Podtalk

Alignment with Dafna Gold Melchior

July 26, 2021

What role does alignment play in sustaining motivation and purpose when creating a podcast?

Practical insights emerge about overcoming the challenge of balancing self-promotion with authenticity.

The thing that I find most problematic about self-promotion is that it very quickly becomes obnoxious— and I am physically allergic to obnoxious self-promotion.

~ Dafna Gold Melchior (14:12)

The conversation focuses on the importance of alignment when producing creative work, particularly a podcast. Dafna describes her experience of starting a podcast based on practical and professional interests, initially centered on researchers and entrepreneurs. However, she notes how a sense of disconnection emerged when she pivoted to cover remote work during the pandemic. While producing episodes was enjoyable, the content lacked deeper personal resonance, leading to waning motivation. Eventually, she revisited her original theme—working with researchers—and found renewed energy by aligning their podcast’s focus with their expertise and passion.

Another key topic discussed is the challenge of balancing self-promotion with authenticity. Dafna highlights her discomfort with overt self-promotion, stemming from their upbringing and values. She struggles with leveraging her podcast to communicate her professional services without coming across as pushy or self-indulgent. The conversation emphasizes the value of subtly aligning a podcast’s purpose with its creator’s broader goals while maintaining its standalone value for listeners.

Takeaways

Alignment and motivation — Aligning a podcast’s theme with personal expertise can sustain motivation and satisfaction.

Balancing self-promotion — The challenge of self-promotion lies in finding a tone that feels authentic yet effective.

Creative pivoting — Reassessing the original purpose of a creative project can reignite energy and focus.

Avoiding burnout — Choosing a personally meaningful topic can prevent creative projects from becoming a chore.

Podcast structure — Standardized intros, outros, and episode synopses can streamline podcast production.

Listener connection — Audiences value the host’s insights as much as they appreciate the guest’s story.

Resources

Seth Godin’s Podcasting Workshop — A program designed to help individuals learn podcasting through hands-on exercises.

Podcaster Community — A community for independent podcast creators to connect and collaborate.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Pitfalls with Jennifer Myers Chua

July 26, 2021

What pitfalls and challenges arise when launching and growing a podcast, and how can they be managed?

Starting a podcast reveals unexpected challenges, even with careful preparation and an existing audience.

I tried really hard. I had a good launch strategy, I thought. I used my existing audience and was giving away gift cards from some of the businesses that I was featuring, as well as a gift card from ours. I asked for people to download and rate and review. I did everything by the book— Marketing 101! But I think I was really just not well versed on how podcasts operate, and how podcast audiences are built.

~ Jennifer Myers Chua (6:07)

The conversation explores the challenges of launching and growing a podcast, particularly the difficulty of converting an engaged social media audience into regular podcast listeners. One significant topic is the expectation versus reality of audience growth, where traditional marketing strategies may not work as expected in the podcasting medium. Despite careful preparation, such as giveaways and surveys, the reality of podcast listenership often requires a mindset shift about success and audience engagement.

Another topic discussed is the value of podcasting as a passion project and a vehicle for meaningful human connection. Jennifer highlights the personal reward of interviewing guests on topics such as sustainability and small businesses, which align with their personal values. She also reflects on balancing creative fulfillment with the challenge of building a listenership. Additionally, the importance of finding community among other podcasters as a support system is emphasized as a way to overcome frustrations and shared struggles.

Takeaways

Existing audiences don’t always convert — Many social media followers may not transition to a podcast listenership.

Podcast growth is harder than expected — Even with a strong launch strategy, podcasting requires unique approaches to audience building.

Passion-driven work sustains motivation — Creating content aligned with personal values offers fulfillment, regardless of metrics.

Mindset shifts are necessary — Success in podcasting may require re-evaluating audience expectations and personal satisfaction.

The value of human connection — Podcasts can provide opportunities for meaningful conversations and relationships.

Metrics can be misleading — The focus on downloads and statistics may detract from the creative purpose of podcasting.

Community provides support — Engaging with other podcasters offers encouragement and shared insights into common challenges.

Content curation matters — Delivering intentional, well-curated content increases the potential for audience connection and impact.

Resources

Hip Mommies — Jennifer’s business focused on sustainable and family-friendly products.

The Cost of Goods Sold Podcast — Jennifer’s podcast highlighting brands with social and environmental impact.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Curiosity with Steve McCready

July 23, 2021

What role does curiosity play in creating engaging and authentic podcast interviews?

Following the energy in a conversation uncovers insights that even guests don’t anticipate.

One of the things that is very very true for the folks that I work with—the sensitive rebels as I call them—is they often feel isolated. They feel alone. They feel like some weirdo. There’s no one like them. And so when I have guests who have wrestled with some of the same things, who had some of the same struggles, some of the same thoughts, and I put that out there, I’m like ‘No, you’re not alone. Listen to these right here. Here’s all of this.’ It’s such an important thing for them to see.

~ Steve McCready (17:48)

The conversation focuses on the role of curiosity in podcasting and the importance of being present during interviews. Steve explains how curiosity serves as the driving force for exploring meaningful topics with guests. Instead of relying on a long list of prepared questions, the process involves following conversational “energy” and identifying interesting threads to explore further.

The discussion touches on the themes of coaching and podcasting as parallel practices. Both rely on creating space for people to share their stories and identify strengths they may not have recognized. Steve also discusses his perspective on “sensitive rebels,” individuals who often feel isolated but can connect through shared experiences highlighted in podcast conversations. The conversation emphasizes the balance between structure and spontaneity to create authentic and engaging dialogue.

Takeaways

Curiosity as a guiding principle — The process focuses on following what sparks interest or energy during a conversation.

Balancing preparation and presence — Over-preparation can distract from being present and responding intuitively to the guest.

Serving the audience and the guest — The interviews aim to inspire listeners while also highlighting the strengths and stories of the guests.

Energy as a conversational cue — Noticing and following the energy of a guest helps uncover unexpected and meaningful insights.

Coaching and podcasting as parallels — Both practices involve identifying possibilities, connecting dots, and helping people see strengths they may have missed.

The role of isolation and connection — Sensitive individuals often feel alone, and the podcast provides a platform to illustrate shared struggles and connections.

Resources

Steve McCready Coaching

Krista Tippett’s “On Being” — Mentioned as inspiration for thoughtful and reflective opening questions.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Community with Tania Marien

July 19, 2021

How can community spaces be designed to encourage meaningful engagement and participation rather than passive consumption?

Creating active engagement within a community proves to be far more challenging than simply gathering members.

With the community, I am trying to encourage conversation among independent professionals in the field. Not everyone identifies as an environmental educator yet. There are many people out there who, through their work, connect people with the outdoors. I am trying to connect them and have conversation, and to generate conversation between all of them.

~ Tania Marien (1:10)

The conversation focuses on the challenges of building active, engaged communities, particularly in the context of independent professionals working in environmental education. It highlights the difficulty of moving from asynchronous communication to synchronous, real-time interactions. Efforts to encourage participation often reveal a gap between people who self-identify with a community and those who actively interact within it.

One key theme is the importance of modeling desired behavior to inspire participation. When spaces are provided, such as structured co-working sessions or live interactive events, participants are more likely to engage, yet this still requires intentional facilitation. The discussion also touches on how modern habits shaped by social media influence passive consumption, making it harder to foster real conversation and collaboration.

Takeaways

Encouraging engagement — Communities often face the challenge of members identifying with the group but choosing not to interact.

Asynchronous vs. synchronous spaces — Real-time interactions tend to foster deeper engagement compared to asynchronous platforms.

Modeling behavior — Actively demonstrating desired participation helps inspire others to follow suit.

Environmental educators’ traits — Professionals in this field may sometimes lean toward introversion, complicating efforts to create interactive spaces.

Structured events — Hosting well-defined, collaborative experiences like co-working sessions encourages participation.

Social media habits — Passive consumption of content has become the norm, influencing how people approach online community spaces.

Clear communication — Defining terms like co-working and being overt about goals helps avoid misinterpretation of intentions.

Resources

Talaterra — Tania’s project focused on environmental education and community-building.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Coaching with Anne Roche

July 16, 2021

How can coaching principles be effectively applied to various contexts like workshops, podcasting, and personal growth?

The intersection of structure and personal exploration reshapes the concept of teaching in workshops.

Life coaching is not about mentoring or consulting. It’s not telling people, ‘This is how you should live your life.’ It’s really about discovery and exploration and holding space for a client to do that.

~ Anne Roche (1:59)

The conversation examines the nuances of coaching, podcasting, and the interplay between them. Coaching is described as a practice rooted in discovery and holding space for exploration. Unlike mentoring or consulting, it focuses on fostering self-awareness and guiding clients toward their own answers. The unique challenges and rewards of coaching in structured environments like workshops are explored, highlighting how these spaces balance process-driven guidance with personal growth opportunities.

Podcasting emerges as another realm where coaching principles apply, particularly in creating space for meaningful dialogue. The importance of silence, transparency, and the host’s ability to manage ego are discussed as vital to both coaching and podcasting. The conversation also touches on the balance between offering direct advice and enabling self-discovery, recognizing that both approaches are necessary in different contexts.

Takeaways

Transparency as a coaching tool — Being clear about intentions and actions helps clients and students understand the process.

Balancing guidance with self-discovery — Coaching requires creating space for others to uncover their own solutions rather than providing all the answers.

The role of silence — Silence is highlighted as a powerful tool in both coaching and personal growth contexts.

Ego in hosting and coaching — Managing one’s ego is essential for fostering authentic interactions in coaching and podcasting.

Themes in coaching — While challenges often repeat, the individual approaches to these themes keep the work fresh and engaging.

The dual nature of podcasting — Podcasting involves holding space for guests while simultaneously managing technical and conversational structures.

Workshops as self-discovery platforms — Structured environments like workshops encourage both external skill-building and internal reflection.

Resources

Anne Roach’s on LinkedIn

Story Skills Workshop — A workshop designed to help participants refine storytelling skills within a structured environment.

Podcaster Workshop — A course aimed at guiding participants through the process of starting and sustaining a podcast.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Platform with Melissa Way

July 9, 2021

How does the concept of offering a platform influence the selection of guests and the dynamics of conversations in podcasting?

The process of creating meaningful conversations involves balancing guest selection with the organic nature of dialogue.

I feel there’s a responsibility to seek out people who don’t have so much of a platform, and who have good things to say, and give them a space to say it and get that out in the world.

~ Melissa Way (3:05)

The conversation explores the intricacies of offering a platform through podcasting, particularly focusing on the responsibility and power it entails. The discussion examines how guest selection is guided by values and ethos, such as avoiding topics like diet culture while amplifying insightful voices. Emphasis is placed on providing a space for lesser-known individuals who possess valuable perspectives to share.

Another central theme revolves around the organic nature of conversations and how they often reveal unexpected insights. Guests frequently surprise themselves with the depth and relevance of their contributions. The dialogue also touches on the balance between preparation and spontaneity, highlighting how meaningful connections emerge through a combination of intentionality and adaptability.

Takeaways

A platform’s power — It amplifies voices and carries the responsibility to ensure content aligns with ethical standards.

Guest selection — It reflects the host’s ethos and values, influencing the broader impact of the podcast.

Creating space — Fostering an environment where guests feel comfortable leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Balancing structure and spontaneity — Preparation aids in focus, while adaptability ensures authenticity in interactions.

Highlighting unheard voices — Offering a platform to those with limited exposure brings fresh, valuable perspectives to light.

Resources

Melissa Way — Artist. Mover. Explorer.

Movers Mindset Podcast — A podcast focusing on the interplay between movement and personal growth.

Open + Curious — A related project exploring themes of curiosity and reflection.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Technology with Rob Slater

July 9, 2021

How can skills and tools from podcasting be applied innovatively in professional practices, such as orthodontics, to improve outcomes and creativity?

Exploring the intersection of dental innovation and audio technology for patient care.

There are these occasional little sort of strands that bring them together. But in a way, what I quite like with the podcasting is to keep it separate, because what it is for me is, it’s this regular creative thing that I’m under pressure to produce.

~ Rob Slater (18:44)

The conversation explores the intersection of creative podcasting practices and professional orthodontic work, specifically how Rob applies podcasting tools and techniques to benefit his patients. He discusses using audio analysis software like Audacity to monitor the impact of orthodontic treatments on musicians, particularly those who play brass instruments. He describes innovative approaches, such as using aligner systems that allow for reversible adjustments, accommodating the unique needs of musicians and minimizing risks.

The discussion also highlights the broader influence of creative endeavors like podcasting on professional work. Rob notes how the regular creative demands of podcasting stimulate his imagination, even shaping how he approaches professional challenges. The dialogue touches on balancing innovation with safety in a medical context and the potential of niche specializations to enrich professional practices.

Takeaways

Using aligner systems — Allows for reversible orthodontic adjustments tailored to patient needs.

Leveraging audio software — Employing tools like Audacity to analyze the impact of dental treatments on musicians.

Balancing innovation and safety — Ensuring medical creativity aligns with professional standards and patient safety.

Interdisciplinary inspiration — How podcasting influences problem-solving and creativity in professional contexts.

Niche specialization opportunities — Developing expertise in addressing specific challenges for musicians.

Resources

Dad Sofa — Rob’s podcast where he talks about the stuff of life, what makes us curious, what connects us.

Audacity — Audio software used to visualize and analyze sound quality during orthodontic treatments.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Responsibility with Jule Kucera

June 23, 2021

How can podcast hosts ethically navigate sensitive conversations while protecting their guests’ vulnerability?

Creating a safe space for guests involves mindful preparation and ethical guidelines.

Vulnerability is okay. Nakedness is not.

~ Jule Kucera (3:52)

The conversation explores ethical storytelling in podcasting, focusing on the host’s responsibility to protect their guests while crafting engaging stories. The discussion highlights moments when personal content felt too raw and decisions were made during editing to maintain respect. The concept of “vulnerability versus nakedness” is introduced as a guiding principle for ensuring sensitive topics are handled appropriately.

The discussion touches on the impact of post-production choices and the host’s editorial power, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust and authenticity. Strategies for preparing guests, understanding their boundaries, and creating a safe conversational space are discussed as integral to fostering meaningful and ethical interviews.

Takeaways

Creating a safe space — Ensuring guests feel comfortable and supported during conversations.

Editorial responsibility — Making mindful choices in post-production to protect the integrity of the conversation.

Avoiding exploitation — Being cautious not to engage in “trauma porn” or exploit guests’ vulnerabilities for dramatic effect.

Guiding principles — Using mottos or guidelines, such as “vulnerability is okay, nakedness is not,” to navigate sensitive storytelling.

Lasting impact — Recognizing the permanence of recorded conversations and respecting how they represent both hosts and guests.

Resources

Jule Kucera

Reflections — Jule’s podcast.

Movers Mindset podcast — A podcast mentioned during the conversation as an example of careful and intentional storytelling.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Breath with Nadine Kelly

June 17, 2021

How does proper breathing and posture enhance the podcasting experience and overall well-being?

Confidence and focus emerge from the synergy of upright posture and mindful breathing.

Not only does sitting up nice and tall, or standing nice and tall, benefit your posture, it increases your focus. It’s just good physically. It’s good mentally. It’s good energetically.

~ Nadine Kelly (13:11)

The conversation focuses on the intersections between breathing techniques, posture, and podcasting. It examines how intentional breathing can diminish nervousness, enhance clarity, and improve vocal performance during recording. The importance of proper posture is emphasized, highlighting its benefits for focus, physical alignment, and the quality of breath. Visualizations, such as the “teardrop-shaped balloon,” are introduced as aids for more effective breathing.

The discussion also touches on the role of physical habits and preparation, such as maintaining energy through morning workouts and arranging a workspace conducive to calmness and productivity. Nadine shares insights into crafting moments in podcasting that allow listeners to process heavy topics, underlining the subtle power of breath and pauses to connect with an audience emotionally and physiologically.

Takeaways

Improving breathing techniques — Discusses reducing stress and enhancing vocal clarity in podcasting.

Maintaining good posture — Explains the role of upright posture in breathing and focus.

Morning workout routines — Highlights the benefits of early exercise on energy levels throughout the day.

Incorporating pauses in podcasts — Explores using intentional breath and pauses to enhance listener engagement.

Visualizing breath exercises — Introduces the “teardrop-shaped balloon” method for mindful breathing.

Resources

The Yogi M.D. Podcast — Nadine’s podcast focusing on physical and mental health topics.

Notable Quotables by Nadine Kelly — Companion video series to her podcast that invites listener feedback and reflections.

Akimbo Workshops — Mentioned as a platform where coaching and community discussions occur.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Audience with Elisa Graf

June 17, 2021

How can podcasters understand and utilize statistics, engagement strategies, and listener feedback to improve their shows?

Podcasting statistics spark a deep discussion on what truly matters in creating a meaningful show.

It’s amazing, really, the whole idea— This medium of finding your voice, and then putting something that you really care about out there in the world, and having it have its own life.

~ Elisa Graf (12:41)

The conversation explores various aspects of podcasting, starting with the motivations and themes behind creating a show. Insights are shared about producing content that showcases transcendent stories and meaningful encounters. Discussions include how podcast statistics can both aid and distract podcasters, revealing what metrics are most relevant depending on the goals of the show.

Engagement strategies and experiments are highlighted, such as leveraging social media platforms and featuring specific guests, to boost listener interaction. Personal feedback from listeners is recognized as a rewarding outcome, affirming the value of creating authentic and impactful content. The broader topic of maintaining motivation and balancing analytics with creative passion is also discussed.

Takeaways

Finding a unique podcast theme — Stories about transcendence and the collision of the extraordinary with the everyday resonate with audiences.

Balancing analytics and creativity — Podcast statistics provide valuable insights but can also become an unhealthy focus.

The role of social media — Strategic use of guest tagging and experiments with platforms can significantly increase engagement.

Podcast longevity and evergreen content — Older episodes often continue to attract downloads, emphasizing the long-term value of a quality back catalog.

Listener feedback as motivation — Personal notes and stories from listeners provide deep gratification and affirm the impact of the work.

Experimenting with formats and guests — Trying new approaches, like featuring family members or changing marketing tactics, can reveal unexpected growth opportunities.

Resources

Mystic Takeaway Podcast — Elisa’s podcast exploring stories of mysterious encounters and the transcendent.

Simplecast Analytics — A podcast hosting platform offering detailed analytics to track downloads and listener data.

Podnews — A daily podcast industry news source featuring articles, insights, and ratings analysis.

Apple Podcasts — A popular platform where listener ratings can influence podcast visibility.

Pandora — A streaming service noted for its unexpected popularity among certain podcast types.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Storytelling with Linda McLachlan

June 16, 2021

How can storytelling techniques be used effectively in podcasting to create compelling narratives?

The discussion reveals the power of asking consistent questions to uncover unique stories.

It really depends on the person and their storytelling style— how tangential we get. So some of them, it’s like a chainsaw that you have to go in with— a chainsaw first, and that’s the first edit.

~ Linda McLachlan (6:35)

The conversation explores storytelling as a central element in podcasting, emphasizing its role in creating engaging narratives. Linda discusses using consistent questions to uncover unique stories while following a structured story arc inspired by workshops like Bernadette Jiwa’s Story Skills. She describes how this approach helps craft compelling episodes, balancing predictability and surprise. Editing styles are also addressed, with Linda explaining how some episodes require significant reworking to achieve clarity and impact.

The discussion touches on influences, mentioning podcasts like “On Being” by Krista Tippett and books by Brene Brown as inspirations for exploring human connection and vulnerability. Linda also reflects on the creative freedom podcasting offers, encouraging creators to embrace restrictions as opportunities for innovation while staying true to their personal vision. The conversation concludes with practical advice for aspiring podcasters, underscoring the importance of authenticity and the freedom to experiment.

Takeaways

The importance of storytelling in podcasting — Structured storytelling can create compelling and engaging episodes.

The use of consistent questions — Repeatedly asking similar questions can uncover diverse and unique stories.

The role of editing — Editing styles vary significantly depending on the guest’s storytelling style.

Inspiration from other creators — Works by Krista Tippett and Brene Brown serve as examples of engaging narrative creation.

Creative freedom in podcasting — Podcasting offers flexibility and freedom to experiment with ideas and formats.

Resources

The Arena Podcast — Linda’s podcast exploring human stories through structured storytelling.

On Being — A podcast by Krista Tippett focused on deep conversations about meaning and faith.

A Bit of Optimism — Simon Sinek’s podcast sharing optimistic ideas and conversations.

Wisdom Shared — Carole Blueweiss’ podcast featuring diverse personal stories.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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