What does it mean to be a traditional journalist interviewer versus a podcast interviewer, and should you consider a future in this growing industry? The lines between traditional journalism and the modern podcasting world have blurred, but the distinction between a journalist interviewer and a podcast entertainer remains significant. While both roles aim to inform and engage their audiences, their approaches, tools, and even expectations from their listeners differ. As the podcasting industry is expected to grow by 3o percent globally by 2028, and as reputable news outlets continue to cut jobs for traditional journalists in favor of hiring about the same number of people in “new digital roles” to help provide audiences “news when and where they want it” (NYT source here), aspiring media professionals are increasingly asking themselves which route best suits their career aspirations. In this article, you will explore the key differences between traditional journalist interviewers and podcast hosts, learn about some of the most influential creators from across the world, and discover actionable insights for those looking to thrive in this rapidly growing industry.
Article by Sorina I. Crisan – Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD

I. Traditional Journalism: Mastering the Art of Precision
Traditional journalist interviewers are often affiliated with reputable news outlets and adhere to high standards of objectivity and professionalism. Their focus is on delivering factual, concise, and impactful stories that resonate with audiences and inform public discourse.
Some notable examples of exceptional traditional journalist interviewers include:
Christiane Amanpour (United Kingdom & USA): Renowned for her fearless reporting on international conflicts and insightful interviews with global leaders on CNN’s Amanpour.
Darius Rochebin (Switzerland): Known for his analytical style and thoughtful interviews on LCI’s Le 20 Heures.
Audrey Crespo-Mara (France): A standout French journalist from TF1’s Sept à Huit, celebrated for her deep dives into global issues ranging from terrorism to societal change.
Actionable Insight: Study interviews by figures like Amanpour, Rochebin, and Crespo-Mara to understand how they frame insightful questions and build trust with their guests. Aspiring journalists should gain experience through internships at news outlets and build a portfolio of written or recorded interviews to demonstrate their skill.
II. Podcast Entertainers: Breaking Boundaries with Personality
Podcasters often thrive on their ability to connect with niche audiences by blending personality, humor, and relatability. They leverage platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok to reach millions of listeners, focusing on longer, conversational formats that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Top podcast entertainers redefining the industry include:
Alex Cooper (United States): Host of Call Her Daddy, a wildly popular podcast focused on relationships and mental health; backed by a $60 million Spotify deal (in 2021) and a $125 million (in 2024) to move the show to SiriusXM starting this year. For example, Cooper interviewed Vice President Kamala Harris in October 2024, when she was running for Presidency; which highlights that podcasts are increasing in importance, legitimacy, and target audiences.
Joe Rogan (United States): Creator of The Joe Rogan Experience, with a $250 million Spotify deal, known for his unscripted and wide-ranging conversations with guests.
Giulia Becker (Germany): Co-host of Drinnies, a humorous yet reflective podcast about navigating societal pressures and introversion.
For niche, knowledge-sharing podcasts, consider:
UNCDF’s Capital Musings Podcast (United Nations): Women and Girls on the Climate Change Frontline is a United Nations podcast featuring episodes like “Women as Environmental Leaders” and “Women and Climate Justice.” These episodes showcase inspiring stories of women tackling climate change in least developed countries.
#OUR_racism by Fumi Kurihara (Switzerland): A podcast exploring personal encounters with racism, emphasizing intersectionality and dialogue to foster understanding. – Read our Persuasive Discourse interview with Kurihara here.
Actionable Insight: If you are considering podcasting, start by identifying a unique niche or untold stories you are passionate about. Invest in social media marketing to grow your audience, and experiment with platforms like Spotify and YouTube to establish your presence.
III. Blending Both Worlds: The Future of Interviewing
The most successful interviewers of the future are those who seamlessly blend the rigor of traditional journalism with the flexibility and personality of podcasting. This hybrid approach allows them to cater to diverse audiences while maintaining credibility and authenticity.
Key figures excelling in this space include:
Terry Gross (United States): Host of NPR’s Fresh Air, Gross embodies the balance between in-depth, journalistic interviews and engaging podcast-style storytelling.
Actionable Insight: To develop this hybrid skill set, pursue opportunities that combine journalistic rigor with creative storytelling. Platforms like NPR, Spotify, or even independent podcasting offer ways to hone your skills. Focus on learning audio production, narrative building, and adapting your tone to different audiences.
IV. Conclusion: The Future of Interviewing
As podcasting continues to expand rapidly, countries such as the United States, Switzerland, France, and Germany are seeing podcasts flourish in national languages and across diverse topics. With advertising revenue in this medium expected to grow significantly, now is the time for aspiring professionals to embrace podcasting as a viable career path.
Actionable Recommendations for Aspiring Professionals:
Start small: Create short-form content to experiment with different styles and build confidence.
Learn key skills: Focus on research, storytelling, and audio production.
Use social media: Leverage platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with your audience.
Seek mentorship: Follow established journalists and podcasters to learn from their methods.
Whether you gravitate toward the precision of traditional journalism, the creativity of podcasting, or a hybrid of both, the opportunities are endless. With the right skills and dedication, you can carve out a meaningful space in this exciting and evolving industry.
Thank you for reading.
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Sorina Crisan – Matthey de l'Endroit, PhD
Writer, Analyst & Podcaster | Conducting Interviews with Industry Leaders & Academic Experts
Founder
Illustrations: Dr. Crisan – Matthey de l'Endroit’s profile photo is a selfie, taken during a previous Persuasive Discourse interview, which you may read here. The main article photo is by Gianluca Pantaleo, and is made available for free by canva. The overall article photo, seen on the Persuasive Discourse interviews page, is by Rebecca R and it is made available for free by wix.
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