How to Analyze a Podcast (+ Examples)

1. Purpose: Identify the overarching purpose of the podcast episode. Is it to inform, entertain, persuade, or educate the audience?
2. Audience: Determine who the intended audience is. Understanding the target audience helps in analyzing how the podcast tailors its message to connect with them.
3. Rhetorical Appeals: Examine the use of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) in the podcast. How does the host establish credibility, evoke emotions, and present logical arguments?
4. Language and Style: Analyze the language used in the podcast, including word choice, tone, and style. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the message.
5. Narrative Structure: Investigate the structure of the podcast episode. Does it follow a linear narrative, use storytelling techniques, or employ other narrative devices to engage the audience?
6. Rhetorical Devices: Look for the use of rhetorical devices such as metaphors, similes, analogies, alliteration, and repetition. Assess how these devices enhance the podcast’s effectiveness.
7. Visual and Auditory Elements: If the podcast includes visuals or sound effects, consider how these elements contribute to the overall rhetorical strategy.
8. Context: Consider the broader context in which the podcast was produced. Are there any external factors, events, or cultural references that influence the message?
9. Counterarguments: Analyze how the podcast addresses counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Does it acknowledge and refute opposing ideas, or does it ignore them?
10. Call to Action: Determine if there is a call to action or a specific message the podcast wants the audience to take away. How effectively does it motivate the audience to take that action?

A podcast rhetorical analysis aims to uncover the persuasive techniques and strategies used by the podcast creators to achieve their communication goals. It helps listeners and analysts gain a deeper understanding of the podcast’s impact and effectiveness in conveying its intended message.

1. “Serial” – Season 1, Episode 1: “The Alibi”
   • Purpose: The purpose of this episode is to engage and intrigue the audience by presenting a compelling murder case and setting the stage for a serialized investigative journalism series.
   • Audience: The target audience is true-crime enthusiasts and anyone interested in real-life mysteries.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the host Sarah Koenig’s background as a journalist. Pathos is evoked by presenting the emotional impact of the murder case. Logos is employed through the use of evidence and interviews.
   • Language and Style: Koenig’s conversational and empathetic tone draws in the audience, making them feel a personal connection to the story.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a narrative structure, starting with an introduction to the case, introducing key characters, and raising questions to keep the audience engaged.
   • Rhetorical Devices: Koenig uses foreshadowing and suspenseful storytelling techniques to maintain interest.
2. “The Joe Rogan Experience” – Episode #1554 with Elon Musk
   • Purpose: The purpose is to entertain and inform the audience through a long-form conversation with Elon Musk.
   • Audience: The target audience includes fans of Joe Rogan and people interested in Elon Musk’s thoughts and ideas.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through Rogan’s reputation as a popular podcaster, and pathos is evoked through the personal anecdotes and humor in the conversation. Logos is used when discussing Musk’s scientific work and ideas.
   • Language and Style: The conversation is casual and unscripted, with humor and relatability.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a loose conversational structure with topics shifting organically as the conversation unfolds.
   • Rhetorical Devices: Humor, anecdotes, and informal language create a conversational and engaging atmosphere.
3. “The Daily” – Episode: “The Death of George Floyd”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to inform and provoke reflection on the events surrounding the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests.
   • Audience: The target audience includes those interested in current events, social justice issues, and politics.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through The New York Times’ credibility as a news source. Pathos is evoked by sharing emotional stories from the protests. Logos is used to present facts and legal aspects of the case.
   • Language and Style: The episode uses a serious and journalistic tone, relying on facts and interviews.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a chronological structure, starting with the events leading to George Floyd’s death and then examining the aftermath.
   • Rhetorical Devices: The use of eyewitness accounts and interviews with experts adds credibility and emotional impact.
4. “Science Vs” – Episode: “The G-Spot”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to educate and entertain the audience by exploring the science behind the controversial concept of the G-spot.
   • Audience: The target audience includes those interested in science and sexuality.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the host’s background in science. Pathos is evoked through humor and relatable anecdotes. Logos is employed by presenting scientific research and expert opinions.
   • Language and Style: The episode uses a light-hearted and humorous tone, making complex scientific concepts accessible.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a structured format, introducing the topic, examining the history, presenting research findings, and drawing conclusions.
   • Rhetorical Devices: Humor and relatable examples make the scientific content engaging and accessible.
5. “The Moth” – Storytelling Podcast, Various Episodes
   • Purpose: The purpose is to entertain and inspire the audience through personal storytelling.
   • Audience: The target audience includes those who enjoy personal anecdotes and storytelling.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the authenticity of the storytellers. Pathos is evoked by the emotional content of the stories. Logos may be less prominent as the focus is on personal narratives.
   • Language and Style: The episodes feature a variety of storytelling styles, from humorous to poignant, with a focus on authenticity.
   • Narrative Structure: Each episode features different storytellers, and the narrative structure varies depending on the individual stories.
   • Rhetorical Devices: Storytelling techniques, such as vivid descriptions and relatable emotions, are used to engage the audience.
6. “Criminal” – Episode: “Money Tree”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to inform and captivate the audience with unusual and intriguing criminal stories.
   • Audience: The target audience includes fans of true crime stories and those interested in the mysteries of the criminal world.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the host’s credibility in researching and presenting compelling criminal cases. Pathos is evoked through the emotional aspects of the stories, such as the impact on victims. Logos is employed by presenting the facts and evidence related to each case.
   • Language and Style: The episode uses a storytelling style that combines a serious tone with elements of mystery and suspense.
   • Narrative Structure: Each episode follows a narrative structure, introducing the crime, exploring its details, and often presenting surprising twists or revelations.
   • Rhetorical Devices: The use of suspenseful storytelling and well-timed reveals keeps the audience engaged and eager to learn more.
7. “The TED Radio Hour” – Episode: “The Power of Vulnerability”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to inspire and educate the audience about the concept of vulnerability and its power in personal growth.
   • Audience: The target audience includes those interested in personal development, psychology, and inspirational talks.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the reputation of TED Talks. Pathos is evoked through personal stories of vulnerability and emotional transformation. Logos is employed by presenting psychological research and expert insights.
   • Language and Style: The episode features a conversational and motivational tone, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in personal growth.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a structured format, presenting multiple TED Talk excerpts that build upon the theme of vulnerability.
   • Rhetorical Devices: The use of personal anecdotes, inspirational quotes, and expert insights reinforces the message of embracing vulnerability.
8. “The Dollop” – Episode: “The Rube”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to entertain and educate the audience through humorous and historical storytelling.
   • Audience: The target audience includes history enthusiasts and fans of comedic storytelling.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the hosts’ comedic reputation. Pathos is evoked through humor and absurd anecdotes. Logos is employed by presenting historical facts and events.
   • Language and Style: The episode uses a humorous and irreverent style, blending historical information with comedic commentary.
   • Narrative Structure: Each episode features a historical story, often with a bizarre or unexpected twist, making it engaging and entertaining.
   • Rhetorical Devices: The use of humor, exaggerated characterizations, and witty commentary enhances the storytelling and keeps the audience entertained.
9. “The Joe Biden Podcast” – Episode: “Addressing Climate Change”
   • Purpose: The purpose is to inform and persuade the audience about the importance of addressing climate change and the Biden administration’s approach.
   • Audience: The target audience includes individuals interested in climate policy and those supportive of the Biden administration.
   • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the association with the Biden administration. Pathos is evoked by discussing the potential consequences of climate change. Logos is employed by presenting policy proposals and scientific data.
   • Language and Style: The episode features a serious and policy-focused tone, emphasizing the urgency of climate action.
   • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a structured format, presenting the administration’s climate policies and the science behind them.
   • Rhetorical Devices: The use of expert interviews, data-driven arguments, and appeals to the audience’s sense of responsibility are employed to persuade listeners to take climate action.
10. “The School of Greatness” – Episode: “Brene Brown: The Anatomy of Trust”
    • Purpose: The purpose is to inspire and educate the audience on the concept of trust and its significance in personal and professional relationships.
    • Audience: The target audience includes individuals interested in personal development, leadership, and building trust.
    • Rhetorical Appeals: Ethos is established through the host’s reputation in personal development. Pathos is evoked through personal stories and emotional discussions about trust. Logos is employed by presenting research and insights on trust.
    • Language and Style: The episode features a motivational and reflective tone, encouraging listeners to explore the concept of trust in their lives.
    • Narrative Structure: The episode follows a structured interview format, with Brene Brown discussing the components of trust.
    • Rhetorical Devices: The use of personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and expert insights helps the audience connect with the message of building trust in relationships.

These examples illustrate how different podcasts employ rhetorical techniques to achieve their unique purposes and connect with their specific audiences. Rhetorical analysis helps uncover the underlying strategies that make these podcasts effective in conveying their messages and engaging listeners.