Intro to Podcast Design

Listeners can smell a fake

Always be aware of how authenticity and interest are intertwined.

Most successful podcasts start with something the host knows and loves. It’s a solid formula, but what if your passion is curiosity itself? What if your idea isn’t about expertise but about diving headfirst into something you know nothing about, purely because you want to learn?

That kind of curiosity can spark something powerful like a podcast built around the journey rather than the destination. Done right, it feels like an adventure you’re inviting listeners to join.

I’d listen to a show like that.

A curiosity-driven podcast can work. Shows like Extra Pack of Peanuts, Zero to Travel, and Everyday Badassery are proof. They take listeners on authentic journeys of discovery. But here’s the catch: you have to mean it. Curiosity only works when it’s real. You can’t fake your interest or pretend the journey is genuine. If you do, listeners will sniff it out in seconds.

Listeners are sharp. They know when you’re phoning it in. If they sense you don’t truly care about the topic, or worse, that the “journey” is just a gimmick, they’ll tune out faster than you can say, “Next episode.”

But when you’re all in and you approach your topic with authentic enthusiasm, they will reward you. They will give you their attention, their loyalty, and sometimes even their gratitude.

That’s because authenticity isn’t just important, it’s essential. It’s the foundation of your connection with your audience. And that connection is what makes your podcast worth listening to.

Your stories’ value is subjective; it all comes down to your talent and how you bring yourself to the mic. The audience decides if they like you and, by extension, your show. If they do, it’s because of your unique perspective, voice, and way of seeing the world.

That’s your secret sauce!

The thing that makes your podcast yours.

And here’s the best part: no one can copy that.

Big studios can replicate your format. They can borrow your style. They can even dive into similar topics. But they can’t duplicate you. They don’t have your point of view, your personality, or the inspiration driving your stories. Your unique approach to your podcast is the hardest thing for anyone to replicate.

So, always remember: authenticity and interest are inseparable. One doesn’t work without the other. That’s the creative spark your audience is drawn to. That’s what keeps them coming back for more.

Be curious. Be genuine. The rest will follow.