Consistency is often key in podcasting. Your show’s format is part of that. But "format" is simply a tool that helps you better tell the story to your audience. Sometimes a different tool may get better results. Today's missive is for podcasters who adhere to a format. I’m one of them, demonstrated on over 500 episodes thus far of my short form, single topic, monologue show.

But here's a reality check: My chosen format, like your chosen format, is just a construct.

Chat cast. Headline rundown. Poem of the day. Narrative deep dive. Monologue. These are all simply constructs.

Extremely helpful constructs that better craft the information presented in your episode, sure. No argument there.

But what's more important? The information/story you're imparting/telling or the format you’ve chosen to tell it in?

If you said “the format,” then I’m afraid we can’t be friends. Or you need to buy me several beers as you attempt to convince me of your position.

Your audience is not here because you interview guests on your podcast. They’re here for the information.

Your audience isn’t here because you do a solo show. They’re here for the insight and inspiration.

Your audience isn’t here because you include exactly three short headlines in your daily news roundup. They’re here to be caught up.

So sometimes, on occasion, and when it is really, really warranted, it's OK to temporarily eschew the construct if a different format better serves or compliments the story you’re telling with your overall podcast.

I've a bit more to say on this topic of @PodPont at https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/breaking-your-podcasts-format-isnt-always-a-bad-thing, which I'd love for you to check out, read/listen/watch, and share with a podcaster who needs to hear it.

You’ll find more thoughts on this topic and other questions every working podcaster should be asking themselves athttps://podcastpontifications.com/ ( PodcastPontifications.com).