Hello! Today I’m sharing a guest post from Melanie, who launched a business as a podcast virtual assistant and explains how you can do the same.
I’m Melanie Scroggins — a voice actor and podcast producer based in Austin, TX, where I live with my husband and our two pets.
I’ve been working in audio production for nearly three years. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a profitable side hustle that gave me the confidence to leave my office job and build a podcasting business.
At one point I worked on podcasts full-time, typically managing three client shows (about 10–12 hours per week per show) and earning over $3,000 a month. Now I work part-time on podcasts (roughly 10 hours a week) and average about $1,500 a month.
Working as a podcast virtual assistant gave me the flexibility to leave my full-time job and pursue work that felt meaningful. I continue in this field because I enjoy the work and the industry—there’s always something new to learn.
Every day at my old office felt the same: fluorescent lights buzzing, keyboards clicking, phones ringing, and constant chatter. I’d go in, finish my tasks, and go home. Like many people, I did this for a long time, but I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t this working for me?”
After talking things over with my husband, I realized the problem: I didn’t want to work for anyone else. I wanted to work for our family, to have creative freedom and flexibility, and to build a work life I was proud of—doing something I truly wanted to do every day, on my own terms.
It Was Me, Not Them
I wish I could tell you that my exit from corporate happened in a dramatic way—like a mass layoff or terrible treatment that forced me out. I wanted to blame the company because it felt easier than admitting the truth: it was me. I chose to leave.
That decision meant stepping into the unknown, which was scary. I recognized the nine-to-five life wasn’t for me, but I still had to figure out what would be.
A Newfound Love for Audio Production
After stepping away from my desk job, my husband and I had some adventures. While living in an RV along the Oregon coast, I experimented with creative work and flexible hours. I did freelance writing for outdoor companies, but I still had extra time, so I started interviewing female business owners and adventurers.
I bought a portable microphone, downloaded free audio software, learned basic editing, and recorded conversations at the RV table. As I created and shared episodes, friends and acquaintances began asking if I could help them launch podcasts for their businesses.
Starting My Podcasting Business
By spring 2018 I began building a podcast support business with limited help and little prior experience. It took time to trust that I had something valuable. I even returned to an office job for a while after we settled back in Texas because I was afraid to commit fully to my business.
Despite the fear, I kept working on client shows in the evenings after my 9–5. After about four months of steady client work, I had the courage to quit my office job again and focus on growing my podcast business.
Over the next year I built my portfolio and earnings, eventually surpassing what I made in my office role. More importantly, I was happier. Today I work for myself and enjoy the freedom and flexibility I’d been seeking—I can work or travel on my own terms.
Why Podcasting?
The bigger question is why I stuck with podcasting. With millions of podcasts available and the number growing daily, podcast services are in demand—especially among businesses that want to build closer relationships with their audiences.
I started with a personal podcast, then realized many small business owners wanted the same approach to marketing: creating familiarity and trust through audio content. When people began asking how I could help them, it became clear there was a real need for podcast services.
Is Becoming a Podcast Producer Right for You?
Work is never perfect—there will be challenging projects, frustrating clients, and busy stretches. The important part is being honest with yourself and pursuing work that fits your strengths and passions.
For me, audio production matched my interests and skills: editing, mixing, publishing, and distribution combine analytical and creative work. But the role of podcast producer varies widely, and business owners need many types of support.
Why Business Owners Hire Podcast Producers
Clients often outsource podcast work because they lack the time, desire, or technical skills to manage it themselves. For busy entrepreneurs, a podcast can be one more item on an already full plate, which opens opportunities for podcasters who offer services to help.
Possible services you can provide include:
- Audio editing
- Marketing and promotion
- Publication
- Distribution
- Show notes creation
No matter your background, there’s likely a service you can offer. Below are five common podcast services and typical potential earnings.
1. Audio Editing
Many clients don’t know how to edit audio or prefer not to learn. They’re focused on growing their business and need someone else to handle the technical work. If you’re new to editing, there are plenty of tutorials online, and Audacity is a free tool that works well for beginners.
Potential earnings – $50–125 per episode
2. Project Management
A podcast project manager coordinates production, team members, and content schedules, similar to other project management roles but focused on podcast workflows. This service is valuable for clients who want a streamlined production process.
Potential earnings – $30–75 per hour
3. Guest Management
Guest management involves recruiting and coordinating guests, ensuring they have what they need for interviews, and handling follow-ups. Because this role is guest-facing, it’s important to be professional and organized. It’s a great fit for people with customer service or administrative experience.
Potential earnings – $25–40 per hour
4. Marketing
Marketing is essential to a podcast’s success. Helping clients promote episodes, reach the right audience, and create growth opportunities makes a strong podcast even better. If you have a marketing background, applying those skills to podcast promotion can be a lucrative niche.
Potential earnings – $50–70 per hour
5. Content Repurposing
Repurposing takes existing podcast content and transforms it for other formats—social posts, audiograms, quotes, and short clips. Larger shows often have teams dedicated to extracting and reshaping episode content into fresh promotional pieces. This service suits people with social media or design skills.
Potential earnings – $25–40 per hour
Where to Start
Some readers will feel energized by the idea of starting a podcast support business; others may feel overwhelmed. I’ve been through that—spending hours learning audio editing, staying current with marketing trends, and figuring out distribution on my own. It worked, but it was the long route.
I wish someone had helped me move from beginner to client-ready more quickly, so I partnered with friends who love podcasting to create a faster path for others.
A Faster Path to Becoming a Podcast Producer
Together with colleagues who share my passion for podcasting, I helped develop a program designed to teach the skills and strategies needed to launch, manage, and grow podcasts for small businesses. Our aim was to assemble the essentials so you can move from where you are now to offering your first service and earning your first paycheck as a podcast producer.
You Can Start Now
At the beginning of my journey there were many questions and roadblocks. We designed our resources to remove as many barriers as possible so you can start confidently. I hope my story inspires you—use the workbook, explore your options, and determine which services best fit your strengths.
Before I go— which of the five services above appeals to you most, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Are you interested in finding podcast virtual assistant jobs?