What to Listen For When Recording Your Podcast

Storytelling doesn’t just happen in the edit – it starts the moment the mic is live. In this episode of Showmakers, host Ed Barker of Studio 1878 takes the next step in his storytelling series, focusing on what to listen for while recording to turn raw conversation into narrative gold.

Change is the Spark

When a guest says “that’s when I realized” or “everything changed in that moment”, that’s your cue. Change signals transformation – the turning point in a story. This is your opportunity to pause, dig deeper, and ask what shifted, how it felt, and what came next.

Emotion Makes It Real

Authenticity often slips out in laughter, frustration, or vulnerability. Especially in polished corporate podcasts, these unscripted moments are what listeners remember. Instead of pulling guests back on track, lean into the emotion and let it breathe.

Detail Paints the Picture

Vague statements are forgettable – specifics stick. Compare “we had onboarding challenges” with “our onboarding email had 14 links, and no one clicked past the second one.” Details make your episode vivid, credible, and memorable.

Stakes Create Tension

Why does the story matter? What was at risk? Too often, business content glosses over stakes in an effort to appear controlled. But tension – and real stakes – are what make stories compelling.

Surprise Grabs Attention

When expectations don’t match reality, narrative energy sparks. A guest who admits “honestly, I thought this was a terrible idea” opens the door to insight and adaptation. Slow down here – surprises are where learning lives.

Solo Recording Tips

These skills apply even when recording solo. Ed encourages creators to bring in short personal examples – even failures – to add humanity and resonance. If you catch yourself drifting into generic tips, stop and ask: is there a moment I can share that makes this feel alive?

The Role of Silence

Don’t rush to fill every pause. A few beats of silence give weight to what’s just been said and allow the listener to feel it, not just process it. Trust the pause – you can always trim later.

The Takeaway

Great podcast storytelling starts long before editing. By listening for change, emotion, detail, stakes, and surprise in real time, you’ll capture richer stories and connect more deeply with your audience.

Want help finding and shaping the stories in your episodes? We offer free podcast strategy sessions. Email hello@1878.studio – no hard sell, just practical insight from our deep experience in podcast development.