Episode 424 - Don’t Bore Us, Get to the Chorus - Why Starting in the Middle Might Work For Your Podcast

Don’t Bore Us, Get to the Chorus: Why Your Podcast Should Start in the Middle

There’s a classic saying in music: “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.” Songwriters know the chorus is what hooks listeners-the part everyone remembers and sings along to. The same principle applies to podcasting, especially when it comes to the start of your episode.

Think about improv comedy. One of the first lessons is to start in the middle of the scene. You don’t waste time introducing characters or setting up the world. Instead, you jump right into the action-two people already arguing about football, not awkwardly introducing themselves and explaining what’s about to happen. This approach immediately pulls the audience in, making them curious and invested from the first moment.

Too often, podcasts get bogged down in lengthy introductions, excessive backstory, or “today on the show, we’ll be talking about…” monologues. When you spoon-feed every detail and context, you actually rob your audience of the chance to be engaged. Great storytelling leaves some questions unanswered at first. It trusts the listener to fill in the gaps, to deduce and discover as the episode unfolds. This is what keeps people leaning in, wanting to know more.

So, as a podcaster, challenge yourself to “get to the chorus.” Start with a compelling moment, a bold statement, or an intriguing question. Let your audience’s curiosity do the work. Not only will this make your show more dynamic, but it will also respect your listeners’ time and intelligence.

Website list of songs that start with the chorus

“Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.” An excellent maxim to live by, and one that more artists should embrace with fervour. Long, extended intros should be kept to the realm of jam bands: if you’re trying to make a solid first impression, why hit the listener square in the face with the catchiest, most memorable part of the song right off the bat?

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/15-songs-that-start-with-the-chorus/

Clip referenced in the episodehttps://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSdCHVpu/

https://howtopodcast.ca/

Episode 423 - The Ultimate Guide to Podcast Ad Types - What Could Work Best for Your Show

Podcasters have several ad formats and placements to choose from, each with unique benefits and best-use scenarios:

• Pre-roll Ads
  These ads play at the very start of an episode, either before or right after the host’s introduction. They’re effective for brand awareness and are often appreciated by listeners who understand they help support the show

• Mid-roll Ads
  Placed in the middle of an episode, mid-roll ads reach listeners when engagement is highest. They tend to have the best performance for web engagement and purchase conversions, as listeners are most attentive during this segment

• Post-roll Ads
  These ads run at the end of an episode. Contrary to assumptions, many listeners stay tuned through post-rolls, making them surprisingly effective for driving purchase conversions

• Host-Read Ads
  Delivered in the host’s own voice, these ads feel authentic and personal. They can be performed live during the episode or recorded in advance. Host-read ads build trust and are highly effective, with listeners more likely to act on recommendations from hosts they trust

• Baked-In Ads
  Baked-in ads are permanently integrated into the episode during recording. They’re ideal for evergreen products or services, as they remain part of the episode forever. However, they can’t be updated or replaced later

• Pre-Produced/Brand-Read Ads
  These are fully produced ads, often featuring professional voice talent, music, and sound effects. They offer total control over the message and can be easily swapped out or updated

• Announcer-Read Ads
  Similar to pre-produced, but use a specific voice actor or announcer, rather than the host. These can be tailored to match the show’s tone and target demographic

• Affiliate Ads
  Podcasters promote products or services and earn a commission for each sale or lead generated through their unique link or code. This model is low-risk for advertisers and can be lucrative for podcasters with a loyal audience.

• Sponsored Segments/Episodes
  A brand sponsors an entire segment or episode, integrating their message more deeply into the show’s content

  Most Effective Ad Type for an Engaged Audience

For podcasts with an engaged, loyal audience, mid-roll, host-read ads are widely considered the most effective. These ads leverage the trust between the host and listeners, feel like genuine recommendations, and are delivered when attention is highest. Research shows that host-read ads boost brand recall and purchase intent significantly, and listeners are more likely to act on them compared to other ad formats

https://podmatch.com/https://www.joinpodmatch.com/truemedia

https://www.adresultsmedia.com/news-insights/news-insights-podcast-advertising-types-and-examples/____

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