I love a good podcast. When I’m on a run or taking a long drive, I actually prefer them to music. There’s something about getting lost in a thoughtful narrative or engaging discussion that almost makes me feel like I’m a part of the conversation.

That’s the thing though – I’ve always been a listener.  It wasn’t until recently that an opportunity presented itself to create my own podcast, or rather a single episode of a podcast. So, join me this week as I take on a solo project and recount my experience at my very first endurance event, 29029, where I tested my limits, faced my doubts, and discovered valuable lessons in grit.

To get started, I spent time learning about what makes a podcast episode tick, so let’s get into it.

Reading & Writing

Any good podcast episode needs a well-thought-out script. That’s where my research took me first:

The Art of Creating an Invisible Podcast Episode Script by Kevin Anderson emphasizes the need for a script when taking on a podcast. He explains that most podcasters prepare some semblance of a script before recording, whether it’s fully-fledged or simple talking points. Per Anderson, whatever the method, the goal is to make your content come across “so naturally that the listener thinks it’s been ad-libbed” (Anderson, 2020). This means you need to write for the ear, not the eye, and writing the way you talk is the easiest way to accomplish this.

Creating a Great Podcast Script: 3 Methods Top Podcasters Use by Colin Gray dives deeper into scripting styles, highlighting the balance between control and flexibility. He says that word-for-word scripting is ideal for beginners needing structure but risks sounding too rigid. Outlines provide a mix of structure and flow but can be distracting when switching between reading and speaking off the cuff. Flexible bullet points offer the most freedom but require experience to stay focused. Because I’m a beginner, I’ve decided to lay my script out word-for-word and focus on my delivery.

Podcast Taglines, Hooks, & the Power of Words, also by Kevin Anderson, discusses the value of podcast hooks. Hooks serve as “audible signposts for your audience,” providing a point of entry for listeners (Anderson, 2024). According to the author, they should be short, simple, clear, direct, and memorable, and they are 100% worth the trouble of crafting.

The second part of my research uncovered some valuable skills for delivering and producing your work: 

Podcast Presentation Skills | Honing Your Speechcraft by Robert Cudmore is about combining a friendly, confident delivery with an effective approach to connecting with the audience. This includes knowing your material, engaging in active listening during interviews, understanding your audience’s needs, and using storytelling techniques to keep listeners interested. Cudmore recommends speaking naturally, managing nerves, preparing thoughtfully, and using storytelling formats that fit your message.

The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video by Tom Schroeppel lists plenty of post-production tips, including to record voices, sound effects, and ambient sounds (presence) separately to ensure maximum flexibility during editing. This involves understanding the basic principles of sound, choosing the right type of microphone for each situation, and keeping detailed logs and labels to make the process easier.

With this information in mind, it’s time to check out some prime examples of audio projects that are well-produced and effective at engaging the audience.

Research to Inform

The Rich Roll Podcast

My all-time favorite podcaster is Rich Roll, host of The Rich Roll Podcast. He often uses interview style episodes with a mix of monologues and bulleted topics. He comes across completely natural with his guests and his sequence of questions, but I’m always most impressed by his ability to control the conversation comfortably. Here’s one of his recent releases with actor Tom Holland.

His team does a great job in the post-production stage adding complimentary music to begin and end the episode as well as indicate natural transitions in the dialogue. In my opinion, his ability to draw people in with compelling hooks is one of the best in the business.

Call Her Daddy

Right behind Rich on my list of favorites is Alex Cooper with the Call Her Daddy podcast. Like Rich, her interview style feels natural, but what I admire most is her ability to quickly adapt to each guest’s personality. This flexibility comes from her strong active listening skills – not only with these guests, but also in understanding her audience’s interests. A great example is her recent episode with Anna Kendrick, which thoughtfully meets the expectations of both groups.

Her signature intro music has become a distinct hallmark of her brand, and her followers look forward to this feature with each new episode.

Hot Mess with Alix Earle

One last example I want to highlight is Hot Mess, hosted by Alix Earle. Although it’s a relatively new podcast, it’s quickly rising in quality and popularity. In her episodes, Alix uses her natural relatability and energetic personality to connect with her audience. While I do believe she’s still trying to figure out a scripting style that works best for her, her storytelling techniques as a host are top tier.

Create

Armed with new insights on scripting, delivery, and post-production, I’m setting out to create my first episode. Here’s a look at how I’m approaching this adventure and what I’m learning along the way.

I chose the topic of my very first endurance event because I want to connect with those who face the same mental and physical hurdles I struggle with and to offer a personal take on the lessons you can take away from big challenges. 

Since this is my story, I’m doing a solo episode with a word-for-word script. Writing for the ear instead of the eye has been difficult – I keep asking my mom to read it and tell me if she can hear my voice in the writing.

An obstacle I expect to navigate in the post-production phase is adding music and ambient audio. With the ups and downs in my story, I’ll need to be deliberate in choosing sounds that complement each tone.

Overall, I’ve found this pre-production planning experience to be fulfilling and exciting. If you’d like to learn more about my project, you can read my full proposal below!