What do you do if your podcast episodes need better planning and execution?

This is true; defining goals is essential. In my podcasting journey, which has become a metaphor for my life's journey, every conversation is important. However, there different conversations that I need to have. For this reason, I created various podcasts/conversation. I am now developing a podcast for US Armed Service Veterans. When I lost my job in 2021, I was not able to find employment right away. I was unemployed for several months. I am a US Marine Corps veteran, over the age of 50, and had not been on a job search in many years. I had few resources to pull from. Now I have the resources and I want to share them on this new podcast to help other veterans make sense of civilian life. My goal for this new podcast is clear.

Keep your goals simple, and your podcast short enough to be accessible. Your main goal is likely made up of several steps - defining the problem, looking at current solutions, and proposing new ideas or focus. Instead of trying to cover everything in one podcast, do several shorter episodes that link together to achieve your goal. Evaluate each podcast in the chain as you go to see if you're reaching your audience and how effectively they're getting the message. That may lead you to change and improve your approach as you move forward.

Setting clear goals is crucial for any successful podcast. It's like having a roadmap for your journey. When you know what you want to achieve with each episode and who you're speaking to, it becomes easier to plan and execute effectively. For instance, if your goal is to educate your audience about cooking techniques, you'll tailor your content and structure to deliver valuable insights in each episode. With SMART goals in place, you're not just shooting in the dark; you're purposefully crafting content that resonates with your listeners and drives engagement. So, take the time to define your goals—it's the first step towards podcasting greatness!

To further enhance planning and execution, it’s essential to incorporate a detailed script or a set of bullet points for each segment. This practice allows you to articulate your thoughts more clearly and maintain a natural flow throughout the episode.

Même si le podcast est un format qui offre beaucoup de liberté, c'est aussi un type contenu qui doit être structuré pour apporter de la fluidité en accompagnant la compréhension. Aussi, les sections doivent être reconnaissables. Les interludes musicaux par exemple peuvent aider à se repérer dans l'épisode.

You should use the best tools you can get. One thing is to say that the most important part of a podcast is not gear; and other different thing is to say that gear doesn't matter at all. Maybe your mic is too bad, then change it for a better one when you can because you're noticing sudden improvement. If your recording space is too bad, too noisy or too reverberating, then try to change to another more quiet place. Yes, there are very expensive mics that are awesome for recording studios, but maybe not for you (and those mics need specific accesories, etc.). You can have a good quality sound with, for example: -Samson Q2U -Blue Yeti -AKG Lyra -Rode Podmic -Shure SM7dB -Sennheiser E945 -Blue Sona -Audio Technica AT2020 -...

Say, you've got fantastic content, but listeners won't stick around if it sounds like it was recorded in a tin can. Upgrading your gear might seem daunting, but it's a worthy investment. Better microphones, editing software, and recording setups can work wonders. Trust me, I've seen firsthand how a simple upgrade can transform a podcast from amateur hour to top-notch quality. Plus, when your audio shines, so does your credibility and listener base. It's like giving your podcast a professional makeover!

Guest episodes have the potential to significantly enrich your podcast, offering fresh perspectives and drawing in a wider audience. In addition to conducting thorough research and preparing your guests, consider having a pre-interview chat. This informal conversation can help break the ice, allowing you to gauge your guest's comfort level and clarify any complex topics you plan to discuss. It also offers an opportunity to discover interesting anecdotes or experiences your guest might share, which you can highlight during the actual recording for more engaging content.

I always repeat that batching is one of the podcasters' best friends. Planning time worth the hype, no doubt! And detecting incoming troubles days before you can find a solution to that troubles easier than when they come on the go. If you are working with a team, then you need time to coordinate the team thus eveybody to be their most productive version.