Podcast Listener Pet Peeves: Are You Guilty of Any?
Let’s face it: podcasts are like pizza: when they’re good, they’re really good, but when they’re bad, you’re left wondering why you even bothered. As much as listeners enjoy their favorite shows, a few common podcasting sins can turn even the most loyal fans into eye-rolling, fast-forwarding skeptics.
And here’s the thing: I’m guilty of committing a couple of these sins myself. Case in point: when I first started podcasting, my audio quality was... let’s just say it sounded like I was recording from inside a tin can in a windstorm. Then there’s my personal nemesis: filler words. “Um,” “like,” and “you know” used to run wild in my recordings like uninvited guests. If you’ve ever listened to an early episode of mine, you’ve probably caught me stringing them together like a nervous game of connect-the-dots.
But hey, podcasting is a journey, and part of the fun is learning from your mistakes, and your audience’s not-so-subtle feedback. Whether you’re here to fine-tune your craft or just to point and laugh at the sins of others, let’s dive into the groan-worthy podcast pet peeves that drive listeners nuts, and how to fix them.
Poor Audio Quality
Nothing will send listeners scrambling for the "unsubscribe" button faster than bad audio. Whether it’s a distracting echo, background noise, or inconsistent volume levels, poor sound quality can ruin an otherwise excellent show.
Believe me, I know this one firsthand. Early on, my episodes of The 80s and 90s Uncensored sounded more like an accidental science experiment than a podcast. I was using the wrong mic and recording in less-than-ideal spaces. Thankfully, I learned (and upgraded my gear) over time, but I still struggle with this sometimes.
Fix It:
Use a quality microphone and position it correctly.
Record in a quiet space to reduce background noise.
Spend time learning basic audio editing skills or invest in professional help.
Overuse of Filler Words
Ah, filler words. These little verbal crutches sneak in when you least expect it, cluttering your sentences and breaking the flow of your message. I’ll admit, this is my Achilles’ heel. I often rely on “um,” “like,” and “you know” as if I’d forgotten how to finish a thought without them.
While filler words are natural in conversation, too many can distract your audience and make you sound unprepared. The good news? With some practice and careful editing, you can minimize their presence in your episodes.
Fix It:
Embrace pauses. Silence is better than clutter.
Practice speaking deliberately and rehearsing key points.
Use editing tools like Descript to identify and remove excessive filler words.
Rambling Intros
While I haven’t been too guilty of this one, I’ve definitely heard podcasts where it feels like the host spends forever on tangents before getting to the topic. A long-winded intro can make even the most patient listener lose interest. The fact is, unless you are famous, nobody cares how work is going or how your weekend was. Just get to it.
Fix It:
Keep intros under two minutes and relevant to the topic.
Script or outline your opening remarks to stay on track.
Hook your audience with a preview of what’s coming next.
Too Many Ads
Monetizing your podcast is great, but when ad breaks start to outnumber actual content, it can push even loyal listeners away. Listeners are savvy and they understand you need ads to keep the lights on, but they also don’t want to feel like they’re listening to a never-ending infomercial.
Fix It:
Limit ads to one or two breaks per episode, depending on length.
Make ads engaging or weave them naturally into your content.
Use dynamic ad insertion to tailor ads based on listener preferences.
Talking Over Guests
Interviews should feel like conversations, not competitions to see who can talk the most. Cutting off your guest mid-sentence or steering the conversation back to yourself can frustrate both the guest and your listeners.
I’ve definitely cringed while listening to other podcasts where the host couldn’t stop interrupting. It makes me want to crawl through the internet and backhand the host. A little patience goes a long way in making guests (and audiences) feel heard.
Fix It:
Focus on active listening instead of planning your next question.
Give guests space to finish their thoughts, even if there’s a pause.
Edit out interruptions or awkward overlaps during post-production.
Too Long (or Too Short) Episodes
Finding the right episode length can be tricky. Some listeners love a deep dive, while others prefer bite-sized content. The key is to stay consistent so your audience knows what to expect.
Our episodes of The 80s and 90s Uncensored are always about 25 minutes (the length of a sitcom). Some listeners have signaled they’d like longer episodes (which is a compliment really) but most think this is just right. Regardless, everyone knows that they will get a half-hour episode every Monday without fail.
Fix It:
Choose a target length based on your content and audience preferences.
Edit ruthlessly. Cut out tangents and filler to tighten the episode.
Respect your listeners’ time by delivering value from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re guilty of one, or even two, of these podcasting sins, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Podcasting is all about growth, and every misstep is just another lesson learned. Trust me, I’ve been there with my questionable audio and filler-word binges, but improving those has only made me a better podcaster.
So, what’s your biggest podcast pet peeve? Or better yet, what’s the most embarrassing mistake you’ve made as a podcaster? Share it in the comments and we’ll laugh (and learn) together!
