Invite High-Caliber Guests
Many popular podcasts are structured in an interview format. (Think: The Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard.) The interview podcast structure works well because you will get exposure to your guest’s audience, and they will bring exciting new insights to your regular listeners. While you might not be able to get Dax’s level of celebrity guests, you can hopefully connect with some of the important influencers in your industry. The important thing to remember is to do your research on your guests ahead of time and generate topics based around their interests or areas of knowledge.
Offer Actionable Advice
Everyone loves advice. Another way to come up with podcast topics is to provide advice on current issues in your industry, at your own company, or within your own life. Brene Brown and Glennon Doyle both have popular advice podcasts. Russell Brunson also started “Marketing in Your Car,” where he talks about what he’s learned and the challenges he’s faced in the marketing industry. These types of podcasts are better for those with established audiences, like Brene, Glennon, and Russell.
Accept Listener Submissions and Questions
If you’re struggling to come up with podcast topics, a great way to generate topics AND engage with your audience is to accept listener questions and/or submissions. Many popular podcasts have “minisodes” where they read listener emails or do occasional Q&A episodes. You are guaranteed to discuss your audience’s interests, and it saves you time on coming up with topics! These types of episodes are the user-generated content of podcasts.