Why This INFJ Started a Podcast For Introverts

The Introvert Podcast started as a whim. I listen to a lot of lifestyle podcasts on my commute to school and work, so when I went looking for a podcast that could help me learn more about my life as an introvert and INFJ personality type, I was disappointed to find that there were so few options.

The shows I did find, though great, felt more like a guide for extroverts on how to understand the mysterious introvert, or worse, by an extrovert attempting to cash in on the Quiet-era introvert buzz. What I craved was a conversational show by an introvert. The lack of options makes sense, why would an introvert want to have a podcast? It’s a market crowded with extroverts talking about true crime or their sexual exploits. Instead of shrugging my shoulders and moving on to the next episode of This American Life, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and start a podcast for introverts.

Getting Started on a Podcast for Introverts

What no one tells you about solo podcasting is that you’re 100% on your own. As an introvert that may sound great, but when your mic doesn’t connect to your computer, or your RSS feed suddenly stops working, you’re the only one in charge. It’s scary, but it’s also empowering. Behind the microphone, I stopped being “Amy the shy INFJ” and became “Amy, the cool big sister to other introverts.”

I launched my first two episodes expecting crickets — and that’s exactly what happened. The adrenaline crash that comes after putting yourself so far out there you’re not even sure what there is anymore is frightening. Still, I was determined to finish what I started. Helping others understand themselves required me to put in the work on my end. I joined Facebook groups, started a website, annoyed my friends, and wrote emails to strangers. All for the sake of getting the show in front of — well, in the ears of — fellow introverts.

It took me a lot of trial and error, but I finally found my voice. For years, I kept quiet because I was afraid that no one cared about what I had to say. Now I’ve realized that when I’m talking about something that I’m passionate about, it doesn’t matter who listens. I’ve come to look forward to my weekly recording sessions. Those are the times when I can lock the door, brew some coffee, and just talk for as long as I need. The therapeutic nature of sharing, even if it’s just to my microphone, is enough to keep my podcasting.

Making Connections With Other Introverts

The real joy of podcasting comes from the emails, messages, and comments I get from people who get it. I’m able to help others connect and feel less alone in this world that’s too loud and too bright. It feels good to know that people appreciate the work I put into the show. That’s why I started, and that’s why I’m proud to be pushing myself still.

The connections came in slowly at first — an email here, a Facebook comment there — but now I can count on my listeners to tell me their stories. I love when they say that they tried something I suggested, or best of all, that I taught them something that helped them accept themselves. I’m finally accomplishing what I needed to do for myself, and I’m sharing it with kindred spirits all over the world.

Finding Growth by Leaving My Comfort Zone

I’ve done things for the sake of the podcast that I would never in a million years do otherwise. Every time I challenge my listeners to do something, I do it too. I’ve made friends organically at school, accepted help from people when I don’t want to be a bother, and leaned into small talk (and I even enjoyed myself a little).

I’ve taught myself more than I could have ever learned listening to someone else’s podcast. The experience I’ve gotten from not only sitting behind a microphone and telling others what to do but also doing it myself is invaluable. The research I’ve done has helped me understand myself in ways I didn’t expect. My weekly ritual of recording has become part of my self-care routine. Most importantly, the impact I’ve had on people who see the world the way I do is better than anything I could have anticipated.