---
aliases: ["Podcasting"]
Is A: Topic
---
# Podcasting

Podcasting covers the craft and business of producing a tech-focused interview podcast — from guest selection and interview technique to production workflow, promotion strategies, and monetization. It encompasses both the creative side (what makes a great conversation) and the operational side (how to ship episodes consistently).

## Why this matters

The Refactoring podcast is a core part of the content ecosystem, and understanding podcasting as a craft directly affects the quality and impact of every episode. A good podcast builds relationships with guests that extend well beyond the recording, creates content that reaches people who prefer audio over text, and strengthens the brand in ways the newsletter alone cannot. The evergreen notes [[podcasting-is-relationship-building]] and [[what-makes-a-good-podcast-guest]] capture the key editorial principles, and the operational side lives in [[responsibility-podcast]].

## Key resources

- [[podcasting-is-relationship-building]] — the insight that podcast value extends far beyond download numbers
- [[what-makes-a-good-podcast-guest]] — the selection criteria that lead to great conversations
- [[responsibility-podcast]] — the operational responsibility covering the full production pipeline
- "Out on the Wire" by Jessica Abel — a narrative exploration of storytelling in audio
- The Tim Ferriss Show and Lenny's Podcast — reference points for long-form tech interview formats that work

## Notes

- The most important decision in podcasting is guest selection — a mediocre host with a great guest produces better content than a great host with a mediocre guest
- Audio quality matters more than most indie podcasters think, but less than audio engineers think — invest in a good microphone and quiet room, skip the professional studio
- Podcast growth is slow and almost entirely driven by word of mouth and cross-promotion — there is no SEO equivalent for audio, which makes the newsletter cross-promotion channel invaluable
- The best interview technique is genuine curiosity combined with preparation — knowing enough to ask sharp follow-ups, but not so much that the conversation feels rehearsed
- Monetizing a niche podcast is more about sponsorship fit than download volume — a small, highly targeted audience is worth more to the right sponsor than a large, generic one
