Today’s focus will a broader conversation that features some creative ways podcasters can make better use of bonus episodes. 

This is a tough thing for a lot of podcasters to wrap their head around. They're thinking -- rightly so -- that their episodes drop on Tuesdays at midnight, come hell or high water. But sometimes there’s a need to work around that publishing schedule. And that's what you do with bonus episodes.

Here are nine ideas for bonus content that you should examine for your podcast.

Announcing a break from publishing new episodes

Generate easier content in-between full episodes

Go behind the scenes

Feature a special co-host

Release a music-only episode

Turn the mic around and give a reverse interview

Interview your supporting crew

Podcast non-podcast appearances

When news breaks

And that’s just a start. There are all sorts of ways smart podcasters can use bonus episodes. But before you start, there are three major considerations you need to staple to your wall so you don’t forget to think about them before you drop a bonus episode.

1. Should this bonus episode live only in the feed or should it also be on the website?

2. How will you promote these bonus episodes? 

3. What will new listeners think about your overall show?

Get together with your podcasting family and have a conversation about how each of you are (or are not) using bonus content. Tell them you heard about me talking about making bonus episodes and put forth the idea of collaborating together. That might be fun.

You know what else will be fun? Me coming back tomorrow to do this again for another Podcast Pontifications. 

Cheers!

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