Lessons Learned, Favorite Gear, and What’s Coming in 2026

Most podcasts don’t make it past Episode 6, but we're proud to say we're committed.

In this check-in episode of Less Than Expert, Amanda and Katie reflect on what it’s been like launching a podcast from scratch: what surprised us, what worked better than expected, and what we would not recommend.

We’re also sharing our favorite products we used this year (from mics to software to things we thought we needed… but didn’t), plus a sneak peek at what’s coming next as we commit to going well beyond this so-called “podcast death episode.”

If you’ve ever thought about starting a podcast, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to be an expert to keep going.

In This Episode:

• Why Episode 6 is where most podcasts quietly disappear
• What we’ve learned since hitting “record” for the first time
• Our favorite podcast gear, tools, and platforms from the year
• The products and processes that did not live up to the hype
• How we’re thinking about sustainability and growth going forward
• A sneak peek at upcoming episodes and themes for 2026

Ad Partners

ZivoLife — patented superfood supplement 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://zivo.life/discount/LTE

Love Indus – Botox in a Tube — topical wrinkle-smoothing cream 💰 21% OFF with code LTE https://loveindus.com/discount/LTE

AKILA Eyewear — premium sunglasses & optical frames 💰 10% OFF with code LTE https://akila.la/discount/LTE

Copper North — silk pillowcases with copper for skin & hair 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://www.coppernorth.com/discount/LTE

Cozy Earth — luxury bamboo sheets, pajamas & home goods 💰 41% OFF with code LTE https://cozyearth.com/discount/LTE

TONA Activewear — designer women’s gym leggings 💰 16% OFF with code LTE https://tonaactive.com/discount/LTE

Mantra Matcha — premium Japanese matcha with functional blends 💰 15% OFF with code LTE https://mantramatcha.com/discount/LTE

Handful — all-day flattering sports bras 💰 30% OFF with code LTE https://handful.com/discount/LTE