When people think about the benefits of starting a podcast, networking usually is not the first thing that comes to mind. Most people think about audience growth, brand visibility, content creation, or building authority in their space. Those are all valid reasons to start a show. But for me, one of the biggest benefits of podcasting has been something I did not fully expect at the beginning, and that is networking.
Before podcasting, I spent years in radio broadcasting. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work in media, and radio felt like the path I was meant to take. I built a career in that world, worked hard, and gained valuable experience on air. But even after spending years as a radio personality in Central Minnesota, I still did not feel as connected to the community as I wanted to be.
That changed when I started podcasting.
When I launched The Small Town Tourist, the goal was simple. I wanted to highlight local stories that were not getting enough attention. I wanted to talk to interesting people, share what they were building, and create a platform for stories that mattered. What I did not realize at the time was that every interview, every conversation, and every connection I made through that show was helping me build something much bigger than a podcast.
It was helping me build relationships.
That is what makes podcasting such a valuable networking tool. It gives you a reason to reach out to people. It creates a natural opportunity for connection. Instead of forcing small talk in a networking event setting, you are inviting someone into a real conversation. You are giving them space to talk about what they care about, what they are working on, and what they want more people to know. That kind of interaction creates a stronger connection than most traditional networking ever could.
For me, those conversations turned into real opportunities.
As I continued creating episodes and meeting people through the show, I started having guests ask me if I could help them launch their own podcasts. Those conversations eventually led to the creation of Abbey Graves Productions. What started as storytelling and content creation grew into a full-time podcast production business. That shift did not happen because I had some grand networking strategy in place. It happened because I kept having conversations, building trust, and showing up consistently.
Podcasting also helped me become more established in my local community in a way radio never fully did. Through my podcast, I was able to connect with business owners, creatives, event organizers, and community leaders on a more personal level. Those relationships opened doors to collaborations and opportunities I would not have had otherwise.
That is one of the most underrated things about having a podcast. You never really know where one conversation might lead. A guest interview might turn into a referral. A shared story might lead to a new partnership. A single episode might introduce you to someone who becomes an important part of your business journey.
If you are thinking about starting a podcast, this is one more reason to do it. A podcast can help you establish authority in your field, create meaningful conversations, and build a network in a way that feels natural and genuine. It is not just about content. It is about connection.
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