Podcast Commandments

Corey Mann

Date: July 12, 2021

in: Radio, Social/Digital

I was asked a couple of ‘podcast’ questions recently, and after a combined 411+ episodes, I have some thoughts…so let’s call these the…

“PODCAST COMMANDMENTS”

Thou Shalt…FIND THE THING YOUR GUEST LOVES TALKING ABOUT

It happens in an interview – you touch a nerve and they light up, their voice changes, their body language shifts. Find out what they are truly enthusiastic about, and then ask about it.

Thou Aren’t…..THE STAR, Thou ARE THE HOST

I listen to a lot of podcasts and sometimes the host wants the spotlight on them, let your ‘star’ quality come out in your questions and possible responses. I didn’t watch Jeopardy because of Alex Trebek, but I consider him one of the best hosts. He made the contestants the star.

Thou shall….K.I.S.S. – KEEP IT SHORT, STUPID. (QUESTIONS ASKED)

My questions are way too long. You’ll never hear that because I’ll edit, and edit again. I once heard Larry King ask someone “Why’d you leave?” That was it. Short and simple.

PEOPLE LOVE LISTENING TO PEOPLE WHO LOVE TALKING TO PEOPLE.

Be a conversationalist, be curious, listen to the responses and find even more gold to ask.

Thou Shall…DO YOUR HOMEWORK – DON’T COUNT ON ANYONE ELSE TO DO IT FOR YOU.

Sorry Record Labels, but your Artist Bio emailed to me 5 minutes before the interview? Shame on you. What does that mean?…Let’s take a music artist: Listen to their music, as much of it as possible. Go watch them on YouTube perform, do other interviews, watch what lights them up. Dig through their social media posts, if you have chatted before – go listen back to that and find some follow up questions.

Thou shall…PROVIDE A NARRATIVE.

Set the podcast up on the front end…provide some word pictures, introduce who you are talking to. If your question fumbles out of your mouth, shorten it up, edit, and try again in post-production.

Thou shall….BE WORTHY OF YOUR AUDIENCE.

You can always, always learn something from someone if you are paying attention. I try to always deliver a great episode and provide at least one “a-ha” moment.

Corey Mann
OM /Morning Host, WHPZ

+ Creator / Host
“What Else With Corey Mann” & “Sports Yak”

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