Podcasters: films, tv, comics, and novels are all built way ahead of release, and your podcast production schedule should probably operate the same way. /1

If the episode you’re making right now is the one you’re planning to release this week or next, you’re putting yourself in a risky place. Life is unpredictable, and illness or technical issues *will* pop up eventually. /2

Planning and producing ahead whenever possible helps your show stay on rhythm, your audience feel cared for, and your sponsor revenue be consistent and predictable. /3

I’ve said it before: if you want to turn your podcast into a full time job, treat it like it already is…by being professional, committed, and prepared. /4

(Nevermind the fact that a buffer of prepped episodes is how many podcasters manage to take a vacation!) /5

And obviously, seasonal podcasts are a different animal, but I don’t recommend releasing the beginning of a season until you’ve fully produced at least the first four episodes. /6