There are typically two reasons why you’re looking for podcast episode ideas. One, you’ve been podcasting for a while, and you’re unsure what comes next. And, two, you’re just starting your podcast, and you don’t know where to start.

And, sometimes, you’re just a podcaster who’s run out of episode ideas, and you’re looking for ways to come up with new ones — whatever your situation is, the methods I’m sharing will help re-ignite your creativity and get you back on the mic.

What’s a “Good” Idea for a Podcast Episode?

First, I want to remind you that not every idea is great for a podcast episode. For example, I wouldn’t record a podcast episode teaching you how to use a specific editing software — mainly because it requires a visual aid that podcasting doesn’t offer.

Other ideas might be great for the future but not fit what your audience needs right now. Seasonal content — content based on holidays or the four seasons — should be published when your audience can actually use it. 

Imagine how confused your audience would be if you started publishing episodes related to Christmas on Valentine’s Day or Black Friday content during Spring.

It’s also important to consider who your audience is and what they are interested in learning or listening to. You wouldn’t want to publish episodes that are centered around DIY-ing your service when your audience is more done for you.

How to Come Up With Podcast Episode Ideas

Now it’s time to get creative and push through the mind block holding back all your best ideas. Here are some of my favorite ways to come up with podcast episode ideas:

#1. Brainstorm

I’m sure you’ve already tried brainstorming, but this is more of a “guided” brainstorming session. You’ll need your favorite note-taking/brainstorming space. This could be a Google Doc, an episode planner, or a physical notebook. 

In your brainstorming space, start by coming up with episode ideas that center around your services and work your way through the five most important podcast topics. After brainstorming all your episode ideas related to your services (and remember, there are no bad ideas when brainstorming; you’ll pick out the best ones and refine them when you’re done), move on to common FAQs, pain points, how-tos, and your favorite or most-used tips.

#2. Market Research

You can do formal market research by sending out a form and requesting responses from your community, audience, or even in a Facebook group. With carefully chosen prompts and questions, you’ll have enough information to come up with a year’s worth of episode ideas!

But, if you don’t want to host a full market research campaign, you can do a quick version by doing a Q&A answer box on social media. Head to stories and ask your audience what they want to learn from you or what they need help with right now. 

Repeat this process every few weeks to get an idea of your audience’s current state and how you can best serve them. At the same time, you’ll gather new ideas for podcast episodes!

#3. Look From Another Point of View

The constant need to create and come up with new content ideas as a business owner can very quickly be overwhelming — especially when you’re balancing your own marketing and client work. 

Don’t let burnout and overwhelm hold your podcast back; rather than putting all the pressure on yourself, have a brainstorming session with a business friend. Ask what episodes they would love to hear from you and what they think could help your audience. A little outside perspective can make a huge difference!

Planning Your Podcast Episodes

Once you know what your next episode is, it’s time to put it on paper (not literally, but something close to it). Add it to your podcast content calendar so you know what episodes you have coming up, and start thinking about what you want to share.

And if you need someone to support your podcast and help you plan, edit, and publish your podcast episodes, fill out this form, and let’s find what works best for you!