Today’s episode is the third (and final) part of my pharmacy podcasts series. Part one was an introduction to the series, including the definition of a pharmacy podcast and where to find them. Plus, part one featured a brief interview with fellow pharmacist podcaster Dr. Christina Madison, The Public Health Pharmacist. (That’s episode 118 if you want to check that out.) Then, Part 2 of the series featured a list of pharmacy podcasts I listen to most and why I listen to pharmacy podcasts. (That’s episode 119 if you want to check that one out as well.) Special Guest Todd Eury (Founder of The Pharmacy Podcast Network) joins me today for a discussion about why pharmacists should have a podcast. We’ll talk about what’s in it for the pharmacist hosting the podcast and what’s in it for the listener.
If you’re unfamiliar with Todd Eury, you’re in for a treat! He’s a Pittsburgh native who started the first podcast about the profession of Pharmacy in 2009. Today, the Pharmacy Podcast Network is the global leader in podcasting about the business and profession of pharmacy. Todd and I have been in touch for just about as long as I have been a podcaster, which is two years. He has been a cheerleader for me and all pharmacy podcasts, and that’s one of the reasons that he’s on the show today. As soon as he saw that I launched a series about pharmacy podcasts, he reached out and offered to help me with it. I’m so glad he did! His enthusiasm for pharmacy podcasts is unmatched, and there’s no one I would rather have hosted today’s discussion with. Thanks Todd!
Mentioned in this episode
Pharmacy Podcast Network Shows
LinkedIn (Pharmacy Podcast Network)
Twitter (Pharmacy Podcast Network)
Facebook (Pharmacy Podcast Network)
Instagram (Pharmacy Podcast Network)
List of Podcasts In and Around Pharmacy by Dr. Erin L. Albert
Storrie Podcast with host Dr. Christine Manukyan
Beyond the Sig Podcast with host Dr. Isabelle Litvak
The Pediatric Pharmacist Revue Podcast with host Dr. Allison M. Chung
Shure MV-7 microphone (Todd’s Favorite)
AT2100 USB microphone (Kim’s desk-mounted podcasting microphone)
The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast Episode 69 (microphones)
The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast Episode 110 (best practice for podcast guests)
The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast Episode 118 (featuring Dr. Christina Madison)
The Pharmacist’s Voice Podcast Episode 119 (why I listen to pharmacy podcasts, etc)
Dr. Christina Madison The Public Health Pharmacist
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Todd has been in pharmacy since 2004. He launched the first podcast about the pharmacy profession. Todd is the Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network (PPN). The network has more than 40 participating pharmacist podcasters. There are more than 1400 episodes as of October 2021. The network has around 82,000 listens per month. On average, PPN releases 6 podcasts per week and approximately 24 episodes per month.
As a non-pharmacist, Todd brings a different perspective to podcasting. He advocates for the pharmacist and using audio as a supplement to education.
I listen to shows on the Pharmacy Podcast Network. My favorite is Storrie with Dr. Christine Manukyan. Sometimes, I do research on my up-coming guests by listening to interviews on The Pharmacy Podcast Network.
Many podcasts published by pharmacists reach other pharmacists. Todd and I discussed how podcasts could also be patient-facing and used as a tool to build a relationship between the patient and the pharmacist. Community-facing podcasts could also create goodwill in the community. Topics could include community events, flu shot information, disease states, store hours, the history of the pharmacy, “meet the pharmacist(s) or tech(s)” episodes, and more!
Pharmacists learn from one another. If a pharmacist is interested in starting a podcast, they could listen to other podcasts published by pharmacists or the PPN to get ideas about starting their own.
We talked briefly about disclaimers pharmacists should consider using on podcasts.
According to Todd, podcasting allows you to build a very strong relationship with your audience very fast. Your voice means something to your audience. It’s different from writing. Audio is more personal. It can also be part of a pharmacist’s brand.
Todd said, “Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.” Podcasting can be messy! We discussed how the first few episodes of a podcast are not as good as the 100th. You need to make mistakes and learn. I personally struggle with solo shows because I want to sound natural and conversational and avoid sounding boastful or clueless.
There are several podcast formats. “Journey style” is one of them. That’s what I use for my solo shows. I share what I have learned during my career transition from pharmacist to voice actor. In a journey-style podcast, you don’t need to know everything. Other formats include advice shows, interview shows, and panel discussions. Todd likes to include different formats on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
Setting the expectation that podcast content will improve over time can help avoid perfectionism. Todd says, “Just jump in.” You will get better and feel more confident over time as you learn how to think on your feet. Podcasting develops communication skills that transfer to working one-on-one with patients, in a group, or at a conference.
Podcasting can supplement or build your mission. It depends on your goal (your why). Todd says that “Podcasting should supplement, enhance, and amplify a primary source of information.”
Podcasts build credibility, a listener base, and followers.
Podcasts can help students. Think, “audio cliff notes.” Students can share with other students. According to Todd, AudioRX.study is a supplement to learning, not a primary source of information.
People told me I should put my original content out there. I took that advice. I am now a podcaster and an online course creator. To learn more about my online course Pronounce Drug Names Like a Pro ©, visit https://www.kimnewlove.com. You can sponsor your podcast with a product you create, such as an online course.
I talk about podcasting on my podcast. I used two examples. I have an episode about microphones and an episode about best practices for podcast guests. My show notes give a lot of value, including links for products.
Christina Madison, PharmD is fearless and a good role model for podcasters.
What’s in it for the listener? In short, different things from different podcasts. Many pharmacy podcasts are pharmacist-to-pharmacist. Show notes have information listeners may want. Some podcasts have raffles and give-aways (book give-aways, for example).
Podcast content is for the listener, not the podcaster. When done well, listeners will feel connected to the podcaster.
Every podcast should have a website so that the audience can connect with the podcaster. Suggestions, comments, guest nominations, etc. are all things listeners can reach out to podcasters about. Survey feedback helped Todd add another podcast to his network: The Pediatric Pharmacist Revue with host Dr. Allison Chung.
What’s in it for the host (pharmacist, business, association, or organization)?
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- Branding, advertising, and promotion
- Networking
- Share your journey or experiences and help others
- Use your authority on a topic. (Be a thought leader.)
- Build creditability
- It’s a business card
- It opens doors
- Build a tribe (listener base and followers)
- Teach/give advice
- Share stories
- Start a rebellion
- Inspire others
- Conquer a personal challenge
- Make something complex easier for the audience to understand
- Reach other pharmacists
- Reach patients
- Reach a community
- Catharsis (Get something off your chest!)
- Gain skills: communication, listening, interviewing, audio engineering, and more
- Supplement your mission
- Promote a service, webinar, or online course
- Amplify your message
- Supplement learning
- Sponsor your podcast with your product
What’s in it for the listener?
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- Learn
- Get inspired
- Get help
- Feel connected and hear the emotion/feelings in the host’s voice
- Hear stories, be entertained
- Understand complex issues
Thank you for listening to episode 120 of The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast!
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