Building a Supply Chain Podcast: Four Steps to the Best Supply Chain Podcast

“Hey, let’s put on a show!” — This rallying cry has long been a theme in entertainment, used to save businesses, promote products, or boost brand recognition. Now, it’s finding new life in the world of supply chain podcasts.

The field of supply chain-focused podcasts has flourished in recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As supply chain disruptions became front-page news, industry experts seized the opportunity to share their insights and experiences. With audiences spending more time at home, podcasts became an ideal medium for in-depth discussions on these critical issues.

That momentum continues today. This surge in supply chain podcasts presents both opportunities and challenges. While some shows may struggle to find their footing, there’s immense potential for industry practitioners to use their expertise and diverse perspectives to tell engaging stories that help listeners solve real-world problems.

The best podcasts that win listeners — whether they’re focused on supply chain, true crime, or shows on Bravo — follow four steps to success.

1. Plan: Structure and Preparation

Perhaps the songwriter Paul Simon said it best: “Make a new plan, Stan” (or Fran). Podcasts should be thoroughly planned before recording. Off-the-cuff podcasts come off as amateurish. Silly remarks about serious supply chain issues don’t give podcast hosts any credibility. (Remember the ridiculousness that occurred when the Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal?) 

To stand out in the world of supply chain podcasts, your show needs:

• Clear structure
• Thorough preparation 
• Specific goals
• Subject matter research
• Prepared interview questions

2. Focus on the Guest: Storytelling at Its Best

Johnny Carson was one of the best at setting up his guests to reveal something scintillating that people talked about around the watercooler the next day. He let the guest tell the story. 

The notion is that guests are on podcasts in the first place because they have compelling stories to tell. Let them tell those stories. Leave the “me, me, me” out of it. 

The best podcasts:

• Put the focus on the guest 
• Allow the guest to share a compelling story 
• Position the host as a story facilitator 

3. Take Pride in Your Production: Quality Matters

Let’s blame TikTok for the explosion of products designed to make people sitting in front of a computer look better on camera. In fact, a Google search immediately brings up an article on how to look good on a webcam. Its top recommendation is a ring light, which provides “a great look to your videos by lighting up things symmetrically, especially on your face.”

You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen those home-recorded webcasts in which the host and his or her immediate surroundings look sorta pink or lavender. Sure, the host has a rosy aura. But does the host even notice the guest’s laptop camera is positioned to give the audience a clear view up the nostrils? 

Poor production distracts from the actual content. That reads like a no-brainer statement. But for some in a hurry to put on a show, it’s a record-and-play kind of thing. 

To be taken seriously (and avoid blooper reels), your podcast should have:

• High-quality audio and video production 
• Professional editing 
• Investment in broadcast training for hosts

4. Promote and Repurpose: Maximize Content Value

The best supply chain podcasts are not set-it-and-forget-it kinds of productions. They take advantage of the nuggets of wisdom shared in each episode.

Podcast gold can be shared in:

• Social media posts 
• Website blogs 
• Email campaigns 
• Online libraries

The result can be a podcast episode that lives on long after it was recorded to achieve maximum content value. 

Supply Chain Now Has the Four Steps Down Pat

The number of supply chain podcast listeners is estimated to hit 254.3 million this year. You can cut through all that noise by going directly to the most trusted source in industry-related podcasts: Supply Chain Now. 

Our insightful and informative podcasts include:

• The namesake Supply Chain Now, which highlights the people, technologies, best practices, and critical issues impacting global supply chain performance today and tomorrow.
• Logistics with Purpose, which spotlights and celebrates organizations around the world dedicated to making a positive impact.
• Digital Transformers, which spotlights companies and executives leading global industries into a digital future.

Check out these and other podcasts. Listen now.