Over the years, I’ve watched podcasters—including myself—get sidetracked by reasons that sound impressive, like chasing big download numbers or proving ourselves as industry leaders. But here’s the truth: those reasons aren’t enough to keep us going for the long haul.

Welcome to The Podcast Why! I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and today I want to cut through the noise and talk about something every podcaster faces but few admit out loud: fake “whys.”

In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from over a decade working with podcasters who feel stuck and burned out because they’ve been running on fake whys—not real purpose.

You’ll hear real stories, common pitfalls, and practical ways to spot when you’re powering your show with the wrong fuel. Most importantly, I’ll help you reconnect with your true motivation, so you can bring more clarity, confidence, and energy to your podcasting journey.

Let’s get honest, make the shift, and rediscover the real “why” that keeps us hitting record—even when nobody’s watching.

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3 Key Takeaways:

“Fake whys” look logical, but won’t fuel you long-term. Chasing download numbers or fearing you’ll be left out aren’t powerful enough reasons to keep your podcast going month after month.

Outcomes aren’t foundations. Metrics like downloads and sponsorships are results—not your core reason for creating. Treating them as your engine will drain your energy fast.

Your true why is your North Star. When you anchor your podcast in a deeper purpose—like serving others honestly or sharing what you wish you’d heard—it sustains you even when the numbers fluctuate.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’re struggling with consistency, feeling stuck, or wondering if your show still belongs in your life, this episode will help you find a purpose that’s honest, specific, and powerful enough to carry you forward.

Welcome to The Podcast Why. I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting, and in this episode, I want to help you reconnect with the real reason your podcast matters—both to you and to your listeners.

After ten years working with podcasters, I’ve noticed that most of us start out with answers that sound good, like “I want to grow my business” or “I want to build my brand.” But when the excitement fades and the grind sets in, those surface-level reasons just aren’t enough to keep us going.

Today, I’ll share a story that illustrates what discovering your real, sustaining “why” feels like. You’ll hear practical advice and questions to help you cut through the noise and get clear on what truly motivates you to keep showing up behind the mic.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

Here are three key takeaways that can help any creator rethink their podcast’s purpose:

1. Surface answers won’t sustain you. Saying you want to “help people” or “grow your business” sounds great, but if you’re struggling to show up consistently, your why might be out of date or too fuzzy.
2. Your real why is personal and current. Ask yourself: Why does your show exist today? Who would truly miss it if it were gone, and what would they miss? Getting specific makes your content—and your motivation—more sustainable.
3. Clarity is a game-changer. When you uncover your deeper why (like speaking directly to a past version of yourself or helping someone feel less alone), creative energy and consistency start to flow again.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy

If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or started doubting your show, you’re not alone—and this podcast is for you.

Welcome to The Podcast Why—I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, your trusted friend in podcasting.

After more than a decade working behind the scenes with everyone from solo creators to big business podcasts, I’ve learned that the secret to a sustainable show isn’t perfect gear, viral moments, or chasing algorithms. It’s about knowing your “why.”

I share what you can expect from each episode: short, focused, and practical ideas to help you reconnect with your purpose, clarify the direction of your show, and make podcasting feel more meaningful and manageable. Every episode includes real stories from my years of podcast consulting and simple reflection questions so you can take action right away.

Subscribe to get my latest content in My Podcast Guy Newsletter

If you’re ready to go deeper than surface-level advice and build a show that’s aligned and worth the effort, join me for season one. Let’s rediscover your why together and create a more intentional, fulfilling podcasting journey. Hit play—your mic, your listener, and your future self will thank you.

You can book a clarity call with me—just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Schedule A Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB

Copyright 2026 My Podcast Guy