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Putting out the best podcast possible is the goal of every host. It typically starts with refining a show\u2019s content and structure. But honing in on the mistakes and finalizing a game plan is where a podcast consultant comes in.\n\n\n\nTo help figure out the right path forward, it may be worth turning to a professional. Typically an auditing service, podcast consultants take both a high-level and detailed look at your podcast. The goal is to fix the pain points and elevate the pieces that are working. \n\n\n\nAhead, we sit down with Mathew Passy who is a professional podcast consultant. He specializes in training those launching new shows and comprehensive audits for others in the midst of producing a podcast. \n\n\n\n We ask him the tough questions around his client\u2019s successes and struggles and whether you should consider a professional for your own show. Tune in above for the full interview with Mathew then read on as we build upon some burning questions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s The Secret Sauce Of Successful Podcasts?\n\n\n\nMathew is undeniably an expert in what makes for a successful podcast so we couldn\u2019t resist asking for his secret sauce. And what is all boils down to is being honest and realistic about your podcasting goals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnalyze your approach\n\n\n\nFirst, analyze your approach. If you\u2019ve uttered \u201cI want to start a podcast but I don\u2019t know what to talk about\u201d or \u201cI want to sound like Podcast X\u201d, you may not be on the right path. With this mindset, you won\u2019t produce a show that fills an audience\u2019s needs. Or worse, you\u2019ll try a create a podcast already exists. In both cases, Mathew suggests taking a step back and rethinking podcasting altogether.\n\n\n\nBut if you\u2019re someone who is bursting with ideas and curiosity, that is the time to explore if audio is the right medium to convey the information. Think about the dramatic effects like pauses or intonation changes audio story-telling provides. Weigh each creative avenue and take a pragmatic look at whether podcasting is the right path for you and your topic. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSet realistic goals\n\n\n\nNext, be realistic about your goals. Many hosts want to build the biggest following possible without dissecting whether that audience even exists. It\u2019s difficult to start a podcast about a niche topic and aim for 50K followers. There simply may not be 50K people interested in that information. Instead, go into audience growth with a more realistic mindset.\n\n\n\nMathew\u2019s advice is to focus on an audience of one. While it may sound counter-intuitive, the most successful podcasts have hosts who craft an intimate listening experience. When it feels like the speaker is sitting in your passenger seat, the listener will develop a closer bond with the show. That personal connection transforms listeners into advocates who will help organically spread the word. It\u2019s these word of mouth recommendations that are the foundation of an engaged network of followers.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nActively ask for feedback\n\n\n\nThe last big ingredient is being honest about the quality of your show. It\u2019s difficult to objectively critique your own creative work. You\u2019re too close to the subject matter and can easily miss things that are hindering your growth. While a podcast consultant is the perfect person to shine light on those areas, also take feedback from your audience and collaborators. Take each piece of