Lectures remain a classic event format, but formats continue to evolve. Speakers are increasingly being booked not only for a keynote speech, but also for a live podcast on stage immediately afterwards (or as a separate element). What used to be called a ‘Q&A’ or ‘panel’ is now increasingly conceived as a podcast episode: moderated, pointed, audible – and, above all, reusable.
Why the live podcast format works so well
A keynote speech is often a powerful stimulus: clear narrative arc, good story, concise messages. The live podcast complements exactly what is palpable in the room after the speech: curiosity for more.
- Depth instead of repetition: the keynote speech focuses on the main points, while the podcast explores them in more detail. The audience gets context, examples, learnings and concrete decisions behind the statements.
- More personality, less stage: the podcast atmosphere is more intimate. People often experience the speakers as more authentic – and notice more quickly how someone thinks, not just what someone says.
- Interactivity without chaos: instead of ‘passing the microphone through the audience’, a live podcast can curate questions: collected in advance, moderated live or as a short audience block – structured but lively.
The key added value: content that lasts
The biggest lever is time independence: a podcast can be listened to at any time – on the way to work, while exercising, on the train. This extends the lifespan of an event from ‘one evening’ to ‘weeks’.
For event organisers, this means:
- Reach beyond the venue: employees, customers or communities who were not there can still participate.
- Sustainable event documentation: not just ‘photos and slides’, but real content with substance.
- Employer branding & thought leadership: A good episode works like a high-quality, personalised professional article – only easier to consume.
- Reuse: An episode can be turned into clips, quotes, newsletter teasers, LinkedIn posts and blog snippets.
This is what the dramaturgy could look like:
To ensure that the keynote and podcast don’t come across as ‘two programme items’, a clear setup helps:
- Keynote (20–45 min.): strong theses, story, core messages
- Live podcast (25–40 min.): moderated discussion, in-depth analysis, practical examples, ‘behind the scenes’
- Audience moment (5–10 min.): 2–3 curated questions or a short flash block
Alternatively, the following also works:
- Podcast as a prelude (warm, personal, context), followed by keynote with clear climax
- Podcast as a standalone element (e.g. podcast-style ‘fireside chat’)
What it takes to make it really good
A live podcast only comes across as professional if it is planned as a separate format – not as an improvised interview.
The most important things are:
- Moderation with podcast experience (timing, questions, transitions, energy)
- Clear topic & title (the episode needs a common thread)
- Good audio setup (two headsets or broadcast mics, clean audio track)
- Rights & approvals (audience questions, music, recording notes)
- Post-production (intro/outro, editing, sound optimisation, chapter markers)
Keynote inspires – podcast multiplies
The keynote delivers the moment. The live podcast turns it into a format that lives on: audible, shareable, reusable. That’s exactly why this combination is appearing more and more often in programmes – it creates added value for audiences, organisers and speakers alike.
If you would like to learn more about the keynote & live podcast format, or are specifically looking for a speaker and talk guest, please contact our team: 1 (704) 804 1054 oder welcome@premium-speakers.com