The Six Biggest, Most Surprising or Useful Lessons our Hosts Identified in 20221. The host defines the brand of your show.2. Hosting changes the host—not just as a storyteller and performer, but as a human being. 3. Great performances are valuable, whether that's a million-dollar signature story in a keynote speech or the captivating storytelling and connection skills of a great host.  4. We must challenge unconscious bias about the kinds of voices that are perceived as acceptable. 5. Narrative isn't simply important, it's the way we experience the world, define our identities, and make meaning. Sharing stories builds empathy. When we revise our own stories, we change our lives. 6. To stand out from the competition, we need to constantly think of how to be "better than good," as Jay Baer puts it. BONUS: Podcasting is a team sport—not simply because of the variety of skills and tasks involved in producing a great show, but because collaboration with colleagues who make you feel safe enables courageous, vulnerable creativity. We will almost always do better work in collaboration than we will completely alone. The episode(s) discussed on today’s Sound Judgment:The Host Defines the Brand with John Barth, Sound Judgment Ep. 2A Host on a Mission with Quien tu Eres host Pabel Martinez, Sound Judgment Ep. 6Finding Your Voice with Shelter in Place Host Laura Joyce Davis, Sound Judgment Ep. 5A "Yes, And" Approach to Cohosting with Pantsuit Politics, Sound Judgment Ep. 3Cinematic Storytelling with Crime Show's Emma Courtland, Sound Judgment Ep. 4The podcast Standing Ovation with host Jay Baer: A sneak peek of a Season 2 Sound Judgment episode The podcast Snap Judgment with host Glynn Washington: A sneak peek of Season 2, Episode 1, coming January 12, 2023Sound Judgment Ep. 1, “Emotional Bravery on Last Day with Stephanie Wittels Wachs”Subscribe to Sound Judgment, the Newsletter, our once- or twice-monthly newsletter about creative choices in audio storytelling.Captivate Your Listeners, Improve Your Hostiness and Grow Your Show in 2023!What’s it like for you to face the blank page of your script – or that "blank tape" on the mic? As any writer knows, a blank page is intimidating. It can be even harder when we’re using our voice  – because we only have 30 seconds or so to hook new listeners. That’s a lot of pressure. There’s a lot that goes into starting your episode with a bang, keeping listeners enthralled throughout, and especially providing enough value that they’ll come back again and again.Don’t stay stuck! Get a half-price Hook Your Listener Audit now. As a veteran story and program editor, producer and host, I’ll work with you personally to get over the stress of the "blank page" and help you improve your hostiness. You'll send us  a link to one episode ahead of time, and in one 45-minute session, I’ll identify several ways that you can tune up your show fast, painlessly, and without any extra cost – so you can get critical acclaim and, most importantly, grow your show. In just one session, we’ll uncover and build on your unique strengths. You'll tune up the sound and promise of your show. You’ll be more likely to captivate listeners. And most importantly, you’ll quickly feel – and sound – more confident! Now through January 31, you can get a personalized Hook-Your-Listener Audit for half price — only $149. We've only set aside a handful of these packages (we give them a lot of time and attention in addition to our face-to-face 45-minutes session). And because they're so affordable, they’re going fast. Click here to purchase your own HYL Audit now. But if you still have questions, no worries! Email us at allies@podcastallies.com for answers. Help us grow!Rate and review the show or your favorite episode on Apple Podcasts Connect with Elaine on LinkedInCelebrate today’s best hosts!Who’s your Sound Judgment dream guest? Share them with us! Write us: allies@podcastallies.com. Because of you, that host may appear on Sound Judgment.Help