Podcasting is now mainstream and has just moved into a new phase. Let’s call it the 2nd Wave. While most media content producers no longer need convincing that they should be doing podcasts, they’re also starting to realize that this medium is unique and that they don’t know how to make them. Unique how? - … Continue reading Why we listen to podcasts and what makes them different from radio and other forms of communication.
Tag: radio
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…
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….
Professors on Podcasts: A Rant.
It’s baseball season, thank goodness. So before I get into my windup and start hurling metaphors, let me say that I love interviewing professors on our podcasts . These learned souls are almost always thoughtful, highly intelligent, and often funny. Their bases are loaded with interesting ideas. Professors understand nuance and are good at reminding … Continue reading Professors on Podcasts: A Rant.
Podcasts: When The Missing Ingredient Is Soul.
If you want to start a podcast, the barriers to entry are low. Good equipment is cheap and there are plenty of smart, simple “how to” guides to get you and your organization in the game. But what most experts and consultants won’t tell you is that to be successful, your podcast needs soul. You … Continue reading Podcasts: When The Missing Ingredient Is Soul.
On podcasting: the small picture
The other day a young man in his 20’s told me something very sad. While he has a strong moral sense and believes in the necessity of profound political change, and would like to do something to make the world a better place, he doesn’t know where to start. My friend sees no connection between … Continue reading On podcasting: the small picture
How Do We Fix It? No. Never Make a Podcast Unless…
I've been into audio ever since I was a little kid who slapped 45 rpm green, red, yellow and orange Disney discs onto the record player my parents gave me when I was six years old. The stories, voices and jingles really were music to my ears. Not long after college, to no-one's great surprise, … Continue reading How Do We Fix It? No. Never Make a Podcast Unless…
How Do We Fix It? You and Me. Our Role in Partisan Divide
How many times have you heard someone say: "I'm fed up with the campaign and politics in general." That's hardly surprising at a time when media coverage has focused on personal insults, name-calling and partisan gridlock, instead of governance and compromise. But much of this is our fault. Not just the politicians. From older angry … Continue reading How Do We Fix It? You and Me. Our Role in Partisan Divide
Seeking Solutions in an Age of Division, Despair and Donald Trump
Take a look at this slide. It’s all about hope and building a better future. The 7 P’s were for podcasters who gathered recently at Podcast Movement, an annual industry conference held in Texas. As I've written before, the event was a rally: a celebration of what we do in podcasting. The message was … Continue reading Seeking Solutions in an Age of Division, Despair and Donald Trump
Here Hear! 