Starting a podcast is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. When I launched The American Dream in The Eyes of Immigrants over three years ago, I had no idea how much it would grow, or how deeply it would impact both my life and my listeners. Sharing stories of immigrants who came to the U.S. in pursuit of a better life has been both humbling and transformative. What started as a podcast with a primary focus on sharing immigrant stories has become so much more!
But looking back, there are definitely a few things I’d do differently if I were to start my podcast today — lessons I’ve learned through experience, growth, and a lot of trial and error. So, today, I’d like to share what I would do differently if I were to start my podcast today.
Start an Email List Right Away — on Substack
When I started my podcast, I focused mainly on social media to share new episodes and connect with listeners, specifically on Instagram. And while platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great for visibility, I always knew that I didn’t truly own those audiences. Algorithms change, trends shift, and sometimes posts just disappear into the noise. However, I was soley focused on finding guests and getting the hang of this new podcasting thing.
But if I could go back, I’d start an email list immediately — specifically on Substack.
Why Substack? Because it’s not just an email platform; it’s a community. Listeners can subscribe, comment, and engage in a more meaningful and deeper way. It’s a space where you can share behind-the-scenes updates, episode insights, reflections, and even connect directly with your audience — something that’s hard to do through traditional social media.
I love how each post is like a blog post, allowing new listeners to discover the podcast within the Substack app or website. And I love that I can share notes on Substack, which are similar to tweets on Twitter and threads on Threads.
If you’re launching a podcast now, don’t wait to start your email list. It’s one of the best ways to build genuine connections and create a community around your show.
Celebrate My Podcast Launch
I’ll be honest — when I launched my podcast, I just quietly published my first episode and kept moving. I was nervous, unsure, and honestly didn’t realize what a big deal it was to start a podcast.
Now, after three years, I can confidently say: podcasting is a big deal. It takes courage, consistency, creativity, and heart to show up behind the mic week after week.
If I could do it again, I’d throw a launch party. I’d celebrate that milestone — invite friends, family, and supporters who believed in the vision from the beginning. It’s not just about the podcast; it’s about honoring the journey, the stories, and the impact your voice is about to make.
Podcasting isn’t just recording and uploading episodes — it’s storytelling, community-building, and purpose in action. That deserves celebration.
Finally, in the 3rd year of the podcast is when I had the courage to celebrate how big a deal this podcast is, and it’s something I wish I had done when I first started.
Hire a Coach
When I first started, I figured everything out on my own — from editing and marketing to guest outreach and show notes. And while that taught me a lot, it also took a lot of time (and stress).
If I were to start again, I’d hire a podcast coach. Having someone who’s been there before can make a huge difference. A coach can help you refine your message, develop a launch strategy, and avoid common mistakes that new podcasters make.
The investment is worth it — not just for the technical know-how, but for the mindset, clarity, and confidence that come with guided support.
And this is why I decided to become a podcast coach myself – because I didn’t seek out a podcast coach, and I wanted to be the person I needed when I started my podcast. Lastly, I needed someone who looked like me, had similar experiences, and understood why these stories are important to share. So now – I get to be that coach for other Latinas.
Final Thoughts If I Were to Start My Podcast Today
Podcasting has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. It’s allowed me to amplify immigrant voices, share powerful stories, and build a global community.
If you’re thinking about starting your own podcast, learn from my experience:
- Start your email list early (Substack is gold!).
- Celebrate your launch — it’s a huge accomplishment.
- Don’t be afraid to invest in a coach (like me) who can guide you through the process.
Every episode you create has the power to inspire, educate, and make someone feel seen. And that, to me, is worth doing right from the start.
If you ask me if I would do it all over again, the answer is always 100% yes – starting my podcast was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
With Love, Heidy
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