E685 - Podcasters, Make The Podcast That People Want to Hear, Not Just What You Want to Make

Episode 685 - Podcasters, Make The Podcast That People Want to Hear, Not Just What You Want to Make

In this episode of The How To Podcast Series, host Dave reflects on a powerful idea he heard from Tom Webster on The New Media Show: podcasters need to make the show that people want to hear, not just the show they want to make. Drawing from Tom’s book The Audience is Listening, Dave unpacks what it means to create a podcast that meets a real need, rather than one that exists only for the creator’s personal satisfaction.

Dave explains that every podcast exists in a relationship between passion and audience demand. On one side, some creators lean into hyper‑specific, extremely niche topics—like “a show about yellow Lego blocks”—that may be fun for the host but struggle to attract or sustain a meaningful audience. On the other side, other creators chase what is trending or “going viral,” choosing topics they don’t really care about just because they seem popular. In both cases, long‑term growth and genuine connection are hard to achieve.

The real sweet spot, Dave argues, is where your passion overlaps with what people are actually asking for. He encourages podcasters to listen to comments, scan forums, and pay attention to recurring questions in their niche. When you notice the same questions or curiosities coming up again and again, you’ve likely found a topic that is in demand. This kind of audience‑driven approach helps you position your show as something that solves problems, answers questions, or fills gaps—rather than just adding noise to the existing content landscape.

Dave also highlights the importance of actually engaging with your audience instead of waiting for them to come to you. Whether it’s at a dad event, an author festival, or a local community gathering, he urges podcasters to be the “only podcaster in the room.” By showing up where your ideal listeners already are, you gain insight into their needs and discover fresh episode ideas that naturally align with what your audience wants to hear.

Underlying the entire conversation is Tom Webster’s idea that the audience is listening—and that successful podcasting begins with an audience‑first mindset. When you align what you’re passionate about with what people are genuinely interested in, you’re not selling out; you’re tuning in. The key takeaway for listeners is this: create a podcast you believe in, but make sure it exists for people who are searching, asking, and ready to press play.

https://audienceislisteningbook.com/

Know your audience to grow your audience.

You’re a podcaster. You’ve nailed the tech and your topic, but you’re stuck when it comes to growing your audience. There isn’t a single, magical step you can take that will suddenly catapult your podcast into the waiting ears of eager listeners. Instead, you must know the humans you’re talking to on the other end of your microphone.

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