How to Create a Popular Travel and History Podcast: Hands-on Recommendations

Sometimes an accidentally found coin turns out to be a real jewel. At first glance, the 1967 quarter dollar value seems minimal - ordinary change from circulation. But if you are going deeper into the details, you can learn that certain varieties of this coin can cost a lot more than the face value. Similarly with podcasts: it seems that the niche is already filled, but here you also need to find your unique angle of presentation, your twist - and your project will turn into a valuable audio resource for thousands of listeners.

Travel and history podcasts unite two main human passions - exploring the world and going back in time. So today we would like to explore how to create a podcast that will be both interesting and successful.

Step 1: Choose a Podcast Concept

Before you hit the “record” button, it's important to be clear about what your podcast will be about and how it will be different from the rest. Just talking about countries or retelling historical events is not the best option because the competition in this niche is very high. A successful podcast needs a twist, a unique style of presentation to keep listeners coming back for more.

How do you choose format and style?

There are many podcast formats, and each has its own advantages.

 

 

Tip: If you want to stand out, try an unusual presentation. For example, each country can be presented through the history of its currency, ancient coins and artifacts that can be found in museums or flea markets.

Target Audience

The next important part of success is to understand who will listen to you, i.e. understand your audience. Podcasts about travel and history appeal to three main groups of people:

• History buffs - adults (35+), educated, interested in historical facts.

• Travelers - young active people looking for new travel ideas.

• Artifact collectors and numismatists - connoisseurs of rare objects, interested in their provenance.

Fact: According to Edison Research, 42% of podcast listeners in the U.S. are over the age of 35, and most of them prefer informative content.

Step 2: Prepare Hardware and Software

Sound

When it comes to podcasting, sound is everything. You can be the most charismatic storyteller, have deep knowledge and share amazing stories, but if your sound leaves something to be desired, listeners will simply walk away. A bad recording is annoying: background noise, echoes, extraneous sounds or simply slurred speech can ruin even the most interesting episode. This is why it is important to choose the right hardware and software at the preparation stage.

According to The Podcast Host, 65% of listeners stop listening to podcasts because of poor sound quality. Even if the content is interesting, a bad recording makes it hard to listen to. So if you want to stand out among the thousands of podcasts recorded “on your knees”, invest in quality equipment that will pay off.

Which microphone to choose?

If you're just starting out, a dynamic microphone is your best friend. It's easy to use and doesn't require perfect soundproofing.

Recommended models

• Beginner level: Samson Q2U, Blue Yeti Nano

• Intermediate level: Audio-Technica AT2020, Rode NT-USB

• Advanced level: Shure SM7B, Rode NT1

Recording and Editing Programs

A good podcast is not without audio processing. Editing programs allow you to remove noise, adjust volume, and insert music. If you're not ready to invest in expensive software, Audacity (Windows, Mac) and GarageBand (Mac) are great options. They let you record audio, trim unwanted parts, and apply basic effects. If you want flexibility and advanced processing, check out Adobe Audition, Reaper, or Hindenburg Journalist. They enable you to remove noise and echoes, improve your voice (e.g., make it warmer and more pleasant), and adjust the volume balance to make the presenter and guest sound equally clear.

Step 3: Write the Script and Structure of the Episodes

Recording a podcast without preparation is a big mistake. Even if you think you can speak without stuttering, structure and script are a must.

Many aspiring podcasters think, “Why write a script? I'm already speaking well!”. But in reality, without a clear structure, even the most charismatic storytelling turns into an incoherent train of thought. Edison Research confirms this: podcasts with a clear structure and script retain 30% more listeners than spontaneous talk shows.

How to structure an episode?

1. Introduction (1-2 minutes) - introduce the topic, set the intrigue.

2. Main part (70-80% of the episode) - detailed narration, facts, stories, opinions.

3. Conclusion (5-10%) - summarize, call to action.

Tip: Use a rhythmic flow - alternate dry facts with emotional stories, as this keeps attention.

Step 4: Find Unique Stories and a Way to Tell Them Interestingly

A podcast filled with unique stories has the power to grab listeners' attention and keep them until the end of the episode. People do not just love facts, but exciting plots, unexpected twists and turns, and mysteries of the past. Coins (which are considered witnesses to history) can be the starting point for a story about great cities, vanished civilizations, and the fates of people.

Examples of topics for episodes:

• “Paris through Napoleon's gold francs” - how the French economy was changing. For example, Napoleon's gold francs are about the symbol of the French emperor's ambition. After the Revolution, France needed a stable currency, and Napoleon decided to make the gold franc the standard of the European economy. These coins depicted himself demonstrating his power.

• “Coins on the Silk Road” - how money united East and West, traveled with caravans, and sometimes even served as a universal currency. For example, Roman denarius were found in China, and Chinese coins with square holes were found in Europe. This proves that trade connected civilizations more strongly than wars.

• “Treasures and legends of ancient cities” - about forgotten riches and their secrets. For example, in Prague there is a legend about Rudolf II's coins, which are supposedly hidden in the city's dungeons. Many seekers have tried to find them, but no one has been able to.

Tip: Use the Coin ID Scanner to research ancient coins (or any others) and talk about them on the podcast to add interactivity and captivate your audience!

Step 5: Promote the Podcast

Creating a podcast is only half the battle. In order for it to find its audience, it is important to promote it properly. The most obvious step is publishing on popular platforms. Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts remain the main platforms for posting audio content. However, you should not limit yourself just by them. YouTube, according to Podnews, brings 67% success to most podcasts, as many users prefer to listen to episodes there. If your podcast is aimed at a Russian-speaking audience, you should also upload episodes to Yandex.Music.

But just posting is not enough - you need to actively engage listeners. Social networks play a key role there. Post short, dynamic snippets of episodes on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to get subscribers interested.

Another effective way to promote is through collaborations with other podcasters. Joint releases or even simple mutual mentions will help to reach new audiences. Also, do not forget about interactivity. Listeners like to feel part of the community, so ask them questions, offer votes, and discuss topics in the comments. The more engaged your audience is, the higher the chances of your podcast's popularity.

Sound Like People Want to Listen to You

Interesting stories are everywhere, but it is your voice that turns them into an adventure. So all you need is to find your unique way, choose interesting subjects, and put your heart into creating a podcast to make your project popular among listeners.