Episode 303

How to Take Creative Risks with Your Content

“What were they thinking?”

Do you ever watch shows on TV — some of your all-time favorites — and realize, “Woah! They took a huge creative risk taking the show in that direction!” Whether it’s a good or bad thing, you probably had at least 2-3 shows pop into your head immediately.

I’m thinking about the last season of Game of Thrones, the weird episode of Ted Lasso in season 2, and the episode of Grey’s Anatomy where everyone is singing.

But it’s hard to know when and how to take a creative risk. 

And I’ll be really honest with you…
I’m naturally a  pretty risk averse person. I don’t default towards risk.

I try to stay pretty far away from it.

But when it comes to your podcast content, NOT taking creative risks may leave your show stagnant and mediocre instead of amazing!

Let me share with you the tools and resources I’ve used to help me in knowing how to take creative risks.

Tools To Help Take More Creative Risks

I’ve mentioned this book before, multiple times, but I mean it when say this book changed my life! Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is one of those books that I’ve listened to (the audiobook is everything!) at least 8-10X. 

You’ll learn things about being creative and how others have done it successfully by just being open to the idea. It may sound a little woo-woo, but being open to receiving creative ideas is half the battle of creating.

What does it look like to take a creative risk with your podcast content?

Trying a new format or style. Going from an interview only show to throwing in a few solo episodes. Deciding to publish 2 episodes per week instead of just one. Adding music. Taking music away. 

Switching things up and pivoting your brand. Going from a show where you talk about female entrepreneurs owning their stories to just speaking to people who want to start podcasts. (Yes, that’s one of my creative risks.)

How can you make it less risky?

Take small steps. If you want to try something out to see if it will work, don’t make a BIG commitment to it. Instead of making some big announcement that things are changing, simply add a bonus episode of your new style or format to test the waters.

Get audience feedback. Do a poll or a survey with your audience to see if it’s even what they want from your content. You’d be surprised how often I get feedback that one of the ideas I’m most excited about isn’t what my audience needs right now.