The cover image for this post is by Matt Botsford
This blog post was written by Jamie.
As I sit here reflecting on how The Modern .NET Show came to be, I’m reminded of the power of taking action, even when you’re not entirely sure what’s going to happen. It’s been seven years since I wrote the outlines for the first 12 monologue episodes, and I’ve published over 164 episodes with more than 1.5 million downloads across all major podcasting platforms.
It all started with a simple idea: if I can write out the outlines for 12 episodes before I record anything, then the concept has legs. That was seven years ago. Today, our show is going strong, and I’m excited to share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Getting Started - Don’t Overthink It
When it comes to starting a podcast, one of the biggest mistakes people make is overthinking it. They spend hours agonizing over every detail, from the format to the tone to the production quality. Meanwhile, they’re not taking any concrete steps towards making their show a reality.
I fell into this trap myself when I first started writing outlines for the monologue episodes. I spent weeks agonizing over the perfect outline, trying to make sure it was just right. But as I sat with my notebooks full of ideas, I realized that I wasn’t going anywhere until I actually started producing episodes.
So here’s what I did: I turned four of those outlines into 10-minute monologues and produced them. And then I set up a release schedule. It was simple, but it was also a huge relief to finally have something concrete to focus on.
As a side note: out podcast services are designed to help you whether you are struggling to get started, are looking for help with episode ideation, or looking to simplify your post-production by outsourcing it to us.
And, best of all, it’s based on both my experience of producing The Modern .NET Show, and of the extensive experience of our podcasting expert Mark.
Finding Your Sculpture
The modern world is all about perfectionism. We’ve got Instagram-perfect beaches, Pinterest-worthy weddings, and social media personalities who seem like they’re always putting on a flawless face. But the truth is, nobody’s perfect—not even us podcasters.
When I look back at the early episodes of The Modern .NET Show, I cringe a little bit. The production quality wasn’t great, the sound design was hit-or-miss, and some of the editing was… rough. But despite all those imperfections, there’s something about each episode that resonated with people.
That’s what I call finding your sculpture—getting to the heart of what makes your show unique, even if it doesn’t look perfect on the surface. For me, it was my commitment to exploring complex topics in a way that was both engaging and accessible. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.
Listening Back with a Critical Ear
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned (and a lesson that Mark is constantly reinforcing) is the importance of listening back to early episodes with a critical ear. This means not being too proud or attached to your work—instead, approaching each episode like it’s a new project that needs improvement.
I make this a regular habit on The Modern .NET Show, and every podcast that I’m involved with. Every week, I’ll listen back to an old episode and ask myself: what could be improved? What doesn’t feel right? What do I need to change?
This process has taught me so much about my own strengths and weaknesses as both a podcast host and a guest. I’ve learned how to cut through the noise and get to the heart of the issue, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.
Growing and Evolving
The biggest misconception people have about podcasting is that once you’ve created your first few episodes, you’re done. You just need to sit back and wait for the magic to happen.
But the truth is, my shows have evolved dramatically since I started out. I’ve changed formats, adjusted the tone, and experimented with new ideas. And you know what? It’s been some of the most exciting and rewarding work I’ve ever done.
The key is to be open to change and growth, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Don’t be afraid to try new things, experiment with different approaches, and learn from your mistakes.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast takes courage, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. It’s not always easy, but it’s never boring. If you’re considering starting your own show, I want to leave you with one final thought: don’t overthink it. Just start writing, recording, and putting yourself out there.
Trust me, the most important thing isn’t the quality of your production or the coherence of your message - it’s showing up every week, doing your best work, and being willing to grow and adapt along the way. That’s what makes a podcast truly great.
So go ahead, take that first step. Write out those outlines, produce some episodes, and share them with the world. Who knows where it will lead? Grab the chisel and find the sculpture.
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