Be Short and Impactful to Create a Bingeable Podcast, with Vikki Louise of the F*CK Anxiety & Get Sh*t Done Podcast
As part of my series of interviews about “5 things you need to know to create a very successful podcast”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vikki Louise.
Vikki works with ambitious overachievers, teaching them how to manage their anxiety & procrastination so they can focus, and show up consistently to create impact. She has a no BS approach blending neuroscience, evolutionary biology, life coaching tools and tough love that teach people to understand their brain, rewire their thinking — and feel empowered to get things done. Vikki graduated from the London School of Economics and worked in finance and tech for years before moving into coaching full time. She hosts the top-rated F*CK Anxiety & Get Sh*t Done podcast available on iTunes and Spotify. Find out more about her at www.vikkilouise.com
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Can you tell us a bit of your “personal backstory? What is your background and what eventually brought you to this particular career path?
I always wanted to help people. I read about what people regretted the most at the end of their lives, and it was all around listening to fears. People are incredibly capable in ways that aren’t recognized in formal education. So later in life people lose their confidence and drive to create an impact. Even when they know deep down what they want to do, the fears set in. For me, it manifested in me working in finance for almost ten years before committing to my dream of being a coach. There is a lot of confusing misinformation about anxiety & procrastination — so often people come to me after years of spinning in indecision and self judgement. Everything online is so disempowering… My work changes this. Ambition breeds anxiety, and ambition is what solves all the crises in our world. So I am committed to helping people overcome their primitive brains and anxieties for them, and for the world.
Can you share a story about the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started podcasting?
A lot of interesting things happen… Some fun things are that people that I have not seen for 20 years or more have contacted me to tell me they love the podcast, it helps them. It has brought people from my past into my life. I also had someone I know run up to me once and be a fangirl. That was pretty fun. I love how it has opened doors to more connections and inspired me to keep creating amazing content.
Can you share a story about the biggest or funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or takeaways you learned from that?
Yes! Nothing too funny, but I was traveling and missed a deadline. I used to record it on the day it was released. I had the choice between recording literally in the airport OR recording the next day and being a day late. So I sat in the airport and wrote the episode where I spoke about it… It is called “Sitting in Consequence” and ties in with what I teach about letting yourself fail to learn. It is actually one of my favorite episodes now. Now I am 3 weeks early!
How long have you been podcasting and how many shows have you aired?
I have been podcasting around 15 months and done an episode every week, in the mid 70’s now!
What are the main takeaways, lessons or messages that you want your listeners to walk away with after listening to your show?
There is nothing wrong with them, knowing how to get sh*t done in less time, stop judging themselves, simple tools for managing anxiety, people pleasing and indecision.
In your opinion what makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or your content?
It is short, impactful, and warm. I always give my listeners something simple and quick to apply immediately to help them. I chat like I would to a best friend, so it is really light, even though we can talk about some serious things. I also think the love I have for what I talk about and what my listeners comes through.
Doing something on a consistent basis is not easy. Podcasting every work-day, or even every week can be monotonous. What would you recommend to others about how to maintain discipline and consistency? What would you recommend to others about how to avoid burnout?
Well, I teach people how to create consistency in all areas of their lives. It isn’t complicated, we just need to understand our brains. Discipline and consistency are like muscles that we can build over time. The more we do it, the easier it becomes. Start small, celebrate your success and what is working, learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
To avoid burnout switch off. Not everything has to be done now. 95% of the things you think are urgent are not. When you slow down and make choices for yourself, and your schedule with kindness you will end up far more successful. I call it the best friend filter — would you plan your best friends schedule the way you planned yours? If not, change it.
What resources do you get your inspiration for materials from?
My clients and my brain!
Is there someone in the podcasting world who you think is a great model for how to run a really fantastic podcast?
I think there are a lot of amazing podcasts. I used to listen to so many, but gradually I dropped off as they were long and eating into a lot of my time every week. One of the first ones I loved was the Life Coach School podcast by Brooke Castillo.
What are the ingredients that make that podcast so successful? If you could break that down into a blueprint, what would that blueprint look like?
It is full of useful information. I loved it as I found it when I first thought about becoming a Life Coach. It has been so helpful. So much so that I went and certified there, and ever worked for them as a coach at one time.
Can you share with our readers the five things you need to know to create an extremely successful podcast?
1) Have a purpose — Why do you want to create this podcast?
2) Have a goal — What is it you hope to achieve through this podcast?
3) Have an individual in mind — Who exactly is this podcast talking to?
4) Be yourself — if that means you curse, then curse, people that don’t like it will stop listening and those that do will be connecting to you and your work authentically
5) It sounds cliché but have fun — that’s the best way to approach anything we do!
A bonus — to be extremely successful, don’t talk about what someone else is already talking about. Offer something unique.
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Vikki Louise!
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Podcast Influencer, Vikki Louise of the F*CK Anxiety & Get Sh*t Done Podcast shares the best ways to:
1) Book Great Guests. Go solo!
2) Increase Listeners. To increase listeners honestly focus on creating something valuable. I have not put any paid marketing into my podcast and thousands of people listen to it just because the content is so good.
3) Produce in a Professional Way. I use Libsyn and Audacity, I paid someone on Fiverr to do my intro and outro, otherwise, I keep it unedited and natural and this works really well with my audience.
4) Encourage Engagement. If you want to encourage engagement, ask for it! It really is that simple.
5) Monetize Your Show. I have been approached by advertising companies but never taken them up on the offer. I do have a lot of clients come to me through the podcast though, which is great.
What makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or the content itself?
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Vikki Louise!
