Podcast Topics: How to Choose Your Subject
Choosing your podcast topic determines whether you'll sustain the show long-term. Here's how to find the right one.
Explore How to Start a Podcast →
The Three-Circle Framework
Your ideal topic sits at the intersection of:
- What you're passionate about
- What you know about
- What people want to hear
Types of Podcast Topics
Interview Shows
- Guests bring variety
- Less prep work per episode
- Network building built-in
- Examples: Joe Rogan, How I Built This
Solo Shows
- Your expertise on display
- Full creative control
- More preparation needed
- Examples: History podcasts, educational
Co-Host Shows
- Built-in chemistry
- Shared workload
- Different perspectives
- Examples: Conversation, comedy
Narrative/Story
- High production value
- Scripted content
- Requires editing skills
- Examples: Serial, true crime
Validating Your Idea
Before committing:
- Search existing podcasts
- Check search trends
- Survey potential listeners
- Plan 10 episodes
Niching Down
Specific beats general:
❌ "Business podcast"
✅ "Podcast for first-time startup founders in SaaS"
❌ "History podcast"
✅ "Podcast about obscure historical crimes"
❌ "Parenting podcast"
✅ "Podcast for parents of kids with ADHD"
Popular Podcast Categories
- True Crime
- Comedy
- News/Politics
- Society & Culture
- Health & Fitness
- Business
- Education
- Sports
- Arts
- Science
Red Flags to Avoid
- Topic you'll get bored of
- Too broad to be discoverable
- No existing audience interest
- Legally risky (medical advice, etc.)
- Topic you don't want associated with your name
Testing Your Topic
- Record 3-5 test episodes
- Share with trusted friends
- Get honest feedback
- Refine before launching publicly
Long-Term Thinking
- Can this evolve over years?
- Will you want to discuss this in 2+ years?
- Can you see 100+ episodes?
- What's the upside (book, community, business)?
Your topic sets the ceiling for your show.