Answering your questions about podcasting
So you want to start a podcast? Here is a quick Q&A from previous discussions. If you don’t find the questions, or answer, you’re looking for, please get in touch.
What sort of length of time would you anticipate for a podcast?
People’s attention spans for podcasts are actually quite high. You could get away with 45-minute to hour-long episodes and keep people’s attention. While on social media, you’re talking about seconds, podcasts are different because people actually dedicate that time to listen properly. I’d recommend aiming for 35 to 45 minutes as a sweet spot. It’s enough time for people to listen during their commute or while doing chores without it being too long. Avoid super long formats like Joe Rogan’s multi-hour episodes; editing that is just a heartache.
How many people do you think is good on a podcast to kind of get the discussion going? Is it better to have two plus one or even getting four together for a discussion?
That depends entirely on the guests and their personalities rather than the format. You can get amazing discussions with multiple people, but I’d probably limit it to four. More than that can be challenging for everyone to get their thoughts in unless it’s a panel discussion with a focused format. It’s really about the dynamic you can create. Doing a prep call with each guest helps gauge their personality and how they interact, which can guide whether to have multiple guests or not.
Would you release each guest’s interview separately even if recorded on the same day?
Yes, I’d recommend releasing each guest’s interview separately, even if on the same day. This helps with SEO as you can capture on those individuals’ names and it’s more structured for listeners. They can choose to listen to the specific guest they’re interested in without having to sift through other content.
Is it only verbal or is there a visual component too? Are you being filmed as well?
Some podcasts do have a visual component where they record the podcast and put the video version on platforms like YouTube. These can be quite engaging, especially for social media clips. However, I personally haven’t gone down the video route. I prefer being behind a microphone rather than in front of a camera. It’s more about what you’re comfortable with and what feels right for your show.
Would it be better to do interviews online or in person?
It really depends on the individual and the context. If you and the guest are comfortable and natural with an online setup, that’s great. It can often be more convenient. However, in-person interviews can capture body language and create a different dynamic. For high-profile guests, you might need to travel to them to make it as easy as possible. Flexibility is key.
What about using humor in the podcast?
Humor can be a fantastic tool fo ryou to use, depending the given the subject matter. It can help break down barriers and make difficult topics more approachable. Bringing humour to discussions can open up communication and reduces stigma.
What sort of music and jingle should we consider?
Choose music that feels like a musical representation of your podcast’s identity. It should evoke the right atmosphere and emotions. For the jingle, I recommend keeping it to 30 seconds at the start and another 30 seconds at the end. They can be variations of the same piece to create a cohesive sound.
Do you think we need an editor to help with content planning and structuring interviews?
Yes, having someone to help brainstorm and balance ideas can be very beneficial, especially at the start. An editorial meeting can provide different perspectives, ensure that we’re covering all angles, and keep the content balanced. This person could help with creating structure and maintaining a consistent quality.
