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Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) summary
Justin
Travis
Griffin McElroy
A How-To Guide from the First Family of Podcasting
25 mins
Brief summary
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) by McElroy brothers is a guide to starting a podcast and making it successful.
It covers topics like equipment, content creation, editing, marketing, and monetization.
The book is full of the McElroys' trademark humor and practical advice, making it a fun and useful resource for aspiring podcasters.
Table of Contents
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Make a podcast about something that obsesses you.
So you want to start a podcast. But where do you begin? Think for a moment about what you’re obsessed with. What lights you up when you talk about it? What is it that leads you down countless internet rabbit holes?
For Justin McElroy, it was workplace training videos. For you, it may be the mating habits of moths! Whatever your passion is, enthusiasm can’t be faked. And it’s this genuine inspiration that will engage your audience.
The key message here is: Make a podcast about something that obsesses you.
Once you’ve chosen your topic, do some research to find out what else is out there on the same subject. Podcasting has become mainstream, and there are now some 850,000 podcasts available globally. So if you’ve chosen a well-known topic for your podcast like, say, the reality show Survivor, there’s a very big chance that someone else has had the same idea.
If your research uncovers several similar podcasts, it might be time to go back to the drawing board. Or instead, you could push to find a novel angle. Because even more important than the topic itself is your unique approach to it. So while there may be five other podcasts about Survivor, you could focus on a new angle, like the strategy behind the show and how it’s changed over the seasons.
When trying to decide on your angle, draw on any specific expertise you have. For example, Justin and his wife Sydnee built their show about strange medical history on the strength of her experience as a physician. If you’ve got particular knowledge or training, use it!
Once you’ve got your topic, it’s time to refine it into a one-sentence pitch. You’ll want to make sure that people can understand what your podcast is about in one line so they can tell their friends about it. A recent McElroy brothers podcast can be summed up by the tagline “Three non-celebrities try to con their way into a major motion picture.” That single line is informative enough to let you know if you’d want to listen to the show.
Now that you’ve come up with a topic, angle, and one-line pitch, stop to ask yourself two questions. First, are you willing to devote your most precious commodity – your time – to making this?
And, second, would you love to listen to this podcast if someone else made it?
If the answer to both questions is yes, you’re onto a winner. Stay tuned for the nitty-gritty of pre-production.
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What is Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) about?
Everybody Has a Podcast (2021) is an inspiring, hands-on guide to making your own podcast. From choosing a topic to building an audience, podcasting doesn’t have to be intimidating. Even if you’re short on cash and not particularly tech-savvy, you can create something great with a bit of tenacity and persistence.
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) Review
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) (2021) is a witty and insightful book that explores the world of podcasting and shares valuable tips on how to create a successful podcast. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The McElroy brothers, masters of podcasting themselves, share their own experiences and expertise, providing practical advice for aspiring podcasters.
- Through humor and personal anecdotes, the book keeps readers entertained while offering valuable insights into the podcasting industry.
- With its relatable and conversational tone, the book makes the topic accessible to everyone, even those who are new to podcasting.
Best quote from Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)
If the answer to Is this five minutes of material worth five minutes of someones life? is No! then cut it.
—Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy
Who should read Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?
- Anyone who harbors a secret desire to make their own podcast
- Die-hard fans of the McElroy family
- Would-be podcast hosts who are short on skills and money
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Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) FAQs
What is the main message of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?
The main message of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) is that anyone can create and launch a successful podcast, regardless of their previous experience.
How long does it take to read Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?
The reading time for Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) a good book? Is it worth reading?
Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) is worth reading because it provides practical tips and insights on how to start and grow a podcast. It's a valuable resource for aspiring podcasters.
Who is the author of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?
The authors of Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) are Justin, Travis, and Griffin McElroy.
What to read after Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You)?
If you're wondering what to read next after Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You), here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Podcasting Marketing Strategy by Daniel Rowles and Ciaran Rogers
- Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson
- The Education of Millionaires by Michael Ellsberg
- CMO to CRO by Mike Geller
- Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
- The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber
- Content Rules by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman
- Success Secrets of the Online Marketing Superstars by Mitch Meyerson
- How to Walk into a Room by Emily P. Freeman
- Atomic Habits by James Clear