Fake Whys That Don’t Keep You Going
Over the years, I’ve watched podcasters—including myself—get sidetracked by reasons that sound impressive, like chasing big download numbers or proving ourselves as industry leaders. But here’s the truth: those reasons aren’t enough to keep us going for the long haul.
Welcome to The Podcast Why! I’m Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy, and today I want to cut through the noise and talk about something every podcaster faces but few admit out loud: fake “whys.”
In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from over a decade working with podcasters who feel stuck and burned out because they’ve been running on fake whys—not real purpose.
You’ll hear real stories, common pitfalls, and practical ways to spot when you’re powering your show with the wrong fuel. Most importantly, I’ll help you reconnect with your true motivation, so you can bring more clarity, confidence, and energy to your podcasting journey.
Let’s get honest, make the shift, and rediscover the real “why” that keeps us hitting record—even when nobody’s watching.
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3 Key Takeaways:
“Fake whys” look logical, but won’t fuel you long-term. Chasing download numbers or fearing you’ll be left out aren’t powerful enough reasons to keep your podcast going month after month.
Outcomes aren’t foundations. Metrics like downloads and sponsorships are results—not your core reason for creating. Treating them as your engine will drain your energy fast.
Your true why is your North Star. When you anchor your podcast in a deeper purpose—like serving others honestly or sharing what you wish you’d heard—it sustains you even when the numbers fluctuate.
You can book a clarity call with me. Just head over to My Podcast Guy and look for the Book A Clarity Call link. We’ll talk through where you’re stuck, what your real why might be, and how to build your podcast around it.
I research with AI. I draft the first draft with it. This episode is its own example. AI gathered the platform coverage and produced the drafts. I set the argument, directed the corrections through several rounds. I rewrote the piece until I said what I think, in the way I say it. When any scanner reads the transcript, it will find the machine’s fingerprints on the sentences and mine on the personal experiences. Both readings are accurate. Consider this the blackline for the document you have just read and podcast episode you have just heard.
Recorded at 511 Studios - Columbus, OH (and you can too!)
Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/make-it-happen - License code: T0ZIBWWXBX3NLCVB
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Copyright 2026 Brett Johnson | My Podcast Guy
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