In this episode, hosts Alex Chisnall and James Burtt, co-founders of Pod School, explore the essential podcast formats that can elevate your show’s impact, from interview-based formats and solo episodes to dynamic roundtable discussions and innovative content creation strategies.  This podcast is brought to you by Pod School, a free community for aspiring podcasters. At Pod School, you'll access resources like tactical guides, blueprints, and live webinars. Join hundreds of content creators and learn the strategies to start, grow, and monetize your podcast. Click https://tinyurl.com/joinpodschool to join Pod School now! Whether you’re aiming to build authority, boost engagement, or use podcasting as a tool for business development, this episode provides practical insights to take your podcast to the next level. Episode Highlights: Choosing the Right Podcast Format: Discover how different formats like solo shows, interviews, and co-hosted episodes can cater to various audience needs and enhance content delivery.Benefits of Solo Shows for Authority Building: Learn how solo episodes can establish you as a thought leader, showcase your expertise, and engage your audience deeply.Interview Podcasts for Expanding Reach: James and Alex discuss the advantages of interview-based shows, which can increase audience reach by tapping into guest networks.Roundtable and True Crime Formats: Explore popular formats like roundtable discussions and niche-specific formats (e.g., true crime), and understand how they can boost audience engagement.Podcasting as a Business Tool: James shares insights on using podcasts as a replacement for discovery calls, turning them into valuable live coaching sessions that provide evergreen content.Leveraging Podcasting for Content and Relationship Building: Hear examples of companies using podcasts to record client conversations and as an internal communication tool to build company culture. Key Takeaways: Select a Format Aligned with Your Audience Goals: Align your podcast format with your audience’s needs to increase engagement and reach.Leverage Podcasts for Authority & Trust: Use solo episodes or business development formats to showcase your expertise, driving trust with listeners.Use Interview Podcasts for Broader Reach: Collaborate with guests whose network and insights can broaden your show’s audience.Transform Discovery Calls Into Content: Replace traditional calls with recorded coaching sessions, making valuable content for potential clients.Experiment with Roundtables & Niche Formats: Boost content diversity and relevance with unique formats like roundtables or audience-specific shows. In This Show We Cover: Types of podcast formats, Solo vs. co-hosted podcasts, Business development through podcasting, Audience engagement strategies, Building a podcast audience, Content creation for podcasting, Using podcasts for authority building, Benefits of interview podcasts, Pod School podcast community Chapters:  0:00 - Intro & Podcast Structure Overview 2:16 - Interview-Based Podcasts & Expanding Reach 4:49 - Solo Shows for Authority Building 5:30 - Exploring Roundtable & Niche Formats 9:42 - Podcasting as a Business Development Tool 11:34 - Using Podcasts Internally & for Onboarding 14:38 - Podcasts for Content Creation & Engagement 14:58 - Audience Engagement & Pod School Community...