How can you use podcasting to build relationships with people who have different perspectives?

Imagine hosting a podcast like throwing a wacky potluck where each guest brings their unique dish—except, in this case, it's diverse perspectives! Picture your countryside uncle sharing farming wisdom, your architect aunt with her skyscraper tales, and your globetrotter cousin narrating adventures from afar. You're the gracious host mixing this eclectic blend into a delightful understanding stew. It's a podcast potluck of perspectives, where differences spice up the conversation, and the main course? Building friendships tastier than a dessert buffet!

What's the best way to make new friends from diverse backgrounds or thought processes or to meet influential people from various fields? Call them as guests on your podcast. Not only that it will be a free one-hour Masterclass for you to learn but also a time to sow a seed for long-term relationships. What better way to learn about newer things, different aspects, opinions, things questioning and challenging your belief system than sitting in a one-on-one session with experts? Podcasts are the best way to fuel your curiosity and expand your knowledge. Being the podcast host, with each episode you will not only learn and grow into a better professional but a better human being. And isn't that the biggest goal of humanity?

Diversity in podcasting isnt just about representation; it is also about diverse perspectives and narratives. As a podcast host it is not always that you will agree to your guest's PoV. But since it is a platform of free speech - you will find colorful conversations that are directed towards the shared and aligned goal of giving listeners insights, education, and food for thought. On my podcast I have had guests from different geographies - from USA, Britain, Sweden, Canada, Australia and more. They all had different accents. That's diversity too :) Diverse narratives in podcasting appeal to wider audience thus being truly inclusive and trsnformative.

While there is always an audience for a set of similar people gabbing about mundane topics and what's on their mind, to really have a shot at making a podcast that adds value to your listeners, you need to include some diversity in the topics and people you're inviting to be guests. There isn't much I, or my listener, can gain, from me talking to my buddy about a topic that we're both equally knowledgeable in and have the same opinions about. And needless to say, diversity of thought makes conversations more interesting, and allows you to reach a much wider audience. And it builds your credibility--the basics of journalism, really.

The key is to create an open minded environment where people can open up to share their perspectives. The goal is only to learn through respectful conversations. Asking the right questions which will incorporate their experience and brings a fresh dimension which can cater to a wide Audience.

I have never stuck with one kind of book for my podcast about books which keeps it super interesting for the listeners and me. Well if I am not interested how can I expect people to be interested? I love to create a good concoction of YA,Political books, children's books, classics and so much more in the yearly lineup which also allows me and my listeners to become more well-rounded readers and widen their horizons rather than be one trick ponies.

Diversity is the compass guiding innovation and progress. Embracing diverse perspectives enriches our understanding, fuels creativity, and dismantles biases. In podcasting, it's not just a moral imperative but a pivotal strategic move. It broadens narratives, amplifies voices, and attracts a wider audience. By weaving diverse stories, we not only elevate content but also foster a community reflective of our interconnected world.

Look for people who aren’t like you Whether that’s geography, culture, industry, religion, color, identity, and more. Bringing diverse voices into the conversation means ensuring that guests have different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and education. This creates a really beautiful foundation to explore and learn from guests.

It's easy to know this, but actually "finding" these guests may prove challenging - here, 3 tactics are particularly helpful: [1] LinkedIn is your friend - You can use advanced search settings to look for specific individuals that you want to guest. [2] There are also reddit / fb groups that house thousands of people who want to be guests - join them and post! [3] Check out the Hive Index - it lets you search for groups of specific individuals

It depends on the genre of the podcast, for me it has always been about building relevant connections on LinkedIn and other social platforms. I am always on the lookout for interesting books from different genres on Linkedin, Goodreads and Bookstagram. When I find a book which intrigues me I follow up by reading it and then perhaps reaching out to the author and deep dive into the book further which is always so fascinating and drives me!

When searching for guests I am less influenced by their social media following and more by the quality of conversation they have. If in their posts or previous interviews I find some unique PoVs shared, I am more likely to have them on the show. You can look for your guests on platforms where you are most active - Linkedin, Insta or X, because you get the opprtunity to observe their PoVs and engage informally. Also if you are a part of a thriving Whatsapp group that aligns with your business/podcast objectives, be more engaged and active there to seek out guests. Guests thru podcast guesting platforms are very transactional and do not add much value to the conversation - that's just been my experience.

nstagram offers a dynamic platform for discovering diverse guests for your podcast. Here's how to leverage it effectively: Utilize Hashtags: Search and follow hashtags relevant to your podcast's theme or the diverse perspectives you aim to showcase. Engage with posts and explore profiles related to these hashtags to find potential guests. Engage with Followers: Interact with users who engage with your podcast's Instagram account. Explore their profiles to identify individuals with interesting stories or unique expertise that aligns with your podcast's focus. Remember, maintaining authenticity and building genuine connections is crucial. Respectfully approach individuals, showcase the value they can bring to your podcast.

Preparing for a podcast is painstaking, especially for my podcast about books Reading Reading Between the Lines Comprehending Quoting Author Research Preparing Flow Rehearsing Introduction of Author and so much more Put in the hours and you will see the results!!!

Going against the flow will help a lot to bring in different side. Ask your friends or experts in the same field about their opinion on the topic and reverse engineer it. Keep it simple which will lead to some moments that will guide the conversation and many follow-up questions will come up without researching much about it. Quote people to get a different perspectives.

Preparing for a podcast interview is key to a successful conversation. Research your guest thoroughly, understand their expertise and background. Outline key topics or questions but remain flexible for organic discussion. Test your equipment, create a comfortable environment, and set aside time to build rapport before recording. Active listening during the interview ensures a meaningful and engaging conversation.

Know the subject matter. Because that is what makes for great meaningful conversations. It's good to share outline of the conversation or even questions but a little bit of spontaneity adds a lot of flavour to the conversation. Build a rapport with the person you are interviewing and understand from them if there are certain things they are not comfortable discussing. Never ask questions regarding their personal life or sharing something you know about their personal life without their permission. Most importantly lead with kindness and authenticity.

Well-conducted research is the core of a GREAT INTERVIEW. Learn as much as possible about your guest and don't hesitate to go down the rabbit hole. As much as you will read or watch about your guests, you will already feel a connection built with them and that will help you to structure your conversation with your guests. Your questions would be deeper and nudge your guests to open up and show their vulnerable side because again your research will build that bridge for them. Being an active listener and asking the right kind of follow-up questions will add depth to your conversation. Always plan a pre-call before you record the actual interview to make your guests comfortable before going for the main day and hitting the record button.

While podcast creation and conducting the interview might be very exciting, the thing that sucks the fun out of the process is editing and pubslishing if that is not your zone of genius. If so here is what you can do: 1. Pay a lot of attention to treating your room for better recording. Better input will give better output. 2. To minimize post production time stick to the question cues and avoid digressing coz you will 'sound' unprepared. 3. Make sure you put yourself on silent when guest is speaking because hosts have this uncanny urge to say 'Yeah' to every thing the guest says and it becomes an ordeal to clean that up in post production 4. Work on your speaking skills to use filler words to the minimal.

Podcasting is your virtual bridge to different perspectives. Craft episodes like a diverse potluck – mix up guests with varied viewpoints. Listen actively, play the curious host, and let the conversations simmer. To promote, share snippets like teaser appetizers, leaving listeners hungry for more. Leverage social media as your dinner bell; post engaging quotes and behind-the-scenes nibbles. After the episode, follow up like a gracious host – thank guests sincerely, respond to comments, and keep the conversation alive. Your podcast feast becomes a lasting relationship banquet, uniting different perspectives at the table. Happy hosting!

Being a podcast producer, sharing some additional inside tips for building long-term relationships with your guests: Always send thank you gifts/emails to your guests for making time for your show. Stay in touch with your podcast guests and keep on sharing the progress of your podcast with them. Any accolades, or milestones, share them with your guests. This way, you can always make them feel special by expressing your gratitude for being a part of your podcast journey. They will always remember you as one of the best and the kindest podcast hosts. If you are planning to arrange a wrap or success party for a podcast season, invite them as guests be it online or offline.

The thing you should consider before jumping into the podcasting world is a stong understanding of the Ikigai of your podcast - 1. What you are good at (your expertise) 2. What the world wants to hear (your listners aspirations/wants/needs) 3. What you are passionate about (storytelling/transformation/connections/speed) 4. What will get you money (your business objectives/goals for the podcast) If you start with the Ikigai of your podcast - you are more likely to find success with it.

Podcasts have transformed into a content powerhouse, prompting creators to explore diverse monetization beyond traditional ads and sponsorships. Strategies include affiliations, membership sites, product sales, live shows, and repurposing content. Licensing to other platforms, product placement, and guest fees also contribute. Diversifying revenue, staying adaptable, and engaging the audience foster long-term financial success. Embrace these avenues for a thriving podcasting journey.