There are several different formats that you can choose to use in your podcasting quest. The type of format will really depend on the intent of your a course in miracles and how you decide to share relative content for your listening audience. It must be a good fit for them and a good fit for you.
Before you begin, you should decide if you want to record your podcast seasonally (like they do on television). If you follow the season concept, you can record all of your content for the year in a short span of time (say, a couple of months). You then release the episodes in order and on a predetermined schedule (for example, every Monday at 9am). Once you have finished the required number of episodes for the season, you can relax and start preparing for “next season.” This allows you to have a few months of scheduled down time before recording, editing and publishing all over again for the next season.
This method will also enable you to give a “theme” to your episodes for the season. You will also be able to break up a long topic into episodes and keep them all under a theme for the season. Having a specific format will help you to retain your customers. Once they have started listening and like the format, they will also be able to recommend your show easily by describing elements or aspects that they like.
Interview: In this format, you can interview different guests each episode. An advantage to be gained from using this format is that it can create a sense of anticipation in your listeners. For by creating a schedule, listeners will know in advance which guest you will interview next. On the downside though, guests might be hard to find and schedule. Plus, a guest may not show up and leave you with no one to interview.
Co-host: Two or more persons host the show in this format. Usually, the tone of such a podcast is conversational and friendly. Its ability to easily gain listeners makes this one of the most popular types of podcasts. The key to success here is to choose the right co-host. It is important that both co-hosts harmonize and complement each other like peanut butter and jelly. If the chemistry is poor, things can go really bad, very fast.
Panel: This type of podcast consists of more than one hosts, usually within a specific or related field of expertise. Each can give their own unique perspective on given topics. This is ideal for controversial topics and tend to appeal to a wider set of audience. Though the panel approach offers numerous benefits; it comes with its fair share of disadvantages as well. It is harder to control the flow of conversation. In addition, it might be difficult to coordinate as you must take everyone’s schedule into consideration. It makes you somewhat dependent on your panelists.
Solo: The Solo Podcast is by far the easiest to start; as it’s just you and your audience. You are in total control; therefore, your success is not dependent on a co-host or panel. It is also easier to build relationships with your listeners this way. This format is ideal for entrepreneurs and marketers, interested in branding. A solo podcast can serve to inform, educate, or entertain. If you have a naturally vibrant and energetic personality, then this is the ideal type for you. As a solo host, remember to be knowledgeable about your content, relax and just have fun. If you feel like you lack confidence, you can always practice before embarking upon your podcasting journey.
Hybrid: This type of podcast has an assigned host who occasionally allows other persons to host the show as well. The Hybrid is quite popular with writers. Using this method, you can schedule guest writers or guest hosts can showcase their work for your audience. The Hybrid allows you to keep things interesting as you can switch between each type of podcasts as it suits you. For example: You can have an interview one week, go solo another week and do a combination of both for the next week.
