SUPPORT SEASONS IN BUSINESS + BUY SARAH A COFFEE

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SUPPORT SEASONS IN BUSINESS + BUY SARAH A COFFEE 〰️

Many podcasts never make it past the early stages, so reaching double figures feels like a small but meaningful milestone. So in this episode, I’m sharing an honest look at what the first ten episodes of Seasons in Business have taught me so far. From finding my voice and navigating the technical side of podcasting, to managing consistency, energy, and expectations, this is a gentle behind-the-scenes reflection on starting something new before you feel fully ready.

There have been joys, challenges, and quiet surprises — including how much I’ve enjoyed the process, and why slow, steady progress feels far more sustainable than chasing big numbers or instant success.

Key takeaways from this episode

Fewer than 10% of podcasts make it to ten episodes
Why an idea and some basic equipment is enough to begin
The importance of consistency — and the realities of maintaining it
How small, steady growth can be surprisingly rewarding
A reminder that you don’t need everything figured out before you start

If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast — or any creative project — this episode is a gentle encouragement to begin where you are, with what you have.

Welcome to Seasons in Business, a podcast for creative business owners who want to build something thoughtful and sustainable, at a pace that actually feels good. I'm your host, designer and printmaker Sarah Phelps, and if, like me, you're craving a slower, more spacious way to grow, with a little gentle encouragement along the way, you're in the right place. So turn off your notifications, grab a cup of tea or coffee, and get cosy.
Hi, and welcome back to Seasons in Business. It's episode ten already, and hitting double figures feels like a bit of a mini milestone. I was reading recently that a lot of podcasts never make it this far (actually, fewer than one in ten), so getting here feels good, and definitely worth celebrating.
I was going to wait a little longer to share an episode like this one, but a couple of friends were asking about the podcast recently, and whether I'm enjoying it. And the answer is yes — I really am.
In the first episode, I shared why I was launching a podcast and why now that it felt like a natural next step for me. A way to think out loud, to have conversations I've wanted to have for years, and offer encouragement for anyone navigating creative business life. Not because I have all the answers, but because I know what it's like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or just a bit unsure.
I thought about exploring these ideas in writing, but talking has always felt so much easier because I edit myself a lot less as I speak. And honestly, despite a long standing fear of public speaking, I felt surprisingly comfortable sharing my thoughts here.
This little podcast is helping me break down one of the biggest barriers we often have as business owners — inviting people in and letting them get a sense of the person behind the work. These episodes feel like a little peek behind the curtain, like you're popping round to the studio for a cup of tea and a chat.
And if I take a moment and think about what I've noticed in these early days, I've realised that I should trust my ideas and follow my gut more often, because this has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and satisfying things I've ever done.
I'm not sure what I expected when I started because I was so busy with the planning and the doing, but it's actually been a lot of fun. Even the technical side, which I was kind of dreading, hasn't been as overwhelming as I thought it might be. I've never recorded or edited audio before, so I kept things really simple with my equipment, just a simple USB mic plugged into my iPad — nothing fancy or expensive. And I was able to figure out the basics of editing, and troubleshoot along the way, mostly with the help of YouTube tutorials.
I've also been much less worried about my voice than I expected. I know so many of us really don't like hearing our own voices, and I was the same, but I've just grown used to hearing it and I don't really give it a second thought now.
And when it comes to speaking, I'm aiming for good, not perfect. I did record the first episode multiple times, trying to get it just right, and surprise — that didn't happen. So now I hit record and just talk through the whole episode in one take. If I make a mistake, or my lovely whippet Florence decides to join in, I can go back later and edit it out.
I'll be honest, I was really worried that no one would listen, that there wouldn't be an audience for this kind of podcast. But listens and downloads have been growing slowly, which feels really nice. It makes me really happy to know there's a small group of people who are enjoying the episodes and coming back for more.
A few things have taken me by surprise, I guess because I've never done anything like this before.
The first is definitely scheduling and consistency. So for launching, I had the first couple of episodes ready to go and I had great intentions to batch record, but that hasn't really happened at the moment. I record an episode one week and share it the next without much of a buffer, and that's something I know I want (and need) to work on, especially because I already know this year is going to be a busy one with a few bumps along the way. There's a house move on the cards and possibly surgery to remove my very unhappy gallbladder, so things are going to need a bit more planning and a bit more wiggle room, so I don't miss any episodes.
The invisible work took me a little bit by surprise. Recording is one thing, but that doesn't actually take very long. But staying on top of the editing, uploading, writing show notes and blog posts, and sharing on socials — that all takes more time and energy than I imagined.
And then there are the practicalities. Our house has a road out front and a school behind, so between traffic, noise and playgrounds, I have a small window of quiet time to work with. And recording definitely isn't glamorous — to get the best sound, I sit on the floor in front of my wardrobe, doors open, with my clothes acting as a bit of a sound barrier to minimise background noise.
It's all part of growing, I think. It would be silly to start something new and expect it to be perfect straight away, especially on a budget. There are always learning curves and growing pains, and for me that's been part of the fun.
Now, with all of that said, it's easy to wonder is it worth the effort? And that's a tough one, because I'm sure everyone who starts a podcast does it for different reasons, and will have a different idea of what feels worthwhile.
For me, it's not about huge numbers or going viral, it's about conversation. Are my numbers big? Not at all. But people are listening and they're getting in touch to say they're enjoying what they're hearing. And honestly, that's all that matters to me.
So yes, to me, it's absolutely worth the effort.
And also talking numbers, the best advice I've read is this: don't worry about the people who aren't listening, focus on the ones who are. Talk to them, because they're already here.
So these first ten episodes are out there, which I guess brings me to what's next.
I always wanted these early episodes to be solo, partly so I could get to grips with the process and feel more comfortable recording and editing, but also so I could find my voice and give you a chance to get to know me a little. Now that I've found a rhythm and kind of a workflow for recording and sharing, it feels like a good time to start opening the conversation outwards.
I have plans for guest episodes, conversations with creative people about how they work, create, and run their businesses in gentler, more seasonal ways. But for all of the guest conversations that will come, this will always be a space for you and me to go through the ups and downs, the ins and outs, of business together.
A few people have asked how they can support the podcast, and of course listening, hitting follow, or leaving a review all help. But honestly, the biggest growth I've noticed so far has come from people sharing episodes they've enjoyed. It still feels pretty mind blowing when someone messages to say they started listening because they saw someone else share an episode and that they're enjoying the show. I expected friends and family might listen, but strangers finding the show still feels funny, in the best possible way.
So I want to close by saying thank you for listening, for sharing, and for being here while I find my way. I hope my ramblings help you feel sane and in good company, even on the quiet days. There's so much more I'll be exploring here, and I'm really glad you're along for the journey. And if you have an idea for a guest or a topic you'd like to hear me explore, let me know.
If you've been thinking about starting a podcast yourself or you're in the early stages of something new, I hope this episode has been a gentle reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out to begin.
If you'd like to say hello, you can find me on Instagram or Threads @sarahandmaude, or you can drop me an email. My inbox is always open and I genuinely love hearing from you.
And if you've enjoyed listening today, like I said, hitting follow, sharing an episode, or leaving a rating or review, really does help the podcast find its way to more people.
Thanks so much for listening and I'll see you next time.

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If you’re enjoying the show, please leave a 5* rating and review — it really helps more small business owners discover it.

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Get in touch

Have suggestions for topics or guests? Email me at podcast@sarahandmaude.com.

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