The Power of Niche Podcasts: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Audio
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In the vast and ever-expanding world of podcasts, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of mainstream shows and popular genres. I’ve been vocal lately about the scourge of big-name podcasts grabbing most of the attention — often cynically so with less-than-engaged celebrity hosts, but today, I’ll look at the other side of the coin.
There’s a hidden treasure trove of quality, niche podcasts waiting to be discovered. These audio gems might not have millions of subscribers or big bucks from sponsorships, but they offer something unique and invaluable. They are truest to the form, and well worth exploring.
Let’s celebrate a few of the unsung heroes of podcasting — the niche podcasts that cater to specific interests and captivate devoted audiences.
Building Communities:
One of the remarkable aspects of niche podcasts is their ability to build vibrant communities around specialized interests. These shows bring together people with a shared passion, fostering discussions, debates, and connections among like-minded individuals. The sense of belonging that arises from engaging with a community of enthusiasts cannot be underestimated. Niche podcasts provide a platform where listeners can connect, share knowledge, and form lasting relationships. They can also get big, quickly when they corner the market of their niche.
For example, Scott Philbrook and Forrest Burgess’s Astonishing Legends was an early discovery I loved that quickly became the gold standard for paranormal and fun podcasting. Though not without some showbiz connections (and what had to be a great advertising budget) they’ve made a quality show on their own terms that people love. Their fan community is crazy dedicated, too!
In that same vein, Wes Germer at Sasquatch Chronicles’ formula — the humble host who listens to folks talk about their alleged cryptid sightings — has helped him “bigfoot” the genre and create a rabid fan base. I’m not sure if all the stories brought to the show are true, but man is Wes good at bringing out the chilling details.
