Whether you're on the edge of podfading, or you just want some more excitement in your podcast, injecting some fun can help reignite the passion. Here's how to podcast and have fun doing it, too!

1. Don't be rigid with your outline

If you plan your podcast episodes with structure, then it can be easy to force that structure at the cost of quality, personal conversation. I've made this mistake before in our Once Upon a Time podcast; I was too focused on moving us along in a specific order, that I was stifling quality discussions just so we could follow my plan.

I've learned that some of our best conversations happen when we let ourselves deviate—a little—from the outline. This is like the surprise flavor in a dish. But always remember to pull the conversation back in line and continue on.

2. Let yourself laugh

We've heard the Bible, philosophers, and even scientists all agree that laughter is good for us. When you run a serious podcast, it can be easy to focus so much on the professionalism that you forget the humanity. People can relate with humor; it's often like a great breath of fresh air in a stuffy presentation.

So don't be afraid to laugh or let some humor into your podcast, even if you think you're covering a serious topic.

Certainly, laughter may not be appropriate for all content, and it's also possible to laugh too much at yourself. But if something is genuinely funny, let it be natural.

Even if your audience doesn't get your humor, they can at least appreciate that you are another human being who can laugh.

3. Interact with your audience

I've been tempted to retire podcasts many times before, but I often come back to the priceless relationships I've built. I have so much fun interacting with mutual fans of a TV show, other podcasters, or people with funny stories. When I can, I try to respond to tweets (not just replying to tweets that mention me), get in community discussions, and incorporate my audience's feedback.

This helps you get out of your podcast “basement” and back into real life with human interactions. This is always where you'll see the greatest reward in podcasting.

4. Have a guest or cohost

Solo podcasting can be difficult at times, and it can certainly start to feel boring for you or your audience. Consider mixing it up with a guest or even adding a regular cohost.

Others will have different experience and perspectives. This brings a whole new dynamic to podcasting and turns it into a conversation more than a presentation. It's much more fun to talk to a person than to a microphone.

Even if you already have a regular cohost, consider a third guest, or a swap just to mix things up and have some more fun.

5. Simplify or delegate

Part of making something fun is to remove what's not fun. You may need to simplify your process to reduce your labor, or else find a volunteer or virtual assistant to help with some tasks.

I recently hired two virtual assistants to help with writing show notes and handling some of my audio production. They love helping and I love not having to do those tasks. It makes the whole podcasting process less painful and thus more enjoyable.

6. Keep a “praise” folder

Whenever you get a great review, or some really positive feedback, add it to a “praise” folder. This works as a great pick-up when you're feeling down, and it will remind you of your positive highlights.

7. Do something crazy

Every now and then, do something that may seem a little crazy, but don't do too much. Maybe you take a step back and get personal, maybe you invite others to contribute content for your show, or maybe you take a crazy twist to your normal content.

A crazy idea will help break you out of your normal box and you may discover things you can continue to use in your regular episodes.

Come see me speak at New Media Expo and save 20% with promo code “DANIEL20.”

Podcast Master Class Podcasters' Society: podcast from average to amazing!

UPDATE: The original Podcast Master Class has been reformatted and is now Podcasters' Society.

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new 4-week course to help current podcasters make their podcasts better. The first Podcast Master Class will be during the month of February.

This is not the place to learn how to podcast, but how to podcast better. We'll cover how to make money, growing your audience, enhancing your website, and more. I'll also give you a 100-point evaluation of your current podcast and we'll discuss how you can improve.

This is, literally, a $3,737 value (based on what it would cost for you to get everything in one-on-one sessions) that you can have for $1,799.

But listen to my episode to hear an exclusive coupon code good through December (but the most valuable through December 9).

Find out more at PodcastMasterClass.com.

Need personalized podcasting help?

I no longer offer one-on-one consulting outside of Podcasters' Society, but

request a consultant here and I'll connect you with someone I trust to help you launch or improve your podcast.

Ask your questions or share your feedback

• Comment on the shownotes
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Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship and

may receive compensation from your actions through such links. However, I don't let that corrupt my perspective and I don't recommend only affiliates.