When it comes to growing a loyal finance podcast base, it’s important to realize that listeners don’t just tune in for information; they come back for familiarity. In particular, the most successful podcasts typically follow a repetitive pattern that helps audiences know what to expect, while still keeping the tone conversational and human.
Whether it’s adding humor to serious topics or keeping the same episode rhythm, structure builds trust—and trust builds long-term engagement. Below, the Forbes Finance Council members weigh in on their best practices for rising above the noise and connecting with target audiences week after week.
1. Keep A Consistent Content Structure
I’ve found that consistency helps me connect with my audience. Each episode is structured the same way, which makes it easier for listeners to know what to expect. It also helps me interview and draw discussions out of people. It makes it easier for the audience to engage as well. Although we talk about serious topics, I try to get a few laughs and bring fun into the discussion, too. – Mehb Khoja, BCS Financial
2. Engage Your Audience Rather Than Lecture Them
People turn to podcasts for information, but they stay for entertainment. So stop lecturing and start engaging. Bring fresh voices to the conversation, and be laser-focused on who you are speaking to. Own your niche—don’t dilute your message trying to appeal to everyone. – Theodora Lau, Unconventional Ventures
3. Feature Guests Who Deliver Your Message Effectively
Podcasts for savvy audiences benefit greatly from having a distinct purpose in mind. For example, we focus on addressing not only what great wealth can buy, but why wealth matters and what it can build. Be intentional about choosing guests who personalize your message and who help listeners better understand how to change their destiny, their enterprise and their family’s legacy across generations. – Thomas H. Ruggie, ChFC® CFP®, Destiny Family Office
Forbes Finance Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful accounting, financial planning and wealth management firms. Do I qualify?
4. Demonstrate That High-Profile Guests Don’t Have To Be Famous
Few podcasts are built with a clear audience and mission. To stand out, invite high-caliber guests who align with that mission and speak directly to your niche’s challenges, goals and aspirations. Asking the right questions is crucial. A high-profile guest need not be famous, just someone who truly embodies and elevates the podcast’s purpose. – Cesar Lopez, Insurance Advisors Global
5. Let Your Authentic Personality Shine
Personality is the new differentiator in an AI world; authenticity wins. Let your quirks, humor and convictions show. People subscribe to people, not podcasts. – Tiz Gambacorta, Eunice.io
6. Explain Difficult Concepts Through Storytelling
There are a lot of podcasts about finance, but they all offer big promises, jargon and numbers. Discuss money the way people truly feel about it—the anxiety, the uncertainty and the little victories that add up. People engage better when you tell stories, break down difficult concepts and speak with genuine concern. So prioritize your humanity over your expertise. – Prasanna Kumar, FinloTax
7. Address Relevant Topics
By being very specific and addressing a very particular topic, leaders can attract a loyal audience. Given that the landscape is so crowded, people are very selective and prefer their absolute point of concern to be covered rather than generic topics. – Mahdi Yazdizadeh, Ereele Capital
8. Host A Live Event On Social Media
With financial providers chasing younger customers, recognizing how Gen Z is uniquely drawn to the “finfluencer” culture is vital. Yet the advice offered is often unclear, misleading or completely fake. Earning Gen Z’s attention in the crowded influencer sphere means making insights personal and real. One easy trick for thought leaders: Go live on social media to solicit questions from real people. – Lindsey Downing, TransUnion
9. Go Beyond Generic Knowledge
Most finance podcasts just sound like copy-paste, which are theoretically good but just ideal case scenarios in real life. If you truly want to cut through the noise, share what you’ve actually experienced, fixed and learned. You may not instantly gain an audience, but in the long run, people can differentiate between genuine voices and shallow, generic knowledge. – Nick Chandi, Forwardly
10. Own And Solve A Problem Each Episode
Be the playbook, not the playlist. Own a narrow problem and deliver one non-obvious, immediately usable insight per episode. Then, back it with data and a downloadable tool, publish on a clock, continue the dialogue in a newsletter-community and track applied outcomes, not downloads. Utility plus cadence and community build loyalty. – Alexandra Vidyuk, Beyond Earth Ventures
11. Provide Value Over Attention Seeking
Most finance podcasts sound the same because they chase attention, not value. People don’t want more noise; they want honesty and clarity. Speak from experience, not theory. Share real lessons, not buzzwords. When you show up with purpose and stay consistent, people listen not because you’re louder, but because you’re real. – Amer Al Ahbabi, Vertix Holdings LLC
12. Speak From Your Own Experience
It’s essential to make your podcast personal. Listeners connect most with authentic stories and real experiences, not just analysis or advice. A podcast that shares lessons learned firsthand, as well as the challenges, turning points and insights behind the success, stands out. When thought leaders speak from experience, they don’t just inform; they inspire and build lasting trust. – Moshe Kimhi, Neema
13. Offer Actionable Insights That Are Audience-Tailored
To rise above the noise, thought leaders must shift from generic market summaries to providing highly specific, actionable insights tailored for the audience. Focus on being candid by sharing what you’ve actually learned from the trenches, not just what sounds impressive in theory. – VINEET SHEKHAR, Meta
14. Never Talk Down To Your Audience
The best thought leaders are those who can connect with their audience. Be clear and educate your listeners. Give them meaningful content that can help them. Don’t patronize them or talk down to them. Provide case studies that are relatable and can help them get through the issues they are trying to tackle. Most of all, be authentic. – Aviva Pinto, Wealthspire Advisors
15. Admit Your Mistakes
Authenticity cuts through noise faster than production value ever will. The finance podcasts that win don’t just inform—they connect. Share real stories, admit mistakes and speak to what listeners feel, not just what they should know. Consistency builds reach, but vulnerability builds loyalty. – Sumeet Grover, UFCU
16. Communicate Clear Takeaways
The key is to teach, not talk. Listeners connect when thought leaders share real financial lessons they can apply right away, not just theories. Staying consistent with relatable stories, clear takeaways and genuine transparency builds trust and keeps the audience coming back. Over time, that trust turns into loyalty and lasting influence. – Nike Ajao, OneBarrow Corporation
17. Realize You Can’t Appeal To Everyone—Stick To A Niche
Go deep, not broad. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, own a niche—early-stage venture finance, post-exit planning or operational cash flow strategy, for example. Then show up consistently with real-world insight, not recycled headlines. Authenticity and specificity cut through where generic content fails. – Alexander Ronzino, Rework Capital LLC
18. Be A Constant Learner Alongside Peer Listeners
Embrace radical transparency about your own failures and learning curves. Share deals that went south, advice you got wrong, assumptions that proved false. Finance podcasts suffer from success theater. Audiences crave authentic struggle and real numbers. When you admit what you don’t know and learn publicly alongside listeners, you shift from broadcaster to trusted peer. – Gary Allen, LeanLaw
The information provided here is not investment, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a licensed professional for advice concerning your specific situation.
