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Solo Podcast Formats Explained | Storyteller, Teacher, Commentator

Solo Podcast Formats Explained | Storyteller, Teacher, Commentator

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 Solo podcasting often gets a reputation for being "easy" because you don't have to coordinate with guests. But without a guest to bounce ideas off of, many hosts fall into the trap of rambling or becoming monotonous. You need a specific architecture to hold your audience's attention.In this episode, I break down the three primary structures of solo podcasting: The Storyteller, The Teacher, and The Commentator. Plus, learn about a fourth BONUS format.We explore the subtypes within these categories too, such as the "Historical Deep Dive" or the "Academic Explainer," and look at real-world examples of successful shows using these frameworks. You will learn how to identify which structure fits your goals and how to pivot your existing show to a stronger format.Here is what you will learn in this episode:The definition and goal of "The Storyteller" format (Narrative focus)How "The Teacher" format builds authority through logic and frameworksWhy "The Commentator" format builds the fastest trust with an audienceThe risks and rewards of blending multiple formats (Hybrid models)How to use a "Cold Open" to hook listeners immediatelyRESOURCES:Hardcore History (Dan Carlin): https://www.dancarlin.com/Lore (Aaron Mahnke): https://www.lorepodcast.com/History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: https://historyofphilosophy.net/The History of Rome / Revolutions (Mike Duncan): https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/Think Media Podcast: https://youtube.com/@ThinkMediaPodcast and https://www.thinkmediapodcast.comYour Improv Brain (Jen deHaan): https://youtube.com/@YourImprovBrain and https://improvupdate.comThe Humanist Report: https://www.humanistreport.com/Monday Morning Podcast (Bill Burr): https://billburr.com/podcastBetter Online (Ed Zitron): https://www.czm.media/shows/better-offlineAdam Conover (YouTube Channel): https://youtube.com/@TheAdamConover Revisionist History (Malcolm Gladwell): https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-historyRadiolab: https://radiolab.org/Chapters: 00:00 The risk of "winging it" in solo podcasting01:35 Format 1: The Storyteller (Narrative focus)02:08 Subtype: The Historical Deep Dive03:07 Subtype: Themed Narrative & The Cold Open04:36 Format 2: The Teacher (Knowledge transfer)05:36 Subtype: The Academic Explainer06:18 Subtype: The Framework Model (How-To)07:34 Format 3: The Commentator (Perspective based)08:24 Subtype: News Analysis vs. Op-Ed10:48 Hybrid Formats: Blending structures effectively13:15 Why structure creates creativityAbout and Support==========================Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan.Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.comSupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. Support the ShowLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://performance.captivate.fmWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRAbout JenHost: Jen deHaan has a background of almost 30 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance.Jen's website: https://jendehaan.comMade and produced by Jen deHaan in British Columbia, Canada.
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