Planning your first 10 episodes without burning out
Launching a podcast can be an exciting new venture—but without the right planning, it’s also one that many creators abandon before they even reach double digits. In fact, industry data suggests that 90% of podcasts don’t make it past episode 10.
So how do you avoid becoming part of that statistic? In this blog, we break down how to plan and structure your first 10 episodes, why having a launch strategy matters, and how to sustain your show without burning out.
Why 10 Episodes?
There’s no hard rule in podcasting that says your first “season” must have 10 episodes—but it’s a helpful benchmark. Reaching double digits means you’ve found some consistency, built a rhythm, and laid a strong foundation.
Many podcasters stop before reaching this point, often due to underestimating the workload or overcommitting early on. Planning for 10 episodes helps prevent burnout and provides clarity around your show’s structure.
A lot of shows don’t make it to episode 10 simply because they weren’t planned sustainably., It’s not always about motivation—it’s often about how realistic your approach is.
Step 1: Choose a Sustainable Format
Your format will heavily influence how you plan. For instance:
Solo or educational shows can be batch recorded and easily scripted in advance.
Interview-based podcasts depend on other people’s schedules, requiring more flexibility.
Topical or news-related shows need to be recorded closer to release dates to stay relevant.
Documentary-style series may be fully scripted and pre-produced, often as a limited series.
Before you start, decide:
Will your podcast be weekly?
Will you work in seasons or continuously release episodes?
Will it be evergreen or time-sensitive?
Being clear on format helps set realistic expectations around content planning.
Step 2: Plan a Launch Strategy (Not Just One Episode!)
Too many podcasters make the mistake of launching with just one episode and expecting big results. But launching with 3–5 episodes on day one can dramatically increase your early downloads—and improve your chances of charting on platforms like Apple Podcasts.
Here’s why that matters:
Let’s say you have a mailing list of 100 subscribers. If you launch with one episode and everyone listens, that’s 100 downloads. Launch with five episodes? That’s 500 downloads—instantly improving your show’s visibility in the charts.
Why does charting matter? It’s not just for bragging rights. Appearing in podcast charts gives your show:
Greater visibility in your niche
More credibility with listeners
Stronger positioning when pitching to sponsors
A Top 10 show in your category—even if just briefly—can open doors to sponsorships and wider listenership.
Step 3: Batch Record—But With a Caveat
Batch recording is a great way to get ahead of your publishing schedule. If you can, record your first few episodes in advance and plan a consistent release rhythm, whether that’s weekly, biweekly or monthly.
But here’s the caveat: if you record too much, too early, you may miss out on learning opportunities. The first few episodes are full of trial and error—everything from sound quality to interview technique.
In short, find a balance. Batch enough to give yourself breathing room—but leave space to grow and adapt as you go.
Step 4: Keep a Content Pipeline Flowing
Once the show is rolling, how do you consistently come up with new episode ideas? That depends on your format:
Interview-based shows: Guests are your content. Focus on sourcing quality interviewees and letting their stories lead.
Topical shows: Stay up to date with industry news or product releases and let that drive your schedule.
Solo/educational shows: Build an idea bank. Brainstorm themes, list common questions in your niche, or repurpose blog posts into episodes.
Other content strategy tips include:
Ask your audience: Once you gain listeners, poll them or gather feedback on what they want more of.
Watch your analytics: Which episodes had the most downloads or best listener retention? That’s a clue to what’s working.
Keep it flexible: Leave room for reactive episodes in case something timely or trending pops up in your niche.
Step 5: Use Your Data Wisely
Most podcast hosting platforms offer basic analytics such as:
Total downloads
Listener drop-off points
Average consumption rates
Popular episodes
Use this data to guide content decisions. If listeners regularly drop off at the 15-minute mark, maybe it’s time to tighten the episode length. If one episode performs significantly better than others, explore that topic again from a different angle.
Analytics are more than just numbers—they’re feedback. And feedback helps you make better episodes.
Step 6: Plan Your Series with the End in Mind
There’s no magic number for how many episodes your show should run. The right length depends on:
Your topic
Your goal
Your availability
Your content format
Maybe your podcast exists just to support a product launch or campaign. Maybe it’s a documentary-style limited series. Maybe you’re aiming to build a weekly audience and brand long-term.
Whatever your aim, be intentional from the start. If you plan to release 8 episodes and then break for a season, tell your audience. If you’re unsure, at least plan the first stretch clearly, and stay consistent with releases.
Final Thoughts: Start With Clarity
Before recording a single episode, ask yourself:
What’s the goal of this podcast?
What value am I offering my listeners?
How many episodes do I want to release initially?
How much time can I realistically commit to this each week/month?
Am I aiming for growth, brand awareness, or just creative expression?
With clear intentions, a bit of structure, and a flexible content strategy, your podcast won’t just survive those first 10 episodes—it’ll thrive.