| Programme Overview
A bespoke two-session training programme designed specifically for the West Hub community, equipping participants with the practical skills, confidence, and tools needed to create engaging podcast content. The programme supports participants in developing podcast ideas, shaping compelling episodes, and preparing content for release across relevant platforms.
Through hands-on learning, collaborative group activities, and personalised feedback, participants will gain a clear understanding of the podcast creation process — from concept development and recording techniques to editing considerations, structuring episodes, and planning for distribution.
| Programme Structure
This is a 2-session programme
By signing up, you are registering for both sessions:
- Session 1: Friday 13th March, 10am to 1pm (3-hour workshop)
- Session 2: Friday 20th March, 10am to 1pm (3-hour workshop)
You do not need to book twice, one booking covers both sessions.
Session 1: How To Create A Podcast
This workshop is all about setting the foundations – deciding on concept and format, and setting up tools and processes to help everything run smoothly.
There will be discussions and activities throughout, plus industry examples, facts and stats to illustrate key points and trends. There’ll be a worksheet to complete as we go.
Session Objectives
Understand the fundamentals of effective podcast content
Define your audience and objectives
Explore podcast concepts, formats and structures
Record a piece of audio to get you familiar with the kit
Set yourself up for success with better planning, tools and templates
Outline
1. Intros and opening discussion. Discuss: Tell us about your podcast – is it up and running or the germ of an idea? What would you love to learn today? Do you have any challenges?
2. What IS a podcast? What platforms are they on, what trends are we seeing, what patterns do we see in successful podcasts, whatever the budget? Which podcasts win awards? Discuss: What podcasts do you listen to? What keeps you coming back?
3. What’s your objective? Why do you want to make a podcast? What are you looking to achieve? Monetise, raise awareness, build a community, tell a story…? Activity: Note this down right now, and refer back to it.
4. Who is the audience? What are their tastes, habits, interests, and what are they listening to already? What audience and competitor research can you do? Activity: Do some competitor research. Are there any podcasts like yours out there already? How will yours be different?
5. What’s the concept, format and structure?
What makes a strong concept?
What’s your core message and is the audience interested?
Choosing the right category for Apple, Spotify and others
Importance of a strong title
Duration, segmenting and pacing
Series or weekly?
Audio v video
Solo presenter, guests, panel – who’s on your podcast?
6. Set yourself up for success. Streamline your processes from day one, and reduce time spent editing later through better content planning, project management tools, and templates you can use again and again. 7. Record a piece of audio
8. Return to opening discussion about concept and formats. What have attendees picked up that they can apply to their own podcasts? Activity: Think about the topics covered and come to the next one ready to develop your concept.
Bonus points, listen to an episode of Communicating with Ros Atkins and tell us what you learned about keeping the topics and duration tight, and his techniques for keeping the audience listening.
Session 2: Production, Presenting, and Preparing Your Podcast Plan
Date: Friday 20th March
Duration: 3 hours
Format: Interactive workshop with personalised feedback
Session Objectives
Reflections and learnings from session one
Discover interview techniques and getting the best out of your guests
Review and critique participant-created podcast content
Develop sustainable podcast production workflows
Build confidence, consistency, and ongoing best practices
Session Content
Part one: Presenting – how to be a great host, and get the best from your guests
Part two: Production essentials, including common mistakes to avoid
Part three: Build your podcast plan
Essentials
Concept, format, duration
Category and title
Core message and audience
Series or weekly? Audio only or with video?
What resources do you need?
Duration, segmenting and pacing
Who features?
And how does this podcast meet your organisation objectives?
Content
Create a 6-week episode plan – what’s the narrative arc?
How will you ensure a consistent style throughout the series?
How will you prep guests and get the best out of them?
How will you streamline your processes?
What challenges can you predict and how will you overcome them?
How will you set realistic goals and production timelines?
| About The Trainers:
Sue Keogh
Sue Keogh is the Founder of communications consultancy Sookio, who have delivered podcast marketing campaigns for Yale Economic Growth Center, Internet Watch Foundation and Beacon rare disease charity.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, she has ten years in broadcast media with BBC Radio 2, Magic FM and ITV, and hosts her own podcast, Communication Untangled, which was a double finalist in the 2025 Independent Podcast Awards.
Sue has worked extensively with the University of Cambridge, including multiple strategy, video, podcast and social media projects with the University Museums Group, Cambridge Trust, Cambridge Judge Business School and others. Recent podcast projects have included Listen to THIS for THIS Institute (The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute), and The Mystery of Darwin’s Stolen Notebooks for the Cambridge University Library.
Sue is hosting both workshops on how to create and promote your podcast, with producer Rob Birne helping develop course content and joining us to host session two.
Rob Birnie
Producer and presenter Rob Birnie from Madeby DBM works with Sue on Communication Untangled, and together they produced Listen to THIS. During his 15 years as a presenter on national and local radio, he edited audio every day, and now uses that expertise to create and promote thought-provoking podcasts including the Blue Plaque Pod, Conscious Leaders, and Brain Aneurysms & Beyond. He’s also highly skilled at motion graphics and can give constructive guidance on creating eye-catching assets that will attract audience attention.
