CONTENT: How To Build Trust And Connection With Your Audience, With Mark Steadman

"Good podcasting is about generously communicating and showing up for your listener and being able to deliver them really good value. " - Mark Steadman

If you’re a podcaster, new or experienced, this podpast episode will change the way you approach your craft. 

This episode with Mark Steadman was an absolute masterclass in podcasting. His insights on putting the listener first have completely reshaped the way I think about crafting episodes. I’ve always believed in respecting the listener’s time, but Mark took it to a whole new level—showing how everything from mic technique to episode titles plays a role in delivering a great experience.

One of my biggest takeaways was how powerful it is to speak directly to one listener rather than addressing a broad audience. That subtle shift in language builds a stronger connection and trust. Also, his thoughts on sharpening the axe before starting—a lesson I’ve often ignored—really resonated. I tend to jump in headfirst, but Mark’s advice on preparation is something I’ll be applying moving forward.

Key Takeaways

Respect the Listener’s Time – Your audience is giving up their valuable time for you. Don’t waste it with poor audio quality or irrelevant content. 

Put the Listener First – From your content to your marketing, everything should be designed with your audience in mind. 

Titles & Show Notes Matter – Your episode title and description should grab attention and be optimized for searchability. 

Speak to One Listener – Use singular language (“you” instead of “guys”) to build a stronger connection. 

Preparation Makes a Difference – Spending time planning your podcast (listener persona, content structure, etc.) will save you time and improve quality in the long run. 

Chapters & Timestamps

02:00 - Why Everything is About the Listener – The key to a great podcast.
07:00 - Respecting the Listener’s Time – Why quality matters.
10:00 - Speaking to One Listener – How language builds connection.
19:00 - The Importance of Preparation – How planning saves time.
26:00 - Creating Engaging Titles & Show Notes – How to make your episodes discoverable.
37:00 - Final Thoughts & Takeaways – Wrapping up with key lessons. 

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