[Last Updated: 2025-12-10]
Solo podcasting offers a streamlined production workflow because you do not have to manage guests or coordinate schedules. This freedom can lead to a lack of focus, though. Without a defined structure, solo hosts can end up rambling which can then lead to listener drop-off. To maintain engagement, you need to adopt a specific architectural framework for your show.
There are three primary structures for solo podcasts: The Storyteller, The Teacher, and The Commentator.
What is the “Storyteller” podcast format?
The Storyteller format functions by crafting a narrative that immerses the listener in a specific scene or sequence of events. Rather than simply listing facts, the host uses descriptive language to create a visual experience for the listener. Sub-types of this format include the Historical Deep Dive, which relies on high-quality scripts and delivery to explore complex events, and the Themed Narrative, often seen in folklore or true crime genres where the host acts as a documentarian.
- Subtypes:
- Historical Deep Dive: Fully scripted, dense narratives focusing on events and figures. An example of this is Hardcore History.
- Themed Narrative: Documentary-style storytelling often used in folklore or true crime. An example of this is the podcast (and TV show), Lore.
- Key Technique: The “Cold Open” is often used in this format. This involves starting the episode in the middle of the action to create immediate tension, rather than starting with a standard introduction.
When should I use the “Teacher” podcast format?
The Teacher format is designed to transfer knowledge efficiently. It is ideal for coaches, consultants, and business owners who want to establish authority. The structure relies on logic, clarity, and step-by-step explanations rather than emotional narrative.
You should use the Teacher format if your primary goal is to establish authority and transfer specific knowledge or skills to your audience. This structure mirrors an academic lecture or a workshop. It prioritizes clarity and logic over narrative tension. Common sub-types include the Academic Explainer, where terms and concepts are defined systematically, and the Framework Model, which provides step-by-step “how-to” instructions to solve a specific problem.
- Subtypes:
- Academic Explainer: Mirrors a university lecture, defining terms and explaining concepts. An example of this kind of show is History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps.
- The Framework Model: Provides a “how-to” system to solve specific problems. This often uses the episode thesis as the hook. An example of this show is the Think Media Podcast.
What is the “Commentator” podcast format?
The Commentator format is built entirely around the host’s unique perspective or opinion. This structure builds high levels of trust and loyalty because the audience tunes in specifically for the host’s “take” on a subject.
- Subtypes:
- News Analysis: A rigid format reviewing current events, often using clips and monologues. An example of this is The Humanist Report.
- Op-Ed: A pure opinion piece or persuasive argument regarding a specific topic. An example is Bill Burr’s Monday Morning Podcast.
What are the main risks of the Commentator podcast format?
The main risk of the Commentator format is that it relies almost entirely on the strength of the host’s persona and their ability to persuade. Unlike the Teacher format, which offers utility, or the Storyteller format, which offers entertainment, the Commentator format demands that the audience cares about your specific take on a topic. This format creates a “TED Talk without an audience” dynamic, where the host must state a thesis, provide evidence, and refute counter-arguments solely through their own voice.
Can you combine different podcast formats?
Yes, you can certainly blend structures to create a Hybrid format and experience a great result (and dedicated listeners), but it carries risk. Successful shows like Revisionist History, for example, blend the Storyteller and Commentator formats to wrap a narrative around a persuasive argument. However, mismatched elements can create cognitive dissonance for the listener. For example, using a dramatic “Cold Open” (Storyteller) for a dry “How-To” episode (Teacher) can confuse the audience regarding the show’s intent.
What format is right for my show?
Take our quiz and find out!
Author: Jen deHaan is the host of the Podcast Performance Lab and founder of StereoForest Studio, a professional podcast production house helping experts build authority through audio and video.
Watch or Listen to this episode
You can listen to or watch the full breakdown in the full episode on the Solo Podcasting Handbook.
