Keep It 90% Familiar, 10% Different: The Formula That Works for Podcasts
👖 If Fashion Doesn’t Reinvent the Wheel, Why Should You?
In fashion, new collections aren’t totally new—they’re built on what people already know. A pair of jeans might get a new cut. A jacket might use a new material. But the basics stay the same.
Podcasts work the same way. Listeners want content that feels familiar enough to trust, with just enough difference to keep it interesting. Go too far off-script, and you lose them. Stay too safe, and they stop paying attention.
At That Toronto Podcast Studio, we help creators and brands strike the right balance—so your podcast stays listenable and memorable. Also, have you considered renting a BYOG podcast studio in Toronto for your next podcast where you bring your own DIY gear?
🔁 90% Familiar: What to Keep the Same
Familiarity builds trust. Your audience tunes in because they know what to expect. The “90%” should include:
A consistent release schedule
A repeatable episode format
A clear tone of voice
Recognizable intro/outro music
Visuals that stay on-brand
This is your foundation. Change it too often, and listeners feel like they’re starting from zero every time.
✨ 10% Different: What to Tweak
This is where you keep things fresh without confusing your audience. Small changes go a long way:
Try a new segment or recurring guest
Tweak your intro to highlight a different benefit
Bring in one-off bonus episodes
Ask unexpected questions in an interview
Test shorter or longer episode lengths
Use themed episodes for a specific event or topic
These updates feel intentional—but they don’t shake the core of your show.
🧠 Why This Works
People don’t want to re-learn how to listen to your podcast. They want content that feels like it belongs in their routine. Familiarity gives them that comfort. Novelty gives them a reason to stay engaged.
It’s the same reason fashion doesn’t drop spacesuits into spring collections—you ease into change. Podcasts that last long-term do the same.
🎧 How We Help You Find the Balance
At That Toronto Podcast Studio, we work with creators to:
Build out a format that’s strong but flexible
Develop episode structure that can grow with you
Keep branding and tone consistent
Add small twists that evolve your show without losing your base
You don’t need to overhaul your podcast. You need to adjust just enough to keep it interesting.
📩 Want Help Keeping Your Podcast Fresh (Without Starting Over)?
We’ll help you lock in what works and build in small changes that make your podcast stand out—without scaring off your listeners.
📩 Contact us and let’s make your next update the right kind of different.
