Starting a Podcast From Scratch: Lessons I Learned the Hard Way— Larry G Dix Ii | Ep 114
If you've ever asked yourself, “Am I born or made to be a podcaster?” this episode is for you. In my conversation with Larry G. Dix II, bestselling author and host of the Born or Made Podcast, you'll get honest, behind-the-scenes insight into what it really takes to grow — not just a podcast, but as a person in the process. Larry shares the ups and downs of his unconventional journey, from starting out with zero podcasting experience to building a show that explores how top leaders think and operate.In this episode, you'll find out:Why embracing flexibility and being open to change can unlock opportunities for your show, even if your original plan starts to shift.How focusing on storytelling, genuine curiosity, and careful listening (instead of canned questions) will help you create deeper connections and standout interviews.Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck, Larry’s perspective will remind you it’s normal to learn as you go, and that your growth as host is just as important as your show’s growth. Dive in for a relaxed, real talk that might just help you get unstuck, too.Connect With Larry G. Dix IIWebsite: https://bornormadepodcast.comWebsite: https://larrygdix.comIf My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/joinIf the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststoryChapters00:00 Meet Larry G. Dix II01:19 The Story Behind “Born or Made”02:52 Asking Guests: Born, Made, or Built?03:19 How Long the Podcast Has Been Running03:51 Larry’s First Podcasting Experiences04:23 Comfortable Conversations & Loosening Up05:33 Surprising Backstories Guests Reveal05:53 Biggest Challenges Starting Out06:36 The Power of Listening as Host07:12 Podcasting Habits That Spill Into Life07:47 Why Larry Loves People’s Stories09:06 Behind-the-Scenes: Episode Production10:08 Who’s On the Podcast Team10:50 Balancing AI With the Human Touch12:09 Recording in Different Studios13:06 In-Person vs. Remote Conversations14:53 Lessons from Marathon Interview Days15:57 Knowing Your Limits as a Host17:00 Why In-Person Feels Different17:58 Evolving Growth Strategies18:26 Launching With a Book, Pivoting to a Podcast19:17 Keeping the Format Flexible20:16 Building Brand Around Your Name21:24 Testing, Pivoting, and Social Content Ideas22:51 Letting Listeners (and the Market) Decide24:07 The Podcast’s Personal Impact25:25 Why Guests Aren’t So Different After All26:53 Overcoming Fear and Mental Hurdles29:36 Honest Conversations About Failure30:02 The Real Value for Listeners31:30 No Such Thing As Overnight Success32:15 Sharing the Full Journey, Not Just the Highs33:41 Feedback From Guests and Listeners35:10 Interviewing as a Two-Way Street36:10 Podcasting’s Finances and Reality Check37:13 Costs, Investments, and Long-Term Bets39:20 The Bare Essentials for Gear41:45 Getting the Setup Right, Not Fancy43:14 Leveraging Your Unique Strengths46:42 Focusing on the Gain, Not the Gap48:17 Big Projects: New Book and Framework49:18 Where to Find Larry and His Resources50:41 Final Reflections and Thanks
