Behind the Mic: My Interview with Listen Notes
When I was invited to be interviewed by Listen Notes, (Listen Notes Podcast Interview), I was honored. For those unfamiliar, Listen Notes is a powerful podcast search engine and discovery platform used by millions of podcast listeners, creators, and researchers around the world. Whether you’re a devoted fan of audio content or a podcast producer looking to grow your audience, Listen Notes serves as a central hub for exploring shows across every genre imaginable.
It was a privilege to be asked thoughtful, in-depth questions about my podcast journey—how I started, what I’ve learned, and where it’s all heading. The opportunity to share the behind-the-scenes process, motivation, and purpose of the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast was not only meaningful but also affirming. Being featured alongside other creators on a platform as respected as Listen Notes is something I don’t take lightly.
In the recap below, I’m sharing my full interview and pulling back the curtain on the evolution of the podcast, the challenges I’ve navigated, and what keeps me inspired to keep going.
Question 1: Tell us about you and your podcast(0/2048) Your background (w/ your co-host, if any) What is your podcast about? Who are your listeners?
Launched in 2021, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast is a podcast dedicated to healing and recovery from narcissistic abuse, from moving from victim to survivor, seeing and understanding the tactics within relationships that are not talked about, to emotional manipulation, gaslighting, and love-bombing. We also explore the roles of the scapegoat, the golden child, and being ostracized within a narcissistic family, to the painful steps of grief and loss.
Our podcast aims to provide validation to those who have suffered at the hands of narcissistic abuse to assist in rebuilding efforts and then to lead to a life that is transformed by your choosing.
We also dive into how narcissistic abuse is hidden within society at large within the social construct of the patriarchy. We examine the embedded layers of the system from multiple angles as we deconstruct the system from the ground up.
We support the role of women and society and encourage women with resources, mindsets, and opportunities to move forward into their next journey.
Our podcast also engages in support of gender equality, deconstructing the patriarchy, how men and women have been impacted by it, empowering women, and fostering meaningful conversations around all of these topics. Our listeners are those who are out for knowledge on the subject and are trying to navigate confusing relationships, those desiring to heal and understand what happened to them, and for those who are deconstructing the systems in place and gaining new perspectives.
Check out the Listen Notes Podcast Interview – Lynn Nichols
Question 2: Why & how did you start this podcast?(0/2048) Why podcast? Do you listen to a lot of podcasts yourself? What were your initial goals & motivations of doing a podcast? When did you start your podcast(s)? How long did it take for you to release your very first episode?
I launched the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast in 2021. One day, I grabbed a mic and started recording. I had no idea it would lead to this. I had listened to several podcasts before, but that wasn’t my motivation for starting one. It wasn’t about following a trend or trying to be a podcast host. I just felt the need to speak.
My heart was really for anyone who needed to understand these relational dynamics. I wanted to provide a sense of validation to people who were searching for answers—those who were confused, questioning, and trying to make sense of what they had been through. I hoped to help them see things with a new set of eyes, to begin to understand what had happened, and to realize they weren’t alone.
The first episode went out right after I recorded it. I edited it as best as I could and then recorded another. There was no magic, no detailed plan. No preparation, really. I just said, “Okay, let’s do this,” and hit record and then uploaded it and told no one. And then I had downloads.
Question 3: How’d you find the time and funding to do this podcast?(0/2048) How often do you release an episode? How long does it take for you to produce an episode? How’d you find time to do podcast if you have a day job? How much do you spend for podcasting (e.g., hosting, editing, marketing…)? Do you fund this podcast yourself?
As for time—I just found it. I made time because I enjoyed it. I tend to go in spurts, meaning I’ll release several episodes in a short period, and then I might take a break. Ideally, I’d like to be more consistent, but I’ve found that when my heart is aligned with the message and I can truly feel it burn within me, that’s the best time to record.
Episodes can take a while to produce. I’ll research, write, edit, record—and sometimes re-record—then edit again. I also do the artwork, and sometimes I make a video or transcribe the episode. It can be a lot, but I thoroughly enjoy the process, and the time seems to fly by. I have a long list of future episode ideas saved in my phone—whenever something strikes me, I jot it down.
I fund all the costs myself. I don’t really see podcasting as an expensive hobby. The microphone wasn’t too pricey, I already had a computer, and the editing software is fairly affordable. I haven’t done any paid marketing. Everything has grown naturally through social media, the website, and word of mouth.
Question 4: What do you gain from podcasting?(0/2048) Do you take sponsorship? Can you share your revenue (if any)? How did you get your first sponsorship? How many downloads per month did you have when you get your first sponsorship? How do you find sponsors nowadays? How many downloads per month now? How does podcasting benefit you (e.g., career, friendship, learning, …)?
What I gain from podcasting is layered. I gain deeper knowledge on the subject itself, simply by continuing to research, speak, and reflect. I also gain a like-minded group of individuals—people with similar mindsets who are eager to learn, to heal, to understand, and to receive validation. That sense of connection and shared insight is invaluable.
My first sponsorship came through an email inquiry. I don’t remember the exact download numbers at the time, but the podcast had started to take off and sponsors were beginning to notice. These days, I usually wait for them to reach out to me, although I’d like to be more proactive when I have the time to connect with brands that align with the message.
Right now, I’m averaging about 1,300 downloads per month, and that’s after taking a small break. I just released a new episode yesterday, and it brought in a wave of new downloads. So the numbers are trending upward again. Podcasting benefits me by allowing me to share the knowledge with those who may need to hear it. I may never know the full impact of my message, but I have received comments and emails that so many have been touched, encouraged and helped through the message and the insight they have gained. I am so pleased to hear the feedback and that is motivation for me to continue.
Question 5: How does your podcasting process look like?(0/2048) What tools/services (hardware, software, audio editing…) do you use? How do you find guests to interview? How do you prepare each episode? Do you interview your guests in person or via Skype/phone/Zoom?
For each episode, I start by writing a script or outline of the main points I want to cover. I prepare everything after reading and researching the topic thoroughly. Once it feels solid, I record the episode, listen back, and if it sounds okay, I move forward with publishing.
It’s a flexible process, and I adjust things as needed depending on the topic and time I have available.
Question 6: How do you market your show?(0/2048) How do your listeners find your show (e.g., iTunes, Google, Twitter, …)? Do you have a breakdown of listener acquisition sources (e.g., 60% from iTunes)? What marketing channels (e.g., email, social, …) do you find most useful?
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast
I’ve done zero paid marketing for my show. Everything has grown organically. I do have social media platforms where I share episodes, but not every episode makes it to every platform. Most listeners seem to find the show through podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by searching keywords related to narcissistic abuse and healing.
I haven’t tracked detailed listener acquisition sources, but based on general analytics, the majority come from Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Social media has helped raise awareness, but I haven’t relied heavily on any one channel. The show has grown mostly through word of mouth, search visibility, and consistent content that resonates.
Check out the Listen Notes Podcast Interview – Lynn Nichols
Question 7: What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?(0/2048) Things you’ve learned on your journey that weren’t obvious beforehand Helpful podcasting resources? e.g. blogs, books, videos, podcasts…
Just get started. Grab a mic, get an outline or write a script about something you’re passionate about, and just do it. Upload the artwork, launch a website, and improve with each episode as you learn more along the way. Evolve with the podcast.
Podcasting creates an intimate and focused audience around a subject that’s often very personal. When you’re truly passionate about something, that energy tends to draw in others who feel the same. That connection is powerful.
There are tons of great resources out there—from choosing the right mic to learning how to edit. The information is endless, but I don’t have a specific source to recommend. Honestly, the best learning has come from doing it. Trial, error, and consistency have been my greatest teachers.
Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?(0/2048) Links to your personal/business blog, website, social accounts, email, Patreon, PayPal donate link…
Our website is: https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/, all our socials are listed there and then we also have a linktree, https://linktr.ee/lynnnichols and our buy me a coffee platform, https://buymeacoffee.com/waketheelephant
We have been able to grab the “wake the elephant” moniker with our social media platforms.
Our website is: https://movingforwardafterabuse.com/, and all our socials are listed there. We have been able to grab the “wake the elephant” moniker with our social media platforms.
@waketheelephant
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@waketheelephant
X: @waketheelephant
Instagram: @waketheelephant
Facebook: @waketheelephant
Medium: https://medium.com/@waketheelephant
Our Books: Overcoming the Devastation of Narcissistic Abuse:
Master Manipulators: Discover Covert Tactics Narcissists Devise to Manipulate, Deceive and Control
49 Powerhouse Affirmations: Rejuvenate Your Soul and Mind after a Destructive Relationship
Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview Listen Notes Podcast Interview
Check out the Listen Notes Podcast Interview – Lynn Nichols
