How to Make Storytelling a Habit: Enhancing Your Podcast Consistently

In the final episode of Showmakers' five-part miniseries on storytelling, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 explores the importance of making storytelling a consistent habit in podcast creation. Ed emphasizes that without intentional storytelling, podcasts can become dull and forgettable. He offers actionable tips on embedding storytelling into every stage of the podcast process—from planning and recording to editing and promoting. Ed also encourages podcasters to review their previous work with a storytelling lens and consider storytelling as a continuous practice. This episode concludes with a recap of the mini-series and an invitation for further support and collaboration.

00:00 Introduction

00:43 The Importance of Intentional Storytelling

01:19 Starting with Story in Episode Prep

02:14 Developing Story Radar

02:53 Storytelling in the Edit

03:13 Building a Storytelling Culture

04:21 Storytelling as a Practice

05:12 Series Recap

06:21 Closing and Next Episode Preview

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Shaping Stories Through Editing: Techniques for Narrative Podcasting

In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 explores the art of editing and highlights the importance of narrative shaping in post-production. Ed emphasizes that editing is more than just cutting audio; it's about uncovering and structuring the story within the conversation. He offers practical tips for both DIY editors and those working with editors, including identifying the story arc, removing non-essential dialogue, and reordering content for better impact. He also stresses the value of human moments and encourages editors to develop their unique style. This episode is geared towards ensuring that every podcast episode tells a compelling, well-structured story.

00:00 Introduction

00:44 The Purpose of Editing

01:25 Finding the Story Arc

02:06 Being Flexible with Content

02:27 Removing Verbal Scaffolding

03:22 Reordering Content

04:00 Rhythm and Flow

04:43 Working with Editors

05:37 Developing Your Style

06:18 Closing and Next Episode Preview

About Your Host

Ed Barker has been producing and recording podcasts since 2009. After a long career as a corporate marketing and strategy executive (and then a VC), Ed launched Studio 1878 (www.1878.studio) in early 2025 with the goal of making brand and business podcasting much better. Ed is a Brit, working out of Seattle, and podcasting worldwide. 🌎

Studio 1878

A podcast development studio for the modern brand. We believe everyone has a story worth telling. Specializing in business and brand podcasts, we’ll help build your story from ideation to distribution, transforming concepts to real connection with your audiences. We produce our own shows but our core proposition is in helping businesses and creators produce something truly compelling and authentic. We’d love to help you tell your story. 😈

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mastering Storytelling: Listening for Key Moments in Your Podcast

In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 dives into the essentials of recording for storytelling in podcasts. He explains how key moments such as changes, emotions, details, stakes, and surprises can transform an okay episode into a great one. Ed shares tips for hosts and producers alike on how to identify and leverage these storytelling elements while recording, making the final edit sharper and more engaging. Tune in to learn how to make your episodes memorable and authentic by capturing the raw material for your story arc in real-time.

00:00 Introduction

00:21 The Importance of Live Recording

01:01 What to Listen For: Change

02:09 Capturing Emotion

03:18 The Power of Detail

04:01 Understanding Stakes

04:56 The Element of Surprise

05:39 Solo Episode Tips

06:41 The Role of Silence

08:00 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has been producing and recording podcasts since 2009. After a long career as a corporate marketing and strategy executive (and then a VC), Ed launched Studio 1878 (www.1878.studio) in early 2025 with the goal of making brand and business podcasting much better. Ed is a Brit, working out of Seattle, and podcasting worldwide. 🌎

Studio 1878

A podcast development studio for the modern brand. We believe everyone has a story worth telling. Specializing in business and brand podcasts, we’ll help build your story from ideation to distribution, transforming concepts to real connection with your audiences. We produce our own shows but our core proposition is in helping businesses and creators produce something truly compelling and authentic. We’d love to help you tell your story. 😈

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.