Highest Self Podcast® with Sahara Rose

Episode Title: 5 Reasons to Start a Podcast in 2026
Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid solo episode, Sahara Rose shares the transformative journey of creating her own podcast and lays out the top reasons why she believes 2026 is the perfect time to start your own. Drawing from her own experience of launching Highest Self Podcast nine years ago—with humble beginnings and big dreams—she blends motivational advice, practical steps, and warm encouragement for spiritual seekers, creators, and anyone wanting to express their multidimensional self through their voice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Evolution of Her Podcasting Journey

• Sahara reflects on how her podcast began as a personal outlet, not a business move.
• She bridges her career as an ayurvedic practitioner to spiritual conversations she truly wanted to have, showing how a podcast can allow for authentic self-expression.
  • Quote:
    “I just wanted to be talking about spirituality all the time… It doesn't matter, it never needs to be monetized. I don't even care how many people listen to it.” (04:10)

2. Reason 1: Building Your Soul-Aligned Community

• Sahara describes how nearly all her closest friends—including podcast co-hosts and collaborators—came through podcasting.
• By showing her “multidimensional self,” she attracted like-minded people, forming authentic relationships.
  • Quote:
    “You can only find those soul level people when you are your most expressed self. And there is no greater way than actually sharing your voice.” (14:45)
• Example: Meeting Rosie Acosta, now a best friend and fellow podcaster, via mutual features and podcast swaps.
  • Timestamps:
    • Formation of Podcast Friendships: (11:00–18:00)
    • Podcast Swap Story with Rosie Acosta: (15:30–17:45)

3. Reason 2: Depth of Connection & Creating Your 1000 True Fans

• Podcasts provide the space for deep connection, far beyond the brevity of reels or TikToks.
• Cites the influential “Thousand True Fans” concept, emphasizing that depth trumps reach.
  • Quote:
    “People can only really understand you… when there is enough space for you to speak.” (20:40)
• Describes how the energy of the podcast translates into audience affinity, allowing for selling courses, memberships, and more.

4. Reason 3: Free Mentorship and Learning from Experts

• Podcasts are unique platforms to connect with (and be mentored by) inspiring figures.
• Sahara shares about interviewing prominent teachers (Richard Rudd, Sadhguru, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, and more).
  • Quote:
    “Never in my life would have I thought I would have a conversation with the author of the Gene Keys. And that is only from me doing my podcast.” (27:25)

5. Reason 4: Personal Growth—Refining Your Voice and Self-Understanding

• Over nine years, Sahara’s voice, clarity, and confidence have expanded thanks to the act of podcasting.
• Encourages listeners: You don’t start as a confident speaker; you become one through practice.
  • Quote:
    “You will never get as much practice in speaking and communication and… empathy and mirroring… as you’ll get through podcasts because you are listening to yourself speak.” (32:00)

6. Reason 5: Accessible, Low-Barrier Creativity

• Dismantles myths: High-tech equipment and expertise aren’t needed; she started with a $16 microphone.
• Shares practical tips for launching on a budget and recommends starting even if “messy.”
  • Quote:
    “It is the easiest thing I’ve ever done in my business—because I get to talk about what I want to talk about.” (25:10)
• Stresses the importance of name and branding alignment for visibility and resonance.
• Offers mentorship to support others with branding, interviewing skills, and production logistics.

7. The Value of Authentic, Imperfect Sharing

• Podcasting’s currency is authenticity—not expertise or polish.
• Sahara insists your quirks, vulnerabilities, and ongoing processes are what attract audiences.
  • Quote:
    “The messier the better. The less of an expert you are, the better… We want to hear from Emily, who literally got two hours of sleep last night, but here’s how she still was able to find time for herself.” (47:30)
• Touches on how current audiences crave the “real”—not the outdated expert model.

8. AI Can't Replace Your Story

• In a world of AI-generated content, your personal story and voice are your inimitable superpowers.
  • Quote:
    “AI can never be you. It can never be your voice, can never have your story.” (54:30)

9. Common Questions + Practical Guidance

• Advice for new podcasters: Start with what you have, iterate, and leverage simple tools.
• Q&A includes how to choose topics, set up studios, manage editing (DIY or during growth), and stay focused on value rather than monetization from sponsors.
• Encourages audience to see a podcast as a business foundation, not just a side hustle.

10. Mentorship Announcement & Practical Info

• Sahara introduces a six-week mentorship for aspiring podcasters:
  • Structure: Small group, live weekly Zooms, hands-on practice, branding advice, and personal feedback.
  • Emphasis: Authenticity, consistency, community-building—not just technical skills.
• Shares examples from her own home studio and describes the evolution from kitchen-table recording to a full-fledged creative space.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Embracing Your Weirdness:
  “People like us do very well on podcasts. People who are eccentric, people who are offbeat… You might be like, ‘But I’m too weird.’ I’m like, great. That’s what people want to hear.” (01:06:30)

• On Taking the Leap:
  “Every single person gets to be their own Oprah, should they choose to hit publish. And the journey will prepare you.” (01:10:15)

• On Waiting to Be ‘Ready’:
  “You might say, I’m not ready. Imagine if I never went running, and said, I’m gonna run a marathon, but I’m not a good runner yet, so I’ll wait. No—the only way to become a better runner is to start.” (01:11:00)

• Encouragement to Start: “If you are listening this deep in, here's your owl to Hogwarts, because you are a witch or a wizard. You’re different! People like us do very well on podcasts.” (01:14:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Topic/Quote | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Episode opening & Sahara’s podcast origin story | 00:00–07:30 | | How podcasting transformed her social & professional life | 08:00–18:00 | | Building authentic friendships and podcast swaps | 15:30–17:45 | | Deep audience connection vs. social media “virality” | 19:00–23:30 | | Speaker confidence and personal growth through podcasting | 32:00–34:30 | | Tips: Low-budget tech/app recommendations | 38:00–44:10 | | The new era: Authenticity, vulnerability, and imperfection | 46:00–53:00 | | Why AI can’t replace your story | 54:30–56:10 | | Mentorship offer & practical next steps | 57:00–1:13:00 | | Final inspiration: “No more waiting, start now; be your own Oprah” | 1:10:15–1:12:00| | Warm, whimsical sign-off (“Here’s your owl to Hogwarts…”) | 1:14:00–end |

Episode Tone & Feel

Sahara’s tone is warm, passionate, playful, and deeply encouraging. She infuses mysticism with real-world strategy, inviting listeners to embrace their quirks and step into their fullest voice. Listeners leave feeling gently nudged to action—and seen, just as they are.

For Aspiring Podcasters

• Start messy. The tech or polish don’t matter; your authenticity does.
• Use your podcast to bring your multidimensional self to the surface.
• The right audience and opportunities will come from your commitment and originality, not follower count.
• Podcasting is about building connection, receiving mentorship, and personal evolution, not just business.
• You don’t have to be an expert; where you are right now is perfect.

Links from Sahara:

• Instagram @iamsahararose
• Discover Your Dharma book
• Rose Gold Goddesses Mystical School
• Speak With Soul in 21 Days

Summary by Your Podcast Summarizer Assistant
For listeners ready to birth their voices into the world—this episode is a sign, a warm push, and a tactical roadmap in one.