Using Podcasts as Powerful Tools to Shape Public Opinion

With the American election season coming to a close, podcasts have emerged as a powerful platform for political messaging, particularly among younger and upcoming generations. President-Elect Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent appearances on popular shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and Call Her Daddy illustrate how podcasts offer a unique and unfiltered space for politicians to connect with audiences while influencing public opinion.

As of November 5, Election Day, The Joe Rogan Experience episode featuring President-Elect Donald Trump had reached over 44 million views on YouTube, making that one of the show’s most-watched episodes. Conversely, The Call Her Daddy episode with Vice President Kamala Harris garnered around 787,000 views, which is lower than its average episode and created some backlash online. This disparity showcases the potential benefits of targeting the right show for your audience and the dangers of getting it wrong.

With the number of active podcast listeners increasing every year, adding podcasts to your communications strategy can offer a fruitful alternative to traditional media, allowing the interviewees to explore issues, discuss in-depth topics, and build a strong connection with listeners.

However, landing a spot on the right podcast can be challenging, since guests are selected based on each show’s target demographic, content style, and topics. To be successful in this space, you need to know about the range of podcasts out there, have an effective pitch, be well prepared for the interview, and have a plan to get the most out of your appearance.

How We Can Help You Stand Out

The Syntax team has a wealth of experience helping clients influence public opinion by harnessing the power of podcasts. Here is how we can maximize the effect of your podcast strategy:

1. Research and Target Relevant Podcasts
   • We start by identifying podcasts that align closely with your campaign’s goals and target audience. By focusing on shows that regularly discuss themes relevant to your campaign or target audience, we ensure you’re reaching listeners who are more likely to resonate with your message.
2. Craft a Unique Pitch Angle
   • Our team tailors each pitch to capture the attention of the podcast host. We identify a unique angle for each show, emphasizing the campaign’s insights and core values to ensure it is clear how you align with the show’s goals and demographics.
3. Create a Genuine Connection
   • Before each appearance, we prepare your spokesperson to communicate key messaging that speaks directly to the heart of your campaign. We focus on leading with your campaign’s values and relevant topics, equipping your spokesperson with authentic talking points that resonate with the audience.
4. Develop a Strategic Rollout Plan
   • After the podcast airs, we repurpose key soundbites and discussion highlights into engaging digital content. From social media clips to sound snippets and quotable graphics, we create a rollout plan to distribute this content across your digital platforms strategically.

No matter who you want to reach, podcasts are an increasingly important addition to the communications strategy mix. Team Syntax is poised to help you make the most of the unique opportunities podcasts present.

Contact us today to talk about how we can set you up for success.