In the first part of this series, I talked about my style of podcasting. When I started in 2014, I didn’t really didn’t know how I’d sound, or even what that meant. I just knew I wanted to promote my writing, and thought podcasting would be a great way to do it.
But choosing a style came naturally to me, and over time, that style has evolved. I may have begun as a mild mannered host. But that guy has been replaced by someone who’s far more animated, and much more comfortable behind the mic.
Of course, style is only the first part. Once you know how you’re going to say it, what exactly are you going to say?
What To Say?
Obviously, the substance of a podcast is tied in large part to the host’s personal preferences. After all, you’re not going to talk about something that doesn’t interest you. If you’re a music lover, you cover music. If you’re a sports fan, you cover sports. Simple, right?
But just having an interest in a subject is sometimes not enough. This was the case for me during the first 6 years of my podcasting career.
From 2014 to 2020, it was all pro wrestling for me. Tom Clark’s Main Event was my flagship pod, and during that timeframe, I covered wrestling events, interviewed wrestlers, and shared my love of the business. I also appeared as a guest on other pods, and welcomed other hosts to my pod.
But as time went on, I found myself wanting to get into something else, and start a second podcast.
Tom Clark’s Comic Book World was just me, riffing on my favorite comics, and boring myself to tears in the process. The idea was fine, but it just wasn’t enough. Plus, I’d been solo for the first pod, and wanted to work with a cohost.
So, Tom Clark’s Comic Book World became Tom Clark’s 6M Podcast. Instead of just comic books, I could talk about movies, music, Marvel, magazines, miniseries and more. Two Nations Under Ted: A Ted Lasso Podcast came in 2023, and now I have three shows, each one unique enough unto itself that I’m satisfied. For now, at least.
The point here is that no matter how much you may love something, ask yourself if you’re prepared to talk about it every week. How about multiple times per week or multiple times per month? The topic(s) you chose may be perfect, and if so, great. But consider the possibility you may get into a rut at some point.
But is podcasting about your own personal interests enough?
Choosing a Direction
The answer to that depends on the podcaster. A lot of people get into podcasting with the hope of monetizing, and eventually making some real money. For them, it’s not only about what they love, but also what others love. What types of shows are successful? What do listeners want to hear?
If you’re one of those people, then maybe movie reviews are not for you. Maybe you want to go deeper, and dive into politics, religion, or social issues. Perhaps you see yourself as not just a podcaster, but a personality, wanting to make your mark and hit it big in the industry.
This is the part where some pop culture podcasters may tell you that the field is so overcrowded with celebrity pods, that making a real dent is virtually impossible. They may also say that the amount of time and research you’d have to commit to those types of pods is too much, and that in the end, you’ll never get back what you put into it.
But I say don’t listen to them. There is no one-size-fits-all solution here. Want to throw yourself into a podcast, work day and night to hone your craft, and stake your claim for ‘top 10 or bust?’ Do it. Want to just podcast with your friends and talk about your favorite things, with no expectation of making money? Then do that.
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution here.”
It’s your choice on what you talk about, and why you choose to talk about it. Just be sure that one day, when you look back on your career, that you’re happy with your legacy. Did you make a ton of cash, become a media sensation, and change the world? Did you make new friends, build lasting relationships, and have the best hobby ever? Did you do all of it?
It’s up to you, and it doesn’t have to be either-or. It’s your journey, and there are no wrong answers. No matter what the substance of your show is, the important thing is to make it as substantial as you can.
Read Part 1 here, and stay tuned for Part 3, coming soon!