Meet the Assistant Producer: Joseph Knight

Here at History Hit, we have a host of fantastic team members across the company. But how does every person's day-to-day vary within their different roles, and what valuable lessons have they acquired about the industry along the way?

In our regular Meet the Team series, we ask individuals from each department to offer a glimpse behind crafting our award-winning content.

If you could describe your ideal job, what three things would be essential? For Joseph Knight , being Assistant Producer at History Hit combines three of his favourite things: medieval history, Assassin's Creed, and podcasts. Read this edition of Meet the Team to find out more about how Joseph got into the role, and what advice he would give to anyone seeking a similar opportunity.

Sum up your role in one sentence.

I help to produce, research and record History Hit's time period podcasts, mainly focusing on The Ancients and Gone Medieval.

Take us through a typical day in your role.

I know it's a cliche (smh) but no day is the same. Some days I'll be sending lots of emails reaching out to potential podcast guests, on others I will be researching historical topics and periods for episodes that we might record. I also sit in on recordings as they happen, making sure that no gremlins get in the way.

What are the most enjoyable and challenging parts of your role?

I am a true medieval history nut, so one of the most enjoyable parts of my job is researching episodes for Gone Medieval - there's nothing better than sinking my teeth into reading about a good medieval battle or two (although I'm sure others will think otherwise). I also work on Echoes of History, a History Hit co-production with video game company Ubisoft that delves into the history behind the Assassin’s Creed games. This has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job, as I’ve been able to combine my hobby for gaming with my production skills and historical knowledge to create a finished podcast that I’m really proud of.

The most challenging part is probably saying goodbye to wonderful colleagues when they leave for pastures new. The team at HH is fab and I'm blessed to work with such amazing friends and colleagues.

How did you get into the role?

Through much perseverance. I studied History at uni, but also produced a podcast in my spare time and I thought those two things set me up pretty well to work on History Hit's podcasts. But it took several attempts and a period spent as a freelance editor before I got my first job as an Audio Editor at HH. I then edited away for a year whilst doing a bit of producing on the side, which enabled me to become Assistant Producer at the start of this year.

What is the most interesting or surprising thing you’ve learned working at History Hit?

That croissants aren't French!! (They're actually Austrian btw)

Any advice for someone looking to get into your field?

Getting a job in podcasting, history or media more generally is hard but if you persevere and focus on getting experience then you will set yourself up really well. Being able to demonstrate your passion for history is also really important - if someone asks 'why history?' you need to be able to smash that question out of the park.

Who is your History Hero (and why)?

Desmond Doss. You may have heard of him from the Andrew Garfield film 'Hacksaw Ridge' (and no, he isn't my hero because I like Andrew Garfield). He was a US army medic during WW2, but refused to carry a gun due to his Christian faith. During the battle of Okinawa he managed to single-handedly save 75 injured soldiers on Hacksaw Ridge after a Japanese onslaught, lowering each individual soldier down from the ridge using just a rope, all while unarmed. His sheer bravery and commitment in the face of danger make him my History Hero.