It’s all fun and games until somebody gets annoying
Working with a podcast co-host can be one of life’s great joys… if it’s the right person.
If it’s the wrong person it can be as fun as performing surgery on yourself with a corkscrew.
When you’re starting out, having someone to bounce off can seem like the easiest option. But while there are plenty of advantages to not going solo there are a few things you should consider…
Is your podcast co-host afraid of commitment?
When you ask someone “Would you like to do a podcast with me?” the answer will almost always be “YES!”
Why? Because podcasting sounds exciting!
Most people have a romantic view of what it’s like and don’t realise how much work it is or how long it can take to build an audience.
Podcasting to no one can be a pretty soul-destroying experience but if you want to grow an audience you have to keep churning out episodes. Even when no one is listening.
That means you need to be sitting across from someone who’s as committed to getting through the hard times as you are.
Make sure chemistry doesn’t make you lazy
If you find a podcast co-host who keeps you on your toes, excites you with their opinion, makes you laugh AND puts in the hard work then hold on tight!
One of the great things about working with someone you gel with is that chemistry can get you through an episode if one of you is off your game or, heaven forbid, underprepared.
But don’t let that be a reason to take your foot off the gas when it comes to preparation and effort.
Chemistry alone can carry you for a while but your audience will sense it if you’re not trying.
And nothing turns people off like sounding like you don’t care.
Don’t forget about your audience
While it’s great to entertain the person sitting across from you, if you focus too much on them it’s easy to forget about the people listening.
I’ve heard some shows waste the first 15 minutes warming up and ‘talking amongst themselves’ before they get into their content.
And while this might feel fun for you as a host, to a listener it sounds like you don’t care if you’re wasting their time.
Even if you don’t mean to be self-indulgent it’s easy to slip into sounding like that when you’re hosting a podcast with someone else.
So don’t forget the people you’re there to serve.
So what if you really want a co-host?
If you’re still keen to get yourself a podcast co-host here are a few tips to help make the most of the arrangement…
Use hand signals
Some people think waving your hands around in a studio is reserved for people who’ve got their podcasting training wheels on. But in reality, it’s the mark of a true professional.
To make a show sound seamless the conversation needs to pass effortlessly from one person to another.
Ideally, there’ll be no moments where you talk over each other or interrupt. And the best way to achieve this is with hand signals.
That’s because your brain often conjures up moments of brilliance when someone else is talking.
Interrupting them is fine in a normal conversation but when you’re hosting a podcast that kind of undisciplined banter can sound messy.
Instead of jumping all over your co-host when inspiration strikes, a subtle raise of the hand will let them know “When you’re done, I’ve got something to add.”
That way they can finish their train of thought secure in the knowledge their brilliance won’t be trampled on.
And when they’re done, they can give you a nod to let you know it’s your turn to take the lead.
In people’s ears, it’ll sound like a seamless conversation even if, in reality, it looks like you’re both trying to land a plane.
Put in equal effort
Nothing breeds resentment like one person showing up for an hour to record then disappearing for the rest of the week.
There’s so much work that goes into each podcast episode so make sure you’ve had a clear discussion about who does what.
If your co-host is happy to edit the show (which can take A LOT of time) make sure you pick up the slack elsewhere and tackle something meaty like social media or guest booking.
For a show to be at its best every week, you need to feel like you’re podcasting partners in crime so make sure you’re pulling your weight.
Your goal should be to make your co-host sound amazing
This is the single most important rule when working with podcast co-hosts because if everybody’s goal is to make the other people in the room sound amazing you can’t fail.
Your audience will smell it a mile off if your M.O. is to be the person who speaks the most or gets the last laugh and it doesn’t win you any brownie points.
If you’re committed to a team win your show will be so much better.
Plus, it’ll be a joy to do because nothing feels better than working with people who’ve got your back.
Got a burning podcasting question you’d like answered? Send me an email.
Want to start your own podcast but need a little help? Download my “How To Start A Podcast” guide or sign up for my online podcasting course, PodSchool.
I have a podcast and I think you are right on point. I would like a co host but I am worried about the same issues you addressed. Sometime I want to discuss topics that could really benefit from a female perspective but it’s difficult to find a good co-host. Especially one that is committed to being a apart of the show and you don’t have to pull teeth from to participate.
Hi, I am a show host, and although that is not the same as a pod-cast, I found this article very accurate on many levels. I recently started my facebook page, and would like to quote your article. How should it be done? Is it ok if I just share the url to it after the sentence?
Thank you, and have a nice day!
Hey Victoria, Yep you can just link back to the article on my site. Glad you found it helpful! Rach