All the awful things about the coronavirus crisis are obvious — from the economic calamity and disruption of social distancing to the virus itself. But for podcasters, there are opportunities as well challenges. When the pandemic erupted, our team at “How Do We Fix It?” had to react in a hurry. We tossed our spring program … Continue reading We tore up our podcast schedule. Today we’re scrappy & immediate.
Tag: podcasts
2020 Democrats Debates Will Disappoint. Here’s Why Podcasts Are So Much Better.
Welcome to the presidential debate season. This evening, tomorrow, and then over 16 long months, several dozen proposed debates will occupy much of the news media’s fevered attention. Millions of us will tune in, but we may well be disappointed. Instead of informed, insightful coverage of complex issues and character of the candidates, the debates … Continue reading 2020 Democrats Debates Will Disappoint. Here’s Why Podcasts Are So Much Better.
Be Positive When You Send Texts, email, and Make Podcasts: That’s So Much Better Than Saying “No”.
Podcasting, by its very nature, is an optimistic endeavor. From venture capitalists and big media firms who’ve poured huge sums of money into risky podcast ventures, to small teams of independent producers, we are all making a big bet that our shows will reach their intended audience. The enthusiasm and passion that we express for … Continue reading Be Positive When You Send Texts, email, and Make Podcasts: That’s So Much Better Than Saying “No”.
The Michelle Obama Example: Why Book Publishers Should Make Podcasts With Their Best-Selling Authors
I’m listening to Michelle Obama read her audio book to me. I’m on my own with my headphones and so is she. I picture the former First Lady sitting upright and calm, with good posture, in a small sound-proofed recording booth with a cool glass of water by her side, alone with her thoughts and … Continue reading The Michelle Obama Example: Why Book Publishers Should Make Podcasts With Their Best-Selling Authors
Daily podcasts are booming. But here’s why some will fail…
In an increasingly crowded field of Monday-to-Friday podcasts, “The Daily” from The New York Times is still the most popular news show, with about 1.75 million downloads per episode. According to one estimate, the number of daily podcasts has more than tripled in less than two years. The competition now includes news shows by NPR, … Continue reading Daily podcasts are booming. But here’s why some will fail…
Let 550,000 flowers bloom. The stunning variety of podcasting is also its charm.
I was kind of giddy last weekend after that SNL podcast skit. The one that made fun of our emerging industry. In the send up, a bearded and bespectacled Liev Shreiber (who played Michael Barbaro) said that podcasts “are like delicious little whispered documentaries.” Wow, SNL is making fun of us! We’re on the map. One more … Continue reading Let 550,000 flowers bloom. The stunning variety of podcasting is also its charm.
Simple storytelling and the Radiolabification of podcasting.
I hate to dump on "The Daily". Apart from editing and producing our own shows, this brilliant New York Times podcast takes up more of my listening time than any other. For news junkies, "The Daily" is part of our weekday morning routine. The show's genial and ever curious host, Michael Barbaro, is like a … Continue reading Simple storytelling and the Radiolabification of podcasting.
The f-word podcasters think the most about is….
Friction is the thing. It's not as easy, convenient or simple as it should be to discover podcasts, or find shows that fit your range of interests. Confusion and complexity are holding us back. The first barrier for wannabe podcast listeners is the prompt. iTunes and other platforms suggest that you "subscribe." But this is a … Continue reading The f-word podcasters think the most about is….
“Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.
This is the first of several blogs on making better podcasts. Today: how to be a great guest. The other day I was interviewing a young woman who wanted to work on a podcast project with us. About half of her answers began with the all-too-frequent comment, “that’s a really good question.” I wanted to … Continue reading “Thats a really good question” and other silly things guests say during podcasts.
Sometimes I love riding with NYC subway…
A number one train in motion ...Yeah, I know it’s a pain— especially in rush hour, at the weekends when there’s limited service, or if the guy sitting next to me is manspreading. But there are also times of unexpected delight on the New York City subway, when a stranger makes you smile. Friday nights … Continue reading Sometimes I love riding with NYC subway…
Here Hear! 