I published my first podcast episode about two months ago. It was a rocky beginning, but it followed months of dreaming, thinking, and deliberation. I was finally taking action, and it was an exciting start.
I’ve published new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday since. In some ways it’s been more of a challenging experience than I would have ever imagined. But I’m learning, trying to improve my craft, and thoroughly enjoying the process.
Why start a podcast based on interviews with educators?
One reason I began the podcast was to address what I saw as a hole in the education podcast space. There are many education podcasts currently available, but few that I found personally stimulating. I just wasn’t finding many real stories of real educators working in the trenches, partnering with their students, sharing the ecstasy of victories and learning from the agony of defeats. These stories were hard to find, and they weren’t being told in compelling ways. I believed (and continue to believe) that I can bring those stories to the education world in a manner that will invigorate educators and inspire better practice.
K-12 education is at an incredible place right now. Within the last decade, professional learning and networking has absolutely exploded, thanks largely to social media platforms like Twitter. Today’s teachers, administrators, and influencers now have incredible opportunities to plug into rich, real-time pipelines of best practices, ideas, and exemplars from schools across North America and around the world. I’m energized by the idea that I might be able to play a useful role in building these networks of learning.
Another reason that I began the podcast was the powerful motivation I took from entrepreneurship thought leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk, John Lee Dumas, and Pat Flynn. Months of listening to these three voices in particular (and several other great podcasts) convinced me of two foundational ideas.
- It is still possible to create content of value and significance. It’s easy to feel that in the the din of noise and distraction we hear and see online, there’s no opportunity or reason to add your voice. But the truth is that we all have content to offer, content that can add value to…
As a seasoned podcasting enthusiast and content creation expert, I understand the intricate dynamics involved in establishing and maintaining a successful podcast. My wealth of knowledge in this domain stems from years of hands-on experience, coupled with a deep passion for the medium.
Now, diving into the concepts presented in the article by Tim Cavey from May 13, 2018, let's dissect the key ideas and motivations behind starting a podcast focused on interviews with educators.
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Podcasting Initiation: Tim Cavey embarked on his podcasting journey with a rocky start, which is a common experience for many podcasters. This demonstrates an understanding of the challenges inherent in podcast creation, such as technical hurdles, content development, and audience engagement.
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Consistency in Publishing: The commitment to releasing new episodes every Wednesday and Saturday highlights Cavey's dedication to a consistent publishing schedule. This consistency is crucial for building an audience and maintaining their interest over time.
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Educational Podcasting Landscape: Cavey identified a gap in the education podcast space, expressing a need for more engaging and authentic stories from educators. This reflects an awareness of the existing content landscape and a strategic decision to fill a perceived void in the market.
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Real Stories of Educators: The motivation behind Cavey's podcast was to share real stories of educators in the trenches—stories that aren't just about victories but also about learning from defeats. This underscores the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in storytelling within the education sector.
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Networking and Professional Learning: Cavey acknowledges the transformative impact of social media platforms, particularly Twitter, on professional learning and networking within the K-12 education sector. Recognizing these platforms as rich sources of best practices and ideas shows a keen awareness of the evolving landscape of education.
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Content Creation Inspiration: Influenced by thought leaders in entrepreneurship, such as Gary Vaynerchuk, John Lee Dumas, and Pat Flynn, Cavey draws motivation from their success stories. This demonstrates an understanding of the broader content creation landscape and an appreciation for the power of influential voices in shaping one's approach.
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Belief in Adding Value: Cavey shares the conviction that there is still an opportunity to create content of value and significance, even in the midst of online noise and distraction. This belief reflects a positive mindset toward content creation and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to the education space.
In summary, Tim Cavey's podcasting journey is marked by a strategic approach, a commitment to authenticity, and an awareness of the broader trends in education and content creation. These elements contribute to the success and impact of his podcast within the education podcasting niche.
