From Thorny Experiences to Crown of Expertise: The Superpower of Podcast Guesting

It's funny how in life we find our thing – that one thing or small cluster of things that we take to wearing as our crown of expertise, passion, or purpose. Often, it starts as a crown of thorns – a painful experience that we survive, overcome, and rise out of. These thorns, initially representing failure, false starts, setbacks, or dead-ends, eventually become our triumph, our sense of purpose, and our drive to help others going through something similar. 

Podcast guesting is one avenue where you can transform your thorny experiences into a crown of expertise. It's a platform that provides a unique opportunity to share your story, knowledge, and insights with a global audience. Here's how you can take those thorns and create a crown of the story behind your brand or your book. 

Each thorn in your life can be seen as a valuable lesson. Every setback and wrong turn, though painful at the time, contributes to your growth and resilience. These experiences become the building blocks of your expertise. Over time, the thorns stop being spiky and become softer, as you learn from the tough times and challenges.

Stepping up to the mic as a podcast guest is a way to help others navigate their own thorny paths. But how do you decide what to talk about, and what stays private? Here are some actionable steps:

Reflect on Your Journey: Take time to reflect on your life experiences. Identify the thorny moments that have shaped you into who you are today. These are the stories that have the potential to resonate with others.

Niche Down: Your thorny experiences have likely led you to develop expertise in a specific area. Niche down on that subject. This will make your podcast appearances more focused and appealing to a specific audience.

Craft Your Narrative: Turn your thorns into a compelling story. Stories have the power to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Share not only the challenges but also the lessons and growth that emerged from them.

Tailor Your Message: Consider your audience. What do they want to hear? What problems do they face, and how can your experiences provide solutions or insights? Tailor your message to address their needs.

Maintain Boundaries: While sharing your personal experiences is essential, remember to maintain boundaries. Share what you're comfortable with and what aligns with your brand. Some aspects of your life may remain private. 

Engage with Your Audience: Encourage listener engagement. Ask for feedback and questions. This will help you understand what resonates with your audience and what they want to hear more about.

Stay Authentic: Authenticity is key in podcasting. Be genuine and true to yourself. Listeners appreciate hosts and guests who are real and relatable.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated in your niche. Be open to learning and evolving. Share new insights and experiences on your podcast to keep it fresh and relevant. 

Networking: Connect with other podcasters and industry experts. Building relationships in the podcasting community can lead to more opportunities and collaborations.

Promotion: Don't forget to promote your podcast appearances. Share them on social media, your website, and other relevant platforms to reach a wider audience.

In the world of podcasting, authenticity and expertise go hand in hand. Your thorny experiences are what make you unique, and by sharing them, you can inspire and help others who are on similar journeys. Remember that your crown of expertise will continue to evolve as you learn and grow, and podcast guesting is an excellent way to showcase your journey and the wisdom you've gained along the way.

PS. Watch my masterclass - it’s a free intro to podcast guesting that will get you started on your brand storytelling journey. Dare to share, and your people will find you.

PPS. Read my book Dare to Share- a step-by-step guide to podcast guesting