Sheffield festival showcases podcast creation secrets
The Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, one of the largest podcast festivals globally, recently drew numerous podcasters and producers keen on sharing their insights into creating successful shows, reports BritPanorama.
Founded by Dino Sofos, who leads Persephonica, the company behind popular podcasts like The News Agents, the festival served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss the elements that contribute to a hit podcast.
Sofos emphasizes the “secret sauce” necessary for success: a compelling idea, exceptional talent, and a supportive community. “If you lock those three things in, you have the magic,” he said. The quest for knowledge led attendees to engage with successful podcasters about what makes a great concept.
Danny Robins, known for his hit podcast Uncanny, shared that personal authenticity is crucial for engaging listeners. “What people look for in podcasts is authenticity, and having a story that’s very personal to you, that you care about,” he noted, highlighting the importance of genuine storytelling in the podcasting realm.
Alice Levine, co-host of the phenomenally successful My Dad Wrote a Porno, has transitioned to co-hosting Bad Chat and British Scandal. She stresses that a unique idea driven by the hosts’ passion is vital for a podcast’s appeal. Her co-host, Matt Forde, echoed this sentiment, stating that the best podcasts reflect the true character of their hosts.
Jemma Sbeg of The Psychology of your 20s began her podcast as a personal project at 21, providing insights into the issues facing young adults. Her show has since gained over 2.5 million subscribers. “I knew this was a podcast I would want to listen to,” she reflected, underscoring the essence of podcasting as an exercise in addressing real-life challenges through a relatable lens.
The festival showcased not just established creators but also emerging voices, many of whom started without any expectation of gaining a large audience. Dominic Sandbrook, co-host of The Rest is History, admitted to initially thinking of their podcast as a modest endeavour without foresight into its subsequent popularity.
Discussions at Crossed Wires also addressed the common misstep of podcasters neglecting to consider their target audience. Sofos pointed to Dig It, hosted by Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, as an example of successful audience engagement. “We thought they were underserved in the podcast space,” he explained, detailing how identifying such gaps can lead to innovative programming.
Despite the trend of celebrities launching podcasts, Sofos cautioned that fame does not guarantee success. He remarked, “There are so many shows where celebrities have launched podcasts and then they fizzle out.” Brett Spencer, lecturer in podcasting, added that while celebrity status can provide a boost, hard work and commitment remain vital for success.
Encouraged by the discussions, aspiring podcasters were motivated to share their ideas, with the festival fostering an environment of support and networking. Attendees left with insights into the podcast landscape, armed with knowledge to refine their concepts and increase their chances of success in the competitive audio medium.
