This is me, Niall Mackay, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. When I recorded this episode of Smarter Podcasting, I wanted to slow things down and talk honestly about something that most people never reach. Episode 100.
Not the launch. Not the gear. Not the downloads. But the long middle part, where podcasts usually fade away.
I was joined by Radim Malinic from the Daring Creativity Podcast, who had just reached his 100th episode with us. What struck me most about our conversation was how calm and grounded his approach was. There was no hype. No hacks. Just clarity, patience, and systems that worked.
This post is my reflection on what actually gets a podcast to episode 100, based on that conversation and what I have seen after producing thousands of episodes for clients.
Why Most Podcasts Fade Out Early
Most podcasts do not stop because the host loses interest. They stop because the podcast becomes too hard to keep going.
I see this all the time. Someone starts with energy and good intentions. They record a few episodes. They edit everything themselves. They worry about numbers. They question every decision. Then life gets busy and the podcast quietly disappears.
Radim described this perfectly when he talked about people stuck on episode three. These are usually the people doing everything alone. Recording, editing, publishing, promoting, fixing mistakes. All on top of their actual job.
The issue is not passion. It is friction.
If every episode feels heavy and time-consuming, the podcast will not survive. Even the best idea will eventually lose momentum if the process is painful.
Longevity is not about pushing harder. It is about removing obstacles.
Systems Matter More Than Motivation
One of the biggest lessons from this episode was that getting to episode 100 had nothing to do with motivation.
Radim did not rely on willpower. He relied on systems.
Once his podcast had a clear workflow, everything changed. Recording became routine. Editing happened without stress. Episodes went out consistently. The podcast stopped feeling like a project and started feeling like part of his life.
This is something I believe deeply. A podcast should feel boring behind the scenes. When the system works, there are fewer decisions to make. You show up, record, and move on.
Radim invested in support early because he understood the value of his time. Spending hours editing audio badly is not productive. It drains energy and attention from the work that only you can do.
This is where many podcasters get stuck. They try to save money but end up spending time they do not have. Burnout follows quickly.
Episode 100 is built on systems, not discipline.
A Clear Theme Is What Creates Longevity
Another reason this podcast lasted was clarity of theme.
Radim did not start a podcast just to have one. His show was built around creativity, long term thinking, and the ideas behind his books. That theme became the structure that held everything together.
Without a theme, every episode feels like starting again. What should we talk about? Who should we invite? Does this even fit?
With a strong theme, those questions disappear. The podcast has boundaries. You know what belongs and what does not.
I have seen podcasts with simple production last for years because the theme was clear. I have also seen beautifully produced shows fail because they had no real focus.
A theme does not limit you. It frees you. It gives you endless conversations without the pressure of constantly reinventing the show.
That is what keeps a podcast alive over the long term.
Stop Chasing Downloads and Start Building Value
Early on, it is normal to obsess over numbers. How many downloads did we get? Are we growing fast enough?
Radim explained that at some point, those questions faded away. Not because the numbers stopped mattering, but because the podcast became part of something bigger.
It supported his books. It shaped his thinking. It connected him with people. It became part of his ecosystem.
He also shared something important. Interviewing famous people did not guarantee better results. Some episodes with well known guests performed well. Others did not.
What mattered more was depth and relevance.
Listeners respond to honesty and experience, not status. A meaningful conversation will always outperform a shallow one, no matter who is on the mic.
I have seen niche podcasts outperform celebrity shows because they speak directly to their audience. Your listeners care about how the episode helps them, not who you managed to book.
When you stop chasing numbers and focus on creating value, the podcast becomes sustainable.
Professional Production Is About Respect and Patience
A big part of this conversation was about editing and quality.
Radim was very intentional about making his guests sound good. That meant removing filler words, tightening answers, and shaping conversations so they flowed naturally.
This is not about perfection. It is about respect.
Most guests are not media-trained. Conversations are messy by nature. Editing is what turns a raw recording into something enjoyable to listen to.
I have had many guests tell me they were surprised by how good they sounded. They did not suddenly become better speakers. The process supported them.
Radim also spoke about patience. Enjoying the process. Not overthinking outcomes. Letting conversations unfold.
That mindset is what keeps podcasts alive.
If you do not enjoy podcasting, no growth strategy will save it. Long running shows are not built on pressure. They are built on curiosity and consistency.
Final Thoughts for Podcasters Who Want to Get to Episode 100
If you are on episode three, episode nine, or thinking about quitting, this is what I took from this conversation.
- You do not need more motivation.
- You need less friction.
- You need a clear theme.
- You need systems that support you.
- And you might need help.
Trying to do everything yourself is often the fastest way to stop. Reaching episode 100 is not about being special. It is about designing a podcast that can survive your worst week, not your best one.
That is what Radim did. And that is why his podcast is still growing.
If you want to reach episode 100, build for the long term from day one.
