Writing Books & Podcasting (you can do both) with Dallas Woodburn
Growing your platform while writing your book?
Starting a podcast to attract your target readers?
Turning your podcast episodes into a book?
Yes, you can podcast and write your book at the same time!
My guest today is my friend, Dallas Woodburn, an author, writing coach, and host of the Thriving Authors podcast.
How writing a book and starting a podcast are similar
It might not be obvious at first, but the idea of writing a book and hosting a podcast totally tracks the more you think about it. Whether you’re mapping out a nonfiction book or shaping a recurring podcast, you’ve got to be crystal clear on a few things before you start:
Who am I talking to?
What is my big overarching theme?
What problem am I actually helping to solve here?
Dallas suggests that instead of getting lost in the wide world of “your audience,” you simply picture one specific person—the “one reader” or “one listener.” It’s easy to freeze up if you feel like what you say needs to appeal to thousands, so instead, imagine helping your younger self or your best friend.
That’s how you keep things focused and authentic, whether you’re outlining book chapters or planning podcast episodes.
The Stones in the Jar method for book and podcast planning
One of my favorite takeaways was Dallas’s Stones in the Jar analogy.
Picture a glass jar. First, you add the big stones (your key ideas). Next, you layer in smaller pebbles (supporting themes). Last, in goes the sand (all the tiny details).
The kicker? If you start with the sand, all the big stuff won’t fit. But if you get clear on your “big rocks” first—what you’re really passionate about sharing or teaching—suddenly the rest falls into place no matter if you’re writing a book or building a podcast series.
Dallas says five to seven “big stones” works great for structuring a book or your podcast pillars. Once those are in, you can fill the gaps with smaller episodes, Q&As, or bonus topics (the sand and pebbles).
Plus, if you’re worrying about your podcast cover art or the perfect microphone before you even know what you’re talking about, you’re focusing on the sand way too soon.
Let your project evolve and take the pressure off.
Dallas gets real about how plans can change—and that’s more than okay! Her podcast started off as Overflowing Bookshelves and was mostly author interviews. But once she realized she wanted to share more of her own lessons and answer listener questions, she switched gears. Now, with Thriving Authors Podcast, she’s mixing in solo episodes, interviews, and personal chronicles. The lesson? It’s fine—good, even—to let your project evolve as you grow.
It’s the same with a book: writers can get stuck thinking they have to “put everything in one book.” Dallas often helps clients realize what they’re working on is actually two or even three books.
If you’re struggling to find your focus, it might be time to zoom in and split up your ideas.
Is your idea too big for one book?
How do you know if your idea’s just too much for one book? Dallas’s answer hits home for anyone stuck at the outline stage. If you’re struggling to pinpoint a single problem to solve, or your outline’s all over the place, you’re probably cramming too much in.
Most nonfiction books cover one key journey. Same goes for turning a podcast into a book—sometimes what you’ve got would be better broken into separate works.
If you realize some chapters or topics don’t fit, don’t toss them. They aren’t wasted! Save those ideas for blog posts, bonus podcast episodes, guest appearances, or, hey, your next book.
Why authors should podcast and podcasters should write
Dallas shared how hosting her podcast not only helped her find community (especially during the pandemic!) but also gave her confidence as a thought leader and business owner. For her, the podcast and the book feed off each other. If you’ve written a book, launching a podcast deepens your authority and expands your reach. If you have a podcast, turning those episodes into a book can cement your status as an expert and attract a different kind of audience.
It’s also a two-way trust builder. People who love your podcast will probably want to read your book and vice versa. The content doesn’t have to be entirely different—they actually complement each other perfectly, letting people absorb your insights in their favorite format.
The marketing power of podcasting in the book world
A huge takeaway for any author: podcasting (whether hosting or guesting) is one of the best ways to market your book. Unlike a fleeting social media post or an online article that disappears overnight, a podcast episode sticks around. Someone might find your recording months or years later and become your newest biggest fan.
Dallas also pointed out that more authors are experimenting with platforms like Substack, blending newsletters with audio content. This is a great “bridge” for those wanting to tiptoe into audio before launching a full podcast.
The bottom line here? Don’t reinvent the wheel. Repurpose your book content for podcast episodes, or expand podcast discussions in your book. This keeps your message evergreen and deepens your connection with your audience.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting a podcast, writing your first (or next) nonfiction book, or both, remember:
start with your big ideas, picture one ideal reader or listener, let yourself grow and pivot, and don’t be afraid to let your two projects boost each other.
Find accountability, stay open to repurposing your best insights, and connect with people like Dallas who can help you through the sticky parts.
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📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED 📚
🎙 RELATED EPISODES 🎙
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