The Audacity to Podcast®
Host: Daniel J. Lewis
Episode 418: Podcasting Challenge: Complete Your Unfinished Episodes THIS YEAR
Date: February 4, 2026
Episode Overview
In this motivational episode, Daniel J. Lewis challenges podcasters to finally complete and publish the unfinished episodes languishing in their archives or ideas folders. Drawing from his own experiences and inspirational anecdotes, Daniel walks listeners through practical, mindset-shifting steps for bringing dormant content to life—or letting it go if it no longer “sparks joy.” He emphasizes action, reflection, and personal accountability, empowering creators to share their message with the world this year.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Challenge: Finish Your Unfinished Episodes
- Daniel urges podcasters to make 2026 the year they complete and publish lingering episodes—whether half-written, partially outlined, or already recorded but unedited.
“I challenge you to finish those unfinished episodes. … At least this year.” (00:36)
The “If It’ll Keep, It’ll Preach” Principle
- Daniel recalls advice from a church preacher: If an idea endures the “scrutiny of time,” it deserves to be shared.
- If an idea, draft, or outline still excites you months or years later, finish and publish it.
“If it'll keep, it'll preach.” (01:38)
“If that script still excites you... actually finish the episode and publish that episode or however many episodes... sitting there on the back burner.” (04:48)
2. Daniel’s Personal Backlog Story
- Early in his podcasting journey, Daniel wrote down 35 episode topics—many still not realized over 400+ episodes later.
- Continually adds ideas, sometimes waiting years before developing them.
- Inspiration comes at random times; having a list helps capture them for the future.
“There are items on that list I still haven't done today after more than 400 episodes.” (05:49) “I continue to adding to the items that I haven't gotten to yet, because I think about things constantly.” (06:12)
3. Taking Action: Complete Your Pre-Production
- Move unfinished drafts forward by completing any required prep:
- Finish outlines, research guests, read books, finalize questions.
- Contact and schedule interviews; batch tasks where possible.
- Move drafts into production and post-production.
“Work on that pre-production. … Take action on those things and complete that pre-production so you can actually get into that production stage of recording the episode.” (09:18)
- Inspired by PodFest 2026 networking: Always book a meeting from a meeting (“BAMFAM”).
"'Book a meeting from a meeting. BAMFAM.' B-A-M-F-A-M." (13:47)
Practical Scheduling Advice (inspired by PodFest 2026)
- Don’t just suggest a follow-up, schedule it immediately.
- Make it easy for guests or collaborators—offer booking links or concrete time options.
4. Unpublished Recordings: To Edit or Let Go?
- Some episodes may remain unfinished due to feeling “not good enough” or lack of excitement.
- You can acknowledge old, less-polished work with a disclaimer; minimal or bookend editing is acceptable.
- Integrate your growth as a host by commenting on earlier advice, as some podcasters do.
“Please don't feel like just because you've recorded it, you have to publish it. But if you've recorded it and you haven't deleted it, then maybe there's still something there that's worth publishing.” (21:49)
- Daniel admits he still hasn’t released a 10-year-old interview with Chris Brogan.
“I still haven't published it. … So if you're in this place where you have recorded, then consider whatever that step is that you need to do to finish the editing. Do that.” (24:29)
- Publicly asks his editor to remind him about the Chris Brogan interview for accountability.
“John, please remind me to send you my recorded interview with Chris Brogan, so that I could finally publish that. Thanks.” (27:13)
5. The Marie Kondo Principle: Discard What No Longer Sparks Joy
- Adapt the “spark joy” method to your podcast backlog:
- Ask: Does this episode or idea still excite you? If not, remove it from your production list.
- If only lukewarm, it will show in your delivery; your audience will notice.
- Sometimes, starting work on an idea (even without initial motivation) can reignite your passion (“bathtub philosophy”).
“Does this episode still spark joy? … If not, then maybe discard it.” (28:01) “Try to record an episode about something that you're not passionate about that's going to come through in your voice in the podcast.” (29:04)
6. Overcoming Creative Resistance and Using Tools
- Self-discipline and intentional action are crucial, whether you’re introverted or extroverted.
- AI tools (like MAGI) can help overcome inertia by providing prompts—but Daniel warns against letting AI create your content for you.
- Use tools to kickstart momentum; once started, your own enthusiasm will grow.
“I don't recommend using AI to create your content. It can, however, help you get some momentum.” (34:17) “Just needed that little push to get started. And then the joy started sparking in me and I got excited.” (36:03)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Reality of Unfinished Work:
“Even before I recorded this episode, I revisited my list of ideas and I saw multiple drafts of things that I'd started preparing. And some things I decided I want to do more research on... And that's when I realized, wait a minute, just that crisis that I face with my own content is a topic in and of itself...” (07:16)
- On Accountability:
“You are going to get to be a witness to that, to hold me accountable.” (27:13)
- On Creative Momentum:
“Sometimes it does just take you that extra energy just to get a little bit of momentum going.” (31:45)
- On AI as a Tool:
“Use AI to give you ideas of what to talk about, or at least give you an intro paragraph about a particular topic that you're struggling to just get started on.” (34:28)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00 – Episode challenge introduced: “Complete your unfinished podcast episodes.”
- 01:38 – The “If it’ll keep, it’ll preach” story and metaphor.
- 05:49 – Daniel’s 35-episode list: ideas that remain after 15 years.
- 09:18 – The importance of pre-production to move drafts forward.
- 13:47 – PodFest 2026, “Don’t leave without scheduling a meeting” (BAMFAM).
- 21:49 – When to finish or let go of old recordings.
- 24:29 – Daniel’s unreleased Chris Brogan interview confession.
- 27:13 – Public call for accountability to his editor.
- 28:01 – Applying Marie Kondo’s “spark joy” to podcast ideas.
- 34:17 – The role and limit of AI in content creation.
- 36:03 – Final encouragement: joy comes from action and momentum.
Final Takeaways and Tone
Daniel’s approach is warm, encouraging, and relatable, filled with personal anecdotes and a practical, no-excuses style. He seamlessly weaves together productivity strategies, the realities of creative work, and specific, actionable steps for listeners. Podcasters are left with an empowered sense of agency: revisit old ideas, finish what has value, harness momentum from even small actions, and—above all—don’t let perfection or inertia hold you back from sharing your voice with the world.
Useful Links & Resources Mentioned
Host’s Sign-Off:
“Now that I've given you some of the guts and taught you some of the tools. It's time for you to go start and grow your own podcast for passion and profit.” (39:38)