So you want to start a podcast? Great, it's an amazing opportunity to have your voice heard and bring light to your passion issues. No matter what your podcast is about you need to have some type of flow to your show. One that's easy for your listeners to catch on to. There's a certain amount of time and effort that needs to go into each of your episodes that will help you organize content for future episodes.

Many people think popular shows like The Read and Dead Ass with K&D are just thrown together because the host is so familiar with the information they present to their audiences. They are comfortable and able to speak with ease and not stumble and fumble over their words or thoughts. In reality, they spend time during the week making sure they are knowledgeable on the subject and content that they bring to their listening audiences.

To have a well-organized episode you should plan a 4 to 1 ratio with time. For every 1 minute of your show, you should dedicate 4 min of work/prep time. So a 1-hour podcast episode should have at least 4 hours worth of research, organization and prep work. For my own podcast, I have my whole season outlined and planned before I even begin to look at the episodes. I have an idea of what I want to bring to my audience. I think about what information I want to communicate and what emotions I want to evoke. I try to stay 2 months ahead of each episode. Is it easy, no, but it helps me to stay organized and I am able to change when I need to.

So here's a list of things you need to take time to do before your show:

1. Research your target audience to see what content they would be interested in

2. Get to know your guests and what they are bringing to your episode

3. Have valuable questions for your guests that will flow with the content of your show.

4. Manage your time (especially if you pay to record in a studio). Studios usually have you pay by the minute. Do not waste your time fumbling through your episode. If you record at home, you still want to manage your time wisely so your show can get to the point.

If you keep these things in mind organizing your podcast and put in the time to prepare, you can have a successful podcast that will keep your listeners coming back for more.