Starting a podcast for your business can be exciting — and a little overwhelming.

Between picking out microphones, naming your show, and learning what an RSS feed even is, it’s easy to forget one of the most important decisions you’ll make: your format.

Your format shapes everything about your podcast — from how much work it takes to how your audience connects with you. It’s the secret ingredient that helps you stay consistent, sound professional, and (most importantly) create something people actually want to listen to.

So, before you hit record, let’s talk about how to pick the right one.

Why Format Matters (More Than You Might Think)

Your podcast format is more than just a technical choice. It’s a strategic one. It sets the tone of your show, whether you come across as conversational, polished, relatable, or authoritative. It impacts how long episodes take to produce, how much editing is involved, and how sustainable your podcast will be over time.

And here’s a bonus fact for the data geeks (like me)

According to Edison Research, consistency in structure and length is one of the biggest reasons people stick with a podcast long-term.

Choosing a format you can commit to — and that fits your brand — is one of the smartest moves you can make.

The Most Common Podcast Formats (and How to Pick)

Here’s a quick tour of the most popular podcast styles — along with some pros, cons, and who they’re best suited for.

Interview-Style Podcasts

You invite guests to share their expertise, stories, or perspectives.

• Best for: Building relationships, tapping into your guest’s audiences, creating a sense of authority.
• Pros: Guests often help promote the show. Fresh perspectives keep content lively.
• Cons: Scheduling interviews can be a pain. Not all guests are naturally engaging on a mic.

Tip: If your business thrives on partnerships or thought leadership, this could be your sweet spot

Solo (Monologue) Podcasts

You’re the star of the show — offering advice, insights, or storytelling directly to your audience.

• Best for: Personal brands, expert positioning, sharing direct advice.
• Pros: Full creative control. Easier logistics (no guest coordination).
• Cons: Harder to maintain energy solo. Requires strong storytelling chops to stay engaging.

Tip: If you’re already great at public speaking, this could be a natural fit.

Co-Hosted Conversations

Two (or more) hosts banter, discuss, and dig into topics together.

• Best for: Creating an engaging, conversational vibe that feels approachable.
• Pros: Natural energy and chemistry can make episodes fly by.
• Cons: Co-host schedules (and commitment levels) can complicate things over time.

Tip: Think carefully about chemistry — co-hosts should complement each other, not compete for airtime.

Narrative or Storytelling Series

You weave stories — yours, your clients’, or your community’s — into a structured, often scripted, show.

• Best for: Brands with powerful origin stories, case studies, or community impact stories to share.
• Pros: Deeply engaging. Builds strong emotional connections with listeners.
• Cons: Higher production requirements (scripting, editing, sometimes voice acting or music licensing).

Tip: This format shines when brand storytelling is a core part of your marketing.

Quick Questions to Find Your Fit

Not sure which one fits you best? Ask yourself:

• Do you love conversation, or are you more comfortable teaching solo?
• Can you (realistically) commit to finding, booking, and prepping guests?
• How much production time (or budget) do you have?
• What tone matches your brand best — casual, polished, expert, community-driven?

Final Thought: Keep It Doable and Consistent

Here’s the truth no one tells you:

• You don’t have to get fancy to be successful. 
• You have to be consistent, clear, and engaging.

Pick the format that feels most natural and sustainable for you — the one you can imagine still doing six months from now, even on busy weeks.

 (Trust me, there will be busy weeks.)

And if you want a partner who can help you plan it, launch it, and love it — well, that’s what we do best at Sutherland Weston. You can learn more about our podcast services here.

Go make something great! 

Have questions? I’m happy to chat! ~ Elizabeth