Episode 424 - Don’t Bore Us, Get to the Chorus - Why Starting in the Middle Might Work For Your Podcast

Don’t Bore Us, Get to the Chorus: Why Your Podcast Should Start in the Middle

There’s a classic saying in music: “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.” Songwriters know the chorus is what hooks listeners-the part everyone remembers and sings along to. The same principle applies to podcasting, especially when it comes to the start of your episode.

Think about improv comedy. One of the first lessons is to start in the middle of the scene. You don’t waste time introducing characters or setting up the world. Instead, you jump right into the action-two people already arguing about football, not awkwardly introducing themselves and explaining what’s about to happen. This approach immediately pulls the audience in, making them curious and invested from the first moment.

Too often, podcasts get bogged down in lengthy introductions, excessive backstory, or “today on the show, we’ll be talking about…” monologues. When you spoon-feed every detail and context, you actually rob your audience of the chance to be engaged. Great storytelling leaves some questions unanswered at first. It trusts the listener to fill in the gaps, to deduce and discover as the episode unfolds. This is what keeps people leaning in, wanting to know more.

So, as a podcaster, challenge yourself to “get to the chorus.” Start with a compelling moment, a bold statement, or an intriguing question. Let your audience’s curiosity do the work. Not only will this make your show more dynamic, but it will also respect your listeners’ time and intelligence.

Website list of songs that start with the chorus

“Don’t bore us. Get to the chorus.” An excellent maxim to live by, and one that more artists should embrace with fervour. Long, extended intros should be kept to the realm of jam bands: if you’re trying to make a solid first impression, why hit the listener square in the face with the catchiest, most memorable part of the song right off the bat?

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/15-songs-that-start-with-the-chorus/

Clip referenced in the episodehttps://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSdCHVpu/

https://howtopodcast.ca/