5 Tips On How to Start Conversational Podcasts

• Diana Aghumyan
• May 5, 2023
• 10 min read

If you are planning to start a podcast, one of the essential decisions you should make is whether you want to do everything alone or have someone there helping you with running your podcast show. Choosing podcast formats is vital as it can either make or break your podcast. Therefore, you need to think thoroughly about this before you start conversational podcasts or podcasts in other formats.

So how do you know if you need a co-host for your show? And if you do want someone to be there with you, how to be sure this person is a good match for you? In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know: why you may need a co-host, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to pick an ideal co-host.

Pros and Cons of Conversational Podcasts

The conversational podcast is a podcast format widely used by many podcasters. It usually involves two people having a discussion together. It is similar to an interview podcast at some point. However,  in the case of conversational podcasts, both speakers are hosts, and each of them plays a specific role in the conversation.

What equipment do you need to start a podcast?

The answer is simple. Like any podcast format, conversational podcasts require you to have basic podcast recording and editing software to enhance the quality of your podcasts.

Pros of Conversational Podcasts

• You can motivate each other. Building a loyal fanbase takes time and patience. Therefore, you may want someone to be there with you to keep growing and going through all the challenges together.
• It’s easier for people to listen to straightforward and natural conversations.
• It’s more fun. People want to see the genuine reactions of co-hosts. For example, if you make a funny joke, your listeners will also feel entertained and enjoy your show even more. In this way, you spread positivity, and people definitely will appreciate that.
• Each of you can bring new perspectives. Even if you have a lot to say about a certain topic, you can only provide listeners with one perspective regardless of how unique it is. However, a co-host can bring a whole new perspective to the topics you cover during your show. Exchanging ideas is what makes discussions interesting.

Cons of Conversational Podcasts 

• The success of your podcast depends on who you are working with. We’ve all had terrible experiences while working with people on a particular project. No matter how hard you work. The success of your project heavily depends on team dynamics. It is the same for podcasting too. If you have good chemistry with the person you work with, you’ll likely have a great time. However, if you work with someone who is not a good fit, sooner or later, your show is probably going to fail. Hence, you need to put thought into who you would like to see by your side.
• It’s hard to edit two voices.
• You have to pick a topic you both are passionate about.
• Since conversational podcasts are more about natural discussions, you should not depend on a script.

What Makes a Good Podcast Co-Host?

In case you have decided that a co-host is right for your show, you need to look for someone that fits you and your podcast. Below are some characteristics you should consider while choosing a co-host. 

• Find someone who has a great passion for the topic

Whether your show is about cooking or a healthy lifestyle, your co-host has to be super interested in the topic. Being passionate about a particular subject can keep a co-host growing. On the contrary, when the topic is boring, the co-host, sooner or later, will give up. So, make sure the person you want to work with shares the same interests as you.

• Choose a person you have good chemistry with 

To build a strong team, you need to have some chemistry with each other. It takes time to become friends and build good relationships. Therefore, you should not worry if you do not feel connected to your co-host. However, if time passes and you still have awkward conversations, you should probably find someone else. 

• Find a person who can bring a new perspective to the conversation

Most people think that finding someone similar to you will be the best match. However, the differences between you can make your show even more interesting. Here’s why.  Each of you can share opinions. You can disagree in a respectful manner and bring relevant arguments to explain why you think so. Such conversations are interesting to follow. Listeners will be able to hear various perspectives and form their own opinions as well.

• Choose someone who you can rely on

It does not matter how enthusiastic and clever the person is. If they don’t want to work properly, they’re not the right person. Instead, you need to look for someone who is responsible and has enough free time to run a podcast show with you. This is the only way to succeed and take your podcast show to the next level.

How to Start Conversational Podcasts in 5 Simple Ways

1. Identify Your Roles

It is highly essential to discuss all the details with your co-host before you start working together. More specifically, it should be clear what work you are going to devote most of your time to both of you. It does not mean that you should always stick to one single plan. You just need to get started from somewhere to ensure you both are on the same page.

The first thing you should do is to identify your roles. You both need to have certain responsibilities. So, a delegation of tasks is not a necessity but a must. In this way, you can make sure that you both are equally contributing to the show and getting closer to achieving your goals.

2. Foster Open and Honest Communication

Open and honest communication is key when it comes to developing relationships. It is the same for co-hosting too. When your podcasting is not going well, you need to communicate with your co-host to understand what’s working well and what does not. In this way, you can find solutions and get rid of all the pain points.

3. Use Hand Signals

Interrupting each other during a conversation is a common thing. Most people do not go to the office because sometimes they talk over each other too much. However, in the case of podcasts, too much interrupting can sound chaotic.

Since 93% of our communication is nonverbal, it is better to use gestures. Hand signals can be helpful in this situation. If you want to add something and your co-host is speaking, you can simply raise your hand. When you are done talking, you can nod so your co-host knows when to start speaking.

In this way, you can avoid awkward pauses and don’t talk over them either. You can also use your own hand signals. It is up to the co-hosts what gestures or signs to use. The most important thing is to run conversations more smoothly and naturally.

4. Disagree in a Respectful Manner

If you do not agree with your co-host about a topic, it’s better to discuss the issue right away. Otherwise, your disagreement might turn into a serious argument.

However, people like debates as they allow listeners to hear different opinions. Therefore, you should try to listen to each other. You might not agree with the viewpoint of your co-host, but you should always express your opinion respectfully. In this way, your co-host won’t be offended, and you can have a great conversation together.

5. Listen to Each Other

As we have already mentioned, listening is important when it comes to co-hosting. This might seem obvious, but many people forget about it. It is quite easy to focus all your attention on what you are going to say next and forget about listening to the other person. So, make every effort to listen to your co-host to be able to respond naturally. Don’t worry if you cannot handle this task. It takes time to practice this skill and control your concentration.

Conclusion

Co-hosting is one of the most popular podcast formats that has its advantages and disadvantages, but if you choose the right person, you will be able to stand out from the competition. That’s why it is essential to choose a person to share ideas with and motivate each other to get the work done.

When looking for the right person, make sure they are committed to your show, are good at listening, and can complement you well. Besides, you need to communicate with each other well if you want to work more efficiently. In this way, you can lift each other up and make new achievements together.

SEO Content Writer

Diana Aghumyan

Diana is an experienced creative SEO content writer at SayNine. She is passionate about writing and giving value to people with her articles. Her blogs revolve around advertising, digital marketing, and other similar topics.