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(Released Episode) On this episode of Branded, Larry and Sara are joined by Joe Saul-Sehy to talk about how he built one of the biggest podcasts in the industry, and also dive into the role he played in Sara's own story.
At Podcast Movement 2021 in Nashville, Sara stalked the host of Stacking Benjamins and accidentally got herself booked on the show to tell the story of the time she got a tattoo of a penis while in Ireland. Joe tells his side of that interaction and how he created The Girl With the Penis Tattoo.
With his mullet strategy, Joe talks about how to grow a small podcast into a huge success and make a show that leads with entertainment. He shares his tactics for crafting impactful interviews, the importance of creating interesting and entertaining content, and the value of investing in the necessary skill sets to generate engaging conversations.
Key Takeaways:
1. Crafting Compelling Content: Joe emphasized creating interesting and entertaining content. Regardless of the type of product or message, we are all in the entertainment business first and foremost. Joe shared a hilarious story about a tattoo gone wrong, which served as an example of the kind of content we aim to create to entertain our listeners.
2. Building a Successful Show: Joe acknowledged the presence of another more professional and research-focused host on the show, showcasing the importance of finding a balance. He revealed that Branded underwent some changes to make it more accessible and entertaining, akin to "The Tonight Show." While these changes initially led to some setbacks, the show eventually improved and even received awards from reputable publications like Kiplinger.
3. Interview Techniques: Joe offered valuable insights into the art of interviewing. He drew inspiration from legendary interviewers like Larry King, Barbara Walters, Howard Stern, and Mark Marron. Joe stressed the significance of being genuinely curious and asking meaningful questions that delve into the heart of the guest's book or topic. Crafting interviews that are engaging, informative, and leave the audience wanting more is no easy feat.
4. Investing in Skill Sets: The importance of investing in individual skill sets cannot be overstated. Joe shared how he personally invested in learning comedy and public speaking to enhance his hosting abilities. Drawing from his experience as a professional PR person for American Express, he highlighted the value of specific skill sets in generating meaningful conversations on the show.
5. Overcoming Challenges: Joe shared his frustration with success stories that lack practical advice on how to achieve it. He emphasized the importance of actively reducing friction in communication, listening to criticism, and finding truth in the message even amidst snark or negativity. Joe encouraged fellow podcasters to become students of what causes friction in their content and improve upon it.
6. The Serious-Fun Mix: Joe drew a captivating analogy, likening a good podcast to a mullet - serious content in the front and fun or entertaining elements in the back. Striking a balance between educational and enjoyable content is key to keeping our listeners engaged and coming back for more.
Have a branding question you want us to answer? Email us at hello@listentobranded.com!
