70,000,000 Listeners Can't Be Wrong

A podcasting lesson from Michael Jackson ...

Do you connect with this?

If so, here’s a fun Michael Jackson story you’ll appreciate …

In the early 1980s, Michael Jackson was working on his album Thriller.

Quincy Jones, the album's producer, and Jackson were both perfectionists and there was a lot of pressure for Thriller, the followup to the very successful Off the Wall album, to do well.

Michael Jackson reportedly broke down in tears when he first heard an early acetate.

They decided to start over on several tracks, including "Thriller."

This decision ultimately led to the iconic sound and style of the album. The famous Vincent Price spoken word segment, orchestral arrangements, and meticulous production all contributed to the album's unique and groundbreaking appeal.

But creating what would become the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold, involved far more than just starting over …

One of the standout tracks, "Billie Jean," had a complex production process. The song itself was great, but they wanted every detail of its recording to be just right.

The mixing process for "Billie Jean" is legendary. Bruce Swedien, the engineer behind the board, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his innovative use of recording techniques. He painstakingly worked through 91 different mixes of the song.

Despite the many revisions, they kept coming back to the second mix. There was something about it that captured the essence of the song—the crispness of Jackson's vocals, the punchy bassline, and the overall groove. It felt right.

After listening to all 91 versions, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Bruce Swedien unanimously agreed that the second mix had what they were looking for. And that’s how “Mix 2” became the version of "Billie Jean" that would go on to be one of the best-selling singles of all time—selling over 10 million copies worldwide since its release in 1983.

Lesson for Podcasters 

Creating an iconic piece of content, whether it’s an album like Michael Jackson's Thriller or a successful podcast episode, requires dedication, attention to detail, and a willingness to “do the work.” 

Here are three examples of how you can apply these principles to elevate your podcast:

1. Meticulous Editing

Just as Bruce Swedien meticulously worked through 91 different mixes of "Billie Jean" to get the perfect sound, podcasters should invest time in editing their episodes. Fine-tune the pacing, remove filler words, and ensure clarity. Pay attention to the tone and flow of your conversation, making sure each segment transitions smoothly into the next.

2. High-Quality Production

Clear and crisp audio can make a significant difference in how your audience perceives you and your content. Invest in good microphones and recording equipment.

Minimize background noise and other things that are distracting and will take away from your message. Experiment with sound effects and music to enhance the storytelling experience and bring listeners into the moment—show, then tell. 

3. Collaborative Feedback

Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Bruce Swedien collaborated closely and weren’t afraid to start over multiple times until they achieved the desired result. As a podcaster, you should embrace a similar approach by seeking feedback from trusted peers or mentors.

Be open to constructive criticism. Sometimes an outside perspective can highlight areas for improvement you might have missed.

Achieving greatness in podcasting, like in music production, requires open-mindedness and a commitment to excellence. By doing this, you’ll enhance your chances of creating something that resonates deeply with listeners. This is the work that sets your podcast apart from others and will help your message gain the audience it deserves.