What Does a Podcast Producer Do?

5 Things to Expect from a Professional Podcast Producer

I’ve held the title “producer” for most of my career. Before I started my podcast production company I worked as a radio producer, and probably the number one question I was asked was “what does a producer actually do?”

 My short answer is same as it was then: “pretty much everything.”

Larj Media Founder/Podcast Producer Tina Nole works with author/host Andrea Dunlop on Nobody Should Believe Me

In my radio days, the job of a producer depended a lot on the culture of the station and the type of programing. In podcasting the title has proven to be equally amorphous and can mean anything from a production manager who coordinates all the moving parts to someone—more like a film director—who works intimately with the host and helps shape the story and the vision for the show.

When I started Larj Media in 2011, I wanted to be able to offer my clients more than technical expertise or production management. Being behind a microphone for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience and engaging in a meaningful conversation with a guest, or sharing personal stories, requires a tremendous amount of bravery and vulnerability.

At Larj, our producer’s job is to help our hosts be the best “them” they can be behind the mic – because we know that the relationship between the listener and the host is the key to a successful podcast.

Our producers are coaches, confidants and trusted partners. But more than that, we are professional story tellers with a keen ear for what kind of content keeps listeners coming back week after week. We believe in our shows and will fight for their success all the way.

At Larj your podcast producer’s role includes:

 1.     Concept development

Before heading to the studio to record an episode, your producer will make sure you have a strong foundation that will sustain your listenership throughout the life of your podcast. You may come to the table with a general idea for the podcast, in this case your producer can help you get specific about your vision. If you already have a strong concept, your producer can help define your audience and explore innovative ways to structure your storytelling. It’s also possible that you already have a very specific brand story that you want to tell. In this case, your producer’s job will be to help you with an approach that won’t feel too salesy, enabling you to build trust with your listeners for the long haul.

2.     Pre-production

Once we have your concept locked down, your producer goes into pre-production mode, booking guests, shipping equipment if necessary, or making location arrangements for field recordings. Depending on your host’s previous experience, the producer may set up a coaching session to make sure they’re comfortable in front of the mic and ready to go on recording day.

3.     Production management

When it’s time to record an episode, your producer puts on their technical director hat, making sure that mics are positioned properly, and working with the sound engineer to make sure levels are correct and that recording equipment is ready to go. They also act as a second set of ears, suggesting clarifications or questions that might have been missed. And most importantly they’re there to guide and support you through every recording session, encouraging you to be your best self. This will insure that your listeners will develop a relationship with your show and come back for every episode.

 4.     Post-production

Once in post-production, your producer becomes your project manager; coordinating editors and sound engineers, working with you on any revisions and listening to making sure the sound quality is pristine. On the creative end, they’ll be scripting narration if needed, working with the editors to add musical elements and pick-ups, as well as cutting the trailer for your podcast.

5.     Distribution

This is the final step towards getting your podcast out into the world and into the ears of your listeners. Your producer sets your podcast up to be distributed on all the major podcast platforms, creates your transcription, episode copy and titles. Depending on your marketing needs, they can walk you through podcast-specific marketing best practices and provide marketing assets, including a press release and audiograms.

So, what does a professional podcast producer do? I’ll stick with my original answer: “pretty much everything.” And you shouldn’t expect anything less!

Ready to partner with a podcast production agency that will guide you from ideation to distribution, and help bring your vision to life? Contact Larj Media today!