An obsessive organiser's guide to podcasting
Or how I run the Behind The Debut podcast using Notion
When I launched Behind The Debut, I wanted to create a warm, welcoming space for new authors to share their stories. Stories that otherwise wouldn’t be told because let’s face it, most podcasts feature bestselling authors1. But I also wanted the process—from sign-up to interview—to be smooth, flexible and easy for everyone involved.
As a Notion Ambassador and obsessed with fan of being organised, I run the podcast using free tools in Notion. Here’s how it works (and how you could do something similar too if you like).
Step 1: The Notion Form (Free + Fully Customisable)
Everything begins with a Notion Form—a simple, shareable form connected to a Notion database. Debut authors can fill it in to express interest in being featured on the Authors Resource Hub, my free public Notion Website that highlights new writers and shares helpful resources sourced from the writing community. There’s also a box they can tick if they’re open to being a future guest on Behind The Debut.
Notion Forms are brilliant because they connect directly to your Notion workspace. No copy-pasting. No messy spreadsheets. Just instant organisation—and like I said before, it’s all free.
Step 2: Behind-the-Scenes Communication
Once I’ve added the author to the Resource Hub—if they’ve opted in to the podcast—I follow up with a friendly email and a link to another Notion page. This one isn’t public but anyone with the link can see it thanks to the permission setting on Notion pages.
This page acts like a guest portal and includes:
An overview of the podcast
What to expect
A list of the questions I’ll be asking
Guidance on how to record and submit their answers
It’s all laid out clearly to remove any stress or uncertainty. And since many debut authors are camera-shy (I get it!), I let them record their responses in their own time—no pressure, no live interview required. Hopefully this will give them exposure and the confidence to record live the next time they have a similar opportunity.
Step 3: Editing & Publishing
Once I receive the recordings, I edit the episode together, master the audio, and publish it on Substack as well as all the major podcast platforms. Everything is tracked inside Notion—submissions, recording status, editing progress, publishing dates—so I never miss a step.
Why I Love Running Behind The Debut Using Notion
It’s completely free.
It keeps everything in one place and helps me stay organised.
It makes onboarding and communication feel smooth and professional.
It allows me to offer a truly author-friendly experience—supportive, flexible, and low-stress.
Incidentally, the Authors Resource Hub itself is also powered by Notion. It’s a public Notion Website designed to spotlight debut authors and connect them with readers, reviewers, and fellow writers. If you’re a debut author, it’s a free space to shine. (You can watch a walkthrough of the hub here).
Want to be featured? Start by filling in the form here. Let’s celebrate your debut, together.
New here?
✨Find out what Chapters & Checklists is about
✨Check out the Authors Resource Hub and Behind the Debut podcast
✨ Download my Notion Simple Author Templates
Which is fair enough, they have an ready-made audience after all, but doesn’t everyone’s story deserve to be told? I think so. And no, I’m not going to say that today’s debut author could be tomorrow’s blockbuster because that doesn’t make them any more worthy in my mind. We’re all worthy.
It was a pleasure to be part of this series. Your organisation made a fun process so straight forward. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes by you to make this so easy for those taking part (and Notion helps :) )
I had never heard of Notion before working with you on Behind the Debut, so it's cool to get a behind the scenes look at how it works! I found it very easy to use when uploading my data, and it's amazing how diverse its capabilities are. Thanks for all you do to showcase the work of debut authors!