You’ve come up with a concept for a brilliant new podcast. You’re passionate about the topic and have plenty of ideas for solo episodes. But should you consider having a co-host join you on this podcasting journey?
Bringing in a co-host may seem like twice the work. However, the right co-host can provide immense value and take your show to the next level. In this post, let’s explore the main pros and cons of podcasting solo versus having a co-host.
Reasons to Go Solo
Full creative control – When you fly solo, you maintain complete control over the show’s format, tone, topics and direction. You don’t have to compromise or coordinate with others.
Easier logistics – Recording and publishing episodes on your own requires less scheduling. You set the pace and cadence without needing to align with a co-host’s availability.
Keep all revenue – Monetizing a solo podcast means you don’t have to share any advertising or sponsorship income. This can be a major perk down the road.
Showcase your expertise – A one-person show allows you to fully establish yourself as an expert in the podcast’s niche. You own the spotlight rather than sharing it.
Speaking skills develop faster – Flying solo means you get more mic time per episode to sharpen your podcasting abilities quicker.
Reasons to Have a co-host
More engaging dialogue – Conversations and banter with a co-host creates fun, lively episodes that avoid the stuffiness of a single monologue.
Complementary perspectives – The right co-host can supplement your viewpoints and knowledge with their own unique takes. This adds more flavor and depth.
Share the workload – Co-hosts can collaborate on episodes by researching topics, producing segments, booking guests, promoting the show, etc. It’s a team effort.
Accountability – You’ll be less likely to slack off or quit the podcast knowing you have a partner counting on you. A co-host keeps you motivated and consistent.
Simulate listener reactions – Bouncing topics and ideas off a co-host during recording provides instant feedback, almost like having a test audience.
Better representation – Depending on your podcast niche, a co-host with a different background can help make your show more relatable and inclusive.
How to Choose a co-host
If you decide moving forward with a co-host is best, putting thought into selecting the right person is key:
- Share similar values and vision for the podcast
- Complimentary skills and experience
- Personality styles that mesh well
- Equally committed and hard working
- Local to you if recording in-person
Ideally find someone you already know and trust like a colleague, friend or family member. But you can also put out an open casting call to find co-hosts with the right chemistry.
Just be sure to agree upfront on creative control, workload division, revenue splits, ownership rights in a partnership agreement to avoid conflict.
Solo or co-host? Best of Both Worlds
A third option is to sometimes record solo episodes and bring on one or multiple rotating guests or co-hosts periodically. This provides flexibility to experience the benefits of both approaches.
You maintain overall creative control and get more mic time on solo episodes. Yet still infuse co-host energy and diverse perspectives into other episodes.
Think of shows like The Joe Rogan Experience – mostly solo but buzzier with celebrity guests. The Tim Ferriss Show mixes both too.
Summary
Solo podcasting means retaining full control and quicker development of your skills. But can risk becoming dry without another person to riff off.
Having a consistent co-host spices up dialogue and shares the workload. But requires compromising and splitting rewards.
Mixing both formats utilises strengths of each approach. This “best of both worlds” route may offer the right balance for your podcast if you are undecided.
Whichever option you choose, just be sure to have fun with it! The journey of launching and growing a podcast should be an exciting adventure either way.