Hey everyone — quick update before we jump into today’s episode.
We’re currently taking a short break from recording new episodes of Podcast Insider as we spend some time reworking the show behind the scenes. We’re looking at everything from format to content to make sure we’re bringing you the most helpful and relevant podcasting insights possible.
We’ll be back with brand new episodes in May.
In the meantime, we’re revisiting some of our past episodes that are still incredibly relevant — like this one.
Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll see you soon with what’s next for Podcast Insider.
Change can be scary — especially when your podcast format is “working well enough.” But doing the exact same thing every week can lead to burnout, stale content, and flat growth. In this episode of Podcast Insider, Mike and Dave dig into how to experiment with your show format without confusing your audience, tanking downloads, or losing the core of what makes your show work.
Whether you’re thinking about shorter episodes, new segments, rotating co-hosts, or even a full refresh down the road, this conversation walks through how to test changes in a thoughtful, data-informed way over time.
Today’s Hosts: Dave Clements and Mike Dell
Why Even Good Shows Need Format Experiments
If your show is “fine,” it can be tempting to leave it alone forever. But small experiments can:
Common worries podcasters have:
Breaking down the difference between:
💡 Blubrry helps: Use your Blubrry stats to compare performance before and after changes—episode downloads, trends over a few weeks, and listener behavior over time.
Low-Risk Ways to Experiment With Your Format
You don’t have to flip your show upside down to “try something new.” Mike and Dave walk through small, manageable experiments you can test over a few episodes:
Length & Pacing Experiments
They also talk about running experiments in “seasons” or short runs so changes feel intentional, not random.
💡 Blubrry helps: Tag your episodes clearly in titles and descriptions (e.g., “Quick Tip,” “Deep Dive,” “Listener Q&A”) so you can see which experiment types attract more plays over time.
Bringing Your Audience Along for the Ride
Listeners are usually more flexible than podcasters think—as long as they’re not surprised in a bad way.
Communicate changes without sounding unsure or apologetic:
“We want to get to the main topic faster.”“We’re testing shorter episodes for busy listeners.”Set expectations and limits:
“We’re experimenting with this format for the next 3–4 episodes.”Invite feedback directly:
Ask for emails, social DMs, or voicemailsRun a simple listener poll or surveyPosition changes as a perk (“We’re giving you more X”)Make listeners feel included (“You’re helping shape how this show evolves.”)💡 Blubrry helps: Link to your contact page, newsletter, or survey using Quicklinks so listeners always have an easy, one-click way to respond.
What to Track When You Change Your Format
Experimenting without paying attention to results is just guessing. We break down what to watch once you start testing new ideas:
Don’t panic over one “weird” episode—look at patterns, not outliers.
💡 Blubrry helps: Use episode comparison tools and long-term stats trends to see how format changes affect performance across multiple episodes, not just one.
Knowing When to Roll Back vs. Commit
Not every experiment will be a hit—and that’s okay.
Tweak and keep testing if:
Tell listeners when something worked:
Listener Takeaway
Experimenting with your format doesn’t mean starting from scratch—it means refining what already works and letting go of what doesn’t.
…you can evolve your show in a way that feels natural for both you and your listeners.
The best place for all Blubrry support is our ticket system. A ticket gives the whole team access vs. direct emails and calls. General podcasting discussion and more can be shared on the Blubrry Podcasting Facebook group.
Fill out our listener survey at surveys.blubrry.com/podcastinsider
Hosting customers can schedule a one-on-one call for a tech checkup with Mike ([email protected]).
