Sound Judgment Six Unexpected (Life) Lessons from Great Hosts to Prepare You for 2023
The Six Biggest, Most Surprising or Useful Lessons our Hosts Identified in 2022
1. The host defines the brand of your show.
2. Hosting changes the host—not just as a storyteller and performer, but as a human being.
3. Great performances are valuable, whether that's a million-dollar signature story in a keynote speech or the captivating storytelling and connection skills of a great host.
4. We must challenge unconscious bias about the kinds of voices that are perceived as acceptable.
5. Narrative isn't simply important, it's the way we experience the world, define our identities, and make meaning. Sharing stories builds empathy. When we revise our own stories, we change our lives.
6. To stand out from the competition, we need to constantly think of how to be "better than good," as Jay Baer puts it.
BONUS: Podcasting is a team sport—not simply because of the variety of skills and tasks involved in producing a great show, but because collaboration with colleagues who make you feel safe enables courageous, vulnerable creativity. We will almost always do better work in collaboration than we will completely alone.
The episode(s) discussed on today’s Sound Judgment:
The Host Defines the Brand with John Barth, Sound Judgment Ep. 2
A Host on a Mission with Quien tu Eres host Pabel Martinez, Sound Judgment Ep. 6
Finding Your Voice with Shelter in Place Host Laura Joyce Davis, Sound Judgment Ep. 5
A "Yes, And" Approach to Cohosting with Pantsuit Politics, Sound Judgment Ep. 3
Cinematic Storytelling with Crime Show's Emma Courtland, Sound Judgment Ep. 4
The podcast Standing Ovation with host Jay Baer: A sneak peek of a Season 2 Sound Judgment episode
The podcast Snap Judgment with host Glynn Washington: A sneak peek of Season 2, Episode 1, coming January 12, 2023
Sound Judgment Ep. 1, “Emotional Bravery on Last Day with Stephanie Wittels Wachs”
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Captivate Your Listeners, Improve Your Hostiness and Grow Your Show in 2023!
What’s it like for you to face the blank page of your script – or that "blank tape" on the mic? As any writer knows, a blank page is intimidating. It can be even harder when we’re using our voice – because we only have 30 seconds or so to hook new listeners. That’s a lot of pressure. There’s a lot that goes into starting your episode with a bang, keeping listeners enthralled throughout, and especially providing enough value that they’ll come back again and again.
Don’t stay stuck! Get a half-price Hook Your Listener Audit now. As a veteran story and program editor, producer and host, I’ll work with you personally to get over the stress of the "blank page" and help you improve your hostiness. You'll send us a link to one episode ahead of time, and in one 45-minute session, I’ll identify several ways that you can tune up your show fast, painlessly, and without any extra cost – so you can get critical acclaim and, most importantly, grow your show. In just one session, we’ll uncover and build on your unique strengths. You'll tune up the sound and promise of your show. You’ll be more likely to captivate listeners. And most importantly, you’ll quickly feel – and sound – more confident! Now through January 31, you can get a personalized Hook-Your-Listener Audit for half price — only $149. We've only set aside a handful of these packages (we give them a lot of time and attention in addition to our face-to-face 45-minutes session). And because they're so affordable, they’re going fast.
Click here to purchase your own HYL Audit now. But if you still have questions, no worries! Email us at allies@podcastallies.com for answers.
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Celebrate today’s best hosts!
Who’s your Sound Judgment dream guest? Share them with us! Write us: allies@podcastallies.com. Because of you, that host may appear on Sound Judgment.
Help lift up indie podcast hosts and producers! Bring untold stories to our ears with this worthy cause
We’re delighted to support the Podcasting, Seriously Awards Fund. LWC Studios launched the fund to support independent BIPOC, Queer and Trans audio producers in submitting high-quality work to media/journalism awards and receiving production education and training. Diversifying audio storytelling enriches all of us. Please support the fund in whatever way works for you.
Credits
Sound Judgment is a production of Podcast Allies, LLC. For more information on our production, launch and training services for social impact organizations and mission-driven individual creators, visit us at www.podcastallies.com.
Host: Elaine Appleton Grant
Project Manager: Tina Bassir
Sound Designer: Andrew Parrella
Illustrator: Sarah Edgell
Improve your storytelling Check out our popular workshops on interviewing, story editing, story structure, longform narrative, audience engagement, guesting, scriptwriting and more.
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Help us find and celebrate today’s best hosts
Who’s your Sound Judgment dream guest? Email me: allies@podcastallies.com. Because of you, that host may appear on Sound Judgment.
Credits
Sound Judgment is a production of Podcast Allies, LLC.
Host: Elaine Appleton Grant
Podcast Manager: Tina Bassir
Production Manager: Andrew Parrella
Audio Engineer: Kevin Kline
Production Assistant: Audrey Nelson