March 2024, we celebrate the 6th anniversary of the No Labels No Limits podcast. As we reflect on where we began, where we are now, and our future plans, it is exciting to see the journey.
At least once a week, I speak with someone who “wants to” or “is thinking about” starting a podcast. My response is always, “Do it.” Why? Because you learn and grow. You find your voice as you help others share theirs. You meet fantastic people and hear every day and incredible stories that surprise and uplift. Your belief in people and possibilities increases. And, it’s a tonic to unhelpful inner narratives when you get beyond yourself to know others.
So, this post is for all individuals and organizations considering a podcast. We share our lessons and hope they help you take action.
It Began as a Leap into the Unknown – Launching ‘No Labels, No Limits, No Excuses’ wasn’t just about starting a podcast; it was a leap into the vast, uncharted waters of personal and professional growth. This blog post dives into how the podcast, more than just a series of conversations, has been a transformative journey for its host, Sarah, and its listeners.
Starting Before Ready: A Venture into Growth – ‘No Labels, No Limits, No Excuses’ began as a bold step into the unknown. It was about embracing the concept of beginning before feeling “ready” or “perfect.” This approach mirrors diving into the pool’s deep end – a little daunting but exhilarating and immensely rewarding when resurfacing. It underscores the philosophy that learning and growth happen through doing, experimenting, and evolving.
Building a Global Community – One of the most profound impacts of the podcast has been creating an expansive network. Sarah’s interactions with over 350 individuals from around the globe have not just been interviews; they’ve led to lasting relationships with colleagues, collaborators, coaches, and cheerleaders. This network has been instrumental in challenging preconceived labels and beliefs, showcasing the immense value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Learning Through Engagement and Feedback – The podcast has been a living example of ‘beta testing’ in real life. Each episode and conversation has been a step towards improvement and refinement. This iterative process – trying, learning, improving – is at the heart of the podcast’s evolution and mirrors the journey of its listeners, who are encouraged to embrace a similar approach.
A Journey of Discovery and Connection – Through ‘No Labels, No Limits, No Excuses,’ Sarah (and her guests) have reshaped narratives and influenced those of her listeners. Our team has grown, as has our reach and listenership. The podcast is a beacon for anyone seeking to challenge their limits, learn through experience, and build meaningful global connections.
Lessons learned along the journey:
- Embrace Imperfection: The journey of ‘No Labels, No Limits, No Excuses’ embodies the spirit of starting before feeling entirely ready or perfect, illustrating the power of learning through doing. We had a concept, a plan, and the first eight interviews “in the bag.” I did post-production, and Summer Zifko got them out on all the platforms.
- Valuable Connections: The podcast has opened doors to a global network of colleagues, collaborators, coaches, and cheerleaders, transforming my and our team’s professional landscape. It’s been organic as we’ve found experts, people we connected with, and those with different perspectives and narratives.
- Continuous Evolution: The experience of hosting the podcast highlights the importance of beta-testing ideas, improving through feedback, and growing alongside your projects. It is not set in stone and can grow as you do. After all, that’s life’s process.
As the podcast continues, it remains a testament to the power of starting where you are, using what you have, and doing what you can. It’s an invitation to join a journey of discovery, connection, and limitless potential.
If you want to learn to tell your stories on podcasts, stages, and where “transformation takes place,” be sure to register for our 2024 Course: StoryCraft:
Building Stories that Resonate: https://sarahboxx49789.ac-page.com/StoryCraftRegistration
Article was contributed by: Sarah Boxx
