Master the five essential on-mic skills every podcaster needs, from hosting and interviewing to storytelling and voice control, in this episode of Big Podcast Playbook ...
Big Ideas in This Episode
- Why "one-trick podcasters" get left behind
- Outsmart big studios: master every podcast skill
- NPR advice that flops for independents
- Be the hired gun clients envy and chase
- Ignore "radio land" and make listeners feel chosen
- Rambling guests? Here's how to wrestle control
- Death, dedication, and the power of pacing
Why You Should Listen
- Why mastering "core on-mic skills" gives you instant status and respect — even if you're a complete unknown
- How to make your podcast so binge-worthy, your competition will be green with envy (while their own listeners defect to you!)
- The embarrassing mistake smart podcasters STILL make on interviews (and how it kills growth… are you guilty?)
- Do you secretly lust after the power to control every conversation? Learn the pacing trick that puts you in command
- How to turn any guest — even ramblers and narcissists — into pure podcast gold (with a Jedi-level redirect tactic)
- The glutton's way to churn out episodes fast… without ever needing a guest again (you'll never be hungry for content)
- The dirty little secret NPR won't tell you about podcast production — and why ignoring it could keep you broke
- How the oldest active podcaster hacked her way to total creative independence (learn what she refused to outsource!)
- The one "get in, get good, get gone" formula that will make your show addictively efficient — most hosts NEVER do this
- How the dark art of monologuing gives you total control and audience loyalty (even if you think you ramble too much)
- Use the envy-triggering skill of storytelling to have listeners glued to your every word — longing for the payoff
- The 3-part "parking lot moment" method for crafting stories people can't turn off (even after arriving home)
- Why the voice-control technique used by radio legends like Casey Kasem gives you seductive authority on the mic (and how to steal it)
- Strategic silence: The forbidden trick that makes every word sound richer — and your rivals sound like frantic amateurs
- Why developing these podcasting skills lets you outlast, outplay, and out-earn even the most well-financed shows (power is yours, no matter your gear or budget)
Episode Timestamps
- [01:25] "This guy was amazing. Had one of those movie trailer voices … but that was all that he had." — The brutal truth about relying on talent alone in podcasting.
- [02:35] "A lady from NPR… She's giving a presentation … and says, 'Well, that's really for your producer.'" — A hilarious real-life moment revealing how out of touch even big media pros can be with indie podcasters.
- [05:12] "You are a part of that sustainability. You have to be able to continue to show up…" — The overlooked secret behind keeping your podcast alive when most fade out.
- [07:52] "This is an episode for you. I am talking to you. I don't say… 'All my fans listening.'" — Why the personal touch matters more than ever (and what old-school radio still gets wrong!).
- [10:03] "Are you doing it? You go in with an agenda, ten questions … you go into that next thing without responding to what's happening." — The embarrassing interview mistake even top podcasters make—and how to avoid it!
- [13:40] "Monologuing is weird, so you're going to have to practice it. But if you want to be a powerful podcaster, you need to get better at it." — The daring challenge: Hold attention solo, no guests, no music.
- [16:13] "You're going to lose your ability to sustain … to take a deep breath and go on and on … I could do that forever because I work on my breath control." — The voice control secret that separates pros from amateurs (and what smoking can teach you about podcasting longevity).
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