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Choosing the Right Production Partner

As you might know by now, we’re on a little summer break here at the Business Podcast Spotlight, but while we get ready for our next batch of incredible guests, we’re dipping into the archives and replaying some of our all-time favourite episodes.

This one? It’s a classic.

Originally released over 5 years ago, we’ve updated and refreshed it a few times over the years because it’s consistently one of the most-read, most-listened to, and most-shared resources we’ve ever created. And for good reason.

If you’ve decided to outsource your podcast production – good for you! It’s a smart move that can save you hours each week and give your podcast (and business) a real boost.

But choosing the right production partner? That’s the tricky part.

What You Should Ask a Podcast Production Company Before You Hire Them

Unless you’ve got oodles of free time and a knack for picking up new, highly specific skills, working with a third-party service provider is often the best way to get a podcast off the ground. But there are a lot of options out there – freelancers, agencies, podcast coaches, niche studios, training providers – all with wildly different pricing, styles, and service levels.

And while a great production partner can make podcasting a smooth, strategic, and genuinely fun part of your workflow… the wrong one can become an expensive, exhausting nightmare. (You don’t wanna learn the hard way.)

So in this episode, I’m diving into the questions you need to ask when exploring your options. Whether you’re hiring for the first time or hoping for a better experience the second (or third!) time around, these 13 questions will help you make an informed, confident choice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What to look for in a podcast production service (beyond price!)
• Why clarity around expectations is everything
• How different providers define “success” and why it matters
• Red flags to watch for during discovery calls
• The role of AI in podcasting today (and why you should ask about it)

13 Questions to Ask When Looking for a Podcast Production Company

1. What does a successful podcast look like – for them?

This question tells you a lot. If a provider has a solid answer, especially one that aligns with your business goals, you’re off to a good start. If they say something vague like “it depends” or “whatever you want,” that’s a red flag.

2. What kind of contract or service agreement will we be entering into?

Month-to-month, annual commitments, flexible packages – there’s no one-size-fits-all. Just make sure you’re clear on what the expectations are around time, volume, and notice periods.

3. Who’s in charge of managing the episode process?

There are so many moving parts: booking guests, recording, editing, assets, uploads, promotion. Who’s responsible for making sure it all gets done on time and in the right order? You don’t want to assume it’s them when they’re assuming it’s you.

4. Where are the handoff points and how do we share content and feedback?

Will you be using a project management system? Shared folders? Email? Portals? This matters more than you think and misalignment here can lead to frustration fast.

5. Do they offer coaching, feedback, or strategic advice?

Some companies are strictly production-focused. Others can give feedback on your hosting style, help shape your content, and keep an eye on your podcast goals. If that support matters to you, ask for it up front.

6. What’s the turnaround time from raw audio to finished episode?

Some teams are lightning-fast. Others take a week or more. It’s not about speed, it’s about making sure their timeline works with your publishing schedule.

7. Are they using AI? And if so – how?

Most companies are using AI tools in some capacity now, whether it’s for show notes, audio cleanup, or clips. The important thing is to understand where and when they’re using it and what kind of human review happens before anything goes live.

8. What assets do they provide?

Show notes, audiograms, social graphics, transcripts, blog posts, guest materials – the list goes on. Figure out what’s included, what’s extra, and what you’ll need to provide on your end.

9. Who will I actually be working with?

Will you have a dedicated producer or account manager? Or are you part of a rotating pool? Either can work well – but only if you know what to expect and have clear communication paths when questions or issues come up.

10. What’s included in a new podcast launch – and how long will it take?

Some launches are basic. Others are big, beautiful multi-channel productions. Ask what the standard process looks like, how hands-on the team will be, and whether there’s flexibility to customise based on your brand or goals.

11. What kind of editing do they offer?

There are many different types of editing – technical, content, strategic. Ask how hands-on they are with edits, whether they make content choices for you, and what they expect from you in terms of review and feedback.

12. How long do their clients usually keep podcasting?

A long-running client base is a great sign. But also ask if they offer support for seasonal or limited-run shows. Those can be the perfect format for some business goals.

13. What happens when something goes wrong?

Because something will go wrong. Maybe a file is late. Maybe instructions are unclear. Maybe something just slips through the cracks. Ask how they handle hiccups, and whether they’re open to building a problem-solving process with you.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the most important factor is trust. You might just want help cleaning up your audio and uploading files. Or maybe you’re looking for someone to walk you through the process, step by step, so you never have to think about the technical side again.

Either way – there’s no wrong approach. The key is finding someone who’s both happy to support your vision and clear about what they can and can’t do.

So if you’re getting ready to outsource (or re-outsource!) your podcast production, this episode is a must-listen.

Ready for the Next Level?