Why Podcasts Make Members Feel Heard
Have you ever felt truly heard? Your association podcast can create that same feeling for members. This week, I chatted with a member who shared how surprised she was and how much she appreciated hearing her name and question addressed in the podcast. It reminded me of the importance of listener engagement in a podcast—and how it can build deeper trust and connection with your audience.
Podcasting Insight of the Week
Topic: Q&A Segments for Member Engagement
Tip: Feature a listener question in each episode. It shows members you’re listening and fosters a sense of connection. Encourage questions through email or social media.
One of our clients, the California Restaurant Association (CRA), uses a format called Ask CRA. This was a segment, but we decided to break it off as a mini-episode in the feed. The decision was also made to utilize a lightning round, which is recorded after the interview with a guest. This is edited into its own teaser mini-episode that goes out before the main long-form episode airs.
We’re now going to roll out three episodes a month:
Ask CRA: One question is answered by an expert.
Lightning Round: A teaser with the next guest. This is recorded at the end of the interview with the guest but cut out to make its episode earlier in the month.
Monthly Long-Form Interview: The main monthly episode interview.
This rhythm forms a reliable listening habit for members and the industry, while significantly boosting download numbers, making your podcast even more attractive to sponsors.
Quick Tool Spotlight
Tool: Your New Assistant — NotebookLM
Why It’s Great: NotebookLM It is the ultimate tool for understanding things and a research assistant in your pocket. Upload your docs—meeting notes, podcast transcripts, even pitch drafts—and it helps you:
Summarize key info fast (this is amazing)
Prepare podcast ROI reports.
Answer questions like, “What should I pitch to my board?”
It’s perfect for busy association pros juggling strategy and family life. Less time digging, more time creating. Watch this video to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nl6hz2nYFA&t=11s
Spotlight: Cool Things to Know
This Week’s Feature: Fun National Days Calendar
Why It’s Cool: These quirky observances (like National Volunteer Day or National Coffee Day) are perfect for planning timely, lighthearted podcast segments.
Actionable Takeaway: Use them to inspire your social posts or give your podcast a topical twist that resonates with your audience.
Like holiday, it might be tonight's family dinner choice!
Our Client Feature: American Association of Endodontists (AAE)
This Week’s Feature: Annual Meeting Content Blitz
Why It’s Cool: Since 2019, we’ve partnered with AAE to podcast live from their annual meeting. It’s become part of the event experience, connecting members, guest speakers, and sponsors.
Actionable Takeaway: Start with a small booth at your annual event: interview speakers and industry influencers. Add a banner and a QR code for easy podcast subscriptions. Or even set up a mic in the speaker-ready room—it’s an easy, high-impact content generator.
Dr. Marcus Johnson (on the right) hosting EndoVoices—79 episodes in and now could be called the industry voice of endodontics!
Let me know: As we roll out our new podcast, would you like to be interviewed and share your experience producing an association podcast?