How to turn your podcast into a live experience (and why)
Podcasts are moving from a digital format to real life events, which presents exciting opportunities for creators.
There is certainly no shortage of podcasts online. In fact, Spotify’s “Wrapped for Creators” 2024 noted “more than 6 million podcasts” on the platform. That’s just Spotify alone. It can seem harder than ever for independent creators to make their mark and stand out, but a real-life approach to podcasting could help.
According to a recent article from MIDiA Research, the answer might be stepping away from digital. Their article, “Why Podcasts Triumph in Real-Life Settings”, makes a strong case: live events, meetups and in-person recordings help creators form stronger communities and audience connections. This is especially when the setting matches the tone of the content.
At RouteNote, we work with musicians and creators of all kinds. While we don’t distribute podcasts, we know many of our users also host shows, build communities, and use content to grow their creative brand. This article expands upon the points made in MIDiA’s article, and why turning your podcast into an in-person experience could help you to stand out and create something special.
Podcasts in person
While podcasts are digital by nature, they still hold the power to feel highly personal. They often act as a companion for individuals going about their days, be it driving to work or cleaning the house, or just relaxing. This makes the connection between host and listener more intimate than most forms of content.
When that connection is brought into the real world, it becomes even more powerful. Whether it’s a live recording, a fan meetup, or a panel discussion, real-world experiences allow your audience to engage with you (and each other) in a way that a screen just can’t.
MIDiA calls this scene alignment – matching your podcast’s feel with the right kind of setting. When done right, this can turn a passive listener into an active member of your community. An example might be a comedy podcast fitting nicely in an intimate, relaxed pub setting. Or, a wellness podcast might work in a natural, soothing outdoor space.
How to turn your podcast into a live experience
You don’t need to be a huge show with sponsorship deals to make this work. Here’s how independent podcasters can get started:
1. Start Simple
If you’re unsure about a live venue, begin with a virtual event. Use platforms like YouTube Live, Instagram, or Zoom to host a casual chat or Q&A with your listeners.
2. Choose the Right Space
If you’re ready to go in-person, think small and intimate. Coffee shops, libraries, and creative hubs often host events for free or at a low cost.
3. Create an Engaging Format
Live shows don’t strictly need to follow your usual episode structure. Try:
- A live guest interview
- Audience Q&As
- Behind-the-scenes discussions
- Fan-submitted stories
- Live games or polls
4. Record and Repurpose
Always record your event. You can use the audio as a special episode, or edit the video into clips for social media.
5. Promote It Properly
Use your existing podcast feed, mailing list, and socials to build hype. Countdown posts, sneak peeks, and RSVP links all help create anticipation.
Benefits of live podcasts
Here’s what you can gain from taking your podcast live:
- Deeper audience engagement
- New content formats and ideas
- Better word-of-mouth growth
- A chance to sell merch or offer exclusive perks
- Connections with other creators, guests or sponsors
Live events don’t just grow your audience, they strengthen the community around what you create.
Real-world examples
Some of the most successful podcasts in the world built their followings through live experiences:
- Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster: A popular comedy and food podcast where guests share their dream meal. Off Menu has sold out live theatre tours across the UK, bringing their surreal humour to the stage with guest interviews, live menu reveals, and audience interaction.
- RHLSTP (Richard Herring’s Leiccester Square Theatre Podcast): This long-running comedy interview show is famously recorded live at the Leicester Square Theatre in London, featuring top comedians in front of a live audience – and often includes video versions too.
- My Favorite Murder: This hugely popular true crime comedy podcast, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, has toured internationally with live shows, performing in major theatres across the US, UK, Australia and beyond.
You don’t need to be selling out arenas. Even if you’re just starting out, a live event, whether online or offline, can make a big impact.
Summing up
Podcasts are a great way to reach people – and live events help make that connection feel real. Whether it’s a live recording, a casual meetup, or an online Q&A, taking your show beyond the screen can help you build a more loyal audience.
If you’re just getting started, it’s easier than ever to make a podcast. Choose a topic, plan your format, and use tools like Anchor or Spotify for Podcasters to record and publish. Once your episodes are out there, think about how your show could work in a real-world setting.
For tips on getting started, check out our guide to releasing your own podcast, or learn how to upload video podcasts to Spotify.