How to Create a Podcast: Lessons from Water We Talking About?

Creating a podcast is about more than hitting “record.” It’s about finding a purpose, connecting with an audience, and delivering value through meaningful conversations. When Adam Tank and I launched Water We Talking About?, our mission wasn’t simply to discuss water. Instead, we set out to help water professionals tell better stories about the value of water by inviting the best storytellers in the industry to share their insights.

As a water professional myself, this journey has been transformative. Hosting this podcast has not only allowed me to share knowledge but has also helped me become a better storyteller. By learning from some of the most compelling voices in the field, I’ve gained new tools to communicate the importance of water more effectively.

Here’s how the framework behind Water We Talking About? has helped us succeed — and how you can use these lessons to create your own impactful podcast.

1. Start With a Clear Purpose

When we conceived Water We Talking About?, we didn’t want it to be just another industry podcast. Instead, we identified a unique purpose: to empower water professionals to tell better stories about water’s value.

Our focus on storytelling gave the podcast a unique edge and ensured that every episode delivered practical, actionable insights for our audience.

Takeaway: Define your podcast’s purpose. What sets your show apart? A clear purpose will act as a guiding principle, helping you focus your efforts and connect with your audience.

2. Pre-Interview Planning: The Key to a Focused Conversation

One of the most valuable strategies we’ve implemented is a pre-interview planning session with every guest. These sessions allow us to:

• Understand the guest’s expertise and identify their most compelling stories.

• Outline the key points we want to cover during the episode.

• Align on the flow of the conversation to ensure it’s engaging and purposeful.

This preparation ensures that each episode stays focused and allows both the guest and hosts to shine.

Takeaway: Invest time in pre-interview preparation. This will keep your conversations on track and deliver maximum value to your audience.

3. Follow a Clear Workflow

Producing Water We Talking About? consistently and efficiently requires a well-structured workflow:

1. Plan: Choose timely topics, identify the right guests, and conduct pre-interviews.

2. Record: Focus on natural, focused conversations guided by the plan.

3. Edit: Polish the audio, ensuring it’s clean and professional.

4. Publish and Promote: Share episodes through professional networks, social media, and newsletters.

This system allows us to maintain high-quality production while staying on schedule.

Takeaway: Establish a repeatable workflow to streamline your production process and maintain consistency.

4. Engage Guests and Listeners

The success of Water We Talking About? stems from building meaningful connections with both our guests and our audience. By inviting top water storytellers, we’ve been able to share actionable insights that resonate deeply with listeners.

We also actively engage with our audience by:

• Promoting episodes on platforms like LinkedIn, where water professionals are active.

• Listening to feedback to refine our content.

• Collaborating with guests to expand the podcast’s reach.

Takeaway: Be intentional about guest selection and audience interaction. Your guests can help elevate your content, and your audience will guide its relevance.

5. Embrace Continuous Learning

One of the most unexpected benefits of hosting Water We Talking About? has been the personal growth I’ve experienced. As a water professional, I’ve learned invaluable lessons from our guests — some of the best storytellers in the industry. These conversations have helped me sharpen my own storytelling skills, enabling me to better communicate the critical importance of water.

This ongoing learning process has made the podcast not just a platform for others but also a tool for my own professional development.

Takeaway: Your podcast can be a two-way street. While you’re creating value for your audience, you’ll also gain new skills and perspectives from the experience.

6. Iterate and Improve

A podcast is never static. With Water We Talking About?, we’ve refined our approach over time by:

• Reviewing listener feedback and analytics to understand what works.

• Experimenting with different formats and episode lengths.

• Staying open to new ideas while remaining aligned with our purpose.

This iterative approach ensures that the podcast continues to grow and remain relevant.

Takeaway: Treat your podcast as an evolving project. Use feedback to adapt and improve over time.

Closing Thoughts

The success of Water We Talking About? isn’t just about talking — it’s about listening, preparing, and focusing on meaningful conversations. By grounding our podcast in a clear purpose and thoughtful execution, we’ve been able to help water professionals become better storytellers while growing as storytellers ourselves.

Whether your podcast is about water, technology, or any other subject, the same principles apply. Start with a clear purpose, plan every episode carefully, and embrace the personal and professional growth that comes with the journey.

What’s your podcast idea? Let’s talk about how to bring it to life!