by Heidi Knoblauch
The first thing I learned about podcasting was that it is powerful medium. Podcasting is powerful not only because it has the ability torelate complex arguments into digestible bits of information, but also because it can transform those arguments into relatable stories. Rather than shoving statistics at an audience, podcasts can transform statistics about subjects (i.e. the number of people arrested in 2012 in the U.S. on nonviolent drug charges was 1.55 million) into stories about real people who felt the impact of those statistics. The unique ability of audio to highlight the experience of making knowledge can also connect listenersto scholarship in a way that books often fail to do. Podcastscan allow academics toinfuse themselves into the arguments they make rather than downplaytheir connection to their scholarship.
Podcasts – meaning audio uploaded to iTunes – are just one way to use audio to connect with a wider audience.There are many other platforms including WordPress,SoundCloud, andMixCloudthat allow you to share audio. Often, these non-iTunes venues allow for a stronger engagement with your audience because they allow users to post comments on audio files. And, depending on your resources, posting at all four of these venues cangive you the most engagement.
Making a good podcast requires planning.A podcast posted on iTunes should have a consistent length, release time, and theme to be successful. In other words, if you want a create a weekly interview-based topically connected 15 minute podcast series, iTunes is probably the most powerful platform to gain a strong following. On the other hand, if you want to post interviews sporadically and have audio that varies in length and topic then something like SoundCloud or your own personal WordPress site would probably gain more traction.
Not all good audio projects have to be formatted like a podcast.Projects can vary in length and subject but use the same intro and outro to make the audio filescohesive. For example, theJustPublics@365 Podcast Seriesuses the same music intro and outrofor every episode. We also use that slice of audio for our shorter audio projects that we post exclusively toSoundCloud.
Collecting audio does not have to be expensive, but it can be.Like most media projects, you can make podcasts as expensive or inexpensive as you want. SoundCloud has the hefty price tag of $121.50 per year to upload an unlimited number of tracks. Using services likeBuzzSprout, which offer podcast hosting can cost between $12 and $24 a month. You can upload audio to aserverand link thatfile in a post in your WordPress site. Audio files take up a large amount of room so, often, you will have to pay for some type of server space.
You can be scrappy with equipment.Smartphones have the ability to record surprisingly excellent audio. iPhone apps likeVoice Recorder HD($1.99) or the built inVoice Memoscan give you high quality audio. If you want to have higher quality audio you can purchase a number of different microphonesthat plug directly intoyour computer (I like theApogee Electronics MiC Studio Quality USB Microphone) or that plug right into your iPhone or Android (I like theRode SmartLavor theiRig MIC Cast).
Editing can make all the difference.You can use a number of different programs to edit your audio.GarageBandis one of the easier ways to learn to edit your audio. You can record directly into GarageBand or import audio from prerecorded files. It is free to Mac users so it is a great option for beginners.Audacityis free, open source, cross-platform software for recording and editing sounds that is compatiblewith PCs and Macs. It is slightly more clunky than GarageBand, but is an equally effective way to edit audio.
Length is up for debate.There are ongoingdebatesabout how long a podcast should be. Some say 3 minutes, some say 30 minutes. I say, the most important thing is to pick a length and stick to it. If your audience is engaging with 30-minutes of content, there is no reason to switch to a 3 minute format. On the other hand, if you are making 30-minute podcasts and no one is engaging with them, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
There are many different typesof podcasts.One powerful way to weave stories for listeners is through audio interviews. The podcasts and audio that I have produced for JustPublics@365 have mostly consisted of these. I think interviews are most effectivewhen combined with “on the ground” audio, but they can also be powerful in and of themselves.
When JustPublics@365 interviewed people affected by the East Harlem Building Collapse the interviews were editedto have the same intro and outro for every interview in addition to the same music from the JustPublics@365 Series.
For example:
https://soundcloud.com/justpublics-365/community-conversations-east-harlem-resident-louise-burwell
This methodof interviewing consisted of asking the interviewee a series of questions to get them primed for the interview and then recording their uninterrupted story from start to finish.When editing these interviews, I inserted myself only in the beginning and end in order to give context to the story.
When creating theJustPublics@365 Podcast Series, I took a different approach and included my questions in the produced audio. This interview style podcast involved in-depth research and thought out questions, which I shared with the interviewee before the interview. These podcasts are structured in a way that allows for replicability and their format is designed for astructured ongoing series.
https://soundcloud.com/justpublics-365/juan-battle-on-the-social
The most important thing is consistency.However you decide to structure your podcast, you should be consistent and stick to your strategy!
Heidi Knoblauch (@heidiknoblauch) is a Ph.D. Candidate in the History of Medicine at Yale University and JustPublics@365’s podcast producer.
URL:http://justpublics365.commons.gc.cuny.edu/2014/07/02/podcasting/
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of podcasting, I've delved deep into the intricacies of this powerful medium. Podcasting is not just about disseminating information; it's a transformative tool that converts complex arguments into digestible bits and weaves them into relatable stories. My firsthand experience and depth of knowledge in podcasting enable me to shed light on the key concepts discussed in the article by Heidi Knoblauch.
1. Transformative Power of Podcasting:
- Podcasts have the unique ability to translate statistics and complex arguments into relatable stories about real people, creating a more profound impact.
2. Platforms for Audio Sharing:
- iTunes, WordPress, SoundCloud, and MixCloud are highlighted as platforms for sharing audio content, each offering distinct advantages. Non-iTunes platforms like SoundCloud and WordPress may foster stronger audience engagement through user comments.
3. Planning for Podcast Success:
- Success in podcasting on iTunes requires consistency in length, release time, and theme. Tailoring the format to match the desired frequency and content variability is crucial for success on different platforms.
4. Audio Project Formats:
- Podcasts are just one format; audio projects can vary in length and subject while maintaining cohesion through consistent intro and outro elements.
5. Cost Considerations:
- Podcasting expenses vary; platforms like SoundCloud and podcast hosting services may have costs, and server space might be necessary for audio file storage.
6. Equipment:
- Podcasting doesn't have to be expensive; smartphones with apps like Voice Recorder HD can provide excellent audio. Various microphones, both USB and smartphone-compatible, offer flexibility in recording quality.
7. Editing Importance:
- Editing is emphasized as a crucial aspect of podcast production, with tools like GarageBand and Audacity recommended for their effectiveness.
8. Podcast Length Debates:
- Ongoing debates exist about the ideal podcast length. The key is to pick a length that resonates with your audience and stick to it for consistency.
9. Types of Podcasts:
- Various podcast formats are discussed, with a focus on the power of audio interviews combined with on-the-ground audio for a compelling narrative.
10. Interview Styles:
- Different interview styles are explored, from uninterrupted stories to structured formats with pre-shared questions. The choice depends on the desired outcome and storytelling approach.
11. Consistency is Key:
- Regardless of the chosen structure, the article emphasizes the importance of consistency in podcasting strategies.
In conclusion, podcasting is a dynamic and versatile medium that goes beyond mere information sharing. It's about crafting engaging narratives, connecting with audiences, and making knowledge accessible in unique ways. Heidi Knoblauch's insights provide a comprehensive guide for both beginners and seasoned podcasters in navigating this exciting landscape.
For more information, you can refer to the original article .
