104: The Secrets to a Successful Podcast with Jeff Brown
Do you have a message you want to share with people? Then podcasting is arguably one of the best ways you can personally connect with your audience. Today, there are many podcasts vying for the ears of listeners. But there are practical things you can do
Do you have a message you want to share with people? Then podcasting is arguably one of the best ways you can personally connect with your audience. Today, there are many podcasts vying for the ears of listeners. But there are practical things you can do to help your podcast stand out among the crowded airways.

Podcasts have been steadily growing in number, listeners, and influence over the years. Not only has the widespread usage of smartphones paved the way for podcasts, but the reduction in costs of equipment has made podcasting more accessibility.
Recently on The Portfolio Life, we celebrated a huge milestone: The 100th episode. Prior to recording that show, I approached Andy Traub, my co-host, about making changes. We decided to reach out to Jeff Brown, an award-winning podcaster and 26-year veteran of the broadcast industry, to help us improve the show.
This week on The Portfolio Life, I share Jeff's critique of the podcast as a way for you to not only hear our desire to improve, but also to provide you with tips on how to make your current or future podcast successful.
Listen in as Jeff provides honest and helpful tips on ways we—and you—can improve our podcast.
Listen to the podcast
To listen to the show, click the player below (If you are reading this via email or RSS, please click here).
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Show highlights
In this episode, Jeff Brown and I discuss:
Areas we need to improve on The Portfolio Life
What we learned from a recent listener survey
How you can best prepare for every podcast episode
Whether you should consider writing out your interview questions ahead of time
Tips on how to best ask interviewees questions
Why it’s important to get the basics of podcasting down
Ways to improve your transitions between segments
How to help your listener feel as if they are a part of your interview
Why you should strive to make your guests feel understood
Quotes and takeaways
Implementing certain techniques won’t guarantee your success any more than not doing them will guarantee your failure
It’s always important that you talk to one person
Conducting a great interview is 90% about confidence.
Don’t be afraid to ask any question
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”—Leonard DaVinci
Resources
Jeff Brown’s podcast, Read to Lead
Starve the Doubts, podcast by Jared Easley
The ONE Thing, by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Download the full interview transcript here