means thinking about the principles that define your space and allowing those to shape interactions. When members feel their values align with yours, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and contribute meaningfully.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Podcast Community

A recurring challenge for many podcasters is deciding where to host their communities. With so many platforms—Facebook, Discord, Slack, and more—picking the right one can be tricky. In this episode, the team shared their own journey of trial and error with various platforms, inviting feedback from listeners to help decide whether to continue on Facebook or shift focus to Discord. Each platform has its strengths, and selecting the right one ultimately depends on where your audience feels most comfortable.

For podcasters, creating options for audience engagement, while minimizing complexity, is key. Experimenting with platforms is part of the process, so don’t be afraid to try a few and listen to feedback from your community.

Confidence Through Connection: How Community Builds Resilience

The team emphasized that a community can be a huge confidence booster for podcasters, especially those just starting. When you’re surrounded by others who understand your struggles and cheer you on, you’re more likely to stay the course. Sam mentioned the importance of having a support system of people facing similar challenges, from overcoming stage fright to nailing technical details.

Emily chimed in with the value of community feedback, explaining how sharing projects and ideas within a group helps boost confidence and creativity. The right community can serve as a sounding board, offering encouragement and practical advice when you need it most.

Engagement Tips for Podcasters Building Their Own Community

So, how can you start building a vibrant community around your podcast? Here are some tips straight from the roundtable:

1. Ask Your Audience What They Want  

   - Don’t assume you know what your listeners want; ask them! Sam stressed the importance of engaging your audience to find out what platforms and content they’re interested in.

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Space  

   - Building a community is about more than just gathering people; it’s about creating a space where members feel safe to share and engage without judgment. Simona shared that a successful community allows members to show up authentically, ask questions, and support one another

3. Engage in Two-Way Communication  

   - Your role isn’t just to broadcast content but to foster dialogue. This involves replying to comments, starting discussions, and genuinely listening to your audience’s feedback. Emily pointed out that podcasters should be ready to listen to their community, even if it means hearing things they might not want to hear.

4. Encourage Peer Interaction  

   - In a thriving community, members feel comfortable talking to each other, not just the host. Start conversations, create opportunities for members to connect, and encourage discussions that lead to deeper engagement. 

5. Prioritize Belonging Over Perfection  

   - The team’s motto of “done is better than perfect” highlights the importance of embracing a learning mindset. Building community takes time, and there will be bumps along the way—but by showing up consistently, you’ll create a stronger, more resilient group.

Ready to Join a Podcasting Community?

At VOLT Productions, we believe community is the heart of podcasting success. Through the Podcast Success Vault, we offer a supportive membership where podcasters can connect, grow, and access exclusive resources to help them in every stage of their journey. Members also enjoy weekly live office hours and a wealth of tools designed to guide you from setup to growth.

Interested in being part of our community? Click here to learn more about joining the Podcast Success Vault and connecting with like-minded podcasters. Together, we’re here to make your podcasting dreams a reality!

FREE RESOURCES:

• Book a Call: https://www.voltproductions.co/contact

• Podcast Recording Equipment Guide: https://www.voltproductions.co/tech-guide-freebie

• Podcast Launch Blueprint: https://www.voltproductions.co/your-podcast-launch-blueprint

• Descript Freebie: https://www.voltproductions.co/descript-ai-freebie

• Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastsuccesscommunity
  

MORE RESOURCES:

• Try Descript here: https://get.descript.com/orsams0rrlfo

• Podcast Success Vault Membership: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-success-vault

• Podcast Launch Kit: https://www.voltproductions.co/podcast-launch-kit

About Simona Costantini

Simona Costantini is the Founder and CEO of VOLT Productions, a leading podcast production agency with 30+ weekly shows, many ranking in the top 30-100 in their niches. Simona is a dynamic speaker and podcast host known for delivering actionable insights and value. 

She hosts "Happiness Happens" and "As It Relates to Podcasting" and empowers female entrepreneurs in parenting, wellness, and marketing to launch and grow their podcasts. Her mission is to empower creators to make a meaningful impact with their voices, drawing from her 10+ years of marketing and PR experience. When not working, she enjoys life in wine country with her cockapoo, Gus.

Connect with Simona here:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/simona__costantini

• Business Instagram: www.instagram.com/volt.productions 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simona-costantini-25653a30/

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SimonaCostantini_/

• Website: www.voltproductions.co 

• Happiness Happens Podcast: https://www.simonacostantini.com/happinesshappenspodcast