How can you create a cohesive narrative with multiple hosts or guests?

The biggest podcasting pitfall = starting without a clear concept. Grab a piece of paper and write EVERYTHING you want to do with your podcast. Then, summarize that in 10 words. That's your concept. The best book to read about this is Make Noise by Eric Nuzum. If you're getting into podcasting, it's a MUST READ.

Start by establishing a shared vision for the episode's theme or topic. Clearly outline the structure and key points, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Allocate specific roles or segments to each host or guest, allowing for a seamless flow of conversation. Practice active listening and build upon each other's contributions to create a dynamic and engaging dialogue. Use transitions, introductions, and segues to connect different segments and maintain a cohesive narrative. Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where all voices are valued, ensuring that the episode feels unified despite having multiple participants.

This also helps you define why you are choosing a certain number of hosts and guests? A one-on-one conversation can lead to more vulnerability while a roundtable type episode will provide multiple perspectives. This clarity will go a long way in scripting and recording the podcast.

This is a format where you want to sit down ahead of time to set boundaries & align on an overall direction. Set an ideal cadence, remind people that monologuing isn't ideal & ensure people have their camera's on so it's a bit easier to communicate w/ the group (using body language / visual ques)

As a host or moderator, the best trick is that when you pose a question, you initially direct it to one person or guest. The key here is to speak with your other guests and cohosts beforehand and set expectations, telling them that you’ll start each question aimed at a specific person, but they can feel free to jump in and add to it or give their own perspective. I find that the initial silence after asking the question can be where things get awkward, so this method helps eliminate that

We have found that when preparing for multiple guests, make sure you direct questions specifically to a guest by name. In other words, don't just drop a question in the conversation, and hope that one of the guests will jump in to answer. For the most part, guests are hesitant to jump on top of each other to answer questions. Keep the flow going by asking your guest directly to answer a question, then ask the other as a followup to that answer.

When it comes to the planning of the outline/script for a particular episode, it helps if you are as researched as possible on your guests. Finding interesting common ground between them that you can mine for meaningful conversations. As far as the structure goes, having a structure in place is helpful. This can be a simple 3-part structure where you delve into their past, their present, and future, or it can be something even more complicated. The major heavy lifting will rest on how tightly planned the outline/script is and how effectively you, as a host, can stick to it while still allowing for spontaneity and free flowing conversation.

We look at editing in two different ways. One, editing ensures that the guests sound great. We edit out the coughs, distracting uhms, etc. Two, editing enhances the LISTENER experience as well. Then with the final version, we always EQ and increase the "loudness" of the audio. This helps the listener experience so they don't have to turn up their volume in the car or personal listening device.

When crafting a podcast with multiple speakers, marketing it can be the last thing podcasters want to do - however, that's where podcasters can see the biggest growth. I see a lot of podcasters not tag their guests at all, or forget to use their branded hashtags or branding. Adding them as collaborators on Instagram will enable all participants to cross-promote the one piece of content across their audiences, and gathers comments, likes and saves all under the same content - which is great to help track reach and engagement! Don't forget to also check the guests' profiles as many have strict branding guidelines for what gets shared to their audience.

Both internet searches for podcasts and in-app searches rely on relevant keywords to help your podcast be found when listeners search. Be sure to always include keywords and consider Google E-E-A-T when writing your descriptions. When it comes to posting on social platforms use popular hashtags in your captions.

If your co-host doesn't appear like your bestie or more like your life partner on the podcast then as co-hosts your pairing will not garner the optimum amount of traction which it may deserve. Which means the chemistry between you and your co-hosts should be crackling. You all cannot have the same perspective or voice because then there is no need for additional hosts. You all need to have your personalities and your own opinions and that should come out with a fun banter that hooks the audience and makes them stay. If you crack this code then your listeners will come back every week for you and your co-hosts, more than your guests.