How to Choose a Podcast Topic That Builds an Audience in Toronto
🎙️ What Should My Podcast Be About?
Starting a podcast is exciting — but for many creators, the first (and biggest) obstacle is figuring out the topic. With over 5 million podcasts and 70 million episodes globally (per Spotify, 2024), standing out in Toronto’s competitive market means choosing a subject that you’re passionate about and that your audience cares about.
If you’re asking, “What should my podcast be about?” — you’re not alone. At That Toronto Podcast Studio, this is one of the most common questions we get from new clients. And the good news? With the right approach, you can find a winning idea that feels authentic, sustainable, and engaging.
🧠 Step 1: Start With What You Know and Love
Podcasting is a long game. The average podcast that makes it past 10 episodes usually goes on to publish over 100 (Buzzsprout, 2023). That’s why personal interest matters. If you’re not excited to show up and speak into the mic, your audience will hear it.
Ask yourself:
– What topics do people always come to me for advice on?
– What do I spend hours reading, watching, or talking about?
– If I had to record 25 episodes on one theme, what wouldn’t bore me?
Your podcast should tap into your strengths and your natural curiosity, especially if you’re planning to speak on air frequently. Remember: passion keeps you consistent — and consistency builds trust.
👂 Step 2: Think About What Your Audience Wants to Hear
A podcast without listeners is just an audio diary. To make sure your topic has traction, you need to validate demand.
According to The Canadian Podcast Listener 2024, over 39% of Canadian adults listen to podcasts monthly, and Torontonians are leading the charge in urban markets. Top categories include:
– News & Politics
– Comedy
– Business & Entrepreneurship
– Health & Wellness
– Arts & Culture
– True Crime
Want to attract local listeners? Toronto audiences show strong engagement with:
– City-specific stories
– Canadian creators
– Thought leadership from local entrepreneurs
– Interviews with Toronto-based guests
If you’re a brand, founder, or coach, aligning your podcast with your target customer’s pain points or interests is key. At our studio, we help creators translate customer insights into bingeable content themes.
📈 Step 3: Find the Intersection of Interest, Demand, and Value
Your ideal podcast topic sits at the crossroads of three factors:
What you’re passionate about
What your audience is searching for or needs
What you can speak on with confidence or credibility
For example:
– A Toronto real estate agent might launch a podcast about “Toronto Property Trends” — mixing personal expertise with high local search demand.
– A creative agency might start a show on “Branding that Breaks Through” — interviewing founders and marketers in the 6ix.
Want to test demand? Use tools like:
– Google Trends (track popularity of topics)
– AnswerThePublic (see what people are asking)
– Apple Podcast charts (look at popular shows in your category)
🎯 Step 4: Choose a Format That Matches Your Strengths
Your topic will shape your format — and vice versa. Are you best in conversation? Or do you shine solo?
Here are the most common podcast styles we record at That Toronto Podcast Studio:
– Solo show: You share insights, tips, or stories. Great for thought leadership.
– Interview-style: You invite guests — ideal for networking and variety.
– Panel or co-hosted: Conversational, energetic, and dynamic.
– Narrative/Story-driven: Scripted, often involves sound design and editing.
💡 Tip: If you’re hiring a studio (like us), we can help you sound professional in any format — even if it’s your first time on mic.
🔁 Step 5: Test Your Topic With Real People Before You Record
Before investing in gear, branding, and editing, validate your concept.
Here’s how:
– Pitch your idea to 5–10 people in your target audience
– Ask: “Would you listen to this?” and “What would make you subscribe?”
– Create a 1-minute sample (we can record this for you quickly in-studio)
– Post a poll on LinkedIn or Instagram Stories to gather quick feedback
Getting real input helps you fine-tune before you commit — and may reveal angles you hadn’t thought of.
🔒 Avoid These Common Topic Mistakes
At our Toronto studio, we’ve worked with hundreds of podcast clients — and here are the topic mistakes we see most often:
– Too broad: “Health” is not a topic. “Fitness for women over 40 in Toronto” is.
– Too narrow: “Interviews with left-handed violinists” won’t last 20 episodes.
– No target audience: If you’re talking to “everyone,” you’re talking to no one.
– Trend chasing: Chasing hype leads to burnout. Sustainable beats viral.
– No content roadmap: You’ll burn out if you can’t name your next 10 episodes.
Our studio team helps you avoid these traps with guided planning sessions during setup.
🚀 Ready to Launch Your Podcast in Toronto?
If you’re thinking about starting a podcast but stuck on the topic, you’re not alone. This is where most great shows begin — and it’s exactly where we help clients every week.
At That Toronto Podcast Studio, we offer:
✅ Strategy sessions to define your topic and structure
✅ Professional audio + video recording in a done-for-you setup
✅ Editing packages so you just show up and talk
✅ Distribution support to get your show on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & more
🎧 Want help turning your idea into a real podcast? Contact us and we’ll help you get clarity — no pressure, no tech headaches.
