Hey 👋

It’s been a long time, and now the part of my brain that retains lyrics to songs I haven’t heard in years wants to belt out “shouldna left you without a dope beat to step to!”

Over the last three months I have listened to a lot of podcasts.

This simple act got me thinking about benchmarks or returning segments.

Let me explain.

We’ve started re-watching an old TV series called Criminal Minds. The story follows 6 FBI agents as they solve serial murder cases. Each episode opens with the victims back story and some scene setting, followed by the agents gathering information, slowly building the criminals profile and ultimately solving the mystery. The show is also peppered with famous quotes narrated by the characters. I have no idea why they do that last bit.

All of this to say that the somewhat predictability of the show (which ran for 17 seasons BTW) gives viewers a sense of what to expect and builds familiarity.

Podcasters want this too.

I have listened to loads of interview shows recently and some include what we might call a signature question. Simply put, a signature question would be something the host asks each of their guests.
As a regular listener you often find yourself wondering how this weeks guest might answer the question and stick around to find out.

In contrast, some of the co-hosted shows I listened to like include listener generated questions. While it can be tricky to gather questions from your audience across social media, remember podcasting is a marathon and not a sprint and this kind of repeatable segment will help you foster a sense of community.
Rizaan and JP host The Gen C podcast, and they regularly read the comment section of previous episodes reacting to what their audience is thinking and feeling.

And then there are the shows that stay true to their concept and create something truly memorable.

In the final moments of Sounds Like a Cult, hosts Amanda and Chelsea play a category game and debate if the cult that they’ve dissected is a ‘Live your life,’ ‘Watch your back,’ or ‘Get the fuck out’ category of cult. This style of returning segment is a great way to stay on topic and really drive the concept of your show home.

Sounds Like a Cult also uses a signature sign off “stay culty but not too culty” that everyone can participate in as it happens and makes for great merch. Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and Jason Bateman have done this too with Smartless and their catchphrase “byyeeeeeee”.

Give your dear listener more than they bargained for.
Do not leave them without a dope beat to step to.


Hit reply to this mail and tell me which of your favorite podcasts have a segment you look forward to.
And while you are at it, which of the above ideas would suit your podcast?

Extra Extra Stuff 📢📢

• The APVA Awards are later this month. Register and watch the ceremony online here 

• Podcards is an easy to share, customizable media card, designed to help you grow your show.

• Improve your public speaking with this 2 day workshop hosted by me and seasoned media professional, Tracey Lange.

• If you’re still reading this, do podcast creators need a year-end meet up? Reply with Yes or No and lets see how the votes add up.
  

Keep creating,
Sean