3 Chapter Two: Parts of a Podcast
Jack Derochers; Dee McKinney; and Justine Smith
Chapter 2: Parts of a Podcast
Not all podcasts are stories. However, we found that thinking of podcasts with a story structure helped form a framework familiar to students; they could recall a story that had meaning to them and list the parts (intro, main content, conclusion/outro, and elements that brought the story to life in their imagination). Storytelling can be a powerful approach in podcasting. Many successful podcasts, such as “Serial,” “Radiolab,” and “The Moth,” rely heavily on storytelling techniques to engage their audience and create a narrative arc that keeps listeners captivated. These podcasts often feature a central theme or plotline, character development, and immersive storytelling techniques like sound design and interviews. Thus, we encouraged students to consider their podcast as a “story,” even if relaying factual information.
The Intro
The podcast intro is the crucial hook for listeners. They might listen to the podcast for 30 seconds before deciding to continue or stop listening (NPR, 2017). The intro has several functions in the overall podcast:
- Capturing Attention: The intro serves as the first impression of your podcast. It’s your opportunity to grab the listener’s attention and make a strong initial impact. A compelling intro can hook your audience and entice them to continue listening.
- Branding and Identity: A well-crafted podcast intro helps establish the brand and creates a consistent identity for your show. It sets the tone, style, and personality that listeners can associate with your podcast. A memorable intro helps differentiate your podcast from others and builds recognition.
- Setting Expectations: The intro allows you to communicate what your podcast is about and what listeners can expect. It can provide a brief overview of the topics you’ll cover, the format of the show, or any unique features or segments. This clarity helps manage listener expectations and attracts those interested in your specific content.
- Professionalism and Credibility: A polished and professional intro adds an air of credibility to your podcast. It shows that you’ve put thought and effort into creating a quality production. An intro that sounds professional can help establish trust with your audience and make them more likely to continue listening.
- Familiarity and Consistency: A consistent intro helps establish a sense of familiarity and comfort for your listeners. By using the same or similar intro music, voice-over, and overall structure in each episode, you create a recognizable pattern that becomes associated with your show. This consistency can foster a connection with your audience and make them feel more engaged and invested.
Episode Content
A podcast told as a story focuses on creating a narrative experience for the listener. In listening to Podcast of the Week, Timber Wars, the students pointed how conflicting views, tension, and differen