Embracing Long-Form Conversations: My Thoughts on Daniel Priestley and Steven Bartlett’s Insights

Hello everyone! Happy 2025!

I hope you’re doing well. Today, I want to share my personal reflections on an interesting conversation between Daniel Priestley and Steven Bartlett from The Diary of a CEO. They discussed why podcasts and long-form, unscripted content are becoming so popular.

This topic is definitely outside of my usual day-to-day—after all, I don't own a company, nor do I work in broadcasting. I’m a cook, but I still find this discussion very insightful. You can access the full video here.

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Why Do People Want Longer Content?

We live in a world full of quick social media updates, be it in the form of shorts, reels, or something else. Personally, I enjoy the convenience of bite-sized videos. I can't deny that it feels so satisfying and entertaining at the same time (more on this maybe next time). But I’ve also noticed that short clips often lack depth. Daniel suggests that, because there’s so much confusion and debate about “misinformation,” people want longer, more detailed conversations. So naturally, anyone will have the capability to see and have their own judgments, especially for the long, unscripted content like podcasts.

I believe long-form content allows us to see the full picture. Instead of relying on bite-sized information, we can listen to an entire discussion and decide for ourselves what’s true or relevant, and at the same time, learn about the speakers themselves.

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According to Daniel, 2025 will be the year when unscripted, long-form conversations dominate. Podcasts that run for 1–2 hours help us see a more human side of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other public figures. He mentioned that in the future, personal branding could be the only way to hire talented people, loyal customers, or even keep investors happy.

Why It Matters:

• Talent: People want to work for companies led by transparent, authentic leaders.
• Customers: Longer conversations help customers trust the brand.
• Investors: Honest and open discussions can boost investor confidence.

Personally, I’ve noticed that it’s definitely easier to connect with a leader who speaks freely and shares personal stories, rather than someone who relies on a script. The other day, I came across a reel on Instagram about someone who created a video of himself talking —entirely generated by AI. I read the comments section and everyone was feeling horrified about the future of online content that we're consuming. “What if it’s fake? What if it’s not even a real person? What if it’s misinformation?” we might catch ourselves asking.

I like to think that long-form contents are safer to watch at this stage due to the length, we would have enough time to judge ourselves whether it's AI-generated or real. Of course it doesn't guarantee originality, but this is the reality we always face. We have to trust our own judgment more and more.

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Working Up the “Podcast Pyramid”

Daniel advises entrepreneurs to start small and gradually move up to bigger podcasts. The idea is to appear on shows with a few thousand listeners first. If you speak well and share valuable insights, you’ll likely be invited to bigger shows.

I like this approach. It’s similar to gaining any skill—start by practicing in smaller, safer spaces, then move up as you gain confidence.

If you’re an entrepreneur, aim for at least 10 to 20 hours of total podcast appearances (which means about 10 podcasts, each 1–2 hours long). You can talk about your origin story, what problems you solve, and how you see your business growing.

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The “Name, Same, Fame, Aim, Game” Framework

This handy tool from Daniel helps you introduce yourself in a concise yet powerful way:

1. Name: Say your name and your company’s name.
2. Same: Compare your work to something people already understand.
3. Fame: Mention any big brands, awards, or standout achievements.
4. Aim: Share your short-term goals (next 90 days).
5. Game: Explain your long-term vision (next 3–6 years).
   

I think it's a really useful framework for anyone starting their "Podcast Pyramid" journey. It doesn't even have to be a podcast, you can use it in any networking settings.

Try It Yourself: In the comments, introduce yourself using “Name, Same, Fame, Aim, Game.” I’d love to get to know you!

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Becoming Memorable: 7-11-4

Research shows that people’s memory is limited (Dunbar number). To truly stick in someone’s head, you need:

• 7 hours of exposure (cumulative time they spend with you or your content)
• 11 interactions (separate moments of contact)
• 4 different platforms or occasions (podcasts, social media, live events, etc.)

This creates something called a parasocial relationship, where people feel like they know you even if they’ve never met you in person. It's usually how we feel toward famous people. 

It's truly fascinating how we can become familiar with someone through podcasts and online interactions alone. I guess this is why consistency really matters when building a personal brand. Like... We already know, but never really understand why.

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Five Things the Brain Never Forgets

Daniel lists five types of content or ideas that stay in people’s minds:

1. Scary – Anything that triggers fear.
2. Strange – Anything unusual or out of the ordinary.
3. Sexy – Content that appeals to attraction or strong desire.
4. Free – Offering something valuable without cost.
5. Familiar – Repeated elements or themes people recognize.

My Take: If you’re an entrepreneur, focusing on the last two points—giving free value and becoming a familiar presence—can be the easiest way to gain attention in a good way.

Question: What kind of free value could you offer your audience? Have you seen successful examples of this?

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Action Items

1. Embrace Long-Form Content: Whether it’s podcast interviews or longer videos, let your audience get to know the real you.
2. Use the Framework: Practice “Name, Same, Fame, Aim, Game” to make strong first impressions.
3. Be Consistent: Aim for 7 hours, 11 interactions, and 4 platforms to stay on people’s radars.
4. Offer Free Value: This could be anything—from free eBooks to free how-to guides.
5. Stay Authentic: No one wants to listen to a robot reading a script. Be genuine.

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Final Thoughts

Long-form, unscripted conversations are a refreshing change in a world of short clips. By opening up, sharing personal experiences, and giving real value, you can build trust with your audience—whether you’re a small startup owner or a CEO of a major corporation.

Your turn: What do you think about this shift toward long-form discussions? Do you find yourself listening to more podcasts or longer videos these days? Share your thoughts below!

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