Podcast Hacks from JRE, Diary of CEO and MFM

The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), Diary of a CEO (DOCEO), and My First Million (MFM) are masterclasses in podcasting that have dominated their niches. Here’s a breakdown of the hacks they employ—and how you can adapt them to supercharge your own podcast.

Joe Rogan Experience (JRE) Hacks

1. Long-Form, Unfiltered Conversations

• What They Do: JRE thrives on unstructured, long-form conversations that feel authentic. Joe gives his guests space to talk, explore ideas, and let their personalities shine.
• Why It Works: Audiences crave authenticity. It’s like eavesdropping on an unscripted, raw conversation between fascinating people.
• How You Can Use It: Extend your episodes to allow more depth. Let your guests get comfortable so they share their unfiltered, raw thoughts. Create an environment that feels casual, even if it’s virtual—think, "We’re just two people talking, not an interview."

2. Bold and Controversial Guests

• What They Do: Joe invites polarizing, high-profile, or fringe figures—scientists, comedians, conspiracy theorists, and celebrities. These guests bring their fanbases along, sparking debates and boosting reach.
• Why It Works: Controversy creates curiosity, engagement, and virality.
• How You Can Use It: Invite guests with extreme or unique viewpoints, even if they’re outside your niche. Controversy can drive downloads, comments, and shares.

3. Create Viral Clips

• What They Do: JRE cuts segments of the most intriguing, controversial, or funny moments into short, shareable clips.
• Why It Works: These clips dominate platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok, drawing new listeners.
• How You Can Use It: Plan for "clip-worthy" moments during the episode—provocative questions, bold statements, or moments of humor. Hire an editor or use AI tools like Opus Clip to generate and distribute these clips.

4. Audience-Driven Topics

• What They Do: Joe asks questions his audience wants answered, whether it’s about MMA, diet trends, or aliens.
• Why It Works: Listeners feel seen and heard, making them loyal.
• How You Can Use It: Poll your audience for burning questions or topics. Let them guide some of your content.

Diary of a CEO (DOCEO) Hacks

1. Hyper-Personal Storytelling

• What They Do: Steven Bartlett focuses on extracting deep, emotional, and vulnerable stories from guests. Episodes center around personal breakthroughs, failures, and humanizing moments.
• Why It Works: Vulnerability resonates. People connect deeply with stories of struggle and triumph.
• How You Can Use It: Go beyond the surface. Ask your guests emotionally charged questions, like: "What’s a moment that nearly broke you?" "What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?" Create a narrative arc for each episode. Start with the problem, dive into the struggle, and end with the resolution.

2. Stunning Production Value

• What They Do: DOCEO’s set design, lighting, and sound quality are top-tier, making it visually and aurally appealing.
• Why It Works: A polished production stands out in a crowded podcast market.
• How You Can Use It: Invest in high-quality equipment: mics, cameras, and editing software. If you’re recording virtually, use platforms like Riverside.fm for crisp audio and video.

3. Provocative Episode Titles

• What They Do: Titles like “How X Changed My Life Forever” or “The Dark Truth About Y” hook viewers immediately.
• Why It Works: The titles play on curiosity and promise value upfront.
• How You Can Use It: Use emotional, curiosity-driven titles: “The Biggest Lie Entrepreneurs Believe” “How AI Will Destroy and Rebuild the World”

4. Audience Intimacy

• What They Do: Steven speaks directly to the audience, offering his thoughts and takeaways. He builds a relationship that feels personal.
• Why It Works: It creates a sense of trust and connection.
• How You Can Use It: Add solo segments where you summarize the guest’s key points and how they apply to the audience’s life.

My First Million (MFM) Hacks

1. Idea Factories

• What They Do: MFM focuses on actionable business ideas, growth hacks, and clever strategies—each episode is a brainstorming session.
• Why It Works: Listeners walk away with something tangible they can implement.
• How You Can Use It: Dedicate a portion of each episode to practical takeaways or ideas your audience can immediately act on. Example: “Here’s how you can use AI to double your leads this week.”

2. Banter Over Interviews

• What They Do: The hosts have a relaxed, humorous style, making the podcast feel like a conversation between friends.
• Why It Works: The dynamic is entertaining and relatable, even when they’re discussing serious business topics.
• How You Can Use It: Loosen up! Add humor, banter, and hot takes to lighten the tone of your episodes. Challenge your guests with lighthearted questions like, “What’s the dumbest business idea you’ve ever tried?”

3. Hot Takes on Trends

• What They Do: The hosts jump on trending topics—hot startups, business news, or viral content.
• Why It Works: It keeps the podcast fresh, timely, and relevant.
• How You Can Use It: Incorporate a weekly “AI Trend of the Week” or “Startup to Watch” segment. Use platforms like Google Trends or Substack to identify what’s hot.

4. Audience Involvement

• What They Do: MFM often shares and builds on ideas submitted by listeners.
• Why It Works: It creates a sense of community and makes listeners feel valued.
• How You Can Use It: Ask your audience for their best growth hacks, AI tools, or startup ideas. Feature them in your episodes.

Steal These Hacks and Make Them Yours

Here’s how you can adapt their tactics:

1. Start with One Unique Hook
2. Be Ruthlessly Entertaining
3. Experiment with Formats

Your Next Moves

• Step 1: Plan your next episode with these concepts.
• Step 2: Test a new format.
• Step 3: Focus on visuals and clips.

Final Question: Are you ready to make your podcast unforgettable by stealing the best hacks from the biggest names? If yes, what’s the first thing you’ll change?