There’s a myth that to make a splash in podcasting, you need to soft launch your podcast with three perfectly produced episodes, flawless audio, and a viral marketing plan. But as Alban Brooke from Buzzsprout tells host Doug Downs on Stories and Strategies, that mindset often keeps great creators stuck in neutral. Instead of chasing perfection, Alban suggests a restaurant-inspired approach: a soft launch. Invite your early listeners to the table, test your setup, and start learning while the stakes are low.
The Myth of the Three-Episode Launch
For years, aspiring hosts have been told to release three episodes at once to impress Apple’s New and Noteworthy editors. The theory? More episodes mean more downloads, which mean more exposure. But Alban explains that this was never based on fact. The “eight-week window” to get featured was a myth, and the result was countless creators endlessly re-editing the same episodes without ever pressing publish. The truth is, podcast directories reward consistency, not big splashes. A good show grows because it’s out there, not because it’s perfect on day one.
The Restaurant Analogy: Practice Before the Grand Opening
Alban compares podcasting to the restaurant world, where new spots often open quietly to family and friends before going public. The goal of a soft launch is to smooth out the rough edges—test equipment, get comfortable behind the mic, and experiment with your tone—before you start inviting the world to listen. It’s a chance to build habits, confidence, and workflows without the pressure of perfection. “By being low stakes,” Alban says, “everyone’s comfortable and everyone’s learning.”
Answer the Hard Questions Before You Obsess Over Gear
According to Alban, many podcasters use gear shopping as procrastination. Instead of asking, “What’s the best mic?” he says you should ask: “Why am I doing this?” Are you podcasting to build authority, market your business, or simply connect with others? Once you answer that, you can focus on creating episodes that serve your audience’s needs. A soft launch helps you test those ideas in real time. You’ll quickly learn what resonates and where you can improve.
There’s Always Room for More Podcasts
Even with over four million podcasts worldwide, Alban reminds us that fewer than 10 percent regularly publish new episodes. That means there’s still an enormous opportunity. If you can produce just ten episodes and stay consistent, you’re already among the top 10 percent of creators. The takeaway? Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—soft launch your podcast, find your voice, and let the rest evolve.