Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) Summary

Stop fearing failure—start making the podcast you've always dreamed of!

1. Find Your Obsession

Choosing the right podcast topic starts with your passion. What fascinates you and excites your curiosity? Your enthusiasm will transfer to your audience, keeping them engaged and entertained. People are drawn to genuine passion, and it will give you the energy needed to sustain production.

Discovering your topic requires research. Look at existing podcasts and identify not just your niche but also your unique angle. For example, if you're captivated by wildlife, ask yourself: What new perspective could I bring? Perhaps focusing on the humorous side of animal behavior.

Once you’ve picked your topic, focus it into a one-line pitch. This makes your concept easy to understand, catchy, and shareable. Ask yourself: "Would I love to spend my time making this show? And, would I be excited to listen to it if someone else made it?"

Examples

• Justin McElroy chose his obsession with workplace training videos, turning it into fun, engaging content.
• A niche podcast about moths’ peculiar mating habits can capture a specific listener base if it's engaging.
• The tagline “Three non-celebrities try to con their way into a major motion picture” defines a McElroy project perfectly.

2. Stick to a Consistent Format

Listeners thrive on predictability. A consistent format helps your audience build a routine around your podcast. Whether it’s in their morning commute or weekend errands, regularity earns loyalty.

Set up clear expectations from the start. Decide whether your podcast should have a solo host or include a cohost. Shared hosting can give fresh perspectives, but an individual approach may cut through distractions if you have well-structured topics.

Consistency applies to your schedule and episode length. Whether listeners expect a 20-minute weekly show or a two-hour monthly one, your reliability is what keeps them coming back.

Examples

• Memory Palace thrives with short, tightly packed episodes.
• Hardcore History builds success with five-hour deep-dives for history buffs.
• Changing a cohost mid-season can confuse listeners—choose trusted, long-term collaborators.

3. Always Aim to Entertain

Even the most fascinating topic won’t hold attention if poorly delivered. Your top homework as a podcaster is to captivate your audience, no matter your genre. Ask yourself: Are you aiming to inform, amuse, or both?

Create a structure for entertainment. Divide episodes into clear segments—an intro, varied middle sections, and a concise outro inviting listener engagement. Segments keep momentum rolling and prevent drag.

Remember to weave storytelling or humor into your content. Keep listeners hooked with passion and unpredictability. Frame your facts memorably rather than dumping dry data.

Examples

• Sawbones uses quirky, offbeat stories to make medical history delightfully entertaining.
• Dividing shows into predictable segments helps listeners feel at home while maintaining variety.
• A comedic podcast filled with spontaneous laughs can buoy even mundane topics.

4. Leverage Simple Recording Spaces

A professional podcast doesn’t require a pricey studio. Crafting your "studio" from everyday spaces can suffice as long as it reduces external noise and improves sound clarity.

Invest in a decent microphone, starting with an affordable USB mic that plugs directly into your computer. XLR microphones, while higher quality, require additional tools like soundboards. Beginners should focus on budget-friendly starters.

Turn any space—like a clothes-filled closet—into a sound-friendly recording booth. Soft furniture, books, and carpeting absorb echoes and improve sound for beginners still navigating the tech hurdles.

Examples

• The McElroys used open-source Audacity software for editing high-quality episodes on a budget.
• USB mics, starting at $100, offer accessible clarity for new podcasters.
• Closets heavy with clothes can muffle sound perfectly, as proven by seasoned podcasters.

5. Be an Engaging Host

Listeners return for a host’s personality. It’s vital to connect—your energy, focus, and attitude define your podcast as much as the content itself. Think of your role like a performer: bring your liveliest, most animated self.

Hosting involves active listening during conversations, especially with guests. Use techniques like “yes, and” to keep dialogue flowing and collaborative. This adds depth and prevents awkward pauses.

Preparation is key. Plan strong introductory lines, key transitions, and how the outro will leave a final impression. But remember, hosting is still an improv-like performance—your instincts shape entertaining moments.

Examples

• The best hosts blend natural charm with focused prep to keep listeners hooked.
• “Yes, and” practices from improv keep conversations vibrant and fluid.
• Editing lets you polish awkward exchanges after recording—forgiveness for any mistakes.

6. Learn the Art of Editing

Editing transforms good audio into great audio. Think of it as sculpting—removing imperfections while enhancing coherence. Begin by cutting interruptions like background noise or filler words.

Hone transitions for smooth, natural shifts between segments. Prioritize judicious removal of “ums” or unnecessary pauses unless they serve narrative emphasis. Refining the flow keeps episodes engaging.

Add music for personality. Seek commercial-free options online, commission performers, or create simple tracks yourself with accessible tools like GarageBand.

Examples

• Note timestamps during key edits to streamline the workflow.
• Open-source Creative Commons music can elevate your episode reach.
• Feedback from friends polishes the final product, providing fresh perspectives.

7. Choose a Hosting Service

Your podcast won’t grow stuck on your computer. A hosting service ensures access and visibility to new listeners across platforms. Transitioning from one service to another is tedious, so research carefully before committing.

Key features include reliability, free or affordable plans, access to advertising options when you grow, and user-friendly website or embedded player designs. Look for strong analytics so you can track your downloads, listener. demographics, and regions.

Once your podcast is uploaded, register it on big directories like Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Correct metadata and categorization make it visible for millions of new users searching for shows like yours.

Examples

• Spotify and Apple Podcasts directories attract enormous listener bases.
• Hosting services help file episodes while offering analytics for growth tracking.
• Free platforms suit beginners, but transitioning later can hurt consistency.

8. Monetize Creatively Over Time

Profiting from podcasts requires effort, persistence, and finding the right funding streams. Crowdfunding platforms like Patreon can generate early support through fan patronage.

Later, advertising and partnerships create revenue opportunities. Pair ads suiting your audience with sponsors whose values align with yours. For live performances, partner with festivals before testing solo events.

Merchandising branded items or bonus incentives sustain loyalty while offsetting production needs. Gaining followers through social media amplifies these avenues.

Examples

• Patreon allows creators to tie consistent micro-funding growth into sustainability.
• The McElroys tested festival appearances before independently hosting shows nationwide.
• Successful ads balance listener trust with earnings without ruining content identity.

9. Persevere and Keep Learning

Podcasting success isn’t instant—it’s a process born from trial, error, and constant improvement. Approaching your podcast as a long-term passion ensures resilience through inevitable hiccups.

Treat your audience’s time like gold. Provide value in every minute you produce and never lose sight of improving quality. Leverage feedback, analytics, and audience engagement to refine each season.

Above all, passion fuels persistence. Through creative diligence and enduring curiosity, your podcast can evolve into something truly impactful.

Examples

• The McElroy brothers didn’t achieve popularity within weeks but after years of dedication.
• Engaging listeners like valued peers drives loyalty toward audience growth.
• Focusing on passion-building episodes boosts morale, providing clarity during slower seasons.

Takeaways

1. Use YouTube mic demos to select an affordable design that meets both quality and preference.
2. Register your show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to broaden discovery—all metadata counts!
3. Test simple merchandising or Patreon exclusives early—even modest earnings build sustained momentum.