No, we haven’t gone off the deep end. Yes, we are telling you to publish episodes even if they suck. No, this is not a contradiction of anything else we’ve ever written. Because it’s all in the name of helping you and your podcast go the distance.
And that involves some hard truths.
So we’ll say it again.
Your first podcast episodes? They’re going to suck.
And that’s because anything you try right at the beginning sucks. That’s just a fact. (Okay, maybe Usain Bolt didn’t exactly suck the first time he sprinted around a track. But he’s the exception. Not the rule.)
The rest of us?
We rarely get right right out the gate.
The first few episodes of your podcast will be the same.
The pacing will be off. Your intro will be awkward. You’ll say “um” 47 times in under 10 minutes. You’ll lose your energy. There will be some awkward interview responses.
Bottom line? It’s going to be rough.
But you should publish them anyway.
Disclaimer:
Before we go any further, we should clarify. We’re not talking about putting raw, unedited episodes out into the ether. You should always be editing your episodes, even just a little, right from the get go. What we’re talking about here is publishing your first episodes, despite the flaws they may have as you’re starting your podcasting journey.
Now, let’s get into why those first few episodes are going to suck, and why you need to go ahead and hit ‘publish’ anyway.
Perfectionism Kills Podcasts
We’ve been producing podcasts for over a decade, and we’ve seen more shows die in draft folders than we care to count. Why? Because someone’s waiting for the perfect first episode. Here’s the truth. There’s no ‘perfect’ first time. Podcasting is a skill, and like any skill, you suck before you’re good. The only way to improve is to do it, learn, and repeat.
No one gets to episode 100 without first getting through episode 1. Or 12. Or 37. The creators you admire didn’t start out smooth and polished—they just didn’t quit.
Momentum > Mastery
Podcasting isn’t about launching with a perfectly branded, award-winning audio docuseries. It’s about building trust. And you build trust by building momentum. Publishing consistently — even if you cringe at your early episodes — is what teaches you how to get better. Periodically go back and listen to your first couple of episodes. Just do it. You’ll learn so much.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients launch shows, and the most successful ones didn’t wait until they were “ready.” They hit record, hit publish, and trusted the process.
Progress Is the Real Flex
Perfection ain’t the flex everyone thinks it is. Want to know what the real flex is? Dedication to progress. Want to eventually be counted as one of the GOATS? Embrace your evolution.
And here’s something else to think about. Audiences love a growth arc. There’s something powerful about seeing someone start out at “the bottom” but continue to show up and grow.
And honestly? Audiences don’t want perfection. (Again, remember this doesn’t mean ‘sloppy’! They never want that!) They want authenticity. Be open with your audience as you go on your journey. In our experience, they’ll trust you more for it.
And last but not least…
Your Cringiest Episodes Are Still Content
Even if your early episodes aren’t viral hits (again NO ONES is!) they’re still doing the work. They’re still giving your sales team content to share. They’re still boosting your SEO. And in the world of B2B podcasts, they’re still building a library of touch points that will help you warm up leads and showcase your brand’s voice and personality.
They’re still doing the work…even if you rate them as “cringe”!
You Don’t Need 50 Perfect Episodes. You Need 50 Published Ones.
Here’s the bottom line: the only difference between someone with a chart-topping show and someone still “planning their podcast” is that one of them started. The first 50 episodes will challenge you, teach you, and probably make you want to delete them later. But they’ll also make your next 50 exponentially better.
So yeah, they might suck.
But publish them anyway.
Ready to Launch?
At We Edit Podcasts, we help brands launch podcasts that grow with them. From episode one to one hundred, we’re in your corner — editing, optimizing, and helping you sound like the expert you deserve to sound like.
Want help getting your first 50 episodes out of your head and into the world?
