10 Video Podcasts That Inspire Me

Hey honeys and hustlers,

The creator economy saw a lot of changes in 2023. Platform changes (to put it lightly), the rise of A.I. creation tools, and many trends in visual content styles or distribution methods were changing rapidly.

One not-so-trendy trend we were happily ahead of the curve on has come into the spotlight: video podcasts. 

Here’s our not-so bold prediction:

2024 will be the year of video podcasts.

I’m not saying that just because I want to promote Honey & Hustle (a wonderful video podcast, not sure if you’ve heard of it), but statistically speaking, the top of almost all of the podcast charts are shows with video components. 3 of the top 5 most listened to podcasts are interview-based shows. Sounds Profitable released the Sound You Can See Report with some awesome insights into video podcasting that you can find and download here that also give some context (more like a cosign) to my statement above.

I started watching video podcasts years ago. I started creating a video podcast years ago. I’m very happy to see viewership and listenership catch on to this style of creating, especially after receiving so much flack online from audio-only podcasters who vehemently argue that video podcasts shouldn’t be considered podcasts. Twitter hasn’t always been a “fun community space” for me as a video podcaster, but luckily I don’t get easily intimidated by challenges or naysayers. In fact, I’m a big proponent of audio podcasters adopting some of the formats that video podcasters use to create quality shows and marketing content. Just about everything I do as a visual storyteller can be replicated by audio storytellers. Even written storytellers for that matter, and thankfully that group seems to be less offended by creators like me.

If you plan on creating a video podcast or elevating your existing video podcast in 2024, consider this top 10 list a masterclass of quality to study.

10 Video Podcasts That Inspire Me (and will hopefully inspire you)

1. The Ground Up Show with Matt D’Avella: This was the show that inspired me to create Honey & Hustle. It’s no longer running, but all episodes are still up on Matt D’Avella’s YouTube channel. For those considering creating a whole new channel specifically for their podcasts - as many are currently doing thanks to YouTube’s new video podcast-specific features - here’s one case study and reason why your video podcast should be part of your personal YouTube channel. His example is certainly why I decided that Honey & Hustle would be part of my personal channel from the start. It’s a portfolio piece that aligns with the greater mission of my YouTube channel, and it gives my audience a home base. Matt D’Avella is a good example of someone who did everything “wrong” according to most traditional YouTube creator gurus, yet did everything right by proving that having a simple mission and an intentional style of creating nets success. He recorded with his podcast guests in his home, not an expensive dedicated studio space. He uses simple titles for each video. He rarely if ever talks about his camera gear. And he didn’t have any sponsored content until he surpassed 1M subscribers. While my non-video podcast content on YouTube is less personal than his, I still appreciate how he lets his monotone, studious, yet witty personality shine and is definitely a model for how I approach creating on YouTube.Jump In: Episode 91: Discussion with Thomas Frank on Productivity

2. The Zane Lowe Interview Series: This was the show that inspired me to dive deep into learning how to become a better interviewer. In my mind, I’m a New Zealander with my beanie cocked to the side while perched casually in a chair as my guests reveal things about themselves, their creative process, and their untold foundational truths that they’ve never shared with people outside of their intimate circle. Visual storytellers at all levels aspire to create work that’s “intimate, evokes emotions” yadda yadda yadda, but all of that starts with asking the right questions and creating a space where someone you’ve likely never met or had a prior relationship with feels comfortable sharing those things with you specifically. It’s a talent, a skill, a privilege, and an honor to be in a space where you’re known for having that effect on people and Zane Lowe sets the bar for interviews that feel like conversations – an interview style I’ve tried to replicate and build upon. I’m still aiming for the bar that he’s set, as a video podcaster and documentary filmmaker, and I think the hallmark of this journey has been coming to know the deepest parts of myself in all my forms as much as I know/research my guests.Jump In: A recent interview with Boygenius

3. The Rich Roll Podcast: This was the show that challenged me to create better social videos and made me critically analyze how I formatted my show to prioritize retention and engagement. I’m a long-form video creator at heart and resisted short-form video creation for as long as I could. The Rich Roll podcast showed me that I could create meaningful clips that sparked engagement and conversations on social media. When I started my show, I didn’t have a real format or consistent flow outside of having a short introduction of the guests and asking them questions (aka no dedicated format to speak of). And even though Honey & Hustle always been a video podcast, our short clips from the first two seasons were audiograms. Cringe, I know. Building on the visual quality of a show goes hand in hand with continually reiterating the format of a show to best package it for your current and prospective audience. Interviews get a lot of flack for being monotonous and boring, so honing in a dedicated run of show, optimizing a conversation to ensure that listeners can follow the conversation, and packaging key points from the show when marketing episodes to spark interest can be vital in determining a show’s success and building a loyal audience.Jump In: An interview with Brian Grazer on Curiosity as a Superpower

4. Caresha Pls (Revolt Tv): This unexpected show became one of the centerpieces of Revolt TV’s network of original shows, and rightfully so if you ask me. It was my first peak at how music artists could successfully diversify their creative portfolios and platforms. There’s an argument that could be made that a music artist’s personality shouldn’t be a bigger attraction than their musical talent, however, whether you like the City Girls or Yung Miami specifically has no bearing on the fact that women rappers are leading and transforming the hip-hop industry. This is evident in the lucrative brand collaborations that they are attracting as a result. With the rise of music artists being discovered on TikTok, I have to wonder if long-form content could successfully also be part of an artist’s platform and marketing strategy (even before they become well-known). Not every music artist wants to dabble in acting or do unlimited press runs to promote their music. Podcasts provide a curated space for hosts to just be themselves, and Caresha/Yung Miami has proven that your personality can be enough to build your personal and artistic brand. Who knows, she may even be the next Black Oprah (it’s a joke, a tweet, and an affirmational reference all in one).Jump In: Popular Interview with G Herbo on PTSD, Fatherhood, and Career Goals

5. I’ve Had It: These two women really debunk every myth or podcast best practice out there, and challenge the narrative of what podcasters look like and how to cultivate a creative idea. They started their show with a dedicated studio and production team, which is lowkey unheard of for indie podcast creators. I’ve never done a show with a co-host (yet), but they’ve definitely inspired me to dream a little bit about what that format could look like. Especially when you and your co-host have a little money to invest in it from the start and have great chemistry. They have a brand and a business, complete with podcast tours (check to see if they’re coming to your city!) and branded social videos that have effortlessly gone viral.Jump In: A hilarious episode with Jonathan Van Ness

6. How I Built This with Guy Raz: This show has been around for a while, and is consistently in the top 5 most listened to podcasts of the year lists. One day on a long drive to eastern North Carolina, I finally caved in and took a listen to see what the hype was about…and I get it now. I think what really resonated with me was how similar my speech cadence, interview technique, and ideal show premise are to Guy Raz’s. In the era of sensationalism, having a calm and collected presence seems “boring” or out of the ordinary (read = unlikely to attract an audience or online attention). But I realized that these are just my limiting beliefs talking. There’s an audience for me, and everyone else who’s introverted but confident, calm but fully present, not easily excitable but very interested in the topics we get to explore (alone and with others) on a mic. And maybe even have a witty and sarcastic sense of humor to boot.Jump In: Great Interview with Simon Sinek from the 2020 pandemic era

7. A Sip with Issa Rae: Yes, Issa Rae has Hollywood connections and can land A-list guests, but that’s only a piece of why “A Sip” is so impactful. The real connection is between Issa and her audience. She creates a close, passionate, and welcoming community around her and only invites guests that will have a positive impact on the listeners. She’s not simply inviting every A-list name just because of their name recognition, but she uses her influence to have conversations she would likely have behind closed doors and makes them available for her audience. I’m one of those passionate community members and have taken so much inspiration from these conversations and Issa’s career trajectory as a whole.Jump In: An interview with the one and only Tiffany Haddish

8. Baby, This is Keke Palmer: KeKe Palmer understands who she is and what she brings to the proverbial creative table more than most. She isn’t afraid to take up space and is a great example of how to be vulnerable and authentic in everything you do. Her podcast, part of the Wondery podcast network, is no exception. People have been calling for her to get a primetime hosting gig for years after seeing her shine on red carpets and stages for televised award shows. Instead of waiting for someone to give her an opportunity, she created her own. The multihyphenate creator turned creative network producer/executive pipeline is becoming a more rampant and viable career path, allowing for big names to create big personal platforms independent of traditional networks. There’s a level of creative freedom in that, and I think this show encapsulates an environment where KeKe gets to talk about her journey and features other actors and stars who are also trying to make their own mark, not just operate in spaces that they don’t own.Jump In: Discussing A.I. & Music with will.i.am 

9. The Changing Gears Podcast by SRAM: This was the show that inspired me to create a trailer for Honey & Hustle. This is a branded podcast, but the host has done a great job in elevating why they’re the best host for the show and leans into the personal and professional relationships he has with each guest. Sometimes it’s easy to prioritize guests and forget your importance as a host in an interview-based show. The host is the only constant in each episode, and it’s important to create a space where the audience gets to know a little bit about your journey and experience as well.Jump In: Fascinating Interview with Zap Espinoza on Print Media

10. The Colin and Samir Show: This was my most listened-to and watched podcast of 2023 according to YouTube and Spotify Wrapped. Saving the best for last, this show is one of the few that I listen to and watch regularly. They’re always in my queue, their backlog is always on my mind, and they constantly inspire me to step up the quality of what I create as a video podcaster. They are masters at finding the balance between being thoroughly prepared and going with the flow, understanding the narrative that’s most important to their audience and introducing new perspectives that their audience may not have even known about, and creating a high-quality visual experience that makes you forget about the work that goes into creating each episode. *chef’s kiss* Ironically, while they interview some of the internet’s most prolific creators, I recognize very few of the guests on their show before seeing them on their episodes. I come for them and stay for the guests and topics. Jump In: A Million View Interview with Brittany BroskiThey created a spin-off show called Creator Support, where they answer questions directly from their audience and Discord community. If you’d like to see something like that implemented on my YouTube channel and/or Honey & Hustle, submit your questions as they come to your mind here.

Honorable Mentions

• Armchair Expert with Dax Sheppard

• Diary of a CEO with Stephen Bartlett

• Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal

• Creator Science with Jay Clouse

• Angie Martinez IRL

Which ones will you be binging next? What video podcasts are on your favorite’s list? I want to know! Reply in the comments to share with others who may be looking for their next new show!

These shows embody what Honey & Hustle has been, and where the show is going. They influence how I think about developing original video content, and how I’ve grown personally and professionally as a creator.

I’m inspired by the creators on this list to continue crafting unique conversations with unique people, sharing their stories, and learning from them with my audience.

With platforms like Spotify incorporating videos for podcasts natively, and YouTube becoming a destination for podcasts, the sky is the limit for how big video podcasts can become. I know this is exactly where my focus will be in 2024 – pushing the boundaries for what it means to create a video podcast by making the highest quality version of Honey & Hustle that I can.

Please hustle responsibly,

🤙🏾✨

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