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What's The SECRET to a Great Podcast? Real Listener Feedback
Manage episode 515886261 series 3463560
“The reason I’m putting on a podcast is because I want to listen. I don’t want to read about the hosts - I want you to tell me about you.” — Adrie Mackay
This episode is easily one of my favorites — not because of the guest (though she is my wife), but because I finally got to hear the raw, honest perspective of a real podcast listener. Adrie isn’t in the industry; she doesn’t care about gear or metrics. She just loves great stories, good sound, and shows that respect her time.
Listening to her describe how she chooses podcasts, where she listens, and what makes her switch off reminded me that every podcaster needs to think more like a listener. This conversation changed the way I look at intros, ads, and even how people interact with Spotify. If you want to know how your audience really experiences your show — this is the episode to listen to.
5 Key Talking Points
- Listeners crave connection. They tune in to people, not just topics.
- Bad audio kills interest instantly — even more than weak content.
- The first two minutes decide everything. Get to the point fast.
- Titles and artwork matter more than show notes. Most people never read them.
- Podcast habits are personal. Where, when, and how people listen shapes what they love — and what they skip.
Chapters and Timestamps
- 00:00 — Why People Listen
- 03:00 — From Talk Radio to True Crime
- 09:00 — What Makes Listeners Switch Off
- 17:00 — Should You Repeat Your Intro Every Episode?
- 25:00 — How Listeners Discover New Podcasts
- 35:00 — Lessons for Podcasters
Email me ([email protected]) or contact me on Seven Million Bikes Podcasts Facebook or Instagram to book your free Podcast Audit!
Thanks to James Mastroianni from The Wrong Side Of Hollywood for the endorsement!
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Chapters
1. Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Meet the Host: Niall Mackay (00:02:22)
3. Special Guest Introduction: Adrie Lopez Mackay (00:03:23)
4. Adrie's Podcast Journey (00:04:10)
5. Comparing Podcasts and Talk Radio (00:05:30)
6. Listening Habits and Preferences (00:06:57)
7. Podcast Audio Quality and Ads (00:13:06)
8. The Importance of Introductions (00:19:57)
9. Finding and Following Podcasts (00:27:05)
10. Discussing Podcast Listening Habits (00:32:49)
11. The Importance of Reminders and Notifications (00:33:07)
12. Annoying Podcast Phrases (00:33:44)
13. Content Quality and Listener Engagement (00:35:08)
14. Choosing and Rotating Podcasts (00:36:37)
15. The Role of Titles and Show Notes (00:40:07)
16. Final Thoughts on Podcasting (00:45:15)
103 episodes
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