Hosting Podcasts for Personal & Professional Growth

I’m Lindsey Dinneen, and I’m thrilled to share more about myself and my podcasting journey. I have had the privilege of hosting and producing two podcasts: The Leading Difference and Artfully Told. Both reflect different facets of my professional and personal passions.

The Leading Difference is a business-focused podcast that explores leadership, innovation, and human connection specifically in the medtech industry. As the creator, host, and producer, I’ve conducted insightful interviews with thought leaders from various industries. We focus on topics like cultivating a positive company culture, ethical business practices, and strategies for growth. This podcast has been recognized as an Amazon Music "Hidden Gem" and has grown its audience through engaging, value-driven content.

On the other hand, Artfully Told is a creative outlet that highlights the stories and journeys of artists across disciplines. It’s a celebration of the arts, creativity, and the impact they have on our lives. During its run (it is currently on hiatus), I hosted guests who ranged from visual artists to dancers and musicians, and we delved into how art shapes their lives and communities.
My listeners for The Leading Difference are primarily business professionals, managers, and individuals interested in leadership and personal development. For Artfully Told, the audience is a mix of art enthusiasts, creators, and those seeking inspiration in their creative pursuits.

Podcasting has been an incredible way to connect with others, share impactful stories, and spark meaningful conversations. I approach each episode with a focus on authentic storytelling, thoughtful questions, and a commitment to delivering value to my audience. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue growing and learning through this medium.
 

I started my podcasting journey out of a desire to combine my passions for storytelling, learning, and connecting with others. My first podcast, Artfully Told, launched in 2020 during a time when I was craving deeper conversations about creativity and its impact. It was a chance to share inspiring stories from artists across disciplines while highlighting the transformative power of art. Later, I launched The Leading Difference in 2023 to focus on leadership and innovation, areas I’ve always been deeply passionate about professionally.

The decision to start a podcast felt natural. I’ve always been an avid podcast listener, drawn to the unique format that allows for meaningful, long-form discussions. Podcasts have such a versatile and intimate way of engaging listeners, and I wanted to contribute to that space with topics that resonate deeply with me and my audiences.

When starting my first podcast, my goals were straightforward: to create a platform that celebrated creativity, to inspire others through real stories, and to foster a sense of community among listeners. With The Leading Difference, I aimed to explore the nuances of leadership in the medtech industry, spark thought-provoking conversations and explore the incredible ways these leaders are changing lives for a better world.

The journey from idea to execution took thoughtful planning. After deciding to create Artfully Told, it took me about two months to release the first episode. During that time, I researched best practices, took online courses, tested recording equipment, learned how to edit audio, and refined my vision for the show. My experiences with The Leading Difference followed a similar process but benefited from my prior podcasting knowledge, allowing me to streamline the setup.

Launching each podcast has been incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to engage deeply with my interests, connect with fascinating individuals, and deliver meaningful content to my audiences. I’m proud of how both shows have grown and the impact they’ve made.
 

Producing and hosting my podcasts has been a rewarding challenge, and managing time and resources effectively has been key. Artfully Told started as a passion project, so I prioritized it alongside my professional responsibilities. The Leading Difference is sponsored by a company in the medtech industry that wanted a podcast for organic marketing and thought leadership purposes. My approach to podcasting includes careful time management, efficient workflows, and a commitment to creating meaningful content.

I typically release episodes biweekly to ensure quality and maintain a sustainable schedule. On average, it takes me four hours to produce an episode from start to finish. This includes planning, recording, editing, and creating marketing materials. I’ve developed systems and tools over time to streamline these processes, allowing me to balance podcasting with my day job(s) and other commitments.

Funding Artfully Told was a personal investment, but one that I found immensely worthwhile. Costs include hosting services, editing software, and marketing expenses. For instance, I use platforms like Podbean for hosting and Descript for editing. My expenses average about $30–$50 per month for hosting and tools, plus occasional investments in equipment upgrades or promotional efforts. I funded that podcast myself, viewing it as an investment in personal growth and professional development. The Leading Difference has always been sponsored by a medtech company, so I produce and host the podcast via paid contract.

Finding time for podcasting while working full-time has required discipline and passion. I often dedicate evenings or weekends to the work, breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Podcasting is something I truly enjoy, so the effort feels more like a creative outlet than an obligation. By staying organized and focused on my goals, I’ve been able to integrate it seamlessly into my life.
 

Podcasting has been an incredibly enriching experience, providing both tangible and intangible benefits. On a personal level, it’s allowed me to connect with fascinating individuals, build new friendships, and continuously learn from my guests. On a professional level, it’s strengthened my skills in communication, storytelling, and audience engagement—all of which have enhanced my career in marketing and leadership. It’s also been a rewarding way to amplify meaningful conversations and ideas.

I absolutely love the process of interviewing guests and learning from them. I always leave recording sessions feeling inspired and motivated, and I've been so grateful for the opportunities to meet amazing people. I don't currently accept sponsorships, but would be open to them for Artfully Told in order to relaunch the podcast after it has been on hiatus. Because The Leading Difference is paid for by an individual company, it would be up to them if they ever want to seek sponsorships to help offset their production costs.
 

My podcasting process is designed to be efficient and engaging, ensuring each episode delivers value. From planning to publishing, I’ve developed a streamlined workflow that balances structure and creativity.

Tools and Services: I use quality equipment like a USB microphone and Bose headphones for clear audio. For recording, I rely on SquadCast for remote interviews, which ensure stable connections and high-quality output. Editing is done in Descript, which simplifies audio refinement and transcription. Podbean handles hosting and distribution across major platforms.

Finding Guests: Many of my guests come from my professional and personal networks. I also reach out to thought leaders and industry experts whose work aligns with the podcast’s themes. Occasionally, I receive inquiries from individuals interested in being featured, which has expanded my network further. I have also utilized free email newsletter listings as invites for potential guests through PodcastGuests.com.

Episode Preparation: Each episode begins with my research on my guest, their background, and current projects. I craft personalized questions and share an overview of the episode’s structure to help the guest feel comfortable and prepared. I also ensure they have all the information they need for as smooth and seamless of a recording process as possible.

Interview Process: Interviews are conducted remotely via SquadCast, allowing me to feature guests from around the world. On very rare occasions, I have conducted in-person interviews, which bring an additional dynamic to the conversation.

Post-Production: After recording, I edit audio to remove distractions and enhance quality, adding intros and outros for polish. I create show notes and promotional materials, including social media posts, to engage my audience.

This process is time-intensive but deeply rewarding, enabling me to create a podcast that reflects my passion for storytelling and learning while maintaining a professional and approachable tone.
 

Marketing my podcasts involves a mix of strategies to reach and grow my audience effectively. Most listeners discover the shows through platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, as well as via social media and word-of-mouth referrals. Analytics from hosting platforms like Podbean provide insights into listener acquisition, with a majority coming from Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Marketing Channels: Social media has been one of the most effective tools for promoting podcasts. I use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to share new episodes, highlight guest features, and engage with the audience. Creating visually appealing content, such as audiograms and quotes from episodes, helps capture attention and spark interest. Additionally, partnerships with guests often amplify reach, as they share their episodes with their own networks.

Listener Engagement: Beyond traditional marketing, I focus on building a community around the podcasts. Responding to listener feedback, encouraging reviews, and participating in relevant discussions online help deepen audience connections.

Collaborations with other podcasters and guest appearances have also been instrumental in reaching new audiences.

This multifaceted approach ensures the podcasts remain visible and accessible, while fostering a loyal and engaged listener base.
 

For aspiring podcasters, my advice is to start with a clear vision and a commitment to consistency. Podcasting is an incredibly rewarding journey, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Start Small, Stay Consistent: You don’t need a massive budget or perfect equipment to begin. A quality microphone and basic editing software are enough to get started. The key is consistency—releasing episodes on a regular schedule builds trust with your audience and helps grow your listener base.

Focus on Your Audience: Understand who you’re creating content for and what they value. Tailor your topics and guests to meet their interests and needs. Engaging with your audience through social media, email, or comments helps build a loyal community.

Preparation Pays Off: Invest time in preparing for each episode. Research your guests and plan your questions to guide a meaningful conversation. Preparation not only makes the content stronger but also helps you feel more confident as a host.

Don’t Fear Imperfection: Your first episodes won’t be perfect—and that’s okay. Podcasting is a learning curve, and your skills will improve over time. Focus on progress, not perfection, and be open to experimenting with different formats or styles.

Leverage Available Resources: There’s a wealth of information available to help new podcasters. Blogs like Buzzsprout and Podbean provide tips on starting and growing a podcast. Tools like Descript simplify editing, while Canva helps create promotional graphics. Listening to podcasts about podcasting, such as The Audacity to Podcast or Podcasters’ Roundtable, can also be a great way to learn.

Build a Support Network: Connect with other podcasters. Joining online communities or attending podcasting events can provide valuable advice and encouragement. Sharing experiences with others in the field is one of the most inspiring parts of the journey.

Have Fun! My final piece of advice is just to have fun and enjoy the learning curve and process.
 

You can learn more about me and my podcasts through the following platforms:
The Leading Difference Podcast
Website: https://podbean.com/theleadingdifference
Available on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Artfully Told Podcast
Website: https://podbean.com/artfullytold
Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Personal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-d-6b798034/
Email: lindseydinneenofficial@gmail.com

These platforms feature the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and updates about my projects. I’m always open to connecting with listeners, collaborators, and anyone interested in learning more about podcasting or the topics I cover. I am also available to host, edit, and produce YOUR next podcast project, or simply offer advice and mentorship along the way. Please don't hesitate to reach out and connect!