Podcast Pontifications

What’s great about podcasting is that not everyone has to get you or your podcast. That was one of the great things about Norm MacDonald, a comedian from whom podcasters can learn a thing or three.

It’s been said that when people want to laugh, they watch a comedian. But when comedians want to laugh, they watch Norm MacDonald. Norm was, by all accounts, a comedian’s comedian.

I rather like the idea of being known as a podcaster’s podcaster.  So with that, here are three lessons podcasters can learn from the life of comedian Norm MacDonald.

First, know what aspects of podcasting you are really good at. 

There were plenty of aspects of comedy Norm didn’t care for, so he didn’t master them. Be did master the mechanics and fundamentals of comedy. 

Podcasting is already at a point where you can choose to specialize in particular areas of podcasting. Just make sure you also get really good at fundamentals and the mechanics of what makes podcasting work.

Second, surround yourself with other podcasters who are really good at podcasting

Norm traveled in an elite circle of comedic greats who weren’t always the most in-demand comedians of the day. But they were great at their craft. Who do you admire and respect in podcasting, who feels the same way about the craft of podcasting that you feel about the craft of podcasting? And if you’re not already, how can you become pals with them? 

Third, don’t try to please the audience.

Arguably the most counterintuitive podcasting advice you’ve heard all day, but that’s Norm for you. Norm absolutely knew who he was for and why they were there. And he didn’t care much about those in attendance who he was not for, regardless of why they were there. 

It takes an extreme amount of confidence to know that in the audience are just the people who grok you. 

Thanks for the laughs, Norm.

-----

Links:

• FREE 3-week trial of My Podcast Reviews -  https://mypodcastreviews.com/pp

• Norm MacDonald, dead at 61 - https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/norm-macdonald-dead-dies-snl-1235064570

• Tom Webster on Twitter - http://twitter.com/webby2001

• Edison Research - https://www.edisonresearch.com

• Prior episode on knowing who you are for and why they are there - https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/the-surprising-delightful-way-to-grow-your-podcast

• Support Evo by buying him a virtual coffee - https://buymeacoffee.com/evoterra

• Want to sponsor Podcast Pontifications? - https://podcastpontifications.com/sponsor

-----

A written-to-be-read article and a full transcript of the audio of this episode can be found at https://podcastpontifications.com/episode/3-lessons-podcasters-can-learn-from-norm-macdonalds-life.

Visit https://twitter.com/evoterra for more podcasting insights from Evo Terra as they come.

Buy him a virtual coffee to show your support at https://BuyMeACoffee.com/evoterra.

And if you need a professional in your podcasting corner, please visit https://Simpler.Media to see how Simpler Media Productions can help you reach your business objectives with podcasting.

Allie Press assists with the production and transcription of the show. Learn more about Allie at http://alliepress.net.

Podcast Pontifications four times a week to provide ideas and ask questions every working podcaster should be thinking about. Subscribe today at https://PodcastPontifications.com.

Image from Norm’s Twitter account

Mentioned in this episode:

Support For Abortion Rights

While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety, and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations4abortion.com. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources: 1. ShoutYourAbortion.com is a campaign to normalize abortion. 2. DontBanEquality.com is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. 3. Abortion.cafe has information about where to find clinics. 4. PlanCPills.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. 5. Choice.CRD.co has a collection of these resources and more. We encourage you to speak up! And spread the word.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy
Podsights - https://podsights.com/privacy