Cold Opens Are Hot — But are they the right way to start your podcast episode?

A friend of mine, an avid podcast listener, recently mentioned a trend. They noticed that many podcasts now start their episodes with clips before the show officially begins. This observation made me reflect on the podcasts I follow. They are right about this trend. These clips are known as cold opens — a scene or clip that drops you straight into the action before the theme music or intro kicks in.

If this sounds familiar, it’s likely because TV has been doing it for decades. Think of Law & Order, where every episode starts with unsuspecting New Yorkers stumbling across a body — dun dun — and then the credits roll. The goal? To hook you fast.

Cold opens can work well in podcasts too, but only when used intentionally.

Starting Your Podcast Episode - When The Cold Open Works

For narrative-driven shows, a strong cold open can be a perfect hook. True crime, documentary, or storytelling formats often use this technique to build curiosity right from the start.

One of my favorite examples is from Scrubbing the Sky, a podcast we produced. In Episode 2, we opened with a scripted, sound-designed moment that teased the story without revealing too much. Writing it, voicing it, and layering in the sound was a blast. It worked because it served the story, not just the format.

Cold opens can also feature a blooper or funny moment, especially in conversational shows. 32 Thoughts, a popular hockey podcast, opens each episode this way. The hosts are well-known, and the cold open feels like a wink to their regular listeners.

However, there’s a catch. If your hosts aren’t widely known, starting with an inside joke or casual banter can fall flat. Instead of drawing the listener in, it can make them feel like they’ve walked in late to someone else’s party.

A comedy podcast called Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone leaned into this — hilariously — by spending multiple episodes trying (and failing) to land the perfect cold open. It became a running joke, but only worked because their audience was in on it.

Starting Your Podcast Episode - When It Doesn’t Work

If your podcast is more technical, news-based, or academic, a cold open might not be the best fit. In those cases, it’s often more effective to open with a short highlight from the episode or interview. This moment signals what’s coming and gives your audience a reason to keep listening.

For example, on Strength in Practice, a podcast we produce for the Canadian Association of Midwives, we often lead with a key clip from the conversation that sets the stage. It’s direct, relevant, and respects the listener’s time — which is the point.

The Impact of Cold Opens

Cold opens can significantly impact listener engagement. They create an immediate connection and set the tone for the episode. When done right, they can enhance the storytelling experience.

Crafting the Perfect Cold Open

Creating an effective cold open requires careful planning. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Know Your Audience: Understand what resonates with your listeners. Tailor your cold open to their preferences.

   
   

2. Keep It Short: A cold open should be brief. Aim for a few compelling seconds that intrigue without overwhelming.

   
   

3. Focus on Quality: Ensure the audio quality is high. Poor sound can detract from the impact of your cold open.

   
   

4. Test and Iterate: Experiment with different styles of cold opens. Gather feedback and refine your approach based on listener responses.

   
   

So… Should You Use a Cold Open?

Maybe. A cold open should serve the episode — not distract from it. If it grabs attention, sets up the theme, and makes a new listener want to keep going, great. If not, skip it. You don’t need one just because other shows use them.

Like most things in podcasting, you can test it. Try it for a few episodes. Ask for feedback. See what resonates.

In the end, how you open your podcast matters — but only if it works for your audience. That’s who you’re here for.

Conclusion

Cold opens can be a powerful tool in the podcasting world. They can engage listeners right from the start and enhance the overall listening experience. However, they must be used thoughtfully. Consider your content, audience, and goals before deciding to incorporate them into your podcast.

By understanding the nuances of cold opens, you can create a more engaging and dynamic podcast that resonates with your listeners. Remember, the key is to serve your audience and keep them coming back for more.