Designing the Structure of Your Podcast

In Episode 3 of Podcasting for Small Business's companion podcast, Ray Sidney-Smith and Steve Orr unpack Chapter 3 of the book and explore one of the most underestimated elements of podcast success: show structure and programming.Rather than focusing on content topics themselves, this episode looks at the container that holds your content—format, consistency, hosting decisions, length, and cadence. Ray and Steve discuss why structure creates familiarity for listeners, how it supports business goals, and why programming choices are strategic decisions rather than creative afterthoughts.The conversation also goes behind the scenes of the book’s creation, including debates about formats that didn’t make it into the chapter (such as narrative podcasts), why visual tools like broadcast clocks were included, and how practical constraints shape real-world podcasting for small business owners.In this episode, you’ll hear about: - What “programming” means in the context of podcasting - Why consistency helps listeners build your show into their routines - Common podcast formats and how to choose the right one for your business - Why some formats (like narrative podcasts) weren’t included in the book - How hosting decisions affect brand voice, authority, and sustainability - The relationship between episode length, cadence, and listener expectations - Realistic time commitments behind producing a podcast episodeThis episode helps listeners think more intentionally about how their podcast is designed—before worrying about topics, scripts, or promotion—and sets the stage for the chapters that follow.📘 Podcasting for Small Business: The Essential Blueprint to Launch Your PodcastAvailable now in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover:https://www.amazon.com/Podcasting-Small-Business-Essential-Blueprint-ebook/dp/B0G4HJS7D4 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit podcastingforsmallbusiness.substack.com