Key decisions:
- Topic selection: Niche down for differentiation and authority
- Format choice: Monologue, co-hosted, or interview based on strengths
- Audience focus: What value do you provide that’s different?
- Authenticity: Choose topics and formats you can sustain long-term
In this episode of Podcast Pro Tips, we explore one of the most critical first steps when launching a podcast: deciding your podcast’s topic and format. These two components shape everything about your show including:
- How you’ll engage with your audience
- The type of conversations you’ll have
- How listeners will connect with your brand.
Whether you’re just launching a new podcast or looking to reimagine a stale concept, this episode covers how to make these decisions with confidence and clarity.
Let’s break it down.
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Transcript:
Choosing Your Podcast Topic
The topic of your podcast is not just about what you’re passionate about— it’s about what resonates with your target audience.
You need a topic that you can talk about endlessly, and from unique perspectives, too. The world doesn’t need another generalist podcast. It’s essential to niche down—whether you’re discussing finance, media, politics, true crime, or even an area like futurism or AI.
Pro Tip: Before settling on your topic, ask yourself: What value can I provide that’s different from what’s already out there? For instance, if you want to start a finance podcast, focus on specific investment strategies or niche finance markets. If entertainment is your passion, you could focus on a particular genre of movies or a certain period in Hollywood history. Find your angle and make it completely your own.
Selecting Your Podcast Format
Once you’ve nailed your main podcast topic, now, it’s time to choose the format of your podcast. Each podcast format offers its advantages and disadvantages, and your decision here should align with both your strengths and the type of content you want to deliver to your listeners.
- Monologue: Ideal for solo podcasters who want to share personal insights or dive deep into niche topics passionately. It’s a straightforward format, but it requires a certain charisma and ability to keep the audience engaged on your own.
- Co-hosted: Having one or more co-hosts can create a dynamic, conversational format. This works well for debate-style shows or informal, chatty formats. However, ensure there’s chemistry between the hosts so one person doesn’t dominate the conversation.
- Interviews: A staple in the podcasting world, interview formats are fantastic for leveraging guest expertise and attracting new listeners. Remember, though, that interviews require strong preparation and good scheduling to work effectively.
Pro Tip: Think about your strengths when selecting a podcast format. Are you more comfortable chatting one-on-one with guests or simply leading a solo discussion? Each format offers its own challenges, so pick the one that best suits your style and the kind of podcast you want to create.
Key Takeaways
- Select a Topic You Love: Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about, whether it’s finance, media, politics, or true crime.
- Choose the Right Format: Your podcast format—monologue, co-hosted, or interview—should complement your strengths and topic.
- Know Your Audience: Who are they? What do they want to learn, feel, or experience when they listen to your show?
- Niche is Key: Narrowing down your topic will help you stand out in a saturated market.
Looking for more insights on getting started? Check out the full episode, where we break down these tips in greater detail. And, if you need personalized advice on starting or refining your podcast, book a free discovery call with us at The Podcast Consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
The three main podcast formats are: Monologue (solo podcaster sharing insights, ideal for thought leadership and niche expertise but requires strong presentation skills), Co-hosted (two or more hosts creating dynamic conversations, great for debate-style or informal shows but requires good chemistry and balanced participation), and Interview (host featuring guest experts, excellent for leveraging others’ expertise and attracting new audiences but requires strong preparation and scheduling).
Yes, niching down your podcast topic is essential for standing out in a saturated market with over 3 million active podcasts. Specific topics attract more dedicated, engaged audiences than broad generalist shows. Instead of ‘business podcast,’ create ‘SaaS growth strategies for B2B founders.’ Instead of ‘entertainment,’ focus on ‘Hollywood history from 1970-1985.’
Interview format is often best for beginners because it reduces pressure to carry entire episodes alone, leverages guest expertise to provide value while you develop hosting skills, creates natural conversation flow that’s easier than scripted monologues, builds your network and attracts guests’ audiences, and provides flexibility to test different topics and directions.
Yes, you can change podcast topics or formats, but it’s challenging and may confuse existing subscribers. Some successful podcasts pivot after finding their audience—starting broadly then niching down, or switching from interview to monologue format. If changing, communicate clearly with your audience about why and what to expect, consider rebranding completely with a new show name if the change is dramatic, maintain some continuity elements so loyal listeners stay engaged, and expect some audience loss during transition. It’s better to start focused than pivot repeatedly.