What happens when you've got a podcast to feed and you've run out of ideas, guests or content? Here are eight practical ways to keep your episodes fresh, and a smarter way to work so you're never scrambling on a Sunday night.
Work a Couple of Episodes Ahead
After one season, I was so burnt out from the tasks involved that I hadn't lined up guests for the next season. A guest episode involves a lot:
Finding guests and contacting them
Sending podcast information and a booking link
Rescheduling dates when things change
Recording and producing the episode
Creating social media videos and images
Turning the transcript into social copy, episode descriptions and a newsletter
Scheduling and publishing everything
Working a couple of episodes ahead frees up time and mental space. It's very stressful when an episode is due on Wednesday and it's Sunday night.
Simplify Your Process
We cut some nice-to-have items and streamlined production. We also stopped using three different software programs for audio, video and social media and began using Riverside for all of them. Paying a bit monthly saved us time, created much of the content we needed, and let us schedule directly from the platform.
Brainstorm With Pen and Paper
Grouping ideas around bigger ideas gives you multiple options, just like brainstorming an essay at school. I brainstormed this book's chapter list the same way.
Ask Questions
Write down the questions you or others have asked about your topic. Then go to a search engine and type in questions like "how do I" or "what keywords are associated with X topic."
Follow the links to blogs, websites and other podcasts
Keep the best ideas and cut the rest
Remember, it's okay if someone has covered the topic before. Your take can be a fresh perspective.
Write a List
A sheet of paper is a lot less intimidating than staring at a microphone and wondering how you'll fill an hour. Write a question like "What do I know about X?" and list everything that comes to mind. The first ideas may feel silly or simple, but keep going. The ideas will flow.
Listen to Friends and Colleagues
The people around you can be a great source of ideas. Ask yourself:
What questions do people keep asking me?
What comes up at meetings or committees I'm part of?
What do we all talk about?
If your podcast helps people find answers, you could already be the person who has them.
Use Social Media, Notes and Online Resources
Save Facebook and Instagram posts to revisit later
Keep notes on your phone for your work and hobbies
Read newsletters and publications from the big players in your industry or hobby, without copying from them
Follow trends or market shifts you can comment on
Agree or disagree with ideas and explain exactly why
Ask Your Listeners
Invite your audience to share ideas and questions at the end of every episode. If you haven't launched yet, run a poll on Instagram or Facebook.
Key Takeaways
Working a couple of episodes ahead reduces stress.
A simpler process saves time without lowering quality.
Your ideas are already around you: in your questions, notes, community and listeners.
It's okay if someone has covered your topic. Your perspective is what's new.
A written list is the easiest way to start.