20 Unique Podcast Segment Ideas (with Examples)

A podcast segment is a sectioned-off part of your show dedicated to a certain topic or activity. Adding engaging segments to your podcast format can:

• Reduce listener drop-off
• Break up blocks of content
• Help you switch gears
• Make your podcast content more dynamic

We put together this list of the best podcast segment ideas to help you come up with ideas for your own podcast!

20 Unique podcast segment ideas

1. Noteworthy mention

Shine a spotlight on stand-out companies, solopreneurs, influencers, artists, motivational stories, or even travel spots. Make sure to highlight people or relevant things to your audience and provide value.

Example: Pop Culture Happy Hour

2. Podcast plug

Give other high-quality podcasts a free plug on your show. You can include a brief interview with the podcast host, highlight specific episodes, or simply tell your audience why the podcast is worth their time.

Example: How I Built This

3. Listener voicemail

Feature short interviews or voicemails left by listeners. Voicemails can include a short story or testimonial. This is a great way to engage your audience and involve them in your podcast episodes.

You can include a link to a podcast voicemail service in your show notes.

Example: Podcasting Q&A

4. Games

Game segments are a great way to increase audience participation. You can include things like improv or TV show trivia. You can keep the games between cohosts, or open them up to listeners.

Example: SaaS Breakthrough

5. Question and answer

Answer a listener question in a segment designed to bring value and create connections. Fielding listener questions can also help you get new topic ideas.

Example: Help Me Be Me

6. Affiliate or sponsor interview

Interviewing an affiliate or sponsor lets your audience know you believe in the product. Featuring affiliates also creates a personal touch that adds credibility to the products and services you promote.

Example: The Birth Hour

7. Tips and tricks

Include a free tip or short tutorial in each episode. For instance, if you have a podcast on podcasting, you could share podcasting tips and helpful tech hacks. Free advice and content is an excellent audience builder and helps foster trust among listeners.

Example: Buzzcast

8. Featured quote or excerpt

Share a short excerpt or inspirational quote from an article, book, or other piece of content. Just make sure whatever you chose offers value to your listeners.

Example: Pop Culture Happy Hour

9. Flashback

Recycle old content with episode flashbacks to review points you made in the past. This type of segment also lets you update outdated information.

Example: How I Built This, The School of Greatness

10. Sneak peek of premium content

Listeners are more likely to check out your bonus content if they get a sample of it. This segment also gives you an opportunity to direct traffic to your Patreon.

Example: The Big Ones

11. Ask the audience

Ask your audience a question that lets them share their experience. This lets you connect with listeners and hear what questions they have so you can more valuable content.

Example: How I Built This

12. Latest news in your field

A podcast news segment can feature political news or just current events related to your topic. Sharing the latest happenings in your field establishes yourself as a go-to resource and keeps your content fresh.

Example: NPR Politics Podcast

13. Listener comment, tweet, or review

Engage your audience on social media and keep track of interesting comments, reviews, or tweets. You can highlight noteworthy feedback to help build your reputation as a podcaster.

Example: Brand Party Podcast

14. Random fact of the day

Take a deep dive into your show's subject matter and highlight fun facts and tidbits. Segments like these are a fun way to explore a specific topic and share unique facts.

Example: The Eric Metaxas Show

15. Issue a challenge to your audience

Create a unique hashtag for listeners to use on social media to encourage interaction among listeners. Hashtags help to continue the discussion about your podcast topic, raise awareness of your show, and attract new listeners.

Example: Help Me Be Me

16. Product reviews and recommendations

Highlight helpful products and services related to your podcast show’s topic. If you've built trust with your podcast listeners, they'll appreciate a relevant, honest recommendation.

Example: Buzzcast by Buzzsprout

17. Book or pop culture review

Review content related to your podcast’s topic. You can review a new book, podcast episode, radio show, movie, or even a YouTube video. Highlight the parts you found valuable to help your listeners.

Example: Pop Culture Happy Hour

18. Guest interview

Podcast interviews don’t have to take up a whole episode. You can feature short, occasional interviews and work them into your regular content. Don't feel like you have to interview only famous people. You can also choose lesser-known guests that deserve more recognition.

Example: Buzzcast

19. Episode recap

It’s helpful to recap your episode to make them easy for listeners to digest. End your show with a brief review and give your audience a few bullet points of your content's most salient takeaways.

Example: NPR's Life Kit

20. Tell a story

You can share an interesting story with your listeners whenever you want. But, giving a short its own segment helps it stand out and be more memorable.

Final thoughts

Incorporating segments into your content can help keep listeners engaged for an entire episode. Just remember to keep segments relevant and valuable to your audience.

You can keep track of your podcast stats to see how your segments affect listener engagement!