A Few Tips and Real-Life Examples for Determining if More Really Is Merrier, or if You Should Go It Alone
Many times, we have an exact vision of what we want our podcast to sound like and accomplish. We can pinpoint every aspect from the production on down to the marketing; and how it will go from a recorded conversation to a product ready for the masses. The rest of the time, there can be a world of possibilities that are exciting and daunting. One of those very important decisions is whether your show will have a co-host, or if you think going solo is better for your flow and overall mission. Here are two examples of why each decision could work, and some key information that may help you decide.
Three quick questions to ask yourself:
- Will a co-host bring an alternative or supportive point of view that makes my show better or more interesting?
- Will a co-host help split up the duties of production and make the process easier, less expensive and save me time? Or, will the back and forth weigh me down and feel restrictive?
- What are my expectations for a co-host? How will I help them win as well?
Having a co-host requires both parties to be transparent, communicative and on the same page. On my podcast Campfire Sht Show, I most likely would have podfaded long ago if it weren’t for my partner, Beau. For us, two minds are better than one, and our show makes sense as a duo. Beau does the technical set up (setting up the “mics and cord thingies” as I professionally call it), editing and graphics. I handle the show notes, sponsorships and booking. We both are responsible for marketing and content production and it really is a 50/50 partnership. We energize and push each other and this keeps us both motivated and engaged.
This works for us, but there are other examples of quite successful solo podcasters.
Comedian and actress Chelsea London Lloyd explains the choice to host her show Dying of Laughter on her own. “I felt that guests would be most comfortable about opening up about their personal grief journeys in a one-on-one setting. I also felt empowered setting my own schedule without the need to check in with a buddy, and I knew that this specific combination of grief and comedy was something I’d eventually collaborate with others on regardless in various comedic and production settings down the line.”
Chelsea also has “recurring guests” on Dying of Laughter, so that keeps her from feeling too lonely. She adds that one of the biggest benefits of being a one-woman show is saving time . “If you’re a little bit intense — I mean, intensely clear, on a specific show vision, have a busier schedule, and/or are already collaborating with others at work or in other settings — the solo route may be for you.”
Let us know if you are a solo podcaster or if you prefer the buddy system, and feel free to give your awesome co-host a shout out!
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