Not Sure What to Talk About Next on Your Podcast? Try This.
Episode 243 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer
0:45 - Why Even Experts Struggle with Content Ideas
5:06 - How to Keep Your Content Fresh for New Listeners
8:50 - Three Quick Questions to Break Through Podcaster’s Block
10:38 - The Secret to Creating Episodes That Deeply Connect with Your Audience
11:50 - Spotting the Hidden Cues That Might Be Turning Off Your Listeners
How to Stay Inspired When Creating Podcast Content
How many times have you sat down to plan an episode, only to stare at the cursor blinking on the screen for an hour because you're fresh out of new episode ideas?
If you're an expert who’s starting to run out of things to talk about on your podcast, keep reading, because I’m about to hand you three easy questions you can ask yourself to spark fresh episode ideas, keep your show engaging, and convert more listeners to leads.
When Creating Podcast Content Feels Impossible
The reality is, there are going to be times that creating podcast content feels like a struggle.
The actual thought of cranking out a podcast episode when you're sick? ...pass the remote.. Maybe you're more tired than usual. Maybe you got an unexpected email from a client or something’s happening in your personal life that’s stealing your focus. Or maybe it's just Tuesday and creating podcast content just... ain't... creationing.
It's weird though — because when it comes to recording content, you've got that DOWN. You hit record and suddenly, you're in your element. You love connecting with your audience and you get this amazing high when you get to talk about something you're really passionate about for over 20 minutes. (us podcast hosts are weird like that — it's okay).
But this begs an interesting question: if recording is easy, then why does it feel so hard sometimes to come up with new topics to talk about each week?
The Curse of the Expert
I’m willing to bet that you started your podcast because you really, really love [insert your all-time favorite topic here]. But for some unknown reason, creating podcast content about that topic every. single. week. sometimes gets...well... boring. Yup, I said it.
Top 100 podcast hosts get bored with their content too, and it's okay to admit it. So instead of feeling like you need to be constantly inspired to create great content, expect to get bored. And when you do, think about it this way: what feels stale to you may be groundbreaking for a listener tuning in for the first time.
Remember Who You’re Creating Podcast Content For
Your ego likes to tell you that as the host, you’re the star of the show. However, your podcast exists to serve your audience. The most compelling episodes often stem from a genuine desire to help your listeners — keyword: genuine.
There are a lot of podcast hosts out there who are podcasting to serve their ego under the facade of serving their listeners. And guess what? No matter how much you try to hide it, listeners will pick up on that energy.
So if you want to be a top-ranking podcast host, you first have to remember who you’re creating podcast content for.
For me, it's for the person who told me last week that she lives for Wednesday mornings because she can't wait to listen to the latest episode.
It's for the person listening who finally just bought their first microphone after two years of dreaming about it, and they are desperate not to fail.
It's for the person who's been podcasting for over a year but is still struggling to cross that first download milestone from 0 - 1000/dnl, no matter how much value they share inside their episodes.
(And it's for you, reading this).
When planning content, visualize a listener sitting across from you at the kitchen table. You’re sharing a cup of coffee. Imagine the questions they might have, the concerns they’re grappling with, and the advice they’re looking to hear.
Getting into the headspace of your listener not only makes your content more engaging but also ensures it’s relevant and helpful. This approach stops you from falling into the trap of over-preparation and allows for more authentic, off-the-cuff episodes that resonate with your audience — and here are my three favorite questions to help you do it:
- What is my listener wishing I would talk about next?
- What questions do they want the answer to, but maybe they’re afraid to ask?
- What mistakes are they making that they don’t know they’re making, and how can I help them avoid these pitfalls?
These questions are straightforward, but they cut through the noise and bring you back to creating podcast content that matters, because it’s hyper-relevant to your listener.
Put It Into Practice
Next time you’re feeling stuck, pull out these questions and start jotting down ideas. You’ll quickly find yourself shifting from a state of frustration to creativity. This small mindset shift can turn what feels like a tedious task into an exciting opportunity to engage with your audience on a deeper level.
Keep Your Content Fresh
Creating podcast content isn't always easy, but by shifting your perspective and remembering who your content is for, you can overcome those blocks and keep your show fresh and engaging. Use the questions above to reconnect with your audience and spark new ideas. Your passion will shine through, and your listeners will keep coming back for more.
In our next episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes to uncover why the tone of your voice matters more than you think and how it can impact listener engagement. Don’t miss it!
And if you’re a coach, consultant, expert, or online business owner who’s ready for a podcast that turns your listeners into leads, we’d love to help. Book a free strategy call to chat with our team and let’s find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch.
