What Makes a Good Podcast: Tips and Tricks
Podcast Tips: Things You Can Easily Talk About
Odds are, if you’re a regular podcast listener, you’ve considered starting a podcast yourself. One of the most exciting things about the rapidly-expanding world of podcasting is that there seem to be no limitations on the types of podcasts that can achieve success.
No matter what you’d like to talk about, with the right approach, you’ll likely be able to find your niche audience.
Even so, “podcaster’s block” – much like writer’s block – can be a major obstacle for new and experienced podcasters alike.
What Are Good Topics for a Podcast?
While it may seem obvious that coming up with good podcast ideas is key to your success, that sometimes can be easier said than done. It’s important to remember that if you aren’t genuinely interested in a topic, your audience will be able to tell. So the rule of thumb is don’t bother choosing subjects based solely on what you think might gain the most followers.
Instead, find a podcast topic that you genuinely enjoy, and you’ll be able to build an authentic and long-lasting connection with your growing listener base.
Finding the perfect balance between your personal interests and subjects that will hold your listeners’ attention can be a challenge, we know. With a bit of inspiration and effort, it can absolutely be done!
Use the collection of podcasting topics below to help you plan episodes that both you and your audience will surely enjoy.
Interviews with experts or influencers that are well-versed in a specific subject
Inviting guest hosts, subject experts, or industry influencers is an excellent way to capture audience interest and share an interesting conversation.
Personal or professional development
Give listeners tips for building new skills, learning useful strategies, or improving their personal or professional lives.
Product reviews
Reviewing a newly-debuted product can help you connect with new listeners and establish yourself as a reliable expert in the field of your choice.
Current events that need more media coverage
Even though we live in an age of split-second news coverage, there are still many stories that fall by the wayside. Why not help spread awareness about the causes you’re passionate about?
Nostalgic television, movies, music, and more
Many well-liked podcasts have tapped into listeners’ sense of nostalgia by exploring the popular shows, movies, products, music, and more that we remember from childhood.
How to shop for a specific type of product
Much like product reviews, sharing your personal recommendations within a particular category (i.e., beauty, food, entertainment, etc.) can make you a trusted source of relevant information for your audience.
Various strategies in your field of expertise
This topic is particularly easy to explore if your podcast delves into areas such as business and self-improvement.
Ways to make positive contributions to the community
As more people develop an interest in making a difference in their neighborhoods, cities, states, and the world, you can encourage them with your unique suggestions and experiences.
Commentary about recent news
Whether you’re a dedicated follower of the latest political, sports, science, or entertainment news – your podcast can be a way for you to share your interests in an informative way.
The future of a certain industry, aspect of society, etc.
Thinking outside the box and discussing your predictions for the future of something (for example, technology) can engage listeners and allow you to be uniquely creative.
Fascinating historical events or cultural practices
Nearly everyone would agree that learning about our world’s storied past and diverse cultures is far more enjoyable outside of a classroom environment, which is likely why so many listeners enjoy tuning in to podcasts that explore these topics.
Recommendations for travel or dining
You’ll never run out of new restaurants to try or travel destinations to explore, making this podcast topic one that you can count on to stand the test of time.
How Do I Make My Podcast Interesting?
Maybe you’ve already tried recording a few podcast episodes, or perhaps you’ve just begun thinking about how to become a professional podcaster.
Regardless of how much podcast experience you have so far, you might be asking yourself, “How do I make my podcast interesting?” While choosing great podcast topics is the first step in creating a popular podcast, there are a few other tips you might also want to keep in mind.
Find a Balance Between Scripted and Improvised Content.
It’s virtually impossible to record an enjoyable podcast without some sort of script. That doesn’t necessarily mean you want to be reading lines word-for-word, either. Listeners want to feel like they’re part of a natural conversation, not simply hearing an essay be read aloud.
Experiment with varying degrees of scripted content and improvisation to find a balance that works well for you, allowing you to cover your key points while still sharing your personality.
Be Open to Trying New Things
While planning is an important part of podcasting, you also want to give yourself the flexibility to try new techniques or explore new topics. For example, you may initially think that you want your podcast only to feature you as a host.
However, you might later wonder if welcoming occasional guests might be a nice change of pace. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new strategies, being sure to pay close attention to how audience feedback to help decide the next steps.
Invest In Your Career
It might be technically possible to record and upload a podcast with next to no equipment or training, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right approach. If you genuinely want to start a career as a podcaster, you’ll need to make smart choices that pave a solid professional path.
Seek out a reputable media school where you can sign up for podcast classes so that you can learn more about your craft before diving into the industry.
As you build a foundation of knowledge, you’ll also discover how to choose the proper equipment to provide your audience with a high-quality listening experience.
Learn How to Start a Successful Podcast at the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami
Coming up with podcast ideas is just one element of creating a podcast, your audience will love. Understanding how to navigate the wide variety of business, technical successfully, and industry elements are also key.
The Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami are among the industry’s leading broadcast schools. We provide students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to turn their passion into an exciting career.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a podcast host, staying behind the scenes as a producer or audio technician, or want to learn how to do it all, one of our campuses may be the right place for you. At the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami, students choose from a diverse range of programs featuring podcast production classes, industry internships, and so much more.
Learn more about how the right education can help you become a professional podcast host by contacting the Media Schools, located in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and Miami today.
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