PODCAST PRODUCER

Mic on. Alright, let’s kick things off with an introduction to your host (instructor), what the course is all about, your final project, and the growing impact of audio and podcasting.

• Instructor introduction
• Course overview 
• Course project & key dates 
• The power of audio 
• Why podcasting grows

Get the big picture before you hit "record" — from trending genres to how listeners discover and engage with shows.

• What’s out there now 
• Categories & genres 
• Discovery issues 
• Podcast users and behaviors
• Discussion: What’s in your playlist queue and why?

Shape your podcast vision by exploring different formats — from narrative series to personality-driven shows — and dive into potential monetization strategies.

• Limited series or narrative storytelling 
• Personality-driven/episodic show
• Monetization options 
• Branded podcasts 
• Workshop: Real-time reactions to each type of podcast

Assignment #1: Podcast Episode Evaluation
Listen to one episode of a narrative podcast or one episode of personality-driven show and provide a brief summary of what was good/effective and where there’s room for improvement.

Discover how video is reshaping the podcast landscape, where platforms like YouTube and Spotify fit in, and how AI tools can elevate your workflow. Plus, get expert insights on audio quality from a guest pro.

• Platforms and their critical roles 
• Audio vs. video 
• Discussion: Are you listening or watching your favorite podcasts? And where are you doing this? 
• Power of video and podcasting 
• Case study: MeidasTouch upending Joe Rogan on podcast rankings 
• AI in podcasting 
• Guest speaker: On audio quality (recording and editing)

From producers to editors, uncover who does what behind the mic. Walk through a sample episode rundown and hear firsthand from two-time Emmy Award winner Corny Koehl.

• Team roles
• Demo: A sample show episode rundown 
• Guest speaker: Corny Koehl, two-time Emmy Award winner, former Executive Producer for Oprah Winfrey (Super Soul) podcast and TV series

Get clear on your podcast’s mission, audience, and what makes it stand out. You’ll define your budget, production timeline, and release cadence.

• What do you want to make?
• Who are you trying to reach? 
• How’s your idea unique?
• What’s your production budget? 
• What’s your production & release cadence? 

Assignment #2: Podcast Production Summary
Create a summary doc of what you’re making answering the above questions.

Lay the groundwork for a successful launch by building a roadmap for your series. From scripting episodes to crafting a compelling trailer, you’ll learn the pre-production essentials — and workshop real examples to sharpen your ear.

• What do you need? 
• Series roadmap 
• Episode outline 
• Scripts
• Making a trailer that works
• Workshop: Listen to several trailers and critique styles and effectiveness

Assignment #3: Trailer Script
Draft a script for your trailer and an episode outline/rundown for your pilot.

Learn how to book guests, prep like a pro, and spark conversations that stick. Plus, put what you learn to practice in a hands-on workshop.

• Booking & guests 
• Pitching for interviews
• Things to know 
• What makes a good interview
• Case Study: How Call Her Daddy interviews have become “must stop” destinations for high profile guests
• Workshop: Get into groups of 2 and spend 5 mins conducting pre-interviews with each other as a producer prep exercise

Explore what makes a podcast host truly memorable. Learn the dos, the don'ts, and hosting tricks from a seasoned guest who’s been behind the mic.

• Who’s the host of your show?
• Host vs. narrator 
• Guest speaker: Tricks to good hosting 
• Pitfalls to avoid

[Optional] Assignment #4: Hosting Reflection
Reflect on two hosts you like - what is it about their style/the way they go about hosting?

Hit pause and reflect on your progress. This session is your space to troubleshoot roadblocks, explore helpful AI tools, and get tailored feedback to keep your podcast moving forward.

• Where are you? 
• Are there any stucks?
• Workshop: How AI tools can help you
• Troubleshooting
• Q&A 

Learn what it takes to release your podcast the right way — covering music rights, legal basics, show titles, descriptions, and artwork to help your podcast get found and stay protected.

• Titles & descriptions
• Podcast art and photos 
• Music, clip usage, & legal stuff 
• Ready to release 
• Demo & Discussion: Listen to examples of shows that use clips of 3rd party content and discuss fair use or if we think they’ve gotten legal clearances

Assignment #5: Third Party Clips List
Make a list of any 3rd party clips or releases you’ll need for your series.

What does success look like for your podcast? Learn how to track growth using analytics, social media, and listener feedback — plus how to set goals that fit your vision, from building a brand to growing an audience.

• Analytics to measure progress 
• Social media 
• Getting feedback 
• Ratings & reviews 
• What does success look like? 
• Goals
• Case study: Pod Save America looking at the history of the show, successes and community creation

Learn smart strategies to grow your audience and build a community around your podcast. From pod swaps to industry networking, discover what really moves the needle — plus insights from a top podcast marketing expert.

• Growing your audience 
• Leveraging your community 
• Pod swaps 
• Guests from other pods 
• Networkings 
• Guest speaker: Head of Marketing from industry leading company

Ready to go pro? Get practical advice on breaking into the podcast industry and receive personalized feedback on your show pitch to help shape your next steps as a producer.

• Steps to being a professional producer 
• Pitches & feedback