How To Start a Craft Beer Podcast Interview Series

Craft beer has rapidly grown from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. With more people exploring local breweries and enjoying unique flavors, the craft beer industry is booming. If you're passionate about craft beer and enjoy podcasting, starting a podcast interview series could be a perfect way to combine these interests. This article will guide you through the process of launching a craft beer podcast interview series, from the initial concept to finding guests, recording your episodes, and building your audience.

Defining Your Niche and Concept

Before diving into the logistics, it's important to define the focus of your craft beer podcast. The craft beer industry is vast, so narrowing your scope can help attract a dedicated audience.

What Makes Your Podcast Unique?

To differentiate yourself from other podcasts, consider what makes your podcast special. Will you focus on interviews with brewers, hop farmers, or beer enthusiasts? Perhaps you'll highlight the cultural impact of craft beer in specific regions. Identifying your unique angle will help you build a loyal following.

Some potential themes for your podcast include:

• Brewer Interviews: Talk to craft brewers from different regions, learning about their brewing processes, struggles, and triumphs.
• Beer Styles and Trends: Explore different beer styles, brewing innovations, and emerging trends in the craft beer world.
• Beer Pairing and Culture: Focus on food pairings, beer and music, beer festivals, and how beer shapes social gatherings.
• Beer Education: Offer episodes that educate listeners on the technical aspects of brewing, tasting, and appreciating craft beer.

Understanding Your Audience

Craft beer podcasts cater to a diverse group of listeners, from casual beer drinkers to seasoned craft beer aficionados. Understanding your audience's preferences will help you tailor your content accordingly. Are you targeting beer beginners, connoisseurs, or industry professionals? Once you know your audience, you can adjust the tone and complexity of your episodes to meet their expectations.

Planning Your Episodes and Format

Now that you've defined your podcast's concept, it's time to think about the structure of your episodes.

Episode Length

Consider how long your episodes should be. Craft beer podcasts can range from quick 15-minute segments to hour-long deep dives. Your ideal length will depend on your content, audience, and format. For example, if you're doing interviews with brewers, expect episodes to last longer as you dive into their stories. If your focus is on reviewing beers or giving brief updates on trends, shorter episodes may work better.

Episode Frequency

Deciding on how often you'll release new episodes is another critical decision. Will you release new episodes weekly, biweekly, or monthly? Consistency is key to maintaining listener interest. Choose a schedule that you can realistically stick to, and make sure you have enough content to keep your episodes coming out on time.

Show Format

Since your podcast will be an interview series, you'll want to think about how your interviews will be structured. A good interview format can make the conversation flow more naturally and keep listeners engaged. Here's an example structure you might follow:

1. Introduction: Briefly introduce the guest and their background in the craft beer industry.
2. Early Beginnings: Ask about their first experiences with craft beer and what drew them to the industry.
3. Beer Brewing/Creating Process: Explore their brewing techniques, favorite styles, and challenges they've encountered.
4. Industry Insights: Discuss trends in the craft beer world, their thoughts on the future of the industry, and any upcoming innovations.
5. Personal Favorites and Recommendations: Ask them about their favorite beers, breweries, and their recommendations for listeners to try.
6. Conclusion: Wrap up with any final thoughts or advice for budding brewers or craft beer lovers.

Having a clear format will help both you and your guests stay on track and ensure that your episodes are engaging and easy to follow.

Securing Guests for Your Podcast

Your interview series relies on finding engaging and knowledgeable guests from the craft beer community. Having a variety of guests---from well-known industry leaders to local brewers---will add diversity and depth to your podcast.

Identifying Potential Guests

Think about who would bring value to your podcast. Here are a few types of guests you could feature:

• Craft Brewers: Speak with owners and brewers of craft beer establishments, from small local breweries to larger, well-established brands.
• Brewery Owners and Managers: These guests can offer insights into the business side of running a craft beer company.
• Beer Critics and Reviewers: Experts in tasting and evaluating beers can offer unique perspectives and recommendations.
• Industry Professionals: People working in other areas of the beer industry, such as hop farmers, malt suppliers, or distributors, can provide behind-the-scenes insights.
• Beer Enthusiasts and Community Members: Casual beer lovers with a passion for craft beer can offer their own perspectives and share personal stories.

Reaching Out to Potential Guests

Reaching out to potential guests can be challenging, especially if you're just starting your podcast. Start by creating a professional email template that introduces your podcast, its concept, and why you think they'd be a great fit as a guest. Be polite, concise, and respectful of their time. Craft beer professionals are often busy, so keep your pitch brief and to the point.

Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to connect with industry figures and initiate conversations. If you've attended any beer festivals or industry events, use those connections to build your network. Even if someone isn't initially available for an interview, they might recommend others who would be a good fit for your show.

Preparing for the Interview

Once you've secured a guest, it's crucial to prepare for the interview. Research their background, brewery, and any recent work they've done. This will allow you to ask informed questions and have a meaningful conversation.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of time but remain flexible during the interview. Sometimes, the best conversations come from unscripted moments. Ensure that your guest feels comfortable and that the conversation flows naturally.

Recording and Editing Your Episodes

Having a professional-sounding podcast is crucial for attracting listeners. While you don't need expensive equipment, there are a few key tools and techniques you'll need to ensure your podcast sounds great.

Essential Podcasting Equipment

1. Microphone: Invest in a good-quality microphone, such as a USB condenser microphone or an XLR microphone if you're recording with a mixing board.
2. Headphones: A good pair of headphones will help you monitor your audio during recording and editing.
3. Audio Interface: If you use an XLR microphone, you'll need an audio interface to connect the microphone to your computer.
4. Recording Software: Software like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid) will allow you to record and edit your episodes.
5. Pop Filter: A pop filter helps eliminate plosive sounds (like "p" and "b" noises) that can distort your audio.
6. Acoustic Treatment: If you're recording in a room with a lot of echo, adding some soundproofing (like foam panels) will improve the sound quality.

Recording Your Interviews

When recording your podcast, use high-quality recording software and ensure that your guests have a stable internet connection, especially if you're recording remotely. Platforms like Zoom, Riverside, or SquadCast are popular choices for remote podcasting interviews, providing high-quality audio and video for later editing.

Editing Your Podcast

Once you've recorded your episode, it's time to edit. Editing helps remove awkward pauses, background noise, or mistakes, improving the flow of the conversation. Focus on keeping the audio clear and natural. Avoid over-editing, as you want the conversation to feel authentic.

You can add intro and outro music, but make sure you have the appropriate licenses to use any music you include. Sites like Epidemic Sound and AudioJungle offer royalty-free music for podcasts.

Promoting Your Podcast

Now that you've recorded and edited your podcast, it's time to share it with the world. Promotion is essential for growing your audience.

Social Media

Promote your podcast on your social media platforms. Share behind-the-scenes content, quotes from the episodes, and links to the full episodes. Engage with your followers by asking them to share their thoughts on the podcast and any questions they have for future guests.

Collaborating with Other Podcasters

Partnering with other podcasters or cross-promoting with other craft beer-focused shows can help expose your podcast to new listeners. Consider swapping guest appearances, shout-outs, or sharing each other's content on social media.

Submit Your Podcast to Directories

To expand your reach, submit your podcast to popular podcast directories, including:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Google Podcasts
• Stitcher
• Podbean

Being listed in these directories will make it easier for potential listeners to find your show.

Engage with Your Audience

Building a loyal listener base requires more than just posting episodes. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, conducting Q&A sessions, or asking for feedback. Let your listeners know that you value their input and are always looking for ways to improve your podcast.

Monetizing Your Podcast

Once your podcast has gained some traction, you may want to explore monetization options. Here are a few ways to generate revenue from your craft beer podcast:

Sponsorships and Advertisements

One of the most common ways to monetize a podcast is through sponsorships and advertisements. As your audience grows, you can approach craft beer brands, breweries, and related companies to sponsor your episodes.

Affiliate Marketing

You can promote beer-related products and services (such as brewing equipment, beer glassware, or subscriptions) and earn a commission on sales made through your unique affiliate links.

Crowdfunding and Listener Support

Consider using platforms like Patreon to allow listeners to support your podcast financially. In return, you can offer exclusive content or early access to episodes.

Conclusion

Starting a craft beer podcast interview series requires careful planning, consistent effort, and a passion for the subject. By defining your niche, securing great guests, and producing high-quality content, you can create a podcast that resonates with craft beer enthusiasts. With time, dedication, and strategic promotion, your podcast can become a valuable resource in the craft beer community. Whether you're looking to share the stories of brewers, explore beer trends, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, your craft beer podcast will help you leave a lasting mark on the growing world of craft beer.

View Product