Podcasting Rules: When to Break Them and When to Follow

Update: 2025-10-26

Description

Should you break podcasting rules or learn them first? David dives into how knowing the rules helps you find your voice and when it's time to break them in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ...

Big Ideas in This Episode

Change your podcast name—power move or mistake?
Break podcasting rules and dominate your niche
Podcast what scares you—your audience craves it
Leverage your darkest flaws for listener loyalty
Stand out: ignore "safe" advice, dominate minds
Hit podcast fame: don't chase creativity, chase impact
Listeners expect structure—defy it, but beware crashes

Why You Should Listen

How breaking the rules of podcasting can make you irresistible to listeners (and when it backfires spectacularly)
The forbidden secret: why the best podcasters podcast what terrifies them ... could this unlock cult-like loyalty?
The lazy podcaster's shortcut to standing out: no effort, only guts
Why showcasing your flaws can trigger envy and magnetize influence. They'll wish they had your courage!
The greedy way to leverage your weirdest experiences for massive audience growth (even if you've "failed" before)
The all-powerful "ignore the rules" mindset—how rule-breakers seduce listeners and scare rivals
How to wield creative control and make your show legendary (no permission needed)
What to do when the experts say "don't" and why following your own playbook can make you unstoppable
The true reason people expect structure (intro, meat, conclusion) and how to use it to hypnotize their ears
Power move: switch your podcast's name after 700 episodes, and make listeners lust after what's next
The gluttonous method to feed your show with controversy … while your competition plays it safe
How to stun the podcast world by rewriting the rules on-air leaving listeners hooked and begging for more
Why shattering expectations instantly gives you the upper hand and why control freaks envy your freedom
What the music industry taught about "hits" that top podcasters steal to stay filthy rich
The golden opportunity to break rules ONLY when you know them ... how ignorance turns into profit for the truly cunning

Episode Timestamps

[00:01:32 ] Ignore the rules. There are none? Provocative advice for finding your podcasting voice.
[00:02:01 ] Why breaking podcasting "rules" can cost you listeners (and how to do it thoughtfully).
[00:02:45 ] The real reason audiences expect a beginning, middle, and end in every episode revealed!
[00:03:08 ] "I'm the most creative person you've ever met" ... the story of a songwriter who learned a hard lesson about creativity vs. connection.
[00:03:20 ] The surprising 'rules' for hit-making: creativity alone isn't enough if you can't perform and get along!
[00:03:48 ] Is changing your podcast's name after 700 episodes a bold move or a mistake? David reveals his reasoning.
[00:04:32 ] "Don't ignore rules. Know them. Choose to break them." ... David Hooper's controversial take on podcasting success.

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