Yes, there is a way how to edit a podcast fast while maintaining the quality standard. I’m going to break down the biggest misconception about podcast editing.
Lately, I’ve noticed complaints from podcast editors and producers about how long it takes to edit a single episode. One editor even said it’s becoming unsustainable because the process is so time-consuming. But here’s the thing: podcast editing shouldn’t take days—no more than a couple of hours, max. Unlike other content, a podcast isn’t like a YouTube video or a marketing ad.
Podcasting is about having a genuine, flowing conversation. Natural flow is the most essential aspect of any podcast (or should be). If your episode lacks this, you don’t really have a podcast. Overly rehearsed and edited content misses the point.
Of course, the level of editing depends on your podcast style, but if you’re doing an interview-based podcast, this advice is especially for you. It’s not TV; it’s not YouTube. It shouldn’t be scripted or heavily edited.
The hard truth (and I learned this the hard way) is that if you’re spending hours editing, the recording itself was probably sloppy. Take my podcast Girl with a Camera as an example. When I started, I pre-wrote all my questions and stuck rigidly to them. I thought staying structured would make the conversation better. Spoiler: it didn’t. Instead, it left me feeling tied down, afraid to ask spontaneous questions that could have taken the conversation to a new level.
Plus, I was too polite to interrupt guests when they went off-topic or got repetitive. I kept thinking, “I’ll fix it in editing.” But that backfired—the editing room can’t fix everything and certainly not without losing authenticity.
The Problem Isn’t Editing, It’s Interviewing
The hard truth? You can’t edit your way out of a poorly recorded episode. It took a few frustrating rounds of editing to realize the problem wasn’t my editing skills; it was my interviewing approach. I needed to be more present and confident, more focused on creating a natural flow during the recording itself. Imagine you’re recording live. If you plan on “fixing it later,” you’re giving yourself permission to be sloppy, and your guest will sense that too. When you bring sharp energy to the conversation, your guest will step up too.
That’s why I built my Podcasting 101 course, which covers essential skills that actually reduce editing time. I dive into interviewing techniques that help create a more authentic, engaging episode without getting stuck in endless post-production. Instead of just hoping to fix the episode later, I show you how to set things up for success from the start.
Natural Flow, Not TikTok Style
When preparing questions, make sure they’re ones you genuinely want to ask. Unlike shorter-form content, where you might prepare extra questions to choose from, podcasts need less trimming. For a 60-minute recording, you should aim to have a final episode of 50-60 minutes, only cutting out the small talk and any mistakes.
Podcasting is a totally different animal from platforms like TikTok, which demands a fast hook within the first three seconds to keep people engaged. When I’m creating TikTok content (which I cover in my TikTok online Course), it’s all about brevity, dynamism, and quick pacing. Podcasts, on the other hand, thrive on natural pauses, a relaxed pace, and the freedom for guests to dig deeper into topics. If you treat a podcast like TikTok or YouTube, you’re missing the point of what listeners want—an authentic, unhurried conversation.
A lot of people also assume a podcast needs to be hyper-polished and scripted, which drains the life out of the format. When listeners tune in, they’re looking for an experience that feels genuine. If you’re over-editing every “um” and “ah,” you’re sterilizing the conversation and likely adding hours of unnecessary work. So instead of thinking of podcast editing as a cleanup task, view it as an enhancement.
Stop Thinking “I’ll Edit It Later”
Imagine how much stronger your episodes will be when you record them right the first time. And if you’re in a corporate setting, this same approach works—ditch the script and get people talking about real issues (while staying professional). A conversation where employees feel comfortable sharing and even discussing company challenges resonates far more with listeners than a polished, marketing-style podcast ever could.
Inspiration: Great Examples of Authentic Podcasts
For inspiration on a business level, I highly recommend Gary Vee’s podcast, The Gary Vee Experience. Gary has a way of asking tough questions without coming across as rude. He’s genuine and honest, which builds trust with his audience. His style is a masterclass in balancing tough honesty with empathy, and it’s a fantastic way to learn how to ask the right questions without turning off your guest or audience.
On the entertainment side, check out Rio Ferdinand Presents, The Zach Sang Show, BS with Jake Paul, and Bad Friends with Bobby Lee. These shows bring out the natural, raw side of their guests, with conversations that feel real and unscripted. For example, in football-themed episodes, you might hear Rio Ferdinand openly discussing issues in football—topics people see but rarely hear athletes talk about with such frankness. It’s those open and unfiltered moments that set a good podcast apart.
Podcasts are also a space for nostalgia and raw stories you won’t hear elsewhere. For instance, look at The O.C. cast reunion episodes, where Mischa Barton shared her behind-the-scenes experience on the show after 20 years. Fans got to hear her side of the story, and these intimate revelations are why people tune in.
The key ingredient for creating a great podcast
Whether you’re discussing sports, entertainment, or corporate topics, an unfiltered, honest approach is what listeners value.
The podcast world needs more voices willing to keep things real, to share what’s raw and meaningful without getting bogged down by over-editing. Whether you’re creating content for TikTok or a long-form podcast, the key is to respect the platform’s format. And if you’re ready to master these approaches and edit a podcast fast, my Podcasting 101 and TikTok courses will give you the tools to get there faster and more effectively.
As a bonus, if you want to learn how to talk to the camera confidently using simple techniques to sound natural, do not miss my course How to talk to the camera like a pro.
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