From Facts to Feelings: The Secret Sauce of Engaging Podcasts

From Facts to Feelings: The Secret Sauce of Engaging Podcasts

Author: Dave Jackson August 3, 2026 Duration: 35:15

If you look at movies that you love, and you think about them, and you remember how they made you feel. Today we talk about three things you can have in your tool belt to use in your show to not just have something to listen to, but to have content that moves your audience. We also answer the question what do Sportcasters, Movie Reviewers, and Christians all have in common?

Pull Some Emotion Into Your Show

Most podcasters focus on information—tips, tactics, and how‑tos. But your audience doesn’t connect to information first; they connect to emotion first.

Three Tools To Boost Connection

  • Nostalgia
  • Storytelling
  • Vulnerability

As the old saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility," so how do we use these ingredients in our show without sounding like we starting the sympathy engine just to grab attention?

What Do Christians, Movie Reviewer, and Sportscasters all have in common?

They are all working with the same source material. The same bible (more or less), the same movies, the same games. In this episode we talk about how to make your show stand out?

The Best Book on StoryTelling

I've read MANY books on storytelling, but Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks is the best - period. The audiobook is so good you will want to listen with a pad and pencil to take notes (or if you're loving in 2026, take notes on your phone).

Ready To Start Your Podcast?

Podcasting in Six Weeks

Mentioned in this episode:

Where Will I Be?

I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events: Podcast Movement September 17-18 Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)

Where Will I Be?

Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads

We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why? Does the size of your audience matter? Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)

School of Podcasting

Take Live Classes at the School of Podcasting

Podcasting in Six Weeks is BACK! (and this time it's free!) We are continuing to experiment with marketing, and we had so much fun helping people launch their show that we are going it again (and dropped the fee). If you don't have a show but want to start one this is THE place to get going in the right direction. Go to www.schoolofpodcasting.com/sixweeks Growing Your Podcast Live Course For members of the School of Podcasting we are all banding together to go through the steps of growing your show (so sign up now!). This will including feedback and strategies to get your show growing faster. You will write down your typical downloads before you start, and compare it to the final numbers. Use the coupon code listener when singing up to become a member and receive a discount. These live classes start August 19th. Please let me know if you have any questions at schoolofpodcasting.com/contact

School of Podcasting


Thinking about launching your own show but feel overwhelmed by the technical details or unsure if anyone will listen? You're not alone. School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast is a steady, practical guide through that entire process, hosted by Dave Jackson. With his induction into the Podcaster Hall of Fame, Dave draws from over eighteen years of direct experience, turning complex topics into actionable steps. Instead of just theory, each episode focuses on real-world application, whether you're choosing a microphone, structuring an episode, or figuring out how to turn your passion into a sustainable endeavor. The conversations here cut through the noise and common hype, emphasizing the pitfalls to avoid-the costly mistakes that can stall a new show before it finds its audience. You'll hear detailed discussions on audio editing, interview techniques, audience growth strategies, and the often-overlooked aspects of consistency and marketing. This isn't about fleeting trends; it's about building a solid foundation for your voice. Dave's approach feels like a direct mentorship, making the often-intimidating world of podcasting feel accessible and manageable. Whether you're stuck at the starting line or looking to refine an existing show, this podcast serves as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the journey from a simple idea to a polished, growing podcast. The tone is straightforward and encouraging, designed to replace anxiety with a clear plan.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

School of Podcasting: Expert Tips for Launching and Growing Your Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Behind the Scenes of My New Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:08
On today’s episode, I dig into my thought process as I consider launching a new podcast—and I walk through the essential questions I ask anyone who’s thinking about starting one. If you’ve already got a podcast, these qu…
The Myth of Overnight Success: What Podcasting Really Takes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
Hey, it’s Dave Jackson here! In this episode, I’m diving letting you see why patience and persistence matter more than anything else in podcasting (and, honestly, in most creative pursuits). We’ve all been spoiled by the…
How to Start a Podcast in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about b…
Launch and Grow Your Podcast with the School of Podcasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06
Hey, I’m Dave Jackson, host of The School of Podcasting.If you want to start a podcast or make the one you already have better, this show is for you. Every week, I share tips, insights, and proven strategies to help you…
What's Your Favorite Podcast (AND WHY) 2025 Edition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:33
What makes a podcast someone's favorite? I ask this every year, and here are the shows that were mentioned:Here is a list of the "Favorite" shows, as well as those who submitted them. Thanks so all who were involved.1. N…
Who is Peeing in the Podcast Pool? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Hey, it's Dave! In this episode (which uses chapters FYI), I take you through a year-end wrap-up, sharing stories, rants, insights, and predictions about the world of podcasting. Here are the main points I covered:1. A C…
Podcasting Build Relationships Which Leads to Opportunities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:02
Hey, it's Dave Jackson, and I'm thrilled to bring you episode 1014 of the School of Podcasting. You’ve heard me say it before: "Podcasts lead to relationships, and those relationships lead to opportunities." Today, I bro…
How to Handle Listener Feedback (Even the Awkward Bits) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:15
Welcome to the show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the feedback you’ve given me over the past year. From the things you love—like honest opinions and those behind-the-scenes bloopers—to areas…
12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting  My Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:58
In this episode, I circle back to a classic question:What do you wish you’d known when you started your podcast that you know now?This is a question I’ve asked in the past (shout-out to episode 768 back in 2021!), and wh…
12 Signs Your Podcast Is Actually Working [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
In this episode, I look into the many ways you can measure the success of your podcast beyond just download numbers. Too often, new podcasters get fixated on stats that might not actually reflect their true goals, whethe…