David Hooper's Blog: Build A Big Podcast, page 38

Day #15 - That Was Weird...

Everybody has a "weird" story. You know, something that happened to you that was outside the mainstream, or a fluke, or maybe just funny.

Your listeners have these kinds of stories as well. Again, everybody has these stories.

If you've been podcasting for a while, you probably have one related to your podcast. In this episode, I share a podcasting-related story that will blow your mind. I also talk about a podcaster I know who shares "weird" stories on his podcast, which recently his 10,000,000 downloads.

There is money (and listeners) in weird stories.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now.

           

Day #14 - The Heart-Breaker

Over the last couple of days, you've talked about some of the common misconceptions and hurdles that are holding your listeners back. Now it's time to talk about the results of what happens when your listeners don't take the action necessary to work through these misconceptions and hurdles.

You're not a nameless, faceless "host." If people wanted that, they can get it all day (and night) long on broadcast radio. So we're going to look at the issues your listeners are facing in a very real, human, and emotional way...

Mentioned:

How Podcasting Is Helping Me Embrace My Stutter (James Hayden) My Stuttering Life (Pedro Pena) The Perfect Podcaster Isn't Perfect

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now.

           

Day #13 - Common Misconceptions (w/ Blooper Reel)

Your podcast listeners, like all people, have a few misconceptions. And these misconceptions are getting in the way of them getting where they need to go.

But these misconceptions can be a great opportunity when it comes to listeners getting really connected with you as a podcast host...

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now.

           

Day #12 - Podcast Listener Hurdles

If you want a BIG podcast, whether your format is solo, co-hosted, or interview, you need to know your listeners. I encourage all hosts do set up one-on-one meetings with listeners on a regular basis to keep in touch with where they are and what they're looking for.

When you do this, you'll start to notice patterns. One of those patterns is specific "hurdles" your listeners are dealing with that keep them where they are if not handled properly.

This episode is about those listener hurdles and how to go over them, under them, around them, and through them.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #11 - Mistakes

The people who listen to your podcast are making mistakes. If you talk to them often, and you should, you'll start to see patterns – the same mistakes made over and over.

Talking about common mistakes listeners are making on your podcast and can show them three things:

Social Proof - It shows that "other people" are listening to you. It shows you have an awareness of a common issue (and teases a solution). It may build rapport if you've been through that issue yourself and want to share the experience.

On a more general level, this is another opportunity for you to get personal, build rapport, and show your humanity. Nobody wants to listen to a robot, yet that's what so many upcoming solo (and non-solo) podcasters broadcast to listeners when trying to be flawless.

Mentioned On The Episode

3 Mistakes I Made When I Started My First Podcast

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #10 - Mentorship

I don't believe in the concept of the "self-made man." Everybody has help along the way and we're all influenced by others, even if that influence shows us what not to do.

This is especially true when it comes to the subjects we podcast about. If you care about something enough to podcast about it, you've had a lot of help when it comes to formulating your thoughts and opinions on the subject.

That's the story I want to know.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #9 - Why You're Excited

Excitement is contagious. 

Have you ever seen an excited person in a public place sharing that excitement with a friend? People are naturally attracted to situations like this.

What about your podcast subject do you find exciting? Why do you care so much? When you can clearly communicate these things, listeners become easy to attract.

This episode is about how to clearly communicate your excitement to listeners.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #8 - The Book

You can tell a lot about somebody from the books they read. Whenever I meet somebody interesting, I always ask about this.

The books we read tell a lot about us. They help define our beliefs. They help us to move forward with our lives.

You want your listeners to know who you are and sharing stories of the books you read helps to do this.

 

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #7 - False Beliefs About Podcasting

This episode, Day #7 of the 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge, continues where yesterday's episode left off. As mentioned yesterday, one of the best things you can do to set yourself apart from other hosts and make yourself (and your podcast) stand out is to do the opposite of what everybody else is doing.

Why do the opposite of what so many people are doing? Because there are a lot of false beliefs about things and somebody (who happens to be you) needs to set the record straight.

As always, there's a "challenge" element and I give an example of what I'm looking for from you. In this example, I talk about false beliefs about podcasting, because not only is this a podcast about podcasting and I want to keep examples relevant, these are things you need to know when selling advertising and sponsorship for your podcast.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now. 

           

Day #6 - Do The Opposite

Legendary speaker and broadcaster, Earl Nightingale, once said, “If you want to be successful in life, simply watch what most people would do in a given situation, and then do the total opposite."

In general, this is arguable good advice. But as a way to make yourself stand out from other podcasters, it's great advice.

Your listeners have a way of doing things that seems "normal." The other podcasts in your market have hosts who advise these things.

What would happen if you do the opposite? I talk about this. I also share the story of how "doing the opposite" of what traditional radio thought was best has kept my broadcast radio show on the air.

To make sure you don't miss any of these special 30-Day Solo Podcast Challenge episodes, go to bigpodcast.com/subscribe and subscribe now.