One of the many wonderful things about podcasting is that you are the captain. Which means you steer the ship. You are the master of your podcast destiny. However, that also means you are in charge of E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.
Did reading that make you tired?
Luckily you don't have to go it alone. You could bring on a co-host or go with an interview style show. This would give you the opportunity to bring in fresh voices and perspectives outside of your own. So which way should you go? Should you have a solo podcast or a co-hosted show or bring on amazing guests to interview?
In my almost 20 years of podcasting here is what I have discovered is true:
It is much easier and harder to have a solo show.
It is much easier and harder to work with a co-host.
It is much easier and harder to have an interview show.
If you are shaking your head after reading that and wondering how can all of those statements be true? I'm here to tell you they absolutely are and here are the reasons why:
Solo Podcast
Being a solo podcaster is wonderful! You don't need anyone's permission or input to get your mission and message out to the world. You get to make all the decisions and release episodes as you see fit.
It. Is. Awesome.
But because you are the ONLY one doing it all, that also means you are responsible for it all. This is where having a solid set of production processes and timelines is especially helpful.
Co-Host(s)
You have a wonderful co-host who is right alongside you every step of the way. Now you can take all the podcast production tasks and divide them by two. This is great!
And it is...until it isn't. When one of the co-hosts stops pulling their weight, the other co-host begins to feel resentful. When one co-host gets bored because "This podcast thing is work" and "I thought this was going to be fun" and then the "I'm doing all the work and you are barely showing up" conversations happen things go south really quickly. Friendships have been ruined for far less.
Let's face it. Podcasting takes a whole lot of work to start and even more to maintain. So, while having a co-host is absolutely wonderful when everything is working well, it downright sucks when it isn't going well.
Have an honest conversation with your co-host about the reality of podcasting. It is fun and a powerful medium to speak your message and share you mission with the world. BUT it is work. It does take time. Be realistic about who is responsible for what and give each of you a no-fault out should one person decide co-hosting the podcast just isn't for them. No harm, no foul. Putting what you both agree on in writing is a good sanity saving practice when it comes to co-hosting a show.
Interviews
The cool thing about doing an interview show is that much like a solo show, you are in charge of decision-making and direction. Plus, now there is someone to talk with about your podcast topic. They bring their expertise and experience and if you're lucky they also bring their own raving fans to listen to that specific episode. And maybe some of those fans will like your interview so much they'll stick around and subscribe to listen to future episodes.
However, it is not all sunshine and flowers when you go with an interview show. When you opt for an interview show, you add professional guest wrangler to your list of duties.
You must find the guestsSchedule the guestsPrep the guestsInterview the guestsCreate social media promotion for the guest (and hope they share it on their personal social media platforms)
Wash, Rinse, Repeat
What You Need To Know
Podcasting is a slow growth cycle. Which is why it's important to podcast about something you love and have a deep interest in. That passion and drive will pull you through some of the more challenging times as you grow your audience while making an impact in the world
Please note that solo, co-host, interview are not the only types of podcasts. For the purposes of the National Podcast Post Month Mobile Podcast Challenge, we're going to stick to the basics.
Take Action
It's time to put this into action.
Now that you know the pros and cons of having a solo podcast, having a co-host, or going with an interview style podcast, it's time to make a decision about your show.
What type of show are you going to do?
Why does that make sense for you?
Next time: Your Smart Phone Is Smart
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