NMD WORKSHOP: How to make a world class history podcast

NB! Requires separate registration! Register here!

Contributors:
Aaliyah Akude, producer of “The Rest is History”, and Becki Hills, producer of “The Rest is Classified” and “The Rest is Science”, Goalhanger Podcasts

Topic:
The UK-based Goalhanger Podcasts has created massive listener hits by producing podcasts that feel both intelligent and accessible—driven by knowledgeable, strong, and distinct host duos with real chemistry. With titles such as “The Rest is History” featuring Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, and “The Rest is Politics” with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, they’ve shown that long-form, insight-driven conversations can become both audience favorites and strong business successes.

But what are the actual success factors behind these productions? What is the core of the “The Rest is…” concept? Which elements need to be in place to create a talk-based podcast that stands out from the crowd? And how do you build loyal, engaged audiences without excluding new listeners?

Join the producers behind several “The Rest is…” titles as they share insights and experiences from these global podcast successes!

Especially relevant for:
Podcast producers, hosts, and researchers—as well as anyone working with storytelling in audio formats.

What you’ll learn:

Structuring conversational podcasts:
What does strong dramaturgy look like in long-form conversations? How do you work with the opening, middle, and payoff?

Making the complex simple:
How do you make complex stories and topics accessible without oversimplifying them? How do you build series and episode arcs that hook listeners?

Identifying your podcast’s DNA:
What defines a clear editorial identity, and how do you maintain it across hundreds of episodes?

The host’s contract with the audience:
What is the role of the host, and how do you create strong dynamics between two distinct voices? What does it take to attract new audiences without losing loyal listeners?

Pacing and editing:
What gets cut—and why? How can rhythm and pauses create dynamic conversations? The role of the producer: when to tighten, when to let things flow?

NB! This workshop will be held in English

PRACTICAL INFO:

NB! You must be registered for Nordiske Mediedager 2026 to attend the workshop.
All workshops are included in the conference pass, but you need to sign up to attend.

Where: Room “Bekken”, Grieghallen
When: During Nordiske Mediedager, May 6–8, 2026. Exact date and time for the workshop will be announced in April.

No spots left? Join the waiting list by emailing: post@mediedager.no