In this episode, adventures in recording (more tech troubles!), some industry updates and recommendations, and where I’m at when planning the next few shows of 21st Century Work Life, approaching episode 300!
A different set up today, I wonder if you can hear the difference.
Just finished editing the bumper episode of Gastronostalgia which incorporates the four episodes from the month, plus the aperitif. The episode is about 1.5hrs long (!) and it took me about 2.5hrs to put it together, including editing of the aperitif which is about 25mins long!
It’s a good thing that that episode is hosted in Anchor, which is free, so it’s ok that the file is so long. This show is hosted on Buzzsprout (affiliate link here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1755892 ) and I have a max. of 3hours in my plan. So something to check out when you’re choosing a media host, how much audio can you upload a month.
This month I released a short episode for Facilitation Stories letting listeners know that we are still around but are having to skip a couple of episodes because we’re way behind. Let your listeners know, but don’t stress if you have to miss an episode.
We had some tech problems with the recording app for Gastronostalgia again, including Tomas’ end not recording at all. I’ve decided that when possible, I’m recording a back up with Zoom (the meeting app), but record locally at each of our ends, with Audacity or even just QuickTime on the Mac.
Unexpectedly, I had to create the show notes for last week’s episode of 21stCWL, as the person who usually does them had covid! I quite enjoyed putting them together, but I still think it’s best to have someone else doing them.
I’m reading Known, which talks about how to be known in your field through the production of online content. So far, all the examples are about people who’ve created short videos, blog posts, artwork on Instagram… The author talks about finding “your space”.
When I think about the space I’ve been drawn to, podcasting, I realise what a big investment someone has to make to get to know me. My episodes are long form, and I do feel you get the most out of listening to the whole thing. But if you’re looking for fast words of advice – tips and tricks or hacks – you won’t get them there. So I’m likely reducing the number of people willing to get to know me.
Before I forget, did you how I have a blog? The latest post is an attempt to link a well-known motivation theory to the new podcaster’s priorities. Let me know what you think if you read it.
And by the way, did you know I have a newsletter too?
15.20Mins
What’s going on in the world of podcasting?
Apple Podcasts now has a form for you to submit your show to be featured: https://airtable.com/shrwaPEPlJn8EcE4h?utm_campaign=podnews.net%3A2022-01-19&utm_medium=email&utm_source=podnews.net
If you’re new to podcasting and have no attachment to traditional audio editing, and are looking at different ways of sharing your content, you might want to check out Descript. I’ve noticed how they keep adding functionality and if you also want to play with video, they’ve added an easy way to share video clips, and editing those video clips really simply. I haven’t used it myself, but have heard plenty of podcast veterans recommend it – so if you are in the early stages of learning how to edit, do have a look at it.
One bit of research worth paying attention to: in the UK, 94% of listeners listen to podcasts on their own, which is not surprising, but a good reminder of the nature of our relationship with the audience. It’s a one-one experience, but you can also decide to remind the listener that there are others listening the content with them. It’s a matter of choice for you, the podcaster.
Finally just wanted to remind you of how invested our audience can become in us. I’ve been listening to Rachel Herron’s How Do You Write podcast for a few years now. In February last year, she decided to move from California to New Zealand. She shared why she made the decision to move, her plans, selling the house, arriving in New Zealand and having to quarantine in a hotel, and finally settling in her new home. And I just feel so happy for her. It reminds me of how important we can become to our audiences.
20.49 mins
Adventures in planning the show
I’m having problems planning the next 8 or so episodes of 21st Century Work Life as I get to episode 300, so I just went down the list of contacts, and picked some I wanted to record again with, or some that I’d been planning to bring to the show for a while.
For some reason, I can’t get myself to record solo, on Visible Teamwork, something’s stopping me…
I rarely bring in people that have products to promote, but I am recording over the next couple of weeks with someone, because I liked the tone of his email. I find that when people come to promote their product, they have very narrow views on the topic, mainly the ones that drove them to create their product, so I’m not that keen… I’ll come back and let you know how that went.
If you want to support this show and are looking for a media host: I recommend Buzzsprout, and for web hosting, I recommend Bluehost (affiliate links).