How to Start a Healthcare Podcast (Without a Team of 20)
You’ve probably seen someone in your network launch a podcast and thought, could I do that too? The answer is yes—and it doesn’t have to be hard, expensive, or time-consuming. Podcasting has become one of the most approachable forms of media creation. With just a microphone, a quiet room, and your unique perspective, you can begin sharing ideas that make an impact.
Maybe you want to break down the latest research in plain language for patients. Maybe you want to highlight the real challenges of working in modern healthcare, or explore the untold stories of those who serve on the front lines. Whatever your motivation, there’s room for you in the podcasting space and an audience waiting to hear what you have to say.
What you don’t need is to be a media expert or have a massive following. What matters is your voice, your experience, and the insight you bring to your listeners.
This guide walks you through how to create a healthcare podcast that fits your voice, your schedule, and your goals. We’ll also cover the tools, the structure, the publishing process, and the mindset needed to not just start a podcast, but to sustain one in a way that feels rewarding, not overwhelming.
Let’s start from zero.
Creating the Concept
The most successful podcasts, whether they have a hundred listeners or a hundred thousand, start with a strong, clear idea. You don’t need to be an influencer, a seasoned speaker, or an expert audio engineer. What you do need is something valuable to say and the desire to say it in your own authentic way.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to say?
Is there a message that keeps coming up in your work or your conversations? Are there stories, insights, or issues you wish more people knew about? This is your content seed—the core theme or message that will fuel your episodes.
Who am I talking to?
Are you speaking to patients? Colleagues? Students? A general audience interested in health? Knowing your audience shapes your tone, language, and the depth of information you share. Imagine one ideal listener and speak directly to them.
What do I want this podcast to do—for me and for them?
Be honest here. Are you hoping to build credibility? Attract new clients or patients? Create a creative outlet that re-energizes you? Your goals matter just as much as your audience’s needs. The clearer you are about both, the easier it will be to stay motivated and consistent throughout the process. Here are some examples of what that might look like.
You might want to:
Build your personal brand (like Dr. Natalie Crawford’s As a Woman, which blends fertility education with a compelling personal tone).
Bring awareness to your specialty (like Dr. Rupa Wong’s In Focus, which breaks down important topics in Pediatric Ophthalmology for parents)
Support your private practice or build trust with future patients (like Dr. Pamela Mehta’s The Resilience Factor, which dives into the science of movement and sports injuries with expert guests, with a name that ties back to her practice Resilience Orthopedics).
Create space for meaningful conversations (like The Pinnacle Prescription Podcast, which, like Pinnacle as a whole, empowers women through open and honest discussions about being women in medicine).
Or just have fun sharing your voice.
No goal is too small. But having clarity early on will shape every decision that follows—from the tone of your show and the guests you invite, to your episode format, length, and how you market it. A focused concept gives your podcast a clear identity and makes it easier for listeners to understand why they should tune in.
So don’t rush this step. Give yourself time to brainstorm, explore ideas, and refine your vision. Talk to other podcasters: What has worked for them? What hasn’t? How would this work with your message? Your podcast’s concept doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be true to you.
Naming Your Podcast
Choosing a name is one of the most fun (and potentially frustrating) parts of starting a podcast. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to find the perfect name, just the right one for your voice and audience.
The key is to strike a balance between clarity and personality. Don’t overthink it, but do be intentional. Your podcast name is often the first thing people see (and judge), so it should give a strong first impression.
Is it searchable? Think like a listener: If someone typed your topic into a podcast app, would your name help you show up? Including a keyword—like “dermatology,” “fertility,” “pediatrics,” or even just “health” can increase discoverability and help your podcast be found. You also want to make sure there aren’t other podcasts or blogs out there with a similar name to avoid confusion.
Is it memorable? Shorter names tend to stick. Aim for something easy to say, easy to spell, and hard to confuse with other shows. This is your hook into your listeners memory.
Does it resonate with your audience? Your tone should match your target listener’s expectations. A podcast for busy clinicians might sound different than one meant for new parents or patients with chronic illness.
Pro Tip #1:
Say the name out loud. Can you imagine introducing it at a dinner party? Does it feel natural when you say “Hi, I am the host of [Podcast Name]” or does it feel too long, awkward, or forgettable? Keep playing with it, until it feels natural to you.
Try this formula: Topic + Personality or Point of View.
This simple combination helps you blend clarity with a unique twist, makes it easy for your podcast to stand out and be remembered.
Examples:
The Pinnacle Prescription – practical advice for medical professionals with a fun play on prescriptions, which many healthcare professionals write.
Endocrine Matters – a clean, straightforward name that says what it is.
In Focus – a clever title that reflects Rupa Wong’s tone and purpose while emphasizing her specific specialty (Ophthalmology).
You might also play with:
Puns or wordplay (sparingly)
Common phrases in your field
A tagline to clarify what the title means (e.g., Vitals: Stories from the Frontlines of Primary Care)
Pro Tip #2:
Feel stuck in a creative rut and feel as if you can’t come up with anything clever? Try plugging in some ideas to AI platforms, like ChatGPT for inspiration, sometimes this can give you the spark you need to get your creativity flowing.
Format
Podcasting is flexible. There is no one-size-fits-all. Your format can be as simple or sophisticated as you want. The best part? You can evolve over time.
Start by asking yourself what style best suits your personality, your audience, and your goals.
Do you want to:
Host solo episodes? Great for building a direct connection with your audience. These can be educational deep dives, personal reflections, Q&As, or clinical insights. You’re in full control of pacing and content, and recording is often quicker.
Guest Interviews? Perfect for networking, expanding perspectives, and building your audience through cross-promotion. Interviews also shift some of the pressure off you.
Narratives or Scripted Stories? Think This American Life meets healthcare. You tell a story, weave in research, quotes, or patient voices, and structure it like a documentary or short audio essay. This takes more prep and editing—but the payoff is a polished, immersive experience.
Casual and Conversational? Think coffee between two friends. You could have co-hosts chatting, reacting to headlines, or sharing experiences that can create a relaxed, relatable tone. This works well when your chemistry is strong and your content flows naturally.
You do not have to choose just one structure. For example, you could rotate with mostly solo episodes and a monthly guest, or mostly co-hosts having conversations with occasional solo episodes. This is YOUR podcast to do what feels right to YOU.
Also consider:
Audio-only (easier, less intimidating): Easiest to produce and edit. No need to worry about lighting, video quality, or camera presence. You just hit record and focus on the sound. Ideal for beginners or those with limited time or finances.
Video podcasting (better for YouTube, visual learners): Better for discoverability on YouTube and social media clips. Visuals can build trust and connection because people like seeing who they’re listening to. This doesn’t have to be complicated, even a simple video camera set up can look professional with the right lighting.
Live streaming (higher effort, but great for engagement): This format is higher effort, but can be deeply engaging. You can take live questions, stream to social media, and connect in real-time. Great for community-building just be ready for tech hiccups.
You can start simple and evolve as you grow. Dr. Arti Thangudu’s Endocrine Matters is structured and polished but still personable. Guests often use basic setups while she maintains her professional recording equipment. It is proof clarity and authenticity matters more than studio-grade perfection to create something excellent.
Recording
Do you need a studio? Nope. You can literally record your first episode from your closet with your phone or laptop. What matters most isn’t the space, it is what you have to share with your audience. Here are some simple tips to maximize your recording with minimal effort and expense.
Quiet environment:
Soft, enclosed spaces help reduce echo and background noise.
Closets full of clothes, carpeted bedrooms, or cars parked in quiet driveways are surprisingly effective.
Turn off fans, close doors, mute your notifications, and let the dog out before you hit record.
Basic microphone
USB options under $100 are excellent and affordable
Confidence in your content
Don’t worry about perfection, just focus on passion.
Speak clearly and stay passionate during your recording
Don’t worry about small pauses or “ums — that is what editing is for! Your listeners would rather hear that you are real, not perfect.
Pro tip #3
Do a quick test recording before your first full episode. Listen for background noise, mic distance, and pacing. It’ll save you time and nerves in the long run.
Do You Need a Script?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, too much scripting can make you sound robotic.
Try this simple format for solo episodes:
Intro: Who are you? What’s the episode about? Why should they listen?
Main Points: 2 to 4 key ideas or stories you want to share
Recap: Brief summary of takeaways
Call to Action: Ask listeners to follow, share, or check out your website/socials
If you’re hosting guests, preparing questions in advance can help you and your guest stay on track while also leaving room for natural conversation.
Here is what you can do for interviews:
Prepare 5–7 thoughtful questions ahead of time.
Let your guest know the general flow in advance (but avoid over-scripting).
Stay curious and let the conversation evolve—you can always edit later.
Pro tip #4
It is better to be done than perfect. Especially in the beginning, it can be easy to let perfectionism take over and never publish your product. But take the leap. You are ready and sometimes the hardest part is starting.
Level | Mic | Software | Extras | Cost Estimate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starter |
Built-in mic
Phone mic |
Zoom
Riverside |
Quiet room | Free – $50 |
Mid-Level |
Blue Yeti Samson Q2U |
Audacity GarageBand |
Pop filter Basic webcam |
$100 – $300 |
Pro Setup |
Shure MV7 Rode NT1 |
Descript Adobe Audition |
Lighting Acoustic panels |
$500+ |
Start small. You can always level up later as your podcast grows. You may also decide to change formats as your podcast evolves. Starting simple gives you this freedom without feeling tied down to costly equipment.
Putting It Together
You’ve hit record. You’ve captured your voice or a great conversation. Now what?
It’s time to get your episode podcast-ready. While post-production might sound technical, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can do it yourself (or outsource what you’d rather skip).
Edit audio
Trimming long pauses or “um” storms
Cutting out mistakes or tangents or any other unwanted sections
Balancing volume so you sound clear and consistent
Add intro/outro music
Look for royalty-free music to avoid copyright issues. Many sites let you filter by genre, mood, and length.
Try to pick a consistent track to use each episode—it builds brand identity.
Create podcast art
Be simple and bold (think: readable even at thumbnail size)
Include the podcast name (and possibly your name or logo)
Reflect your tone: professional, fun, warm, academic, etc.
If editing isn't your thing, freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with editors. Many editors cost $30–$100 per episode and some even handle show notes, transcripts, or social media clips.
Get It on a Hosting Platform
How do podcasts get out to your favorite listening platforms? This is where Hosting Platforms come in. What even is a Hosting Platform? It is a way to distribute your podcast to Apple, Spotify, Google, etc. Think of it as your podcast’s home base, where your content lives, gets organized, and is sent out into the world.
What does a hosting platform do?:
Stores your audio files
Creates your RSS feed (the thing podcast apps use to pull in your episodes)
Distributes your show to major platforms
Tracks analytics (downloads, listener locations, popular episodes, etc.)
Sometimes includes monetization tools and episode scheduling
Some beginner-friendly options:
Buzzsprout (easy UI, great for beginners)
Podbean
Megaphone
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchors)
All of these Platforms walk you through the process. Most offer basic analytics and monetization tools too. This means coding or tech knowledge required to get your first episode up and running.
Grow Your Listeners
The best promotion strategies are the ones that feel authentic to you and sustainable over time.
Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on sharing your podcast in the places where you and your audience already spend time.
Try this:
Invite influential guests who can share your episode with their audience: Interview thought leaders, colleagues, or specialists who already have engaged audiences. When they share the episode, you get exposure to their listeners and you both benefit from the collaboration.
Repurpose clips from social media: Use short audio or video snippets for Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, or even YouTube Shorts. Add captions and a headline to grab attention.
Turn your podcast into written content: Post short episode summaries, transcripts, or key takeaways on your website or blog. This boosts SEO, makes your content accessible, and gives people a reason to visit your site. You can even email it to your newsletter list if you have one (and it could even be subscription based).
Be a guest on others podcasts: One of the best ways to grow your own audience is by showing up on someone else’s. Pitch yourself as a guest on shows related to your expertise - you’ll build credibility and connect with listeners who already care about your topic.
Pro tip #5
Word of mouth is a great way to get your podcast out there. You can mention it at talks, webinars, or in your clinic’s waiting room. People love a personal connection.
Analytics are another key component of growth. As your podcast grows, your hosting platform’s analytics can help you promote smarter, not harder.
Here’s how:
Track your most popular episodes: See what topics or guest types are getting the most downloads, and create more like them. This is how you know what your listeners want.
Learn WHERE your listeners are coming from: If most of your audience is on Spotify, focus your promotion there. If you’re getting traction from LinkedIn traffic, post more clips and guides there.
Watch listener retention: Are people dropping off at the 10-minute mark? That’s a clue to tighten your intro or rework your pacing. Let your listeners guide your podcast planning.
Next Steps - Monetizing
Most people don’t start podcasting for money but it can become a revenue stream. And you don’t need a massive audience to start thinking about monetization.
There are multiple ways to earn from your podcast, even early on:
Sponsorships
As your audience grows, brands may pay to advertise on your show. Buzzsprout and Podbean have built-in marketplaces that help match podcasters with potential sponsors. You typically read a short ad before or during your episode. Usually, this is for podcasts with over 500+ subscribers.
Listener Support
Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters, Patreon, or Buy Me a Coffee let you collect donations or offer bonus content to paying subscribers. This works best when you’ve built a loyal community that wants to support your work.
Affiliate Links
Promote products or services you believe in and earn a small commission when your listeners use your custom link or discount code.
Your Own Services or Practice
For healthcare professionals, your podcast can be a powerful trust-building tool. You might use it to
Drive traffic to your website for your business
Highlight services at your clinic
Promote an online course, e-book, or webinar, which leads us to our next point…
Premium Content or Courses
If you’re teaching something niche - like fertility, nutrition, or managing burnout - you can offer paid workshops or gated episodes as part of your content ecosystem. Podcast are a great way to drive awareness and traffic to your product.
Some podcasts eventually join a podcast network—which can handle editing, promotion, and monetization. You may be wondering where you can find a podcast network that suits your needs. Stay tuned, because Pinnacle will be launching something like this soon.
You Don’t Need a Team of 20
You don’t need a studio, a marketing team, a viral moment, or a team of 20.
You can absolutely start with:
An idea
A basic microphone
A free platform
Your voice
That’s how Dr. Natalie Crawford began sharing stories and insights with authenticity and purpose. That’s how Dr. Arti Thangudu launched Endocrine Matters, combining structured content with a warm, personal tone. That’s how dozens of women in medicine have stepped forward to speak up, educate, connect, and create something that’s truly their own.
You already have what matters most: A message worth sharing, a perspective that’s needed, and a voice people want to hear.
The tools are there. The audience is listening. And we’re here to help you take the first step.