Solo podcasting often gets a reputation for being "easy" because you don't have to coordinate with guests. But without a guest to bounce ideas off of, many hosts fall into the trap of rambling or becoming monotonous. You need a specific architecture to hold your audience's attention.

In this episode, I break down the three primary structures of solo podcasting: The Storyteller, The Teacher, and The Commentator. Plus, learn about a fourth BONUS format.

We explore the subtypes within these categories too, such as the "Historical Deep Dive" or the "Academic Explainer," and look at real-world examples of successful shows using these frameworks. You will learn how to identify which structure fits your goals and how to pivot your existing show to a stronger format.

Here is what you will learn in this episode:

1. The definition and goal of "The Storyteller" format (Narrative focus)
2. How "The Teacher" format builds authority through logic and frameworks
3. Why "The Commentator" format builds the fastest trust with an audience
4. The risks and rewards of blending multiple formats (Hybrid models)
5. How to use a "Cold Open" to hook listeners immediately

1. Hardcore History (Dan Carlin): https://www.dancarlin.com/
2. Lore (Aaron Mahnke): https://www.lorepodcast.com/
3. History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: https://historyofphilosophy.net/
4. The History of Rome / Revolutions (Mike Duncan): https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/
5. Think Media Podcast: https://youtube.com/@ThinkMediaPodcast and https://www.thinkmediapodcast.com
6. Your Improv Brain (Jen deHaan): https://youtube.com/@YourImprovBrain and https://improvupdate.com
7. The Humanist Report: https://www.humanistreport.com/
8. Monday Morning Podcast (Bill Burr): https://billburr.com/podcast
9. Better Online (Ed Zitron): https://www.czm.media/shows/better-offline
10. Adam Conover (YouTube Channel): https://youtube.com/@TheAdamConover
11. Revisionist History (Malcolm Gladwell): https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history
12. Radiolab: https://radiolab.org/

00:00 The risk of "winging it" in solo podcasting

01:35 Format 1: The Storyteller (Narrative focus)

02:08 Subtype: The Historical Deep Dive

03:07 Subtype: Themed Narrative & The Cold Open

04:36 Format 2: The Teacher (Knowledge transfer)

05:36 Subtype: The Academic Explainer

06:18 Subtype: The Framework Model (How-To)

07:34 Format 3: The Commentator (Perspective based)

08:24 Subtype: News Analysis vs. Op-Ed

10:48 Hybrid Formats: Blending structures effectively

13:15 Why structure creates creativity

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About and Support

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Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan.

Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan

Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab

Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter

Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com

Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com

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About Jen

Host: Jen deHaan is the founder of StereoForest. With a background of over 20 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance, Jen brings systems and scientific approach to media production.

Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com

This podcast is a StereoForest production. Made and produced in British Columbia, Canada.