Podcast Intros: Examples From Chart-Topping Shows

Did you think about hooks when you started your podcast?

Stephen King famously said, "An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this."

So, if you didn't think of hooks when you started your podcast, it's time to take another look. Your podcast intro is the equivalent of the opening line that hooks listeners' attention and draws them into your world—or at least into your podcast episode.

So, let's dive in.

How important is a catchy podcast intro?

A podcast intro is a short audio or video clip that sets the scene for your episode.

A successful podcast intro lets new listeners know who you are and reminds returning listeners why they've come back. It will set the tone (comedic, serious, dramatic, farce etc.) and usher everyone into the room.

For new listeners, it's vital! After all, it takes roughly seven seconds to cement a first impression when we meet someone. Check your podcast or YouTube stats. Are people dropping out in the first few minutes?

Jeremy Enns of Podcast Marketing Academy says: "Good intros aren't just a table of contents. They hook listeners, then set the stakes in a way that makes them feel invested."

The Scrappy Podcasting newsletter expands on that, noting that the best podcasts are oriented to their listeners from beginning to end.

At its core, creating a Listener-Oriented podcast is about addressing and including your audience in the content you share on your podcast. Then framing your content in a way that aligns with their current context, existing knowledge, goals & desires, pain points, frustrations, and challenges.

So, does your intro orient the listener into your show? Does it make them feel included and that this is a show for them?  Does it hook listeners in the first few moments and reel them in?

Is your podcast intro music memorable? Would your fans recognize it from the first few bars?

We'll discuss our tips on creating the best podcast intros later, but first, let's examine some intro examples from high-ranking shows and see how their podcast intros measure up.

5 podcast intro examples from high-ranking shows

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

If you're hooked on Joe Rogan, you'd recognize that three-second burst of dramatic drumbeats even if you didn't hear the imperative CTA: "The Joe Rogan Podcast, check it out!"

Joe Rogan's intro ignores all the advice about including a teaser or stating the episode name and number. But when it comes to memorable jingles and a catchphrase—train by day, Joe Rogan Podcast by night - or day—it delivers in spades. This podcast intro is short, attracts its ideal fans, and within 13 seconds, it jumps straight into the action, aka interview.

Embed: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RMUNGWB0P22Ka6E71zV5b Jeremie Harris CEO and Edouard Harris CTO of Gladstone AI.

Call Her Daddy

The most-listened to podcast by women. Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy has been creating conversation since 2018. Cooper cuts through the BS with topics and guests - asking the burning questions you want the answers to. There will be laughter, there will be tears. There will be everything in between

Call Her Daddy includes a video and audio introduction. The video differs for each episode, showing the guest or guests of the day and Alex settling in before the interview starts.

But, like the Joe Rogan Experience, Call Her Daddy's intro music is distinct, recognizable and overlayed with a forceful slogan—What is up Daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper, with Call Her Daddy. At 51 seconds, they keep the podcast intro short, but including the cozy settling-in chat draws the listener into the conversational vibe right from the start.

Embed: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6d0jSdMGm3xwq41OSFxuSP Devon and Sydney Carlson

Crime Junkie

If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.

I love the traditional but compelling intro of this true crime podcast. It immediately speaks to the audience, leaving you in no doubt who this podcast is for—Crime Junkies who can't hear enough true crime stories.

Host and co-host introduce themselves: "I'm your host, Ashley Flowers. "And I'm Britt." Then, they hook listeners with the episode description:

"The story I have for you today is about what can happen when an innocent teenage girl unexpectedly crosses paths with someone who is more monster than man. This is the story of Lisa Norell."

Thirty seconds of layered, suspenseful intro music follows. The whole podcast intro takes 51 seconds and then we're into the story.

Embed: https://open.spotify.com/show/3DgfoleqaW61T2amZQKINx  Murdered: Lisa Norell

SmartLess

Grab your tights and ballet shoes; we’ve got David Beckham! Teamwork, Ownership, Family… and the difference between football, soccer, and American football. So pull up a stool and join us for a pub lunch, a roast dinner, and some jellied eels… on an all-new SmartLess.

In contrast to our first three podcast intro examples, comedy podcast SmartLess eases us slowly into the episode proper—taking six minutes all up. Each episode sets the tone with a theme tune overlaid by the three hosts talking. They might spout a random fact, tell a joke, or (as in this David Beckham episode) recite a funny poem.

Back comes the podcast intro music, overlaid with the repeated words Smart...Less...Smart...Less before the hosts start chatting again. The premise of SmartLess is that one host reveals his mystery guest to the others. You can hear the co-hosts' genuine surprise and delight before they get into the conversation.

Embed: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lEBVdacpEu8DQfjlyGQFF David Beckham

Huberman Lab

Huberman Lab discusses neuroscience — how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works.

The Huberman Lab's six-minute+ opening sequence is a classic podcast introduction and fits the serious nature of the science-based show. Music plays as we hear the podcast name and premise: "Welcome to the Huberman Lab podcast where we discuss science and science-based tools for everyday life."

Huberman introduces himself and his credentials before introducing the guest, reading his bio and giving a quick overview of what you'll hear in the interview. We hear an advice disclaimer, then host-read sponsorship promos and a CTA. Again, it's a classic call to action reminding the audience to subscribe on YouTube or click the follow tab on Spotify and/or Apple and "leave us up to a 5-star review."

Embed: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZnDLwUuGcLoSy3bKvrF8I   Dr. Gary Steinberg.

How do you create a killer podcast intro?

That's a good question. Some elements are vital; you'll find those elements in all five of our podcast intro examples. Other parts come highly recommended, but not everyone includes them.

So, let's check everything you need to create a great podcast intro.

Two essentials

No matter what else you do or don't include in your podcast intro, you need these two elements.

Podcast title

Saying your podcast's name tells new listeners what they're listening to and orients returning listeners into the show. It also reinforces your podcast identity and builds brand recognition. Listen to The Joe Rogan Experience clip again. It grabs the listener's attention and reinforces brand recognition from the outset.

Your name and the show's purpose

These tell listeners who you are and who the show is for. Some podcast hosts use a tagline (summing up the show's personality, purpose and target audience in one short phrase.) Others, like Huberman's Lab, take several sentences to do the job.

Other key elements

Greet your audience

When friends come to visit, I'm guessing you say hello and welcome them before you launch into a conversation. So it is with your podcast episode. You could simply say "hello and welcome" or develop a catchphrase like What is up Daddy gang? (Call Her Daddy).

Give your episode a number and title

Podcast intros include these to help their listener understand where the episode lies in this podcast's ecosystem, whether they're tuning in the day it drops or binge-listening in your back catalog. Also, naming your episode and giving it a number helps enormously if listeners are searching for a specific episode.

Include an episode teaser

Crime Junkie's intro gives a great example of a compelling but brief overview. However, many podcasters offer a sneak peek by including a few sentences from the episode's content. These might be controversial statements, snippets that show the episode's theme, useful tips that show listeners the value they'll get in the episode ahead or some unique thing that captures attention.

Introduce your podcast guest

Let your audience know who you're talking to and why they should listen. The Huberman Lab's guest introduction is very detailed, including the guest bio and credentials. Your podcast might suit a similarly formal intro, or your vibe might call for a more casual approach.

Choose the right podcast intro music

Podcast music reinforces brand recognition. So make sure it suits your show and that you really like it, as you and your audience will hear it a lot.

Understand the license requirements before you decide on your music. Use royalty-free music from an archive like Descript or YouTube audio library so you don't have to pay a fee every time you use the music. Some music comes under Creative Commons - where you pay a one-off fee to use the music, so long as you adhere to the terms of the license. "Old" music that's been around for decades (generally before 1928 in the US) comes into the Public Domain and is usually free to use.

It always pays to double-check that you're using royalty-free tracks. You don't want to be sued for using music illegally.

Don't worry if you're starting a podcast and can't find the perfect catchy jingle. Plenty of podcasts don't use intro music at all.

Optional extras

A professional voiceover

There are three ways to handle the host introduction:

  • Say it live every time. Use it when your intro mentions things that change, like the episode number, title and guest.
  • Pre-recorded. Record one intro to start each new episode and add episode-specific details afterward.
  • Voiceover. Introduce your podcast, like the TV talk shows or the Late Night Show, with a professional actor recording a few sentences ending with something like "And now, here's your host [name]."

Sound effects

It might be appropriate to include sound effects. For example, if you host a podcast called Great Train Journeys, the sound of a steam engine whistling as it pulls out of the station might be the perfect podcast intro. If you speak to a Twitcher audience, starting your podcast with bird calls could draw bird lovers in. Try Freesound to access a vast database of free-to-use sound effects.

Podcast intro template

Inbound Media's Darren Clarke recommends using the CATCH method for podcast intros: Curiosity, Authority, Takeaway, Chemistry and Headline (episode title).

So, let's build a podcast intro template around that formula. Mix and match these elements, changing the order and wording to personalize a unique intro for your show.

Music and Sound Effects

Play Intro Music and/or sound effects to set the tone and brand your podcast.

Host Introduction

“Hi, [Community's catch-name} I’m [Host Name], and welcome to [Podcast Name]!”

Examples: "What's up, Daddy Gang?"  "Hello, Creatives. Thanks for joining me." "Hi, I'm [Name]and in today's show..." "Hello, and welcome to How I Built This. I'm Guy Raz."

Podcast Name and Tagline

“This is [Podcast Name], where we [describe the main theme or mission of the podcast].”

Example: "Grammar Girl here. I'm Mignon Fogarty your friendly guide to the English Language. We talk about writing, history, rules and other cool stuff."  Grammar Girl

Episode Number

“This is episode [Number]

Brief Overview of the Episode

Include an open loop. Tease your listeners by including snippets that make them want to learn more. Or give them a takeaway right up front so they understand what they'll get when they hear the rest.

Examples: "So I admit, I'm a total sucker for trendy diets. I've tried Paleo, Gluten Free, Whole 30, Keto..." Healing through Food (How I Built This with Guy Raz)

"The biggest mistake people make in the dating markets is they look for their doppelganger..." (Diary of a CEO)

"Think about the last time you were part of a brainstorming session...if your meeting was like most meetings, there was probably one kind of idea that was in short supply; how to do less." (Hidden Brain - Innovation: Do Less.)

Call to Action (CTA)

One CTA per episode is best.

“Before we dive in, we'd love it if you'd... ( Choose one of the following CTAs and rotate through them on different episodes:)

  • Subscribe on [platform, e.g., Apple Podcasts] and leave us a review so that new listeners know where to find us
  • Follow us on (Social media platform)
  • Sign up to our newsletter for more content and sneak peeks on upcoming episodes
  • If you love this show, forward this episode to a friend you know would benefit from hearing it

Sponsor Mention (if applicable)

“This episode is brought to you by [Sponsor Name]. [Brief description of sponsor and promotion].” - or mention the name but make the actual promotion a mid-roll ad to avoid people tuning out. )

Transition to Episode Content

[Play Transition Sound/Music]

“Let’s get started!”

Time to take action

Now you know what a good podcast intro needs, how does yours stack up?

  • Does it hook listeners with memorable music?
  • Does it tease them with an open loop or small segments that show your podcast's worth listening to? Do your excerpts frame the episode, giving people a clear idea of what they'll learn or gain by listening all the way through?
  • Do you orient the audience into your show by saying who you are and what its message is?
  • Do you set the scene directly or through your music and language?
  • Are your listeners welcomed and included?

Use our template to analyze your own podcast intro.

Turn a critical ear to other podcast intros. Do you love one—what makes it great? Does the next one turn you off? Why?

Combine our template with your own podcast vibe. Saturate it with the language, music and personality that convinces your ideal audience that this is the podcast for them.

Craft an unforgettable introduction that turns first-time listeners into loyal fans because you're not just starting a podcast—you’re creating an experience.

Find podcasts using our 3D graph tool

Wondering where your podcast sits in the podcasting ecosystem? And how your introduction sequence compares to your competitors' podcast intros?

Start by putting your podcast at the center of our 3D graph tool (it's on your Rephonic podcast page.) You'll see all the podcasts that grab your listeners' attention.

Then checking out their intros is as easy as selecting an icon and clicking the links.

Check out our graph tool for free


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Lyn McNamee

Lyn McNamee

Writer at Rephonic

Find, pitch and get featured on podcasts

Rephonic gives you listener numbers, contacts, demographics and more across 2.5m+ podcasts.


Lyn McNamee

Lyn McNamee

Writer at Rephonic

Find, pitch and get
featured on podcasts

Rephonic gives you listener numbers, contacts, demographics and more across 2.5m+ podcasts.