In podcasting, Episode 10 is more than just a milestone...
Studies show that nearly half of podcasts never make it past episode 3, and of those that do, 80% don't reach episode 10, and 90% don’t reach episode 20. In other words, only a fraction of shows ever see double digits. Reaching Episode 10 signals consistency, commitment, and the possibility of something lasting.
For us, that moment has arrived with TD Cafe, the newest show from the Talking Drupal team. And while Talking Drupal itself has been running weekly for more than 13 years, with 500+ episodes behind it, the Cafe represents a new kind of experience. [As of this writing, TD Cafe Episode 9 is recorded and Episode 10 is scheduled]
Introducing TD Cafe: A New Flavor of Conversation
Talking Drupal has long been the community’s go-to podcast: a structured panel format, expert guests, and focused discussions that deliver knowledge in a clear, reliable way. With ~3,600 monthly audio downloads and ~2000 YouTube subscribers, the show has cemented itself as the #1 Drupal podcast across platforms.
But as much as we love that format, we also knew something was missing. Again and again, our guests would tell us that new ideas started in casual hallway chats at conferences, over lunch, or during unexpected conversations. Those unscripted exchanges often grew into the initiatives, contributed modules, and collaborations that shaped Drupal’s future.
TD Cafe is our attempt to capture that energy. Instead of a panel with a set topic, the Cafe is deliberately unstructured: just two people, sitting down to talk. One episode might touch on vacation plans, then shift into the challenges of living with ADHD, as it did in Episode #009. Another might move fluidly between coding, career growth, and community life, all within a single conversation.
The goal isn’t polish; it’s honesty. TD Cafe gives community members an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas on a platform built by the Talking Drupal show.
Challenges on the Cafe Path
Of course, experimenting with a new format has its challenges.
Talking Drupal thrives on structure. Guests come prepared, topics are clear, and the panel format provides a sense of comfort. TD Cafe flips that model. With no fixed agenda, guests are asked simply to show up and talk. That freedom can be exciting—but also intimidating. Not everyone feels at ease stepping into such an open space. Not everyone is comfortable with unscripted conversation, and that hesitation makes it harder to line up episodes.
Still, early response has been promising. In the past few weeks, several community members have reached out with pairing ideas, eager to get involved. To make it easier, we’ve launched a submission form where anyone can suggest a conversation or volunteer to join in.
Looking Ahead: What’s Brewing Next?
As TD Cafe records its tenth episode, it feels less like a side project and more like a show coming into its own. Each conversation has revealed the potential of the format: a place where technical insights and personal stories meet, where conversations about code flow naturally alongside stories about careers, challenges, and everyday life.
The future of the Cafe will depend on the community. Every time someone submits a pairing idea or volunteers to step into the discussion, the podcast grows stronger.
Episode 10 isn’t just a milestone; it’s a doorway. It signals that TD Cafe has staying power and opens the possibility of building something uniquely valuable for Drupal: a space where the community can gather not only to share knowledge, but to share themselves.
Final Thought: TD Cafe isn’t just another podcast. It’s an invitation to pull up a chair, to join the conversation, and to help shape what comes next.
Want to be part of it? Submit your guest pairing here and help us brew the next great conversation.
Resources
Talking Drupal Website and Shows
Note: ChatGPT was used to assist in the writing of this article. I have vetted its contents, and the thoughts, statements, facts, and figures are my own.