Should Your Podcast Trailer Explain or Entertain? With Rachel Corbett of Nova Entertainment

Would listeners rather hear a podcast’s hosts introduce their own show or have someone else sell it for them? Is a fast-moving sizzle reel more effective than a host speaking directly from the heart? Arielle talks with Rachel Corbett, Network Director of Nova Podcasts at Nova Entertainment. Rachel contributed trailers from two Nova shows to the Coleman Insights podcast trailer study: High Scrollers and Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg. Together, Arielle and Rachel play and compare four trailers: A host-read trailer versus a third-person voiceover for High Scrollers A sizzle reel versus a personal explainer for Better Than Yesterday They discuss: Why listeners preferred the professional voiceover for High Scrollers How a third-person narrator can make it easier to incorporate clips Why being a great host doesn’t necessarily make someone great at selling their own show How Osher Günsberg’s personal explainer felt like the right choice How Rachel’s team is applying the findings to future Nova trailers The underrated skill of selecting clips that work outside their original context Why producers should save strong promotional moments as they edit How independent podcasters can conduct their own small-scale A/B tests The lesson: Best practices are useful, but the right trailer depends on the show, the host, and the relationship you want to build with the listener. Resources: Download the full podcast trailer study Listen to High Scrollers Listen to Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg Trailer Park is hosted by Arielle Nissenblatt. Editing and post-production by AdamFlaherty of Pointmade.studio. Happy trails!