► Tell us about you and your podcast
I’m Dr. Caroline Sangal, a PhD scientist turned life-first career coach and strategist. After years in research and executive recruiting, I created the Next Success Method to help people design careers that fuel the lives they truly want.
My podcast, Your Next Success, normalizes questioning your career and explores what authentic success looks like beyond titles, paychecks, or external validation. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from STEM, business, leadership, writing, and more, we uncover pivotal moments, natural abilities, and mindset shifts that lead to fulfillment, resilience, and growth.
Our listeners are professionals at turning points: job seekers, high achievers, and those who feel unfulfilled despite “success on paper.” They tune in to gain clarity, tools, and encouragement for creating aligned careers and lives of purpose, peace, and joy.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started Your Next Success because I wanted to normalize questioning your career and share real stories of career journeys. Over the years as a scientist and executive recruiter, I’ve seen how many people quietly wonder if the path they’re on is truly the one they want. I created this podcast to offer a space where those moments can be talked about openly, and where listeners can find encouragement, clarity, and examples of how others have navigated meaningful transitions.
Podcasting felt like the natural medium because I listen to a lot of podcasts myself and love how personal and authentic they are. There’s something powerful about hearing someone’s actual voice as they describe their turning points and lessons—it creates connection and insight in a way that text alone can’t.
My initial goal was simple: to provide thoughtful, grounded conversations that help people reflect on what success means to them and see that they’re not alone in asking those deeper questions.
I launched in 2025, and within just a few weeks of preparation and recording, I released my very first episode. Since then, the podcast has grown into a community where listeners can pause, reflect, and begin creating the career and life they truly want.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I see Your Next Success as part of my life’s work, so making time for it is a commitment I gladly uphold. I am currently self-funded and have designed the production process with tools, systems, and support that allow me to focus on the conversations and the value for listeners.
Episodes are released weekly, and each one takes several hours to produce between research, recording, editing, and promotion. Podcasting is woven into the rhythm of my coaching and speaking work, which makes it feel natural and aligned.
The costs include hosting, editing, and marketing, which range from modest to mid-level depending on the episode and guest. Because this podcast is aligned with my mission at Next Success, I view it as both an investment in my business and a way to serve a larger movement of people rethinking success and navigating career transitions.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
For me, the greatest gain from podcasting is connection. Every conversation deepens my understanding of career transitions and authentic success, and I continue to learn from the stories, insights, and wisdom that my guests share. Podcasting also builds community—it creates friendships, expands my professional network, and provides listeners with a space where they feel seen and supported.
I am currently self-funded and have not yet accepted sponsorships, so there is no direct revenue at this time. The return comes in other ways: meaningful relationships, visibility for my work as a coach and speaker, and the privilege of amplifying stories that can encourage others.
Podcasting has already benefited me in profound ways—it has sharpened my message, allowed me to serve a global audience, and reminded me of the power of shared experiences to spark clarity and growth.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
My podcasting process blends simplicity with quality. I record and edit in Descript, using a Shure SM7DB microphone, Audio-Technica headphones, and a Scarlett 2i2 interface. Episodes are hosted on Buzzsprout and shared on YouTube and LinkedIn to reach listeners where they are.
I find guests primarily through PodMatch and organic outreach within my network. To prepare, I schedule a short pre-interview so we can connect, uncover their turning points, and shape the flow of the conversation.
All interviews are recorded remotely, which allows me to feature voices from anywhere. Afterward, I edit for clarity and flow, add intro and outro elements, and publish weekly episodes designed to be both reflective and practical.
► How do you market your show?
Listeners find Your Next Success across all major platforms—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts—as well as on YouTube and directly through my website. Most listeners discover the show through LinkedIn, where I share episodes and insights that spark conversation with my professional community.
I also use email to reach my audience and keep them connected with new episodes, resources, and reflections. Goodpods, PodMatch and word-of-mouth referrals from guests help extend the reach even further. While I don’t share a percentage breakdown, LinkedIn and email have been the most effective channels for building consistent engagement and growing the community.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
My biggest advice for aspiring podcasters is to start before you feel fully ready. You’ll learn so much more in the process of recording, editing, and publishing than you ever could from waiting until everything feels perfect. Consistency and authenticity matter more than polish.
One thing I’ve learned is the importance of creating a process that fits into your life. From pre-interviews to editing, I’ve built systems that keep me grounded and focused on the conversations instead of the logistics. Another lesson: your podcast is not just content—it’s a relationship builder. The connections you form with guests and listeners are as valuable as the episodes themselves.
For resources, I’ve found PodMatch invaluable for finding aligned guests. Descript has made editing accessible and manageable. I also recommend listening to podcasts you admire with a producer’s ear—pay attention to flow, pacing, and what makes you stay engaged.
Above all, podcasting is about sharing your unique voice. If you show up with purpose, curiosity, and consistency, your podcast will naturally grow into something meaningful.