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In 2025, podcasting is no longer a trend – it’s a cultural staple. Over 546 million people worldwide tune in regularly, and platforms like Spotify and Apple are pouring millions into exclusive shows. The average podcaster now earns between $700 to $13,000 a month, with top creators landing six-figure sponsorship deals.
Podcasting has exploded in popularity because it meets people where they are–on their commute, during a workout, or while folding laundry.
For professionals, it’s a way to bypass the noise of social media and deliver value directly to an audience that cares. The medical community has jumped on the bandwagon in a big way. In an era where patients Google symptoms before booking appointments and social media influencers peddle dubious wellness advice, there’s a hunger for voices that cut through the noise.
If you’re passionate about being one of those voices, this is your sign.
For physicians, podcasting can be a natural extension of what you already do – educate, advocate, and connect. It’s a chance to peel back the curtain on your expertise, share stories from beyond the exam room, and address questions that don’t always fit into a 15-minute appointment.
Whether you’re passionate about preventative health, mental wellness, the intersection of technology and medicine, or something entirely unrelated to medicine! There’s an audience eager to listen.
And the best part? You don’t need a production studio with all the bells and whistles to pull it off.
The Case for Physician Podcasters
Before we get into how you can begin your podcast journey, let’s talk about why you should. Let’s rewind to 2019. Medical podcasts were niche, often limited to CME content or dry journal reviews.
Fast-forward to today, and the landscape looks wildly different. Spotify reports a 123% increase in health-related podcast listens since 2020. Apple Podcasts’ “Medicine” category now boasts everything from Sawbones (a hilarious deep dive into medical history) to The Curbsiders (a no-nonsense internal medicine masterclass). And listeners aren’t just tuning in, they’re hooked.
Why the shift? Two words: accessibility and authenticity. A well-crafted podcast episode can do what a 15-minute consult can’t: explore the “why” behind treatment plans, demystify intimidating jargon, and humanize the person wearing the lab coat. For physicians, it’s a chance to reclaim the narrative around healthcare–one episode at a time.
Finding Your Frequency
Before you hit record, ask yourself what you want to be known for. Your podcast should make use of your strengths and passions, whether you’ve got the knack for simplifying complex research into clear takeaways or a talent for storytelling, turning a routine clinic day into a gripping narrative.
The key isn’t to cover everything about medicine but to carve out a niche to attract a dedicated audience.
Here are some examples:
- Explore trending topics like the science of sleep or the future of AI in medicine.
- Interview experts in your field: researchers, therapists, or even patients with one-of-a-kind insights to share.
- Answer common questions, like navigating insurance or preparing for a specialist visit.
- Revisit watercooler debates with colleagues or patient FAQs.
Now, let’s dispel the misconception that you need to be the next Atul Gawande or Esther Perel to succeed. The most beloved medical podcasts thrive on clarity, connection, and a dash of personality – not flashy production or celebrity guests.
Take The Drive by Dr. Peter Attia: a long-form chat about longevity that translates dense research into actionable lessons, delivered with the enthusiasm of someone dissecting plot twists in a thriller. Or The Nocturnists, where clinicians swap raw, unfiltered tales from the frontlines — a campfire chat ambiance for people who’ve survived too many 3 a.m. shifts.
Your podcast doesn’t need a gimmick, it needs a heartbeat, something that makes it stand out in the sea of millions. And the thing is, it doesn’t even need to have anything to do with medicine. Some of the most compelling shows thrive when creators lean into offbeat passions — as long as they bring a fresh angle.
Do you have a passion for food and history? Recreate medieval recipes and link them to modern nutrition science for engaging content.
Have a vast social circle? Use that to interview CEOs and artists about their biggest flops, helping to reframe setbacks as stepping stones.
Are you passionate about living tech-free on weekends? Chronicle your journey to help others do the same so we can all work our way out of overreliance on tech.
These ideas should help get your creative juices flowing. And whether you’re geeking out over metabolic pathways or vintage typewriters, the heartbeat of your show should be unmistakably yours. Take the plunge, and your audience will lean in.
The Gear You Actually Need
Falling down the “Best Podcast Mics of 2024!” rabbit hole is a rite of passage for any new podcaster. But while gear matters, overthinking is the fastest way to never launch. Here’s a TLDR for busy docs:
Start with a $100 USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U — it’ll handle 90% of what a pricier setup can. Pair it with any over-ear headphones you’ve got lying around; noise cancellation is a nice bonus but not a requirement.
For software, keep it simple. Audacity for editing and Spotify for Creators for hosting are free and beginner-friendly. Descript is a game-changing tool. It transcribes your audio, lets you edit by deleting text (like a Word doc), and even cleans up background noise.
Plus, its AI-powered “Studio Sound” means you don’t have to worry about creating the “perfect” environment to record.
That brings us to space. Background noise is the enemy, so record in a small, preferably carpeted room with soft furnishings to reduce echo.
Your car after clinic hours (windows up, AC off) can be a surprisingly decent sound booth. Closets also work surprisingly well (just watch out for those hangers). Record a quick test clip and if your HVAC doesn’t sound like a jet engine, you’re good to go.
Content Cadence
The best podcasts feel like conversations, not lectures. Keeping listeners hooked is not rocket science but it also won’t be easy.
Have an outline for your episode structure but also leave room for spontaneity. Start with a hook – a surprising fact or story – before moving on to the main content. Weave in data, anecdotes, and practical tips. End with a call-to-action like a question or challenge to encourage engagement from your audience.
You can repurpose your existing work into audio content. Turn old blog posts or conference talks into episode scripts. Tools like Jellypod can convert written content into audio, saving you time.
As a physician, I know time is scarce and the prospect of finding the time to record might be the most daunting aspect of this endeavor. That’s where batch recording comes in. You can block out a few hours every month to record multiple episodes. This will ensure you always have content ready and also help avoid podfade when time is short.
Finally, embrace the imperfection. A few “ums” or pauses, a slip of the tongue here and there keeps things authentic and real.
Ethics and Authenticity
As a professional, credibility is your currency. If you’re sharing a patient’s case study, be sure to follow HIPAA regulations. Change names, ages, locations, and specifics.
Transparency is non-negotiable. Disclose sponsorships or partnerships upfront. If you’re promoting a product, explain why you trust it.
And finally, cite your sources. When referencing studies or statistics, mention the journal or institution. It builds trust and helps listeners dig deeper.
Launch Day and Beyond
Every podcast needs unique artwork to go with it. Canva is an intuitive, and free (for the most part) tool. Use your creativity to make a clean design that reflects the essence of the podcast. Adding in your photo will create trust and help listeners connect better.
Hosting platforms like Buzzsprout or Libsyn handle the heavy lifting. Upload your episode, craft a snappy description, and let them distribute it to Apple, Spotify, and beyond. Now all that’s left to do is promote it. Use your existing connections and contacts to spread the word.
Text your friends, drop a clip on LinkedIn, and add a link to your X bio.
Once you start to gain some traction, you can think about growing your podcast. Keep these strategies in mind:
- Use SEO-friendly keywords, things your audience might search for, to bring in new listeners.
- Leverage social media by sharing short clips of highlights from episodes to build hype.
- Collaborate with other physicians in the podcasting game, to make joint episodes so your audience can crossover.
- Engage with your listeners on social media and participate in forums. Building this connection will be key to the sustained growth of your podcast.
- Finally, be consistent. Release episodes on a predictable schedule– weekly, biweekly, or seasonal “series” with clear start/end dates.
And while we’re at it, let’s talk about the money. Specifically, the ways you can earn from your podcast. Ad revenue and sponsorships are the most basic way podcasters earn, but there are also other options:
- Premium Content: You can offer ad-free episodes or bonus material through Patreon.
- Courses or Workshops: Use your podcast to promote in-depth guides or webinars.
- Affiliate Marketing: Partner with brands you already use and trust so you can get a commission every time someone uses your link to buy their product.
Will your podcast make you rich? Maybe…not. But here’s what it will do: Amplify your reach to cut through the fog of misinformation the world is drowning in. Imagine receiving an email from a listener saying your episode helped them advocate for their care.
Or a colleague citing your podcast during a conference. Podcasting isn’t just a fun side hustle, it’s a way to build a legacy of knowledge that outlasts any viral trend.
So, take the leap and start recording. Who knows, maybe your podcast could be on our next Top Must-Listen Podcasts By Physicians list?
