Prologue
I cried during an interview yesterday.
I've been out all week getting in-person interviews, but every one of them, until yesterday, had been recorded outside. "Outside" wasn't an option for me on this one though.
Everybody involved had been fully vaccinated, so inside we went. It was a nice, modern building with lots of natural light and a view of downtown. And it was my first time doing an in-person and inside interview in over a year.
So there we were, me asking questions and the guest on her couch. I was sitting on the floor, listening to her answers and also "editing" where everything would fit into the episode in my head.
She finished up a particularly personal story and I said, "That brings a tear to my eye."
Next thing you know, I lost it.
I'm not the type of person who does this. The last time I cried was a few years ago, the evening after my dog Samba was euthanized and the reality of that hit me.
But there I was, with tape rolling, getting emotional in front of my guest.
Maybe it was what she said. Maybe it was all the pent-up emotion from over a year of not knowing if or when I'd ever be able to safely sit next to somebody and do this work again.
Regardless, it's moments like this that make great podcasts. Not that I'm going to let anybody here this one. :)
I've got some stuff in this issue to help you get better recordings on tape and make them sound better, but that real "connection" is on you and I hope you're finding a lot of it with the work you're doing!
Podcasting Events
EQ for Podcasters Workshop
This is a two-hour virtual workshop that will help you use EQ on your voice to give your listeners a better experience and help your podcast stand out.
If you've got a "muddy" podcast or your voice doesn't sound exactly like you want it to, definitely take a look at this!
Podcasting Tools
$49 for a TON of audio processing tools...
If you've been in podcasting long, you probably know RX Elements. This $49 bundle contains not only RX Elements, but several other plugins you can use to make your podcast sound its best.
HOW I USE IT: This thing can take a "noisy" audio recorded on the street, reduce that noise, and make your voice stand out with just a few clicks.
Don't be intimated. I know a little about audio, but I'm hardly a pro. My software of choice is Audacity and I use these tools to clean up my audio before I bring in Audacity to edit.
Podcast Production
Want to MAKE SURE you get something recorded OK? You want this...
For the project I've been working on his week, I've been using the Zoom F6 Field Recorder. I'm doing this because I've been in some "non-studio" situations (mostly outside) and you never know what kind of background noise is going to be there.
The video above shows you WHY a recorder like the Zoom F6 works so well. And if you're recording outside or 100% want to make sure you never miss a moment, you're going to want something with this option.
Here's $25 to Rent Podcasting Equipment...
Great audio equipment can get expensive. And sometimes you only need something for a few days.
What then?
Lensrentals is a company that has a TON of audio and video equipment they can ship anywhere in the country. It's a great way to get recorders like the Zoom F6, try new mics, get the lighting you need to do video, and more, without having a buy a ton of new stuff.
The Wrap Up
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My goal is to better empower podcasters to be more successful spreading their messages and make more money with their podcasts.
I'd love it if you'll help me spread the word about this newsletter by sending your podcasting friends to bigpodcast.com/newsletter.