From Silence to Signal – How Podcasting Helped Me Find and Amplify My Voice
- Brainz Magazine
- Nov 12
- 5 min read
Written by Michael J McCusker, Founder/Podcast Host
Michael J McCusker is a Global Freedom Fellow, a multiple author, and host of the acclaimed “Lived Experience Podcast Series.” He’s a respected advocate for justice reform and a thought leader in Lived Experience Leadership, using storytelling to spark social change.
I can still remember the feel of a cassette tape in my hand, the soft click as it slotted into the stereo, the tense excitement as I hovered my finger over the pause button, waiting for the next song to hit the airwaves. Sunday afternoons were sacred. Not because of religion, but because of radio, because that’s when I’d capture the Top 40 chart and create a mix of the sounds that shaped our 80s generation.
In hindsight, that ritual was more than child’s play. It was training. It was a lesson in patience, precision, and passion. I didn’t know it at the time, but those cassette tapes were my first steps into the world of storytelling. Long before podcasting ever existed, I was learning how to listen. And now, all these years later, that skill has carried me through over 120 episodes of my own globally streamed show, conversations that have cracked open lives, amplified voices, and redefined what it means to connect.
Launching my podcast in 2021 was both a leap and a lifeline. The world was reeling from COVID-19, and so was I. But I also knew I had something to offer, not just as a content creator, but as a connector, someone who could build bridges between lived experience and lived potential.
What started as a passion project has evolved into something deeper. It’s become a platform, not just for guests, but for my own growth. I’ve had the privilege of hosting more than 120 people from across the globe. Some were leaders. Others were unsung heroes. All of them brought their truth. And in the process, I discovered mine.
Here’s what those 120 episodes taught me about life, leadership, and the unseen power of speaking up.
Start before you feel ready
I obsessed over the details before launching. The name. The artwork. The intro music. I wanted everything to be perfect. And while preparation matters, what matters more is the courage to begin.
Episodes 1 through 20? Solid. But it wasn’t until Episode 50 that I really found my voice. The rhythm deepened. The conversations grew richer. I let go of perfection and focused on presence, and that’s when the magic happened.
We often wait for the green light, some internal sign that we’re qualified, ready, enough. But the truth is, clarity comes through action. You don’t become a podcaster by planning. You become one by pressing record.
Consistency is a creative superpower
Let’s be honest, podcasting isn’t always glamorous. It takes time, sometimes 7 to 10 hours per episode when you factor in guest research, interviews, editing, publishing, and promotion. And yet, I’ve come to love every part of the process.
The discipline of showing up month after month builds more than a back catalogue. It builds trust. It builds resilience. It builds a body of work that speaks long after you’ve hit “publish.”
That’s the thing about podcasting, it’s a slow burn, not a viral flash. And that’s why it works. It rewards consistency, not convenience. And in a world full of noise, that kind of rhythm becomes your signature.
Conversations are currency in podcasting
Some of the most powerful moments on my podcast didn’t come from big names or celebrity guests, they came from everyday people with extraordinary stories.
I found them in unexpected places, at book launches, in Instagram DMs, through mutual friends, or in community spaces. What they all had in common was heart, a willingness to go deep, to be vulnerable, to explore the questions that don’t have easy answers.
The best interviews aren’t about asking clever questions. They’re about creating space. It’s about presence, curiosity, and allowing someone to feel seen, maybe for the first time. That’s when stories shift. That’s when hearts open. That’s when healing happens.
Know why you're doing this
There were times I wanted to quit. Not because I lost interest, but because the work felt heavy. Creating month after month without guaranteed results can take a toll. I questioned whether anyone was really listening. I wondered if it was worth it.
But then I’d get a message. A DM from someone who said, “Your latest episode changed the way I see my past.” Or, “I’ve never heard anyone say what I’ve been trying to articulate for years.” Those messages reminded me of something vital, impact doesn’t always look like numbers. Sometimes, it’s just one person deciding not to give up.
My motivation became clear. I wasn’t just building a podcast. I was building a mirror, a place for people to see themselves, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible. And in doing that for others, I was doing it for myself, too.
The mic is a movement
We’re living in an era where everyone has a platform, but not everyone has a voice. Social media moves fast, but podcasting moves deep. It invites intimacy. It creates space for slow thinking, deep feeling, and authentic connection. It’s not just about marketing. It’s about meaning. That’s what keeps me coming back. Not the metrics. Not the reach. But the relationships. The evolution. The realness. That, to me, is the reward.
Podcasting helped me reinvent my career. It’s opened doors to global conversations, speaking opportunities, partnerships, and more. But even if it hadn’t done any of those things, I’d still do it, because it’s part of who I am now. It’s how I process the world. It’s how I serve.
One mic. One message. Infinite possibility
If you’re standing at the edge, wondering whether your story matters, whether your voice is worth hearing, let me tell you this, it does. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours.
Someone, somewhere, is waiting to hear what only you can say, in the way only you can say it. So, start messy. Start scared. Start strong. Just start.
Because the moment you hit record, you’re not just creating content. You’re creating connection, change, and legacy.
And that’s a sound worth capturing, forever
“I’m not teaching theory. I’ve built and hosted a globally successful podcast with over 120 powerful conversations. I help aspiring and emerging podcasters launch with purpose, grow with impact, and build a platform that opens doors to influence, partnerships, and paid opportunities.”
Ready to launch your podcast like a pro? Hit Book a call and begin your journey.
Read more from Michael J McCusker
Michael J McCusker, Founder/Podcast Host
Michael J McCusker is a dynamic storyteller and podcast host who uses the power of voice to spark meaningful change. As a seasoned leader with lived experience, they’ve dedicated their life to guiding others toward purpose, self-leadership, and impact. Through powerful interviews and transformative conversations, their podcast The Lived Experience Series amplifies voices that are often unheard but deeply needed.
A published author, Michael J McCusker writes with clarity and conviction, Hidden Potential: Unlocking The Door Within, turning personal insight into universal lessons. Their work empowers individuals to own their story, speak with influence, and lead with authenticity. Whether on stage, behind the mic, or on the page, The Resilient-Irishman: How to Tackle Life's Adversities. Michael J McCusker is committed to shifting narratives and building a legacy that inspires others to rise.
