Podcast Talent Coach

Creating Powerful Podcast Interviews – Episode 147   I want to teach you how to create powerful podcast interviews like the pros.   There are many reasons we interview guests on our podcasts. They are content experts They know more than we do Guests add depth to the conversation Interviews can expose your show to others Interviews can cross-promote your products Guests add additional content to your show   If you are like me when I started, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed. I felt like I was a kid playing dress-up. Did I really belong with the professional interviewers? I wasn't big time. Impostor syndrom was definitely kicking in.   You can learn how to be a better interviewer and be more confident. We can avoid making fools of ourselves We can battle the impostor syndrome We can look smarter by surrounding ourselves with smarter people   If you have been with me for awhile, you probably know my story. I am a bit of an introvert. I never dreamed of interviewing big stars.   My fa

Put The Fun In Your Interviews - Episode 146   Creating Powerful Podcast Interviews requires 8 key steps. One of those key steps is adding an element of fun.   Having fun is the reason we podcast. We love what we do. Podcasting requires too much time to continue if it isn't enjoyable. Make it fun.   To maintain a sense of fun, add these ten facets to your podcast.   HAVE FUN Make it a goal to have fun. We often get so wrapped up in getting through our list of questions that we forget to enjoy ourselves.   ENTERTAIN We are here to entertain. People listen to podcasts to be entertained. Even if your content is informational or inspirational, your show still needs to be entertaining.   SHOW BUSINESS This is show business. Your podcast should be both show and business. Even if making money is not your goal, you need continue to grow your show to attract guests and listeners. You need to grow to survive. You need both show and business to keep listeners coming back.   WORD-OF-MOUTH If your guest has fun, word will

The Anatomy of a Podcast Interview – Episode 145   On this episode, I review an interview podcast to help you understand how to evaluate your own podcast interviews.   Doug Piper from the Amazing Network allowed me to review one of his interviews. I can't thank him enough for having the courage to allow me to provide a critique in front of everyone.   In this episode, Doug interviews Brad Jeffrey of CauseGear. It is a business impacting 250,000 people living in unfathomable poverty.   In my critique, I only play Doug's questions. Those are the parts Doug can control. If you want to listen to the entire interview, find it here: http://youtu.be/fQKBjCtMzfY   Brad left a very successful family business, because he felt the need to serve others. His desire was to provide sustainable life change to victims of unfathomable poverty.   Throughout the interview, Doug does a nice job reframing Brad's answers to guide the discussion. Doug pulls out the pieces of the answer to keep Brad focused on the direction of the in

How To Create Podcast Interviews When Your Guest Won't Drop The Script - Episode 144 Over the past few weeks, we have been discussing how to create powerful podcast interviews. Thank you for the amazing questions and feedback. This week, we continue to answer those questions. My goal is to eventually help you with a podcast interview course that will walk you through the entire process of creating powerful interviews. Your questions are helping me shape that course. Thank you for the amazing help. If you have questions about interviews, you can e-mail me anytime at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com. Before we dive into the questions this week, I want to thank you for the response to my coaching offer. Just a reminder … I currently have two openings for my one-on-one coaching. One is Tuesday evenings. The other is Saturday mornings U.S. time zones. If you have a desire to produce engaging content with a stronger presentation, consider improving your podcast with coaching. Get the full details here: COACHING Let's d

How To Land Podcast Interviews Like The Pros – Episode 143   Over the past few weeks, we have been discussing how to create powerful podcast interviews. We are off to a great start.   YOUR PODCAST INTERVIEW QUESTIONS   On the past two episodes, I asked for your questions regarding podcast interviews. Thank you for the tremendous response. This week, we will begin to go through those questions to get you some answers.   My goal is to eventually help you with a podcast interview course that will walk you through the entire process of creating powerful interviews. Your questions are helping me shape that course. Thank you for the amazing interaction.   If you have questions about podcast interviews, you can e-mail me anytime at Coach@PodcastTalentCoach.com.   COACHING   Before we dive into the questions this week, I want to let you know that I currently have two openings for my one-on-one coaching. One is Tuesday evenings. The other is Saturday mornings U.S. time zones.   If you have a desire to produce engaging

26-Point Podcast Interview Checklist – Episode 142   Before we can create a powerful interview, we need to properly prepare. Great interviews do not simply happen. Engaging discussions rise from amazing preparation.   To help you prepare for your next podcast interview, I have created a 26-Point podcast intervew checklist for you.   Know your guest and what makes them tick Communicate expectations to your guest Send a prep sheet to the guest Web address – both your site and their site Time and time zone Who initiates the call How will it be conducted Length Focus & goal Emergency back-up number Outline of the interview Target audience Is profanity allowed? When should they pitch their product? Send reminders – 3 days, 1 day, 90 minutes Know more than your guest's bio – find interesting questions Immediately notify your guest if the schedule changes Be on time Work weeks ahead, not the week the book is released Create relationships before they are needed Stick

Why We Do Podcast Interviews – Episode 141   I was out for a bit. “Summer vacation.”   Actually, a change in my employment. You know I have programmed radio stations for the past 20 years. Well, recently my employer thought my skills were strong enough to take over our entire market.   I was recently elevated to Sr. Vice President of Programming for our 7-station cluster in our market. I now oversee the programming of all 7 radio stations with a few program directors working under me.   As I got up to speed with my new role, along with helping my coaching clients, the podcast took a little pause. We are now ready to roll again.   Thanks for those that reached out. Especially Dave Jackson, Alex Exum and a few others. It meant a lot.   POWERFUL PODCAST INTERVIEWS LIKE THE PROS   Why do we interview guests on our podcasts?   There are various benefits to having guests on our shows.   They are content experts They know more than we do The interview adds depth to the conversation Interviews can expose you

  Podcast Interview Terms You Should Know – Episode 140    Host – Interviewer   Guest – Interviewee   Prep – Show preparation   Prep Sheet – Preparation info for both host and guest   Advance The Interview – Coordinating the info in advance of the session   Outline – The guide for the host   Target Audience – The specific person who will listen and benefit from the show   Work The Mic – The technique of using a microphone, including distance from the mic and angle of attack   Pitch And Plug – Promote goods and services during an interview   Reminder – Reach out to the guest periodically regarding the interview   Bio – A brief history of either the guest or host   Pronunciation Guide – Instructions to properly say a name or phrase   Booking Agent – A person who works for either the host or guest to coordinate interviews   Call To Action – Asking the audience to do something   Forward Momentum – Keeping the conversation moving forward. Stories are a great way to accomplish this.   Funnel And Lead Magnet – The a

Do You Gain More Podcast Engagement By Interviewing Or Being Interviewed – Episode 139   I was recently on Episode 88 of Podcast Junkies with Harry Duran. We had a great talk. We chatted about podcasting, architecture, magic and the New York Islanders. It was one of those conversations that could have gone twice as long.   Listen to Podcast Junkies HERE.   Interview podcasts are all the rage. It seems everyone is doing them. So, which is better for your business, interviewing guests on your show or being interviewed on other shows?   The answer is … both. If you hope to spread the word about your show, you should both be interviewed on other podcasts while interviewing guests on your show.   There are benefits and drawbacks to both. Here are a few pros and cons of each.   INTERVIEWING   POSITIVE Easier form of podcasting – content creates itself with a conversation People come to you to hear the interview You control the conversation You control the dissemination of info Guests can direct traffic your directi

Make The Most Of Your Podcast Interview – Episode 138   I'm working on a podcast series where I interview high achievers. What's the "formula" for making an interview a good story? How long should it be? How do you keep the guest interesting ...and helping you tell the story ....without encumbering the interviewer? Doug Piper   The secret to a great interview is to be a great listener. Be curious, and ask great questions.   "Tell me about a time you thought it was all over.” "When did you realize this was the career for you?” "Describe an obstacle that stood in the way of your success.” "How did it all get started?” "What player made the greatest impact on your coaching career?”   When you listen back to your interviews, listen like a listener. Ask questions in your head that a curious listener would ask. Write those questions down. When you are conducting your interview, don't be so concerned about following the script or list of questions. Listen and ask natural follow-up questions.   How long should it be?

What Your Brand Can Learn From Prince – Episode 137 We are making a quick change this week. On the last episode, I told you we were going to get into interviewing. We will do that next week. When I heard Prince had passed away, I started getting fascinated by the way people were reacting to the loss of one of the greatest musical artists of our time. I had to jump back in the studio and cut a new episode for this week. We’ll pick up the interviewing episodes next week. Why did the death of Prince affect so many so deeply? Prince created a brand that epitomizes the Cult Brand that we talk so much about. I was talking with a friend this week. He was deeply touched by Prince’s death. He said it bothered him much more than Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston or Merle Haggard and he couldn’t figure out why. Prince has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I am a fan of most of what he created. There are musicians. Then, there are artists. Everything Prince touched was some form or art, pushing the boundaries. In his

  How To Make Best Use Of Both Podcast Co-Hosts – Episode 136     Today, we will open the Podcast Talent Coach mail bag and answer a few content questions I have received. The first questions is about making effective use of a co-host. The second is about consistently helping your listeners with your content.     I would love to hear an episode on involving a highly effective style with a cohost. – Rick Sizemore – VR Workforce Studio   CO-HOST BASICS Different point of view Distinct styles and perspectives Different voices One needs to be the leader   I was listening to a business podcast the other day. It is a show that is hosted by two marketing gurus. They typically offer business advice to listeners who write or call the show.   The hosts had received a question regarding unique ways to market a product. The listener had included a few methods he had used. Host number one rattled off his critique of the methods used and offered a couple of his own. Host number two basically said, “I agree with your asse

How To Organize Your Podcast Content - Episode 135   When you organize your content, you allow yourself to be more creative during recording. You actually allow for more spontaneity and creativity.   Many podcasters believe that planning all of their content removes the opportunity for things to happen. Does planning remove the fun from your show?   Not at all.   When you spend less time trying to think of the next piece of content, you can spend more time thinking about how to make the next piece of content amazing.   Organizing your content is the key to allowing your content to become entertainment.   THE CLOCK The one tool most radio hosts use to organize their show is a show clock. This is basically a schedule of what is to happen on the show and when those pieces of content occur.   The show clock becomes even more important when you have a co-host. The clock puts all members of the show on the same page. Each host knows exactly what is coming up and when it is supposed to happen.   You can download th

  An Inside Look At My Podcast Creation Process – Episode 134   Do you struggle to find time to create your podcast each week? I think it is a challenge we all face at some point in time.   I have a few tips that can help you streamline your process while still creating great content. This week, I want to walk you through the process I use when creating my podcast every week.   This is part of a content creation series. Last week, we discussed reviewing your show to improve your content. Determining your goal for the episode and evaluating your progress is a critical step for improvement.   Over the next couple weeks, we will talk about organizing your content and making the best use of your co-host.   This podcast started nearly 3 years ago. I knew I could use the knowledge I've gained over the past 25 years in radio to help podcasters improve their shows.   When I began recording the show, the process would take me hours every week. It felt like I would get one show posted and promoted only to begin creati

Do It Yourself Podcast Critique – Episode 133     Do you fear sounding like a beginner? Do you have a desire to have stronger content?   On this episode, I want to help you learn to review and critique your own podcast in order to make your content stronger.   Reviewing your content on a regular basis is critical to your improvement. Learning how to critique yourself will help you sound more prepared, more organized and more like a true, professional broadcaster.   When I was beginning my broadcasting career, I feared people would see me as someone simply trying to play the part of a professional. I didn't have any idea what I was doing, let alone how to get better.   I wanted to have more credibility. How could I get there? Over 20 years, I learned to review and critique my own show through coaches, consultants, articles, conferences and mentors.   My broadcasting career began while I was in college studying for my architecture degree. What started as something fun to make college money suddenly turned int

How To Get Podcast Listeners To Return Next Week – Episode 132   When you want your listeners to stick around and listen to what you have to say, you need to give them a compelling reason. Your listener needs to anticipate what is to come later in the show. You need to excite them. You need to tease them.   Anticipation is a key feature to storytelling. Your story should build just like a good plot builds in a movie. You need to make your audience anticipate the content that is on the way.   Your story is similar to a vacation you are planning to take. The fantastic anticipation for the trip is almost as pleasurable as the trip itself. You can't wait for the trip to arrive. You want your listener to feel the same way about your story.   When your listener can't wait for the story to arrive, you have created some great content with a powerful tease. Your listeners will get more enjoyment from your show when they get the tease payoff more often. The pleasure of the “oh wow” factor will be increased. The joy of

Using Theater of the Mind to Create Powerful Podcast Engagement - Episode 131   CREATE THEATER OF THE MIND The use of active language will stir the imagination of your listener and help you connect to your audience. Put the listener in the moment. Make the listener see the action you are describing.   "I'm walking in the bustling restaurant and shaking off the cold without even watching where I'm walking.” That is active language. In your mind, you can see me walking in.   Sure, your restaurant may be different from my restaurant. That difference is what makes theater of the mind great. You see it the way you think it fits best for you. Your scene doesn't need to match my scene in order for the story to make sense. It is your theater.   Active language connects each listener to the story in his or her own way. It will create strong audience engagement. Active language during storytelling is a powerful tool you can use while you're building your podcast.   Create a great podcast brand. Create theater of the m

Can You Tell Stories Like Walt Disney? – Episode 130   Walt Disney was one of the greatest storytellers of our time.   When you examine his work, you realize he wasn't a great story writer. He was a fantastic story teller.   Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Jungle Book. All are stories written by someone else. Disney just turned them into great stories that sometimes didn't follow the original exactly.   Snow White – "Snow White" is a German fairy tale known across much of Europe and is today one of the most famous fairy tales worldwide. The Brothers Grimm published it in 1812 in the first edition of their collection Grimm's Fairy Tales.   Pinocchio - The Adventures of Pinocchio is a novel for children by Italian author Carlo Collodi, written in Florence. The first half was originally a serial in 1881 and 1882, and then later completed as a book for children in February 1883.   Fantasia – The movie was developed around the Sorcerer's Apprentice, a German poem written in 1

Essential Elements of Powerful Storytelling – Episode 129   WHY STORYTELLING   Have you noticed a lot of interview podcasts in your niche sound the same? We are hearing the same guests answer the same questions time and time again. How do you become unique in this sea of sameness? Storytelling can transform your podcast.   THE POWER   Stories let your audience get to know, like and trust you. These are critical elements in any business relationship.   Out of stories come knowledge and friendship. Great storytellers create fans. Your stories help define you, your character and your personality.   Stories also touch many more people. The appeal of stories is nearly universal.   When you reveal things about yourself through stories, you begin to connect with, motivate and inspire your listeners.   Don't fit in, stand out.   Personal experiences are the only way to make the content your own. No other podcaster can recreate your stories the way you can. Your stories are unique to you.   STORYTELLERS ARE EVERYWHER

Stronger Content With Better Podcast Prep (Free: Show Prep Cheat Sheet) – Episode 128   Do you wish your content was stronger. When you add stories and proper preparation to your podcast, your show will create more engagement.   Your episode could have more momentum and your presentation more spontaneity if you used these podcast preparation steps before you begin to record.   WHY DO WE PREPARE? All great performers prepare. Athletes. Speakers. Actors. Attorneys. Preparation is the key to success.   Great radio performers typically spend one hour of preparation for every hour of show time.   Before you begin to record your podcast, you should spend just as much time preparing for the show.   Your preparation is very similar to mapping out a trip. You not only need to know where you are going, you need to know how to get there.   As you develop your podcast episode, you first decide which topics you want to cover. Most podcasters figure that is enough prep. The topic is only half the battle.   You must then p