With the victory of the BJP in the 2024 legislative assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana by a thumping margin, it is evident that podcasts are becoming a medium to reckon with.
Eknath Shinde Maharashtra’s then-incumbent Chief Minister’s podcast with Smita Prakash was a masterclass on using the medium to your advantage. While highlighting key initiatives of his government, especially the socio-economic impact of the Ladli Behan Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level, he also made convincing arguments on the challenges he faced in affecting Maratha reservation, at the same time emphasising his commitment to finding a viable solution that balances legal considerations with the community’s aspirations. He also paid respect to Bala Saheb Thackeray’s endearing influence on Maharashtra’s politics and the Hindutva ideology.
Mr. Shinde’s candid discussions on these platforms struck a chord with the masses for several reasons. His straightforward communication style and willingness to address contentious issues head-on enhanced his credibility among listeners. By portraying himself as a common man and sharing personal anecdotes, Shinde fostered a sense of connection with people across classes, particularly the “Marathi Manus”. He openly discussed internal political deliberations and governance challenges which his audience perceived as a move towards greater transparency.
Through this and several other podcast appearances, Eknath Shinde effectively utilized digital media to engage with the electorate, addressing their concerns and reinforcing his image as a leader attuned to the people’s aspirations. It’s no wonder that the Maha Yuti alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 235 out of 288 seats in the elections held immediately after these podcast appearances.
In using the podcast medium successfully he has taken a leaf out of the book of none other than PM Narendra Modi. PM Modi has been a trailblazer in the use of digital media. While Mann Ki Baat began as a radio program, its distribution on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify aligned it with the podcasting format, allowing for on-demand listening and broader accessibility. It personalizes communication and humanizes the leader. His Mann Ki Baat has been a masterstroke. It bypasses traditional media, offering direct outreach to citizens. It has been pivotal in reinforcing his grassroots connection, especially in rural India. The podcast-style reach ensures accessibility to people who prefer audio content, particularly those in non-urban areas.
If Indian political leaders like Narendra Modi, Eknath Shinde—and global figures like Donald Trump—can harness podcasts to build influence and connect with their audiences, there’s no reason professionals and businesses, cannot leverage the same power for strategic outreach.
Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat and Eknath Shinde’s podcast appearances created a personal and unfiltered connection with their audiences, bypassing traditional media and reaching listeners directly. Podcasts allow YOU to control your narrative.
You can use this medium to explain complex legal or business concepts in a conversational, relatable style.
Highlight real stories—successful cases, lessons learned, or client scenarios without breaching confidentiality.
Showcase your expertise and build trust, episode by episode.
PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat doesn’t just list achievements; it tells stories of unsung heroes and tackles social issues, making it compelling. Eknath Shinde speaks about Maratha reservations and governance with empathy and relatability. People don’t want advertisements; they want stories.
Like Donald Trump, share insights on trends and challenges in your field. Discuss your journey with your audience. Break down topical issues and offer actionable insights for your target audience.
Engage Consistently to Build Authority. Stay relevant and timely. Tie episodes to current events or developments that matter to your audience.
Position Yourself as a Thought Leader
What are you waiting for?
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