Oct. 16, 2026

What Podcasters Can Learn From Michael Jackson

Show Notes

I was messing around on Spotify when “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” came on, and about halfway through it hit me: there’s no real chorus. It’s the same riff from start to finish, broken up only by a quick background vocal moment and that famous chant near the end. (Fun fact: when one of the background singers asked what they were singing, Michael told them it didn’t mean anything.) Put on headphones and give it a listen. The production is amazing, but underneath all the percussion it’s one simple riff doing its job.

In this episode I share three lessons that song taught me about podcasting:

Start simple. I see it on Reddit all the time: new podcasters asking about three-camera shoots, lighting rigs and neon signs. Then a few months later someone is selling that same gear because it turned out to be a heavy lift. When I auditioned for bands, I learned the few songs they asked for, not their whole 40-song set. Start with audio, or a phone on a monopod and a couple of wireless mics, and figure out if you like doing this before you spend $6,000.
If it works, don’t change it. That one riff makes you bob your head and sing along. If your show is getting comments, emails or other signs of engagement, be patient and keep doing what you’re doing.
Be creative. Michael found a way to insult the press that I’d never heard before or since. Find your own fresh way to say things.

Links mentioned

“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” on YouTube

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