This session delved into the art of creating chart-topping comedy podcasts, revealing how humour can be a powerful engine for audience growth and engagement. Tara Lina Shahin of NRK introduced “Desken Brenner,” a satirical news podcast that successfully transitioned from a popular TV format to audio. Their approach blends scripted structure with improvisational wit, recapping the week’s news with hilarious sketches and songs. The podcast’s success stems from a mix of talented comedians, relatable content, and a willingness to share unfiltered perspectives, resonating with an audience tired of polished news. They emphasized the importance of understanding the news before crafting jokes, and the power of combining audio with video content to expand reach. Clara Mai Kunstmann of r8Dio showcased the unique success of a fictional Danish town, Skuldborg, born from a lockdown podcast. This project blurred the lines between fiction and reality, evolving into a full-fledged radio station with a devoted following. They fostered a strong community through interactive events like a 10-hour wedding and a football tournament, seamlessly integrating sponsors into the storyline. Their strategy highlights the importance of engaging listeners, embracing improvisation, and maximizing the perceived success of their projects.
The speakers collectively underscored comedy’s pivotal role in attracting new listeners to podcasts. Though challenging to replicate, humor is a powerful tool for engagement, transforming news recaps and fictional narratives into compelling content. They emphasized the importance of authenticity, relatable characters, and actively engaging with the audience. They demonstrated that by trusting their audience and encouraging participation, they can create a strong community. Remi Horgar and the speakers emphasized the importance of not over-planning, allowing space for improv and creativity to flourish. They also showed that even small projects can be presented as massive successes, and that often, authentic people can be much more engaging than celebrities. The r8Dio example showed the value of creating a complex world, and then allowing the audience to become part of it, and even to help build it. The core message was to trust your gut, engage your listeners, and let the comedy flow.
image © Afroditi Zaggana
