Head-to-head comparison
Out on the Wire (Book) vs The Podcast Host
Two of the resources tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Graphic-novel guide to audio storytelling craft based on interviews with top radio producers.
Best for: Storytelling craft book
Long-running educational blog for independent podcasters started in 2011 by Colin Gray.
Best for: Beginner education
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Out on the Wire (Book)
Pros
- Unique illustrated graphic-novel format
- Real producer interviews including Ira Glass
- Deep story-structure focus
Watch-outs
- Published 2015 — pre-video-podcast era
- Narrative podcasts only
- Not a practical step-by-step how-to
The Podcast Host
Pros
- Massive free article library since 2011
- Updated regularly for 2026
- Friendly beginner tone
Watch-outs
- Heavy upsell to the Alitu editing app
- Some posts feel SEO-driven
- Less depth on industry trends
Which one should you pick?
Pick Out on the Wire (Book) if
You’re building around storytelling craft book. Jessica Abel's illustrated book unpacks how This American Life, Radiolab, Planet Money, and others actually construct stories. The graphic-novel format makes it readable in a sitting.
Pick The Podcast Host if
You’re building around beginner education. One of the oldest "how to podcast" blogs that's still actively publishing. The free articles cover everything from mic recommendations to episode structure, refreshed regularly with 2026 updates on video podcasting and AI tooling.
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Frequently asked
What does Out on the Wire (Book) do better than The Podcast Host?
Out on the Wire (Book)'s standout is "Unique illustrated graphic-novel format". The Podcast Host doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Massive free article library since 2011" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Out on the Wire (Book); if the second does, pick The Podcast Host.
What are the trade-offs?
Out on the Wire (Book): published 2015 — pre-video-podcast era. The Podcast Host: heavy upsell to the alitu editing app. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Out on the Wire (Book) and The Podcast Host together?
Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Out on the Wire (Book) for one show or episode type and The Podcast Host for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.