An inspiring, comprehensive, step-by-step guide to creating a hit show, So You Want to Start a Podcast covers everything from hosting and guest booking to editing and marketing - while offering plenty of encouragement and insider stories along the way.
Though they are the fastest-growing form of media, podcasts can actually be tricky to create—and even harder to sustain. Few know the secrets of successfully creating a knockout podcast better than Kristen Meinzer. An award-winning commentator, producer, and former director of nonfiction programming for Slate’s sister company, Panoply, Meinzer has also hosted three successful podcasts, reaching more than ten million listeners. Now, she shares her expertise, providing aspiring podcasters with crucial information and guidance to work smarter, not harder as they start their own audio forum.
Meinzer believes that we each have a unique voice that deserves to be heard. But many of us may need some help transforming our ideas into reality. So You Want to Start a Podcast asks the tough but important questions to help budding podcasters define and achieve their goals, including:
Why do you want to start a podcast?
Think about specifically why you want to start a podcast versus a blog, zine, YouTube channel, Instagram feed, or other media outlet. Find out if a podcast is really the best way to tell your story—and what you really need (and don’t need!) in order to get started.
What is your show about?
For any advertiser, corporate partner, or press outlet, you need a snappy pitch. How would you describe what you want to do in two to three sentences?
Who is your podcast for?
Who are you trying to reach? How will your content and tone appeal to those listeners?
How is your show going to be structured?
Create a step-by-step map planning the show out. Think about length, segments, interviews, advice, news reads, and other aspects of successful podcasts you can adapt for your own.
With this motivational how-to guide—the only one on the subject available—you’ll find the smart, bottom-line advice and inspiration you need to produce an entertaining and informative podcast and promote it to an audience that will love it. So You Want to Start a Podcast gives you the tools you need to start a podcast—and the insight to keep it thriving!
Author Info
Kristen Meinzer is a podcast host, producer, and former director of nonfiction programming for Slate’s sister company, Panoply. Her hosting credits include Stitcher/Panoply’s By the Book, Stitcher’s We Love You (And So Can You), CNN’s Decades of Movies podcast, Panoply’s When Meghan Met Harry, and WNYC/PRI’s Movie Date. Her producing credits include Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Sporkful, Food 52’s Burnt Toast, Girlboss Radio, and other award-winning shows. Kristen’s work has been celebrated in Time, the Washington Post,Bust, Buzzfeed, the Evening Standard, Real Simple, Indiewire, and dozens of other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Reviews
Not only does [Meinzer] lay out a proven method to get your podcast up and running, but she inspires you to constantly improve your game. Use her success as a springboard to build a podcast that attracts listeners while giving you a platform to spread your message. — Forbes
This book is by Kristen Meinzer, co-host of one of my favorite podcasts By the Book. I would pretty much trust her with my life, so I would def trust her to teach your friend how to start a pod. — Rachel Dunkel for Buzzfeed
This is the one and only book you need to get started. — Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Four Tendencies and host of Happier with Gretchen Rubin
[Meinzer] asks pointed questions intended to help readers find their voice and refine their product. . . . Clear and direct. . . . Dabblers who think it will be easy because ‘my friend Dave and I are really funny’ will (rightfully) be discouraged, but those serious about mastering podcasting will find Meinzer’s insights invaluable. — Publishers Weekly
The real value of this book is the balance of clear instruction with motivation as Meinzer encourages aspiring podcasters to dig deep into what they want to share, while providing them with the tools to make their voices heard. — Booklist (starred review)
Just the book I needed. . . . I’m working on launching a new project that is not a podcast, but so much of this was applicable to my project. . . . I appreciated the comprehensive overview of a variety of topics . . . interwoven with behind-the-scenes insights and a huge dose of encouragement. — Book Riot
Kristen Meinzer knows podcasting inside out, upside down and sideways, and she has probably mastered a fourth podcast dimension I’m not aware of. Buy it and read it: Your future listeners thank you in advance. — Chris Bannon, chief content officer, Stitcher
It’s like having a smart-as-heck mentor whispering You’ve got this in your ear, with a playful laugh to remind you to take your work seriously and have fun along the way. — Kerry Donahue, director of training, PRX
Kristen Meinzer has brilliantly laid out everything you need to know (it’s probably more than you think!) and exactly what steps to take from here. Just do it! — Sarah Bentley, director of podcasts, originals, and non-music programming at Pandora
Kristen Meinzer’s book is a smart, funny, thoughtful step-by-step guide not just for getting into podcasting, but also for being a good person while you do it. You’ll feel validated—and ready to tackle the world! — Mia Lobel, executive producer, Revisionist History
Kristen Meinzer has written the definitive book on how to start a podcast. She’s not just the expert; she’s your biggest cheerleader and teacher, encouraging you to be bold and share your voice. She’s there holding your hand and until she pushes you out of the nest, saying, ‘Be bold! You can do it! I believe in you!’ — Ann Heppermann, founder, the Sarah Awards
If you're thinking of starting a podcast or any other kind of media show, I recommend it. — PubTalk Live
The book is chock full of ideas to get you to think outside the box, and really fine-tune not just the first five minutes of your show but your entire show. I really liked this book a lot. — School of Podcasting
A book worth reading even if you're already podcasting. — Inside Podcasting
A true expert on this subject, so listen up and take notes! — Bust Magazine
