Analysing Podcasts

What is a Podcast? 

A podcast is like a radio show; however, it differs from a radio show because it is a weekly instalment of a series of conversations and/or debates and rather than be played on a radio station, often, they are found on internet streaming platforms like Spotify or apple podcasts to name a couple of examples. They are a relatively modern idea and have greatly come into fashion in the last few years. Podcasts have a lot going for them and their demographic proves that there is always an audience for a podcast of any sort. 

What Makes a Good Podcast? 

A good podcast is a podcast that features a regular and committed cast of hosts and presenters who all share the same interest in certain topics that are mentioned and discussed in their podcast. The most successful podcasts of my generation have been podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience, Stuff You Should Know and Overheard at National Geographic to name a few. These podcasts always seem to get right to the point and never leave the listener feeling dissatisfied with what they have tuned in to. 

Why do People Like Podcasts? 

People like podcasts for the same reason that they enjoy tuning in to TV shows, radio shows and internet content. It is simply entertainment however one could argue that podcasts are the most accessible form of media, you can listen to them on the go, or in the comfort of your own home. Wherever you are it feels like there is a podcast for you to listen to every day and there are no limitations to what podcasts can be about; from news to cars to sports and even food, the possibilities are endless in the world of podcasting. 

What Features are Commonly Found among these Podcasts? 

One thing that can be inferred about all these podcasts is that they all frequently have guests. The Disclosure podcast has this to a lesser extent, but guests have previously featured on the podcast and have often debated as well as conversed about several topics and affairs. The Joe Rogan Experience and The Happy Hour Podcast both have an interviewer and interviewee format and most of the time they will have a different guest each week. This is where The Disclosure Podcast differs from the other two, as Ed Winters (the presenter of the podcast) is often alone on the podcast giving many assessments on world-affairs related to eco-politics and animal rights. As stated before, however, the podcast has had (few) guests. 

How are these Podcasts Produced? 

Like most podcasts, these podcasts are studio produced in soundproofed rooms with familiar hosts and/or co-hosts as well as a guest on occasion or frequently depending on which podcast you are listening to. Some podcasts, like some of the above, are filmed as well as recorded and are released to YouTube which can be where the larger audience is. YouTube may well be the superior platform for podcasting, because with YouTube, viewers can like and/or dislike and if not that, they can also comment and voice their opinions on the episode, the topic discussed or the podcast. Podcasts have become interactive, influential and popular in recent years and show no signs of slowing down. Being produced the way they are, especially if things like sound quality are of a good standard, podcasts tend to find their audience quickly.