Batch Processing your Podcast for Mental Clarity
Grouping similar tasks can reduce decision fatigue and increase quality
Batch processing is the only podcast production method that works for me. Grouping similar tasks in my workflow reduces decision fatigue, helps me develop skills, and creates a flow state that makes me feel good. Let me explain how this works and why.
Instead of working on each episode from idea to publishing one at a time, I work on each step of the process for many episodes at a time. That means I:
Plan all topics for a season
Script all episodes
Record all episodes in blocks
Edit all episodes
Upload and schedule to publish
Create blog posts for each episode and schedule them to publish
Promote new episodes as they’re published
Typically, I work in seasons, or blocks of 8 to 12 episodes. Sometimes, a block of three episodes is all you need for batching to be effective.
Why does this work for me?
Planning all topics at once helps me carry a theme through multiple episodes. Reading the episode outlines in sequence shows me possible redundancies or gaps in the information. Scheduling is easier when I choose occasional, long periods for recording or editing, rather than short, frequent work sessions. Marathon editing sessions may seem onerous, but part of how I learn is through hands-on experience. When I can practice what I’ve just learned, I’m more likely to remember it. Learning (and practicing) a new keyboard shortcut or technique while editing feels like a power-up in a video game.
Like many podcasters, I struggle with starting tasks. Once I’ve gained momentum, though, I feel great. Working on the same kind of task for longer work sessions puts me in a flow state, which gives me a deep sense of personal satisfaction. This “flow state” isn't some woo-woo jargon that I just made up, either. Scientists who study productivity and motivation love the flow state because it makes challenging tasks rewarding in and of themselves.
Each stage of podcasting requires a different kind of focus and resources. I can plan podcast episodes if my neighbor is mowing the lawn. But, to get quiet time to record, I have to wait for the Phillies game to start, or the dead of winter. It feels easier to perform similar tasks in one work session, like producing my podcast season on an assembly line. The satisfaction a flow state provides makes podcasting a more rewarding experience for me. I hope it makes your podcasting workflow more enjoyable, too.