Hostiness with Elaine Appleton Grant

On this episode of the Audience podcast, Stuart and Elaine talk about her podcast "Sound Judgment" and what it takes to be a great host. (Stuart gets a lesson from an expert.) Elaine uses her experience as a lifelong journalist to help hosts become better at what they do, no matter the genre. 

Elaine Appleton Grant is the CEO of Podcast Allies, an audio storytelling consulting, production and training company helping public media, NGOs, social impact and higher ed organizations make beautifully crafted shows. She is also the host and executive producer of the podcast Sound Judgment, which unpacks how today's best radio and podcast hosts make their magic. 

When not leading Podcast Allies, Elaine is a gardener, kayaker, traveler, entertainer, partner, and mom and bonus mom of four kids, a dog, and a cat.

If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to Castos.com/podcast. And as always, if you’re enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at castos.com/subscribe.

Today you’ll learn about:

• Bringing who you are to the table
• How Elaine’s past experience helps her as a host
• Qualities of good hosts
• Does the role of a host differ with each genre?
• Knowing your audience
• The importance of “sound vision”
• What is your animating force or motivation
• Psychological safety is "the permission you give a source to feel safe and candid"
• H.E.A.R. M.E.
• Examples of great hosts and their qualities

Resources/Links:

Podcast Allies: https://podcastallies.com 

Sound Judgement Podcast:  https://www.soundjudgmentpodcast.com/

Elaine Appleton Grant, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appletongrant/ 

Castos Academy: https://academy.castos.com/ 

Castos, private podcast: https://academy.castos.com/privatepodcast/