Podcasting: The Why and How To
Why a Podcast? Allows long form discussion, explanation, or storytelling not available many other mediums Listener can be engaged in other activities Topic and genre specific down to a niche level Easily accessible – not time and space dependent Often free or patron funded Easier to have a conversation with audience via social media and feedback They can be a lot of fun!
Types of podcasts Interview Debate Academic Novelty Journalism Historical Narrative
What possibilities exist for learning? Further traditional research : Science, history, sociology etc. all depends on topic Other research types: Listening, observing, discussing... Writing : script (almost always required), questions, talking points Developing a voice (literally or through writing) Media making processes Copyright law, releases etc. Feedback : Seeing how listeners respond
What style? Making a playlist
Don’t let topics or themes get lost
Have clear expectations When is failure okay?
How To Start Research topics Write preliminary script Practice sound collection (if needed) Record a short test podcast – see where your faults are (writing, technical, speaking etc.) Revise Record the real podcast
Technical and Perceptual Considerations Distortion (can’t be fixed!) Background Noise (how to avoid it) Mixing Levels (finding standards for comfort) Oversaturation – too much or little sonic information Modes of listening being activated Technical and Perceptual Considerations
Interpersonal Considerations Representation issues Rights and releases of interviews and content Possible listener response Data sensitivity Affective response Other considerations
Final Product and Critique