Considering your audience and learning goals helps you scope your podcast. It dictates what information you will include in your podcast and, crucially, what you will leave out. You will also consider the tone of voice and format that will resonate with your audience. In addition, think about your scope. Will your podcast be a one-off on a specific topic? Or will it be part of a series?

In the podcast intro, you set the tone for the rest of the podcast. It helps listeners tremendously if you take them by the hand and make clear what they can expect. Moreover, it is an opportunity for you to convince your listeners that it is worthwhile to pay attention. In the outro, you tie things together and reiterate important conclusions. We recommend writing out the intro and outro word-for-word in your script to make sure start and finish with a strong and deliberate message. This will also take away some of the nerves you might experience in what might be a completely new experience for you.

Podcasts typically include one or more hosts and one or more guests. It helps to define what is expected from each participant. Do you support your learning goals best by having your guests give long, free-flowing answers? Or do you want your host to take the reigns? What if there are two hosts and/or guests? Whatever you decide, it's important that everyone is on the same page as co-creators of the podcast. We recommend having a preliminary discussion with all involved to make sure of this.

A good educational podcast spotlights the nuggets of conversation that will stick in your mind. That's why we will look to pinpoint the best examples, the most engaging anecdotes and the most vivid stories. Teachers and researchers have treasure troves of information, knowledge and experiences. Our challenge is to pare this down to well-structured and digestible learning materials.

At the same time, we want conversations to be natural. So we will not overprepare and write a word-for-word script (unless it fits the format). The goal is to know what to say, if not exactly how.

Once you know what to say, all that's left is adding structure. This means creating segments: clearly defined thematic blocks within the podcast covering a specific topic. Within these segments, you also determine what is important to mention, and in which order. We call this the roadmap, and our podcast formats help you make a roadmap.

Should your preparation be thorough? Yes. Should you keep your educational goals in mind? Absolutely. Is structure essential? No doubt. 

But listeners will tune out in seconds if they're bored. Enthusiasm, humour and emotional connection are key elements to an effective podcast. So let's give them the attention they deserve, both when preparing and recording your podcast.