200. How to Build a Podcast and Online Business People Actually Trust

What actually makes people trust you in a crowded online business world? In this episode, I’m sharing the values that guide how I approach podcasting and running an online business, why integrity matters more than chasing the latest strategy, and how building real trust with your audience can shape the long-term success of your podcast and business.

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This episode was produced by me, The Podcast Teacher! Contact me at Hello@ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

A few weeks ago, I had one of the worst Zoom calls I've had in a long time. I met a colleague at an in-person event and we were chatting about visibility strategies that we use in our businesses. When we ran out of time, they offered to hop on a Zoom call the following week to share a specific strategy that they implement. So a week later, I brushed my hair, filled up my water, and hopped on the call. Only to realize about 5 minutes in that it was a straight-up sales pitch. I was totally blindsided, and this experience has stuck with me for weeks, not out of anger or resentment, but reflection about how we choose to run our businesses. If you've listened to this show for a while, you probably know what I teach about podcasting. But you may not know as much about the values that guide how I show up in my business and in this space.

So since this is a special milestone episode, number 200, which I still can't believe, I thought it might be the perfect moment to pull back the curtain a little bit and share what actually matters to me behind the scenes and the way I try and show up in the online business world. Because the truth is, when podcasting is done well, people come to know, like, and trust you. So today I want to share a little more of that with you in hopes that it helps you shape your own business and podcasting journey. In case we happen to be meeting for the first time, hi, I'm Julia Levine, AKA The Podcast Teacher. You're listening to Podcasting for Solopreneurs. The show that helps online business owners get more listeners, leads, and sales. Before we dig in, I just want to say a huge thank you to you. Whether you've listened to all 200 episodes or just one, I'm so grateful that you're here.

I wouldn't have a successful podcast or business without listeners like you. And I don't take that for granted. Thank you for spending your valuable time with me. That awful Zoom call made me reflect on how the online business world is full of different approaches to marketing and sales. Some of them feel aligned to me and some of them do not. And over the years, I've gotten clearer and clearer about the values that guide how I run my business. If I had to narrow it down, there are 3 values that sit right at the top of the values list for me. The first one is integrity.

That Zoom call stuck with me because it represented the opposite of how I want to run my business. For me, integrity means saying what you actually mean, not pretending that a Zoom call is a strategy sharing session among peers when it's really a sales call. Integrity also means following through on promises and doing what you say you're going to do. And being willing to admit when you've fallen short on those promises is also part of integrity. I am definitely not perfect. I have made mistakes while running my business, and I'm sure I will again. But I do my best to own up to them, apologize, and make things right. Integrity also shows up in how I teach podcasting.

I'm not interested in hype or telling people that podcasting is some magical overnight growth hack. Podcasting is powerful, but it's a long-term strategy, and it works because of consistency, trust, and real connection with your audience. That is the approach that I believe in, and that is the approach that I teach. The second value that really shapes my work is education. I love learning and teaching. This one probably won't surprise you if you know my background. Before I started this business, I spent many years working in public education. That experience influenced how I think about sharing information and helping people grow.

At my core, I am still a teacher. I love breaking things down and helping people understand how something works so they can go implement it themselves. That's exactly why this podcast exists. Every episode is meant to give you something useful. Sometimes that's a strategy, sometimes it's a mindset shift, and sometimes it's just reassurance that you are on the right path. But the goal is always to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence. The third value that matters a lot to me is happiness. Now, that might sound a little unusual in a business conversation, but it's something that I think about often.

I have intentionally designed my business so that I can have a lunch date with my husband, spend the afternoon in the pool, or do something else that makes me happy. Happiness also shows up as creating a business that feels positive, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable to be a part of. That includes the people that I collaborate with, the clients I work with, and the community that forms around my podcast and my programs. And that leads into something else that matters deeply to me, which is the kind of community that I'm building. Through this podcast, my events, and my programs, I strive to create a diverse space where people feel comfortable showing up, sharing their expertise, and being taken seriously. Podcasting gives people a platform to share their voice, and I believe there are so many thoughtful, talented people whose perspectives deserve to be heard. Those voices can come from anywhere—different industries, life experiences, cultures, and identities. Not everyone will share my values, and that's okay.

Trying to appeal to everyone usually means watering down what you stand for. I would much rather build a smaller, aligned community than a larger one where we disagree on basic kindness and respect. And when I think about reaching episode 200, I am so proud, not just of the number of episodes, but of the community that has formed around this podcast. If you've been a part of this journey in some way, whether you've listened to previous episodes, attended an event, joined a program, or worked with me one-on-one, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being one of my people. As I wrap up this milestone episode, I want to leave you with one final thought. When people talk about podcasting or building an online business, the conversation usually focuses on strategies, and strategies absolutely do matter. But as time goes on, I've come to believe that the real foundation of any podcast or business is the values behind it.

The strategies you choose will always reflect what you believe. If you believe in cutting corners, your programs will reflect that. But if you believe in building trust and serving people well, those will show up in your work. So if you are thinking about starting a podcast or growing the one you already have, I hope this episode encourages you to build it in a way that truly reflects your values. Thank you for being part of the first 200 episodes of this journey with me. I am so incredibly grateful that you're here, and I'm excited for everything that's still ahead. If today's episode resonated with you, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email and share the values that guide how you show up in your podcast or your online business.

My email is in the description. Until next time, happy podcasting.