How Matthew Belloni Preps for a Live Recording of His Hit Ringer Podcast, ‘The Town’

For the Record caught up with Matt and Elizabeth Fierman, who oversees live events for The Ringer, to hear about the planning process for the evening. We also chatted with Matt about the importance of entertaining as you inform, how he cultivates sources, his dream guest, and more.

How does the prep for a live show compare to a prerecorded show?

Matt: For me, it’s a pretty similar process. I might prepare a few more “crowd-pleaser” moments so I don’t get booed off the stage. But it’s usually just preparing the questions that I’d want to know the answer to if I was listening.

Elizabeth: Typically recordings happen in the studio or at home—pretty controlled environments. When we’re planning for a live event, we not only have to consider venue, promotion, travel, and fan experience on top of the technical aspects of recording the show, but we need to be prepared for lots more variability, as well. We also like to work with show teams to consider what content will translate best into the live space for both hosts and fans. It’s a lot of work, but hopefully a lot of fun for everyone, too.

What are some of the benefits of a live podcast show?

Elizabeth: For the host, getting to see and hear listeners’ reactions in real time is a fun change of pace—there’s such high energy that comes from being in a live environment. Similarly for fans, I think over time, they feel like they really get to know our hosts, so bringing them together in a room full of people with similar interests feels like a community-building event. There are usually lots of laughs and people seem to have a great time!

It’s been such a fun year, with our first Ringer Residency in Los Angeles and The Rewatchables going on tour, plus their recent one-night-only show on Broadway. We’ve also had live events throughout the sports calendar and around cultural moments like SXSW and Sundance. We’re excited to continue building on the momentum and excitement around live shows.

Matt, as a writer and a podcaster, how does telling stories in print compare to audio?

Matt: People consume audio differently, they’re often doing other things, and I think that’s why podcasts that simply read printed words are so much less interesting to most people. You need to entertain as you inform. Not jokes, per se, but you need to have a personality, which is the opposite of most print and digital journalism sources that assume 100 percent of the reader’s attention. The only thing that’s the same is the benefit of being an accurate source of information. If you’re talking out of your ass, the listeners will pick up on it and move on.

You’re known for breaking news. Any secrets of the trade you can share?

Matt: Develop sources in person. So many young journalists don’t actually go out and meet people. I’ve been doing this awhile and I still do breakfasts, lunches, drinks meetings, and events at night. Mixing it up with the people I cover. Texting relationships aren’t the same.

If you could choose anyone (living or deceased) to be on your show, who would it be and why?

Matt: Rupert Murdoch would be a fantastic guest. He doesn’t do a lot of interviews, but when he does, he does not care who he pisses off. Mark Burnett would be great, but only if we gave him a truth serum and he spilled all the details about Donald Trump on The Apprentice. Oprah, Disney’s Bob Iger, Lorne Michaels, and Tom Cruise are on my list.

Are there any Spotify features or tools on Spotify for Podcasters that are especially helpful for you?

Matt: I love any and all data on who is listening to the show. And we use the data to better tailor the topics and guests to what the audience likes.

We’re nearly at the end of the year. What are some of the biggest media and entertainment trends you’ve covered in 2024?

Matt: The ongoing transition from linear TV to digital streaming is upending everything about Hollywood, including the traditional power structure. Everyone is anxious and afraid, and before this calms down, the entertainment industry will look very different than it does today.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for 2025?

Matt: I’m very curious to see what James Gunn does with Superman. A lot riding on that movie at Warner Bros.

Stream the latest episode of The Town with Matthew Belloni on Spotify.