Podcast Formats as a Strategic Choice

In this episode, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, talks about why choosing a podcast format is a strategic decision rather than a creative one. He explains how the right format influences the sustainability and operational load of a podcast. Barker outlines various formats like loose conversational interviews, structured interviews, narrative storytelling, and co-hosted conversations, discussing their respective pros and cons. He emphasizes that an ill-informed format choice can lead to burnout, inconsistency, and ultimately, failure to build an audience. By understanding the demands of each format, podcast creators can make informed decisions that lead to a more coherent and sustainable show.

00:00 Introduction: Format as Strategy

00:47 What Format Determines

01:19 Format Examples in Practice

02:30 Why Interviews Become the Default

03:14 The Booking Trap

04:37 Guest-Led Trade-offs

05:53 Where the Thinking Happens

06:07 Single Host Monologue

06:48 Co-Hosted Conversation

07:52 Structured Interview Format

08:45 Narrative or Reported Format

09:46 Why to Avoid Panel Shows

10:43 Why Constraints Make Shows Better

12:10 Format and Sustainability

13:18 Format as a Positioning Tool

13:58 Questions to Ask About Format

14:45 Wrap-up and Next Episode

About Your Host

Ed Barker has been producing and recording podcasts since 2009. After a long career as a corporate marketing and strategy executive - and then a VC - Ed launched Studio 1878 in early 2025 with the goal of making brand and business podcasting much better. Ed is a Brit, working out of Seattle, and podcasting worldwide. 🌎

Studio 1878

A podcast development studio for the modern brand. We believe everyone has a story worth telling. Specializing in business and brand podcasts, we’ll help build your story from ideation to distribution, transforming concepts to real connection with your audiences. We produce our own shows but our core proposition is in helping businesses and creators produce something truly compelling and authentic. We’d love to help you tell your story.

Contact

Web: www.1878.studio

Email: hello@1878.studio

Mobile: 425-520-3483

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