Podcast Summary

Podcast: Just One Tip from Your Podcast Performance Coach
Host: Tim Wohlberg
Episode: 232 — Are You Using the Wrong Podcast Format? Here’s How to Fix It
Date: April 1, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

In this concise, advice-packed episode, Tim Wohlberg tackles one of the foundational elements of a successful business podcast: choosing the right format. He explains why defaulting to popular formats—especially interviews—may undermine your authority and connection with listeners, and offers practical strategies to intentionally select or adapt a podcast format that best supports your brand, audience, and business goals.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Critical Role of Format Selection

• Intentionality over Default:
  Tim emphasizes that the format is "one of the first and most important decisions you have to make about a new podcast." (01:12) Many creators fall into the interview format simply because it's what they enjoy as listeners, not necessarily what their brand or audience requires.
• Marketing Tool Purpose:
  He clarifies that this advice is tailored to business and authority-building podcasts, not entertainment-focused shows.

2. Common Podcast Formats & Their Nuances

• Traditional Interview (02:13)
  • Host asks a series of questions to a guest.
  • Styles can vary: hard-hitting, conversational, or co-hosted.
• NPR Style / Storytelling Approach (02:33)
  • Pre-recorded interviews distilled into clips to build an argument or tell a narrative, similar to a "magazine article with quotes."
  • More polished, editorial sound; higher production needs.
  • Quote:

    "This is when you do an interview in advance and... you are using clips or quotes from the interview to tell a story." (02:37)

• Talk Tape (Newsradio Style) (03:07)
  • Host interviews a reporter who has researched and gathered insight from various experts.
  • Offers more journalistic credibility but demands more resources.
  • Quote:

    "In newsradio, we refer to this style as talk tape... I love these more professional sounding styles. But they do require more of an investment..." (03:09)

• Panel Discussions (03:30)
  • A group of hosts or guests discuss topics, either with rotating or consistent panelists, but always with a clear moderator controlling the conversation.
• Solo Episodes (04:05)
  • Frequently overlooked but can be a powerful way to showcase your expertise and serve listeners directly.
  • Solo formats can feature:
    • Educational “how to” episodes
    • Storytelling
    • Coaching sessions/case studies
  • Quote:

    "Solo episodes should still follow a structure that serves your audience... solo episodes can be mixed in with interview episodes too." (04:11)

3. Strategic Fit: Format Should Be a Deliberate Choice

• The format must:
  • Serve your listener
  • Build your authority
  • Showcase your expertise (05:01)
• Mix/match solo and interview episodes, but with purpose—they "need to be part of your strategy." (04:29)

4. Key Questions for Format Selection

• Why are you podcasting? (05:20)
  • Is your goal: building awareness, generating leads, or closing sales?
• Who are you podcasting for? (05:38)
  • Does your ideal listener expect:
    • A highly produced, polished show that matches a premium offering?
    • Casual but insightful conversations consistent with your personal brand?

5. The Result: ROI From the Right Format

• When your podcast format aligns with your audience and strategy, your return (ROI) will increase. (06:26)
• Quote:

  "Knowing your why and your who are the keys to selecting the right podcast format... when you get the right format, your podcast ROI will soar." (06:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Interview Defaults:

  "So many of the entrepreneurs and thought leaders I talk to go straight to the obvious interview style format for their podcasts. It's a default... But that might be a big mistake because your podcast is not about you." (01:28)

• Listener-First Mindset:

  "Say it with me. I've said it before. Your podcast is not about you. It's for your listener." (01:36)

• On Solo Episodes:

  "A lot of entrepreneurs I talk to shy away from doing solo episodes. Often this is a missed opportunity." (04:08)
  "Remember, this is your show, so definitely consider showcasing what you know and how you show up for your clients." (04:18)

• Pragmatism About Format:

  "Mixing in solo episodes with interviews can work, but it needs to be part of your strategy." (04:29)

Important Timestamps

• 01:12 — The importance of being intentional about choosing a podcast format
• 02:13 — Describing the typical interview structure and its variations
• 02:33 — "NPR style" and the value of storytelling through edited interviews
• 03:07 — The newsradio "talk tape" approach
• 03:30 — Explaining the panel discussion format
• 04:05 — Why solo episodes matter and how to use them
• 05:01 — Reflection: Is your format serving you and your audience?
• 05:20 — Aligning format with business goals
• 05:38 — Considering your ideal listener's preferences
• 06:09 — The impact of the right format on podcast ROI

Final Thoughts & Calls to Action

Tim wraps with an open invitation for business podcasters feeling uncertain about their format strategy:

• Free coaching calls available for anyone who wants tailored advice (06:49)
• Mention of his Podcast Tune Up Coaching program (07:02) and Concept Casting Podcast launch program, which include custom format templates.

Summary Takeaway

Format isn't one-size-fits-all. Be intentional and strategic: choose a podcast format that genuinely supports your authority and serves your target listener. Consider mixing formats, but always with clarity of purpose—and don’t hesitate to seek expert guidance if you’re unsure.