Adding A Tool To My Toolbox: Podcast Edition

Podcasts have taken the media landscape by storm, offering a unique way to immerse audiences in meaningful conversations and foster human connection. As a graduate student in strategic communications, much of my coursework involves exploring innovative strategies in digital media. For my Digital Content Creation class, I was tasked with creating a podcast episode. Having no background in audio content development, I went into this experience open-minded and ready for a challenge. Here’s how my podcast production journey unfolded and what I learned along the way.

The Ideation of “Mental Health Matters”

The most challenging part of any creative project is coming up with the idea/topic. I have so many interests and ideas that it was hard to choose one to make an episode about. Ultimately I decided to create “Mental Health Matters.” “Mental Health Matters” is a mental health advocacy podcast centered around everyday people and the things that make them happy. I wanted to center the pilot episode around how animals can help with mental health. I reached out to one of my classmates, Claudia Benge , who was gracious enough to sit down with me and talk about her experience adopting her dog, Tucker.?

Finding the Right Equipment for a Beginner

After I finalized the main topic of the podcast I bought microphones. As someone who is brand new to producing audio content, it was important to me that I used equipment that was simple and easy to navigate. I went on Amazon and purchased two small wireless microphones and they hooked up to my smartphone seamlessly. I was even able to use Apple’s Voice Memo app, minimizing any new apps or software I had to learn. I had never been tasked with curating audio content before and I was able to figure out the technology with minimal difficulty. In sum, all I used to record this podcast were two wireless microphones, my phone as a recorder, and a quiet carpeted bedroom.?

Hosting a Meaningful Interview

The biggest responsibility that interviewers have is leading meaningful conversations that keep their guests comfortable. I wanted to make sure that my questions prompted a conversation that went beneath the surface level without being invasive or intrusive. I came up with questions to ask Claudia regarding when her family got Tucker, how he’s impacted her, and what she would say to someone who was contemplating pet adoption. Structured interview questions combined with active listening strategies allowed us to have a great conversation that organically flowed.

Editing with Adobe’s Premiere Pro

Editing was definitely the most time-consuming aspect of producing this podcast. I spent approximately 7 hours in total working on edits. I am very detail oriented and it was important to me that the interview sounded pleasing to viewers. I used the Adobe Premiere Pro software within Adobe Creative Cloud . I have a solid foundation of knowledge when using basic technology including Microsoft, Google and Apple programs. Learning how to use Premiere Pro was daunting but much easier to navigate than I anticipated. Once I imported the audio recording I was able to transcribe it and edit it to what it is now. I input stock music from the program into the intro and outro, which gave the podcast a more professional feel. The inaugural episode of “Mental Health Matters” is 10 minutes and 16 seconds long. Editing down a nearly 13-minute recording of raw audio, I was able to add an intro, outro, and musical transitions in the final cut of the episode.?

The Final Takeaway

From deciphering what microphones to use to hosting an impactful interview to navigating new editing software, I gained valuable insights into audio content creation. I enjoy learning new skills like these because each one adds to my toolbox, making me a more versatile and well-rounded communicator. The ability to create different types of digital content broadens my reach, allowing me to connect with a wider audience. This experience also gave me a newfound admiration for podcasts, as they humanize storytelling in the digital realm. Hearing people’s voice inflection allows raw emotion to come through, differentiating podcasts from other types of media.

Although I am unsure if I will continue the “Mental Health Matters” podcast, I am optimistic that I will make more. Especially if it’s just for fun. The podcast production experience was something I did not anticipate enjoying as much as I did. My favorite aspect was being able to sit down and document a real-life conversation with someone about an important topic. I have always been very confident in my communication abilities and I am excited to have had this introduction to the podcast world.