The Importance Of Storytelling In Podcasting

The Q'd Up Podcast on Podcasting

Some of the best and most celebrated podcasts have really just been amazing stories told well. As podcasts gain more traction in popular culture, the importance of podcast storytelling has increased as well. No matter if you’re doing a dramatic series or just telling the news, the foundations of storytelling can elevate your podcast to new heights.

To discuss the importance of storytelling in podcasting, Isabelle Mongeau joins the Q’d Up Podcast on Podcasting once again. Isabelle is the Head of Script Writing at Q’d Up and is responsible for many of the great stories you’ll find within our clients’ podcasts. Isabelle provides her unique insight and experiences so you can tell a better and more engaging story.

Listen to John and Matt discuss podcast storytelling:

Facebook Podcasts nowhere to be seen (1:29)

At the time of recording, Facebook Podcasts had officially launched but none of the promised features had been seen live on the site. Matt and John break down the latest news and what is likely happening as Facebook slowly rolls out features.

Amazon pays $80 million for the Smartless podcast (3:47)

Amazon is the latest to pay big bucks to lock up podcast creators, paying up to $80 million for the Smartless podcast featuring actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. While the deal only features one week of exclusivity, Matt explains why there might be more to this deal than seems on the face.

NPR reporters wins Pulitzer award for ‘No Compromise’ podcast (7:24)

Podcasts have been steadily earning more attention in mainstream culture and once again, a podcast has reached new ground. Reporters for NPR podcast “No Compromise” became the first to win the prestigious Pulitzer Award as a podcast.

Tribeca Festival features podcasts (9:10)

Continuing on the trend of podcasts getting more exposure, the Tribeca Festival highlighted 12 podcasts across fiction and narrative non-fiction categories. That puts independent podcasts right alongside independent films and television, creating opportunities never before seen.

Isabelle’s introduction (11:52)

Segueing from the importance of storytelling in podcasting, Q’d Up’s Head of Script Writing Isabelle Mongeau joins the show.

History of storytelling (12:23)

Isabelle shares her personal insight into the importance of storytelling podcasts. She also takes a look back at history to show storytelling has been a mainstay in every medium, from cavemen to new media.

The impact of storytelling podcasts (17:52)

John and Isabelle explain why storytelling can be so impactful, at times being more engaging than a visual medium. Between painting the picture in your head to the release of

The chemicals behind storytelling (20:10)

When a story creates tension, it creates and releases oxytocin -- the empathy chemical. That means you as a storytelling podcast listener relate to the characters and want to keep following along to see how it ends.

Beginning your story (23:41)

As Isabelle notes, the beginning can sometimes be the most important part of a story. If you’re looking to build a world-class story, start with a question that your story is looking to answer.

Using an outline to build your story (26:24)

Isabelle believes every podcaster should be creating an outline of their show, no matter if it’s a narrative podcast or not.

Diversity and inclusion in screenwriting (38:03)

Having a diverse background or group of writers can help elevate a story and be more authentic. Matt and Isabelle discuss how diversity and inclusion can provide unique insights and eliminate potential blindspots to make your show better. John provides some stats to show just how diverse podcasting is.

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Links from the show:

RAIN News - Facebook Podcasts: Where are they?

Podcast Business Journal - Amazon pays up to $80 million for Smartless

Podcast Business Journal - NPR wins Pulitzer for audio reporting

Vanity Fair - The Tribeca Festival welcomes podcasts into the fold

The Atlantic - Inside the podcast brain

NPR - How audio stories begin