In this episode, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt, co-founders of Pod School, explore the essential podcast formats that can elevate your show’s impact, from interview-based formats and solo episodes to dynamic roundtable discussions and innovative content creation strategies.

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Whether you’re aiming to build authority, boost engagement, or use podcasting as a tool for business development, this episode provides practical insights to take your podcast to the next level.

Episode Highlights:

• Choosing the Right Podcast Format: Discover how different formats like solo shows, interviews, and co-hosted episodes can cater to various audience needs and enhance content delivery.
• Benefits of Solo Shows for Authority Building: Learn how solo episodes can establish you as a thought leader, showcase your expertise, and engage your audience deeply.
• Interview Podcasts for Expanding Reach: James and Alex discuss the advantages of interview-based shows, which can increase audience reach by tapping into guest networks.
• Roundtable and True Crime Formats: Explore popular formats like roundtable discussions and niche-specific formats (e.g., true crime), and understand how they can boost audience engagement.
• Podcasting as a Business Tool: James shares insights on using podcasts as a replacement for discovery calls, turning them into valuable live coaching sessions that provide evergreen content.
• Leveraging Podcasting for Content and Relationship Building: Hear examples of companies using podcasts to record client conversations and as an internal communication tool to build company culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Select a Format Aligned with Your Audience Goals: Align your podcast format with your audience’s needs to increase engagement and reach.
• Leverage Podcasts for Authority & Trust: Use solo episodes or business development formats to showcase your expertise, driving trust with listeners.
• Use Interview Podcasts for Broader Reach: Collaborate with guests whose network and insights can broaden your show’s audience.
• Transform Discovery Calls Into Content: Replace traditional calls with recorded coaching sessions, making valuable content for potential clients.
• Experiment with Roundtables & Niche Formats: Boost content diversity and relevance with unique formats like roundtables or audience-specific shows.

In This Show We Cover:

Types of podcast formats, Solo vs. co-hosted podcasts, Business development through podcasting, Audience engagement strategies, Building a podcast audience, Content creation for podcasting, Using podcasts for authority building, Benefits of interview podcasts, Pod School podcast community

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro & Podcast Structure Overview

2:16 - Interview-Based Podcasts & Expanding Reach

4:49 - Solo Shows for Authority Building

5:30 - Exploring Roundtable & Niche Formats

9:42 - Podcasting as a Business Development Tool

11:34 - Using Podcasts Internally & for Onboarding

14:38 - Podcasts for Content Creation & Engagement

14:58 - Audience Engagement & Pod School Community...