Lessons from the Modern Movie Theater Experience

By Dave Jackson

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There’s something magical about a night at the movies—the anticipation, the big screen, the communal excitement. At least, that’s what I thought as I set out to watch “Nobody 2.” Armed with high expectations, thanks to an enlightening episode of Conan’s podcast where Bob Odenkirk himself chatted about the film, I was ready for an unforgettable experience.

Little did I know, I was about to step into the alternate reality known as: “The Modern Movie Theater Experience.”

A Barrage of Ads and Trailers: The “Obi-Wan Kenobi Psyop”

Picture this: You’re settled in your theater seat, popcorn in hand, ready for action. But first, an avalanche of ads. Every screen is buzzing with everything but your movie. There are close to 38 ads. The ads are like an “Obi-Wan Kenobi Psyop,” where they keep telling you the best place to enjoy a movie is in the theater. Keep in mind, I’m already in the theater.

They finally roll some trailers, and just when you think the movie will start they sneak in two more ads.

Showtime, or Is It?

The advertised showtime may say 8:30 pm, but let’s face it, the main event won’t kick off before 9:00.

By this time, you’ve consumed more soda than socially advisable and have contemplated buying stock in the candy company that’s managing your chair-side sugar fix.

Lessons Learned: Why Home Beats Theater Every Time

Convenience: Your couch is the only seat-number assignment you’ll ever need.
Cost: A subscription platform doesn’t charge over $20 for a single ticket. I do have a pass to see as many movies as I want in a month. The problem is, I don’t want to see most movies.
Quality: Snacks on demand without sacrificing a quarter of the film’s budget.

Podcasts: Crafting the Ideal Listener Experience

Interestingly, this cinema absurdity holds a treasure trove of wisdom for podcasters. Attention is currency, dear friends, and you better not waste it.

Podcasting Lessons:

Link it Up: When you mention something clickable, make sure your audience can actually click it.
Immediate Value: Deliver the goods right off the bat. Who’s got time for drawn-out intros when your audience is on their morning jog?
Prioritize Sound: A podcast with bad audio is the auditory equivalent of a bad seat with a broken recliner.
No Lazy Content: Uninspired re-releases might as well be the soggy nachos of podcasting content. Don’t do it.

Reflecting on the Lost Social Experience

While the digital realm provides unmatched convenience, there’s a raw, electric energy in hearing others laugh, gasp, or cry alongside you.

As podcasters, our job is to echo that shared connection—to craft moments so vivid that audiences feel like they’re not just listening, but participating, even while flying solo.

By keeping ears engaged and spirits lifted, we connect souls, and transform mere episodes into shared experiences. So, take your cue from the cinema’s blunders; streamline, focus, and invigorate.

If content is king then AI is storming the castle. Lean into your humanness. Lean into and embrace your crazy. Put on a good show.