tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59348200402892354782024-03-21T18:16:39.160-07:00JDSutter.mePodcaster | New Media Consultant | Voiceover | Founder of PorchlightFMJ.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-40558713145701061692024-01-31T23:30:00.005-07:002024-02-08T16:12:03.390-07:00Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser | a micro audio drama<div style="text-align: justify;">I referenced an audio production challenge in <a href="https://www.jdsutter.me/2024/01/finding-value-in-loss-audio-essay.html">my last post</a>, which prompted that audio essay. After deciding not to use that project for the challenge, I went back to the drawing board and tossed around a few other ideas, all based on the challenge theme of "Lost And Found". Additionally, the final duration of the project could not exceed 5 minutes, and the final mix had to be submitted by the end of the month.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, I settled on the idea of a young man who is dealing with the death of his father. As the characters and scene began to take shape in my mind, I started to see this also being a story about life in a small town. Though I currently live in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, I spent over half of my life in much smaller cities and towns and I often miss the community feel of those places so I wanted to attempt to capture that in my story.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc44Jayminkz3b3NAg6AJMd32t3VAozjp0paFBBBty2k3UkxUo2TsYbk4xVawZaAnys5ZtwEJnisG8Tj9y9HbGTbRqYPIl56TnZ-h07zapV8uLV5HAuOrHfGzP9Uhg-rTgiUcHtoUsH1V3XPU2pz0fe_2itcnooQqaCUCQ0XIz1_GazjdQCAOVOgW9ebe/s1280/Another%20Year%20Older,%20Another%20Year%20Wiser_wide%20(compressed).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxc44Jayminkz3b3NAg6AJMd32t3VAozjp0paFBBBty2k3UkxUo2TsYbk4xVawZaAnys5ZtwEJnisG8Tj9y9HbGTbRqYPIl56TnZ-h07zapV8uLV5HAuOrHfGzP9Uhg-rTgiUcHtoUsH1V3XPU2pz0fe_2itcnooQqaCUCQ0XIz1_GazjdQCAOVOgW9ebe/w640-h360/Another%20Year%20Older,%20Another%20Year%20Wiser_wide%20(compressed).jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I wrote the first draft of the script, sent it for feedback to a couple friends, made some revisions, and finalized it over just a couple days. I reached out to a few contacts to ask them to play some of the characters for me. Once everyone was confirmed, I think I had all the actor's recordings within about a week and a half. As I mentioned to the cast, the story might be a tad bit on the sweet side, but I think it works alright, considering how short it had to be. And I did try to build as much subtext into it as could with a script of this length.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And then it was on to post-production. Now I do not consider myself a sound designer. I know enough to get myself in trouble. LOL But I do have fun working on this aspect of audio drama, especially since the project was so small. I would have liked to record more original Foley effects, but due to the time constraints of the challenge, coupled with my schedule, I had to rely on sound effects libraries aside from just a few vocal efforts that I recorded at the same time as the lines for my character. Since I can't play any instruments, I likewise had to use music libraries for the project. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but again, being under a time crunch, I didn't have much time to pore through music to search for the absolute best selections. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But given all the parameters of the audio production challenge, I am quite happy with how this piece turned out. (Did I include enough caveats and qualifiers to keep your expectations sufficiently low? š) Thanks to everyone who contributed to this project in some way. They're listed in the credits below. And now I present to you, <i>Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser</i>, a micro audio drama!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="height: 228px; width: 100%;"><iframe src="https://audio.com/embed/audio/1788748143317922?theme=dark" style="border-radius: 6px; border: none; display: block; height: 204px; width: 100%;"></iframe><a href="https://audio.com/jd" style="color: #a4abb6; display: block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">@jd</a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Credits:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Another Year Older, Another Year Wiser </i>was written, directed, and produced by J.D. Sutter.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Featuring <a href="https://rosebeezley.com/" target="_blank">Rose Beasley</a> as Kate, J.D. Sutter as Tom, <a href="https://chrisgreenav.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Christopher Green</a> as Hank and Charlie, and <a href="https://audio.com/glenn.hascall" target="_blank">Glenn Hascall</a> as Tom's Dad.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Script review by Christopher Green and Nicole Rodrigues.</div><div style="text-align: left;">All music tracks are courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library and feature the following artists; Telecasted, Myuu, Freedom Trail Studio, and Track Tribe.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a little snippet from the remote recording session between me and Rose, the voice of Kate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2SvWWTmS-LErm-9q9bmxb-vsose3jyKhdqYy3d9XgWcCpohVCjXcRTnm9sRCP-i67aLr5hXGL5p-qKuQa6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a peek at my view as I worked on the sound design for this project:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGwkWq0A1x6tDojJRTUM-FitVt6A-JLOGgSGBgCwLJttzA79JTjCQevO3ts1PlO2rC1a_7y3f1Lod7hqNuRqi0ERXVLVZwkSWYAEOVT0TfWNBQWqfJZvYpDuSGnnxSrkZHxX6Seh9ZdQS6GGrnfcvre3066TQXmtb5z4HWkG1M7uiGX0IFh-WHcMyb8nI/s4032/project%20in%20progress_unblurred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="4032" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGwkWq0A1x6tDojJRTUM-FitVt6A-JLOGgSGBgCwLJttzA79JTjCQevO3ts1PlO2rC1a_7y3f1Lod7hqNuRqi0ERXVLVZwkSWYAEOVT0TfWNBQWqfJZvYpDuSGnnxSrkZHxX6Seh9ZdQS6GGrnfcvre3066TQXmtb5z4HWkG1M7uiGX0IFh-WHcMyb8nI/w640-h184/project%20in%20progress_unblurred.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Please let me know what you think in the comments below!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/jdsutter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9GzvRKeV4Cl_HwibVL8C47TXHrsSsxV-MxS0DtpfKzxwglgw58LPE577xTCmF_cLHPRYo4rFTEZIlkoW_IZH2DL1chvDvZHy0lrYngq6VjAe4qu329tiKQzBHOeMUZuxi_3qMn0ZwEbNWLLMqTqbD0SdiLtpskKlPKOwcc3nIEwNad-1D-sYufOeSwco/s16000/Enjoying%20my%20content%20You%20can%20buy%20me%20a%20coffee%20to%20say%20thanks!.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-14261123871761884402024-01-16T13:17:00.005-07:002024-02-05T16:15:44.700-07:00Finding Value in Loss | an audio essay<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSpjgvptKdW1sv-czsGZcdkrgte-hj7-lpFENhYAuBvGL0bzl8pmTXgI-FjcSZdDNuqGwhflRKUKvtLDXzUHHNuusd-h3BCAthkVZutFWpu4yM0hgkOS4dcEwS9R0mjOMvTi6K8iLtR-5I5DmN5l6gPglZe9hyMWEj2kx05Owd_e2ctkCZL8wm7J-jjBH/s1280/Finding%20Value%20in%20Loss_cover%20wide%20(compressed).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSpjgvptKdW1sv-czsGZcdkrgte-hj7-lpFENhYAuBvGL0bzl8pmTXgI-FjcSZdDNuqGwhflRKUKvtLDXzUHHNuusd-h3BCAthkVZutFWpu4yM0hgkOS4dcEwS9R0mjOMvTi6K8iLtR-5I5DmN5l6gPglZe9hyMWEj2kx05Owd_e2ctkCZL8wm7J-jjBH/w640-h360/Finding%20Value%20in%20Loss_cover%20wide%20(compressed).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Originally intended to be a submission for a short-form audio production challenge, this piece was written based on the prompt, "Lost And Found", and is one of the most personal things I've ever written. I ended up pivoting to a different piece for the challenge but decided to proceed with recording and producing this one.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have been enjoying the process of writing and/or producing short audio projects of late. This particular one, while not fiction like the previous ones, still provided a really fun experience for me. The short format gives me the freedom to try out different production methods, without the stakes being too high as they might be with a longer project.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Generally, for a voiceover project, I record in my sound-treated vocal booth, but in this case, I used a sort of "on location" method in an effort to create a more authentic sounding performance and listening experience. I also recorded nearly every sound effect myself in real-time. This approach was all thanks to the suggestion of my Bookworm Banquet podcast co-host, Nicole, who read the draft of the essay. If you're curious to know more about the production process, let me know in the comments.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you've got a few minutes, check out this piece and let me know your thoughts. (Huge thanks to <a href="http://shadowsanddaylight.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Christopher Green</a> and <a href="https://www.aaronfullan.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Fullan</a> for the very kind and encouraging feedback they've given me on this piece.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="height: 228px; width: 100%;"><iframe src="https://audio.com/embed/audio/1787902240977420?theme=dark" style="border-radius: 6px; border: none; display: block; height: 204px; width: 100%;"></iframe><a href="https://audio.com/jd" style="color: #a4abb6; display: block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">@jd</a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/jdsutter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9GzvRKeV4Cl_HwibVL8C47TXHrsSsxV-MxS0DtpfKzxwglgw58LPE577xTCmF_cLHPRYo4rFTEZIlkoW_IZH2DL1chvDvZHy0lrYngq6VjAe4qu329tiKQzBHOeMUZuxi_3qMn0ZwEbNWLLMqTqbD0SdiLtpskKlPKOwcc3nIEwNad-1D-sYufOeSwco/s16000/Enjoying%20my%20content%20You%20can%20buy%20me%20a%20coffee%20to%20say%20thanks!.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-6412885150873585232023-12-26T12:35:00.064-07:002024-01-26T08:09:02.466-07:00A Christmas Legend by Florence Scannell | a short story audiobook<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J0QwVAURdVDPIkgEbyyyFp1zL32YWuqrzhyGrwR8cYtJbgxRBwpFZV5Pep_TKeJHvP5cgu5Tp8PrkKwR0DcZ9ZYKNqHGMaY4SFhD5FVFoxwss5kJ6kEJ8emwje7v7QiBZ55bUTnc91RbZCpQu9mqapOWngVw8DDPPyFSHlpezM8Chi1Rc3P_RZVosgRA/s1280/ACL_cover_WIDE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-J0QwVAURdVDPIkgEbyyyFp1zL32YWuqrzhyGrwR8cYtJbgxRBwpFZV5Pep_TKeJHvP5cgu5Tp8PrkKwR0DcZ9ZYKNqHGMaY4SFhD5FVFoxwss5kJ6kEJ8emwje7v7QiBZ55bUTnc91RbZCpQu9mqapOWngVw8DDPPyFSHlpezM8Chi1Rc3P_RZVosgRA/w510-h287/ACL_cover_WIDE.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As a little gift for my family for Christmas, I decided to produce an audio version of a holiday-themed short story. After a few days of research and digging around the public domain, I found this delightful little gem written by Florence Scannell. It seemed like the perfect tiny story for my purposes.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So I recorded the narration, vocal efforts and dialogue for our main character, and many of the Foley elements as well. Then I reached out to voice actress, <a href="https://www.bethanybaldwin.com/" target="_blank">Bethany Baldwin</a>, to bring to life the character's wife. I then added some additional sound effects and music to create what I hope is an immersive short audiobook.</p><p>You can read the full text of the story <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/11014/pg11014.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>I hope you enjoy!</p><p></p><div style="height: 228px; width: 100%;"><iframe src="https://audio.com/embed/audio/1786125053232620?theme=image" style="border-radius: 6px; border: none; display: block; height: 204px; width: 100%;"></iframe><a href="https://audio.com/jd" style="color: #a4abb6; display: block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">@jd</a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Credits:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Audiobook narration of the short story, "A Christmas Legend" by Florence Scannell, performed by J.D. Sutter and also featuring the vocal talents of Bethany Baldwin. Editing and post-production by J.D. Sutter. Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>1. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>2. Magistar</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>3. What Child is This</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>4. Wish Background</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/jdsutter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9GzvRKeV4Cl_HwibVL8C47TXHrsSsxV-MxS0DtpfKzxwglgw58LPE577xTCmF_cLHPRYo4rFTEZIlkoW_IZH2DL1chvDvZHy0lrYngq6VjAe4qu329tiKQzBHOeMUZuxi_3qMn0ZwEbNWLLMqTqbD0SdiLtpskKlPKOwcc3nIEwNad-1D-sYufOeSwco/s16000/Enjoying%20my%20content%20You%20can%20buy%20me%20a%20coffee%20to%20say%20thanks!.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-71322241710290353112023-07-22T20:11:00.001-07:002024-02-05T16:14:03.055-07:00Follow the Light | a flash fiction story<p>A few days ago, I was trying to do some reading, but my mind kept wandering from the book. Not because it wasn't any good, but because for some reason, there was a scene playing out in my mind that had nothing to do with what I was attempting to read. It was so vivid. I could see it unfolding and I could hear the sounds as the "tape" played.</p><p>It wouldn't leave me alone and I knew I had to write it down. So I pulled out my phone and typed it into my notes app.</p><p>A couple hours later, I went to the computer and did some revisions. Then I sent it to a couple friends for feedback. After a second round of edits, I knew that I wanted to produce this short piece in audio. It was so real in my mind that I knew it would be no problem to make it come to life in audible form.</p><p>Below is the story and the resulting audio production. I hope you enjoy it. It's not perfect and I'm sure I could have continued tweaking it for a while, but I decided to just say it's good enough. :) Let me know your thoughts in the comments.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW0PK38Y4SsEMZnK1nBSX-2z5sakHBHma7OH61V4dEgo9qAwA1k1EQ0cLrPWG4VwjObFR54gFSmqzV-rzdyxaVu3TMfzSNixy1U99BhxjKcXxKtdAU_NQaQdNsqmH1yG7wmEVcrHecSdbvGHLMgavFRPj3fB1mUbzD4D4GJIma-iVOFy3fdGJ5s4Q9zrA/s1280/follow%20the%20light_WIDE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW0PK38Y4SsEMZnK1nBSX-2z5sakHBHma7OH61V4dEgo9qAwA1k1EQ0cLrPWG4VwjObFR54gFSmqzV-rzdyxaVu3TMfzSNixy1U99BhxjKcXxKtdAU_NQaQdNsqmH1yG7wmEVcrHecSdbvGHLMgavFRPj3fB1mUbzD4D4GJIma-iVOFy3fdGJ5s4Q9zrA/w640-h360/follow%20the%20light_WIDE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Follow the Light</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>She steps out of the car to a chorus of crickets and bullfrogs, the drumbeat of her heart keeping time. The pale, yellow glow of the porch light a beacon to her soul. It both calls to and repels her, like a lighthouse that comforts, yet also warns of a rocky demise. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>She stands still, taking it all in for a moment. She wonders if it is too much to hope that this pool of light could be a safe harbor for her foundering life. The sweat begins to trickle down the small of her back and she wills her feet to move forward.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>The crunch of gravel joins the soundtrack of the night as she approaches the steps. In the dim illumination of the naked bulb, she can just make out the faint outline at the end of the porch telling her that the old swing is still there. The memories rush in unbidden, but not unwelcome. She smiles. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>The creak of the third step sounds loud even amidst nature's symphony around her. The screen door seems a football field away as she reaches the top step. She hesitates.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>"You've come this far," she tells herself. "Don't chicken out now."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>Before the momentary moxie has opportunity to flee, she crosses the wide porch in three quick strides. She raises a hand to knock. It trembles in spite of the warmth of the summer air.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>Before she can rap on the wood frame, the lace curtain on the other side of the glass rustles and she hears the lock click. She freezes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>The door swings wide open, a faint hint of cinnamon, and fresh-baked bread, wafts over her. And that familiar face, now framed by silver curls, appears in the gloomy interior. But the porch light reveals brimming eyes and a broad, welcoming smile on the lips.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>The screen door squeaks open and without a word, they embrace.</span></p><br /><div style="height: 228px; width: 100%;"><iframe src="https://audio.com/embed/audio/1772178928355365?theme=dark" style="border-radius: 6px; border: none; display: block; height: 204px; width: 100%;"></iframe><a href="https://audio.com/jd" style="color: #a4abb6; display: block; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">@jd</a></div><div><br /><div>Credits:<br />Narration by <a href="http://laurasvoice.com/">Laura Richcreek</a><br />Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-lamp-at-night-9280242/">Chris F</a> via Pexels<br />Music<br /> Acoustic guitar performed by Michael Land<br /> Closing music - "Reawakening" Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com">incompetech.com</a>) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/<br /></div></div>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-83980783696223059862023-03-04T10:37:00.003-07:002023-03-04T10:37:41.700-07:00You won't always be in the same place.<div>As I was looking for some documents in my office yesterday, I stumbled across a sheet of notebook paper from my high school days in a folder of random papers. On it was a poem I'd written somewhere around my freshman or sophomore year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9BC6TAPCdXbeZAEjln2sJ5CAfoxFBpkE_rdyZfsxx_-fPOXvRygyRy2yiqvQ6p4I-hwBw1jtVblBBh5gWtpRfj8Zib5862Zh5fOXOHrS0u61BKKhsztbAsRV0NDGNYdWNORYNq9OkeZ9JV5n7adUJA-UZxGIMIfu3zl5yEBUiVdisKuPH6L3BIOadg/s4032/PXL_20230303_184345768%20-%20Copy%20(compressed).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9BC6TAPCdXbeZAEjln2sJ5CAfoxFBpkE_rdyZfsxx_-fPOXvRygyRy2yiqvQ6p4I-hwBw1jtVblBBh5gWtpRfj8Zib5862Zh5fOXOHrS0u61BKKhsztbAsRV0NDGNYdWNORYNq9OkeZ9JV5n7adUJA-UZxGIMIfu3zl5yEBUiVdisKuPH6L3BIOadg/w400-h225/PXL_20230303_184345768%20-%20Copy%20(compressed).jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>It was about a girl and it was very obvious that I was smitten with her. I haven't a clue who I was writing about now, but for some reason, I do have a picture in my mind's eye of sitting in my room and writing it. It's objectively not very good. In fact, it's almost embarrassingly bad. But, I kind of liked seeing this because it helped remind me that we won't always be in the same place that we are now.</div><div><br /></div><div>We grow. We improve. We progress.</div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't stay that teenager who wrote bad poems while pining after a girl. I've grown as an individual and a writer. All it took was a lot of time and some good, old-fashioned hard work.</div><div><br /></div><div>As writer Phil Lollar is so fond of saying, "remember where you are in the story." You won't always be here. So put in the work, keep learning, and don't give up. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hesitated to even share this, because the poem is so bad, but I figured if the feelings it inspired in me upon finding it were so positive, then perhaps it may be an encouragement to you too. So I decided to post it for the world to see in hopes that this little anecdote may give you the nudge you needed to keep pursuing your craft.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever your area of discipline, you will get better if you simply don't stop. Just keep moving forward.</div>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-45310621338096921622023-02-25T13:55:00.000-07:002023-02-25T13:55:04.986-07:00Escape and Surrender | a 100-word Story<p style="text-align: justify;">This 100-word story thing has not left me alone since I <a href="https://www.jdsutter.me/2023/02/the-pebble-effect-100-word-story.html" target="_blank">gave it a go the other day</a>. So I decided to scratch the itch in my brain once again. This time, rather than trying to think of an idea on my own, I took a different approach. I used a random word generator to give me a word which I then dropped into a stock photo website. I scrolled through the images that our seed word brought up until I saw one that grabbed me. That image then became the prompt for the story below.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was concerned about the story being too reliant on the photo. I saw that as a drawback to this story prompt method and didn't want that to happen. I hope I've succeeded.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJh8QNqYA3nuk48JtMRn1GhLQGHImQ4EhoOxiQXBAkm5damJoR2sThmiEP5AIrfeHvC9JVZO-vpofX6acEVJpWFgltsKzYi_6DfNZgIpFCpWkN-x2x5JTAPUAqVgtw8R610OUAD5zF2CFxyKrbbGCBzLOZDlrbJD2wD_r5lQ9IDI21Ty-FT9RQJCtFw/s1920/washing-6384541_1920%20(compressed).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJh8QNqYA3nuk48JtMRn1GhLQGHImQ4EhoOxiQXBAkm5damJoR2sThmiEP5AIrfeHvC9JVZO-vpofX6acEVJpWFgltsKzYi_6DfNZgIpFCpWkN-x2x5JTAPUAqVgtw8R610OUAD5zF2CFxyKrbbGCBzLOZDlrbJD2wD_r5lQ9IDI21Ty-FT9RQJCtFw/w400-h266/washing-6384541_1920%20(compressed).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/victoria_watercolor-6314823/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6384541">Victoria_Watercolor</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6384541">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Escape and Surrender</h4><div style="text-align: left;">The white flag fluttered in the breeze as the soldier cautiously stepped out of the undergrowth. It was over and he would not die today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The immaculate, spotless, white tablecloth contrasted against the vibrant colors of the feast atop it in the great hall. Chatter ceases as guests give in to their hunger.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The brilliantly white gown sparkled in the beams that streamed down from the window above the altar. It was as if Heavenās joy matched her own.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Ah! How vivid the scenes! Far more interesting than these sheets on the line. Yet still she smiles as she works.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Well, what do you think? What does this image or story cause you to think of? Are you a daydreamer?</p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-91308435176518434072023-02-21T14:11:00.003-07:002024-01-16T13:22:22.493-07:00The Pebble Effect | a 100-word story<p style="text-align: justify;">I've long been fascinated by the art of the short story. A few years ago, I tried my hand at flash fiction and enjoyed the experience. But today, I was listening to the Grammar Girl podcast and host Mignon Fogarty was interviewing a guest about the 100-word story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'd never heard of this before. So I decided to give it a try. It was more difficult than I thought it'd be. But here is my first effort at writing a 100-word story. It is any good? I'll let you decide.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ6cctaU6_GYdBWaMnjW9kO8K0ThIeOEdgSaUe23tsWe9dToMr1s3ClgLsx1rTR3ChT5pbuYvIFYOAd9PdC7hxPV36mqIt98y-DpgPLEvDLkW2DRzGb7DGga7932M6N7epeiRXP7n6h_PxCj0pAODPLvEmUG-n6wN758rLzdquY-AyCA5ahh2jlkIew/s1920/lake-6363428_1920%20(compressed).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQ6cctaU6_GYdBWaMnjW9kO8K0ThIeOEdgSaUe23tsWe9dToMr1s3ClgLsx1rTR3ChT5pbuYvIFYOAd9PdC7hxPV36mqIt98y-DpgPLEvDLkW2DRzGb7DGga7932M6N7epeiRXP7n6h_PxCj0pAODPLvEmUG-n6wN758rLzdquY-AyCA5ahh2jlkIew/w400-h266/lake-6363428_1920%20(compressed).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pxel_photographer-17831348/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6363428">Elmer L. Geissler</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6363428">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">The Pebble Effect</h4><p></p><p>The soft <i>kerplunk</i> of the pebble marring the surface of the pond was satisfying. He stared at the ever-expanding ripples until they were no more, before flicking another stone after its fellow. Again, he relished the sound. It was a tiny thing. But there was a comfort in it. Was it the familiarity? Or the fact that it was something that his own hand had caused? As small and helpless as he felt at most times, here was something that he had made happen. His action had left a mark on the world. Even if only for a fleeting moment.</p><p><br /></p><p>Grammar Girl podcast episode: <a href="https://grammar-girl.simplecast.com/episodes/grant-faulkner" target="_blank">How writing very short stories can improve all your writing (with Grant Faulkner)</a></p><p>Grant's book: <a href="https://amzn.to/41k3j9h" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Art of Brevity...</a></p><p><br /></p><p>What do you think? Let me know in the comments.</p><p><br /></p><p>Listen to JD read this story:</p><p><iframe src="https://audio.com/embed/audio/1766821169504928?theme=image" style="border-radius: 6px; border: none; height: 204px; width: 100%;" ></iframe></p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-32313236801370364242023-02-10T09:19:00.002-07:002023-02-10T15:17:54.351-07:00Thoughts on Transitions in Your Show<p style="text-align: justify;">If you have an interview show, or a show in which you have a smaller segment or two that leads up to the main body of content, make sure that you are treating those introductory sections as an actual essential element of the show. Let me explain what I mean with an example.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever heard a host, after sharing some updates, relevant anecdotes, or other introductory remarks, say something like, "now let's get to the episode" or "ok, on to the show"? Well, what have we been listening to then? The listener is <i><u>already</u></i> listening to the episode. Your intro, and any other segment, is a part of the show. You are the host and your setup to the interview, or your introductory remarks, should not be viewed as a less important segment of the program. Unless, of course, you are just rambling and not saying anything of value. In which case, perhaps you need to think a bit more about your presentation.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSRwUuRvhKzco4ASoSYMBnUtIWQsbp7vQViY5cRRa1OQFbayEFLAbNntKEcPg0TENAZSD8IQoUgsWlG1wPaWopRAjcaBs_YRjr-PQ52ZyBA-wwVVkJsNfIsXa8C_hXYBIN-t0T40QGk8yVxTPhkgOIpDaxAKb9gkAxUKPNqBCyDTsMTYrVKlRstaluA/s1920/podcast-6135437_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSRwUuRvhKzco4ASoSYMBnUtIWQsbp7vQViY5cRRa1OQFbayEFLAbNntKEcPg0TENAZSD8IQoUgsWlG1wPaWopRAjcaBs_YRjr-PQ52ZyBA-wwVVkJsNfIsXa8C_hXYBIN-t0T40QGk8yVxTPhkgOIpDaxAKb9gkAxUKPNqBCyDTsMTYrVKlRstaluA/w400-h266/podcast-6135437_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/studio-lannach-2169430/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6135437">Dolf Maurer</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=6135437">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">But if what you are sharing is important then don't sell it short. Again using the example of an interview show, the intro segment may be where you share your thoughts on the interview, share updates on your own journey, promote an event, etc. While the interview may be the āmain courseā, the appetizer is also important. So try to adjust your language to reflect that. Instead of saying, "let's get to the episode" try instead something like, āNow letās hear from [guest name]ā or āLetās jump into this conversation with our guestā. These examples, and similar phrasing, are a better way to frame things and segue into the interview.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The same is true for when you have a break mid-conversation for ads. Whether they are live, host-read spots, pre-recorded ads that you drop in, or DAI commercials (dynamic ad insertion), the approach should be the same when you are returning to the show content. Suggestion: Say something like, "back to the interview/conversation/our guest" or similar rather than "back to the episode/show/program". It may seem like a distinction without a difference, or just a technicality, but although subtle, it is signaling to the listener that the midroll adbreak (and therefore any product/service promotion it contains) is a part of the show and is not something to ignore or skip over.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yE3eEKI8sukVgbA0erEVoAU1hJ3LhKWGpgWtxvkmZxwzs4pCdRi0EDgNqbzkVxJaSDHUyZZ3DHut9Tm1LoXbmZx9B_GhrueoHOh9qeyOvjL6sg3Bhu3n88h0cbPhpqg9vzGLJGNjeZxvhN7oxbbWmPge9vFHfEorDrISynlAKiIWHBv1LmPnsHyn3g/s1920/podcast-7693646_1920.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yE3eEKI8sukVgbA0erEVoAU1hJ3LhKWGpgWtxvkmZxwzs4pCdRi0EDgNqbzkVxJaSDHUyZZ3DHut9Tm1LoXbmZx9B_GhrueoHOh9qeyOvjL6sg3Bhu3n88h0cbPhpqg9vzGLJGNjeZxvhN7oxbbWmPge9vFHfEorDrISynlAKiIWHBv1LmPnsHyn3g/w320-h214/podcast-7693646_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/parveender-5611058/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7693646">Parveender Lamba</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=7693646">Pixabay</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">And lastly, I'd like to think that this should go without saying, but I still hear this issue on podcasts: Please, please, please, do not just let your ad injection system arbitrarily drop in ads willy-nilly. Please, at the very least, take the time to select a point within the episode where there is a natural pause in the conversation to have the ads placed. It's even better if you build into your outline a set point at which you will add the commercial break so it's a fairly seamless transition, but again, at the least, find a place with a break in the conversation flow or monologue in which to have the ads inserted. I'm hearing more and more shows having ads pop up in the middle of a sentence, and even in the middle of a word, and it's a terrible experience from a listener perspective.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bottom line, be intentional about segment transitions and ad breaks. The better the listening experience, the higher chance you will gain long-term listeners who will love your show. It might be the great content that draws them, but it will likely be the manner in which it's presented that entices them to stick around.</p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-50242509823888880692023-01-21T10:15:00.001-07:002023-01-21T10:15:29.210-07:00I Like It. And That's Good Enough for Me.<div style="text-align: justify;">Released in 1992, <i>Heart of the Young</i> by Age of Faith is very dated in its sound now. But, I love it. It's not an album that I listen to very often but when I do it's one of a handful of records that causes waves of nostalgia to wash over me. It transports me back to the time in my life when I first heard the title track and then a few years later when I'd blast the album in my bedroom on the stereo system that I wish I still had now.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1zC2l8jM3pIiyOG7oeHmpJ1YfLCL5YQorpCY0BgCFqBfUvZj3hJdZbVFWk5s1WrRo0yAlSOTDaZ7VCKXEOGhwX9wzcK6oBSoZTO4Vr6XMGO404AHllt2pgrNWVM4moEJc358R672qHrE97Ub4fx_z2UgLssRlVup4X2q3NJddM7wk1hniOgsOX2K3A/s1566/Screenshot_20230121-083118.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1zC2l8jM3pIiyOG7oeHmpJ1YfLCL5YQorpCY0BgCFqBfUvZj3hJdZbVFWk5s1WrRo0yAlSOTDaZ7VCKXEOGhwX9wzcK6oBSoZTO4Vr6XMGO404AHllt2pgrNWVM4moEJc358R672qHrE97Ub4fx_z2UgLssRlVup4X2q3NJddM7wk1hniOgsOX2K3A/s320/Screenshot_20230121-083118.png" width="221" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While musically this is very much a product of its time, lyrically it explored some things that I've found to be timeless. The struggles and hopes, hardships and joys that comprise this thing called being human. The deep need to find love and fulfillment, overcoming past hurts, standing up for what's right. It's relatable stuff.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've always enjoyed lead singer Jimi Ray's vocal quality as well. There are some pretty cool guitar riffs on the album too. And as a bonus, one track features vocals by Rick Elias, member of Rich Mullins' Ragamuffin Band, and great artist in his own right. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My cassette copy had gotten lost in a move many years ago and I wondered if I'd ever get to hear the album again. This was before streaming platforms. Before the internet as we know it today even. Then about 10 years ago, I found a used CD copy on Amazon or eBay and I grabbed it. And I was thrilled to find that not only was the CD in mint condition but it was also autographed! I remember the huge smile on my face as I heard the songs again for the first time in years.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_mlopGrfuHI2GsPvRj3Phr4krRbBl4n6P9IQawF8ZRqU1C7oZqmy-ZXmBRx1nP2RqNsXyLT5tK1sOSGbHJ6kW6RjPzPMASP11alED-1aBr3bQIrN30zMNzFYQeNfrKgkX-Gr-mY46cCoFsiNHfLazWGJIHiWwWtak5FP2z5SgeExfbXoI7idN8fnHQ/s720/PhotoGrid_1483853073544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_mlopGrfuHI2GsPvRj3Phr4krRbBl4n6P9IQawF8ZRqU1C7oZqmy-ZXmBRx1nP2RqNsXyLT5tK1sOSGbHJ6kW6RjPzPMASP11alED-1aBr3bQIrN30zMNzFYQeNfrKgkX-Gr-mY46cCoFsiNHfLazWGJIHiWwWtak5FP2z5SgeExfbXoI7idN8fnHQ/s320/PhotoGrid_1483853073544.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite the 90s vibe and the fact that few people have even heard of the band, let alone this record, I'll always love it. I'll never not play it. It has become one of those things that are simply a part of my makeup. Part of the fabric of my life. Perhaps an odd thing to say about a collection of songs from an obscure band, but it is what it is. And I'm just fine with it. Excuse me while I go listen again. And yes, I'll be singing along with every song too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is there an album or song that you feel that way about?</div>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-91390523661505644302022-09-22T20:00:00.149-07:002022-09-23T07:37:40.066-07:00"The Road Goes Ever On" by J.R.R. Tolkien, a #HobbitDay Celebration<p style="text-align: justify;">September 22nd is Hobbit Day, a day to celebrate the masterful literary creations of J.R.R. Tolkien. I first read <i>The Hobbit</i> as a high schooler and loved the story from the very beginning. But for some reason, it wasn't until just a few years ago that I finally read <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>. The LOTR trilogy is a bit more of a dense read that is lacking much of the whimsy of <i>The Hobbit</i> so perhaps it was better that I read it when I was older, but in any case, I was totally mesmerized by Tolkien's world and have been a fan ever since. I have re-read the books multiple times now and these works are so rich that I always find something new to think about each time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQytzYyEdveWcGyGU8cXJrRcSJHUQoj3Ix5ycUpgk46Isg67GlzMnVGYjwiiHmM2oJ4pj1SI6SoD3UIpuQ6aU9qKu2Ynu6fvjy-z9pGBDazqcg5pLqKYvKyT-FM7UMmJmgvamjnY1Fj_Vz0FCjv3mP4p5tdhibliT19zzmY5r-QtTtaVkP5vDCmZCMSw/s1280/The%20Road%20Goes%20Ever%20On%20Artwork_WIDE.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQytzYyEdveWcGyGU8cXJrRcSJHUQoj3Ix5ycUpgk46Isg67GlzMnVGYjwiiHmM2oJ4pj1SI6SoD3UIpuQ6aU9qKu2Ynu6fvjy-z9pGBDazqcg5pLqKYvKyT-FM7UMmJmgvamjnY1Fj_Vz0FCjv3mP4p5tdhibliT19zzmY5r-QtTtaVkP5vDCmZCMSw/w640-h360/The%20Road%20Goes%20Ever%20On%20Artwork_WIDE.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Throughout Tolkien's writing, he uses songs and poems from various character's perspectives to illustrate their emotions, to recognize a milestone, or, as is often the case with the hobbits, just for the fun of making a beautiful rhyme. One such piece is referred to as "The Road Goes Ever On", though it is not given a title when it first appears in <i>The Hobbit</i>. This one is interesting because the first two verses of this piece are recited by Bilbo Baggins in <i>The Hobbit</i>, but then it is added to by Frodo in <i>The Lord of the Rings</i> books.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, with all of that said, since today is Hobbit Day, I decided to record a recitation of "The Road Goes Ever On" to share with you. As you may know already because of my <a href="http://versesinvox.com" target="_blank">Verses In Vox project</a>, I am a lover of classic poetry, and this piece is absolutely beautiful and I don't think one must be a hobbit to appreciate its sentiments! I hope you enjoy!</p><p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1349335987&color=%230b1a2c&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Interstate, "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Sans", Garuda, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 100; line-break: anywhere; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap; word-break: normal;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/jdsutter" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="JD Sutter">JD Sutter</a> Ā· <a href="https://soundcloud.com/jdsutter/the-road-goes-ever-on-by-jrr-tolkien-from-the-hobbit-the-lord-of-the-rings" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="The Road Goes Ever On by J.R.R. Tolkien (from The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings)">The Road Goes Ever On by J.R.R. Tolkien (from The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings)</a></div><p></p><p>If you'd like to learn more about this piece, check out its <a href="https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FThe_Road_Goes_Ever_On_(song&token=ca3144-1-1663942663963" target="_blank">Wikipedia page</a>.</p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Music Credit: "Night Vigil" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</span></p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-32202840651825213102021-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:002021-07-12T16:33:10.415-07:00My Latest Audiobook Project<p>In the fall of 2020 I was cast in a full-cast audiobook production of a novel. The post-production was recently completed and the audiobook is now available! I had a great time playing the supporting role of a scientist as well as a couple other small roles in the story. The rest of the cast members are fantastic and it was so great to be among some very talented folks. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ownX4Xikz1nEySpvBqrRqhyk1Aswm058q44Ex_bXkT6blZ7IRWFuXPwL2O63pLzIlX1C_uYd569Aj8p8DMD-guoJPAhsrCtfiQTUtlMBIT_O4rRZ6zcxsRuhfaSEuOA7bRBNu831IVz1/s1988/bethel+anointed+audiobook+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1988" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ownX4Xikz1nEySpvBqrRqhyk1Aswm058q44Ex_bXkT6blZ7IRWFuXPwL2O63pLzIlX1C_uYd569Aj8p8DMD-guoJPAhsrCtfiQTUtlMBIT_O4rRZ6zcxsRuhfaSEuOA7bRBNu831IVz1/w518-h345/bethel+anointed+audiobook+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><p></p><p>The book is titled <i>Anointed</i> and it is Book 1 of the BethEl series by H.R. Hutzel. It's an interesting story that is hard to describe. Sort of a fantasy/dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller with strong spiritual elements.</p><p>If you'd like to check it out, you can get 20% off your copy by using the code JDSutter20 at <a href="http://bit.ly/anointedaudiobook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bit.ly/anointedaudiobook</a>.</p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/3yL1McY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Or if you are an Audible member, you can get it there as well</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anointed-BethEl-Book-One/dp/B0973KNLVM?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&linkCode=li3&tag=jdsutter-20&linkId=91e808cdde76e7bac37ccbe65fc8b0cc&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0973KNLVM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=jdsutter-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jdsutter-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0973KNLVM" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-57302933854022551032021-03-06T16:12:00.001-07:002021-03-06T16:15:47.524-07:00Zoom ZDM-1 Mic Test and Comparison<p>Zoom North America, the electronics company not the video conferencing tool, has been making great audio equipment for ages. Many podcasters have used their digital audio recorders for a long time. But they recently began offering some really compelling products designed specifically for podcasters, starting with the <a href="https://amzn.to/30mEdYS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PodTrak P4 recorder/interface</a>. This was followed by the <a href="https://amzn.to/2O9NIIn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ZDM-1</a> microphone and then by the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PIo8L9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PodTrak P8</a>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_SoiaQjoUTTlfD-yRiCm8UXm8zRSgNnsro56qrhmPK9WpZI8hdERUuT_-q2yDzMw6kpadrAfZZ5UYDzl13_nAKeUzsFNQRtWuCfNDsTDN2g3QLYBXolofgjUOGkfXlaR6d34Ad8wn1Lw/s2048/0306211455.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_SoiaQjoUTTlfD-yRiCm8UXm8zRSgNnsro56qrhmPK9WpZI8hdERUuT_-q2yDzMw6kpadrAfZZ5UYDzl13_nAKeUzsFNQRtWuCfNDsTDN2g3QLYBXolofgjUOGkfXlaR6d34Ad8wn1Lw/w400-h300/0306211455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zoom ZDM-1 in my studio on the Heil HB-1 boom arm</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Today, we're taking a look at the <a href="https://amzn.to/2O9NIIn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoom ZDM-1 Podcast Mic</a>, which is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone targeted at the budget-conscious and/or beginner podcaster. It has a supercardioid polar pattern and the company boasts that it has "built-in noise protection and impressive sound rejection for clear, focused, broadcast-quality recordings." So we're going to do a little test in a real-world podcast recording environment so you can hear how it sounds. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">In The Box</h3><p>Before we check out the audio test, here's what comes in the box: the microphone, a windscreen, a pre-installed stand/arm mount, and a threaded adapter. You can also get the mic in a <a href="https://amzn.to/3c76LLF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">podcast kit</a> that also includes headphones, a cable, and a desktop stand.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMJeukiqac12qiHUfSTuGQFbRaTv2-2TuIeIKv-39K2BWU8wNgkcslXHnkiCgKIED__6YeUtPbW657eaQDXrPoaUF3w2rVbAiacdEBJ8MSXNfq-tK6WdLd_m6_hu6NvCm4pA74q5bkhZv/s2048/0305210647a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMJeukiqac12qiHUfSTuGQFbRaTv2-2TuIeIKv-39K2BWU8wNgkcslXHnkiCgKIED__6YeUtPbW657eaQDXrPoaUF3w2rVbAiacdEBJ8MSXNfq-tK6WdLd_m6_hu6NvCm4pA74q5bkhZv/s320/0305210647a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzdV8rIKhLZ1uqGq5c6BBXhP_Wencu_rrgqYepg2ChfE-8lFAFd4HGZjmt47H3oFD3Wy_9Ziruy7OpXbYLckV39LLUR1-d9pc6s423rrqjMSD8rwxCO2f7gHRGpVTRmcTAFN__kjk_5My/s2048/0305210647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzdV8rIKhLZ1uqGq5c6BBXhP_Wencu_rrgqYepg2ChfE-8lFAFd4HGZjmt47H3oFD3Wy_9Ziruy7OpXbYLckV39LLUR1-d9pc6s423rrqjMSD8rwxCO2f7gHRGpVTRmcTAFN__kjk_5My/s320/0305210647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Full Product Specs*</h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Large-diaphragm dynamic design captures smooth, broadcast-quality sound</li><li>Super cardioid polar pattern provides focused pickup and excellent isolation</li><li>High SPL handling ensures clean recordings every time</li><li>Internal shockmount provides isolation from bumps and handling noise</li><li>Built-in humbucking circuit rejects electromagnetic interference</li><li>All metal body and grille stands up to daily use</li><li>Includes pivoting mic stand mount and threaded adapter</li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">TYPE:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Dynamic<br />POLAR PATTERN:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Supercardioid<br />FREQUENCY RESPONSE:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>50-18,000 Hz<br />SENSITIVITY:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-54 dBV.Pa (2.0mV)<br />OUTPUT IMPEDANCE:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>200 Ī©<br />MIN. LOAD IMPEDANCE:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>200 Ī©<br />MAX. SPL:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>135 dB<br />CONNECTOR:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>XLRM<br />DIMENSIONS:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>150 mm (5.9 in) x 54 mm (2.12 in)<br />WEIGHT:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.4 kg (.89 lbs)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Specs retrieved from <a href="https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/microphones/microphones/zdm-1/" target="_blank">Zoom Corp website</a></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Audio Test</h3><p>I plugged in three different low-cost dynamic microphones and recorded a back-to-back test with them so you can hear not only how the ZDM-1 sounds, but also hear it compared to a couple other mics in a similar price range. The audio not been processed except to reduce the noise floor across the entire file so all three mics were treated the same. The mics were running into the <a href="https://amzn.to/30mEdYS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PodTrak P4</a> and all three inputs were set at about 6.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxXRw5CiRxGcXn3p1kqYKdmt9C2LGBA4AR5L3qNe_DKWSbVTFXtso1TpsuKwgvjmIZmdD32IHOTSVVeOQBQLJCqVbaNAdAxfPEmK1DV-UKDQU3dokQmJ53DAiXQxHilxyGiYIlcJoREAn/s2048/0306211323a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxXRw5CiRxGcXn3p1kqYKdmt9C2LGBA4AR5L3qNe_DKWSbVTFXtso1TpsuKwgvjmIZmdD32IHOTSVVeOQBQLJCqVbaNAdAxfPEmK1DV-UKDQU3dokQmJ53DAiXQxHilxyGiYIlcJoREAn/s320/0306211323a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom PodTrak P4</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>ZDM-1 (with windscreen) - 0:00</li><li>ZDM-1 (w/o windscreen) - 1:30</li><li>Behringer XM8500 - 2:30</li><li>Shure SM58 - 3:34</li></ol><p></p><p><audio controls="controls">
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</p><p>The <a href="https://amzn.to/2O9NIIn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zoom mic</a> runs about $80 (on sale this month for only $60), the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ov4dig" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Behringer XM8500</a> is about $40, and the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PAKga5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shure SM58</a> is usually about $100. As mentioned above, you can also <a href="https://amzn.to/3c76LLF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">get the ZDM-1 in a kit</a> that runs about $120 and includes headphones and more.</p><p>Now if you'd like to hear the same recording but with the audio normalized to -6 dB you can check that out below.</p><p><audio controls="controls">
<source src="https://www.mediafire.com/file/5wwgq99sfi11dkv/ZDM1_Test_FINAL_Normalized.mp3/file" type="audio/mpeg"></source>
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</p><p>So which mic do you think sounds the best? Let me know in the comments!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbLpiJnYVco9fQnZTOuCPH3DFBGFvaBtKKVwVuXN1BJ62c14o8w1XOhX4UKKBprU0IkMFmodBUaPiI5K1cY3rg2FrjWwdmFouw6__zhTCsIE6GkUxjqIP1LA2jfrseoPTHZw8Aa7GGzen/s2048/0306211324b+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbLpiJnYVco9fQnZTOuCPH3DFBGFvaBtKKVwVuXN1BJ62c14o8w1XOhX4UKKBprU0IkMFmodBUaPiI5K1cY3rg2FrjWwdmFouw6__zhTCsIE6GkUxjqIP1LA2jfrseoPTHZw8Aa7GGzen/w400-h300/0306211324b+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-48009122203780203572021-02-16T23:33:00.001-07:002021-02-16T23:33:59.555-07:00Some Thoughts Prompted by the Passing of CCM Artist Carman<p>This is not the kind of stuff I normally post on this blog, but I don't have any other place to post about this and I figured it's my site so I can post it here if I want to. :) </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnetrejuPsYD2SNnsOM_aUdM6yJ2MzYV9XuugFPceNPFgU6F2vwSrer7jSjycTui1ljHBuzyX-onVa8m9R75OYERJ36EEWLvQiRylWkZKd88jTcQ5VpiM2RHiCm3oqoqIy08IjnK56TVR/s2048/2013-06-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnetrejuPsYD2SNnsOM_aUdM6yJ2MzYV9XuugFPceNPFgU6F2vwSrer7jSjycTui1ljHBuzyX-onVa8m9R75OYERJ36EEWLvQiRylWkZKd88jTcQ5VpiM2RHiCm3oqoqIy08IjnK56TVR/w400-h266/2013-06-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carman at a concert in Lake Havasu City, AZ in 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Just a short time ago, my phone started buzzing with texts from no less than half a dozen friends with the news that <a href="https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/cwn/2021/february/christian-singer-carman-dies-after-being-hospitalized-for-health-crisis" target="_blank">Christian recording artist, Carman had just died</a> at the age of 65. I was shocked and so saddened by the news and immediately my mind began to drift back over the years. His music was an integral part of my life for decades; ever since I was a small child.</p><p>My first introduction to CCM music was as a little kindergartener when Eric, one of the cool older kids, played the <i>Revival in the Land</i> cassette in the downstairs of the church building for a bunch of us while the parents were working upstairs during a church cleaning night. I loved it from the first listen. I sat there mesmerized by "A Witch's Invitation."</p><p>The first CCM album I ever got as a gift was <i>Radically Saved, </i>which I received for Christmas just a short time after that. Yes, Mom and Dad, I never told you that that wasn't the correct album. I wanted <i>Revival in the Land</i>, but you bought the wrong one. After listening to it though, I didn't mind at all. This one was great too! The trip around the world on the "God of All Nations" medley quickly became one of my favorite things to listen to and imagine I was going to all those locations around the globe.</p><p>I eventually got <i>Revival</i> and had every song memorized in short order. </p><p>Years later, the first CD I bought with my own money from doing odd jobs was <i>R.I.O.T</i>. </p><p>My first concert was the Raising the Standard tour in Portland, Oregon as a preteen. I stood in line all day in front of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum with my cousin to get good seats. It's an experience I'll never forget.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlWyOkvN4CmVzrKyBZperNAUYk309Cbo87aeZ2ubgDfXc9FOVPGq3DErWGCP67d7Jypp_21fuxJ75qyCHsMSzaG825b8-YplQS3c0hoW3pkUFPvXIXM9BaYo-jK7irb4uc-TvuKAW8ZrQ/s2048/carman_phoenix+concert+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlWyOkvN4CmVzrKyBZperNAUYk309Cbo87aeZ2ubgDfXc9FOVPGq3DErWGCP67d7Jypp_21fuxJ75qyCHsMSzaG825b8-YplQS3c0hoW3pkUFPvXIXM9BaYo-jK7irb4uc-TvuKAW8ZrQ/w400-h226/carman_phoenix+concert+2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carman at a concert in Phoenix, AZ in 2014</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Over the years, I have had the great pleasure of introducing other people to this talented musician's music. When Nathan and Brian came over to stay the night one summer and found out that I had <i>The Standard</i> album they didn't want to do anything but sit and listen to it in its entirety before doing anything else. After school one afternoon I bought the <i>Mission 3:16</i> record at K-Mart with money earned from my paper route and Jarod and I went directly home and listened to the full thing straight through. When my buddy Dallas injured his leg in a snowboarding accident and was stuck in the hospital with nothing to do, I bought him the <i>Passion For Praise</i> record and took it to him so he'd have something to listen to while recovering in a town hours from his home. Much later, I remember sitting in the studio and playing "The Champion" and "Lazarus Come Forth" for Roy the first time.</p><p>I have sung "I Feel Jesus" and "Serve The Lord" and "No Way, We Are Not Ashamed" in church services across the country. I've jammed out to "Slam," "Our Turn Now," "God's Got an Army," "Prepare to Die," and "Sunday School Rock" as I drove in my car alone. I have been brought to tears as I absorbed the words of, and was ministered to by, songs like "Hunger for Holiness," "Shine Through Me," and "His Mercy Endures Forever." </p><p>I'll never forget the day when a family in our church told me about the Yo Kidz audio stories from Carman. I was already a young teen by that time and out of the target demo of those albums, but I was such a Carman fan I had to listen to them anyway. As I sit here typing this I have CD copies of all of them on the shelf in my studio.</p><p>Today, I have every record he ever released. A few have been purchased more than once as I upgraded my music from cassettes and records to CDs. Yep, I had a few on vinyl before it was the cool thing to do.</p><p>Not too many years ago, <a href="http://www.christianmusicdigest.com/2014/09/cmd-issue-6-carman-interview.html" target="_blank">I was able to interview Carman</a> right after his first bout with cancer. He was having a rough day and we didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked, but I will ever be grateful for that opportunity.</p><p>Carman, thanks for all the great music for so many years. Your records will always be spinning in my house. </p><p><br /></p><p>Do you have any thoughts? Were you a Carman fan too? Share them in the comments below.</p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-78053176915610271392020-12-20T20:24:00.002-07:002020-12-20T20:26:34.470-07:007 Christmas Albums from Artists You May Not Know - CCM10<p> <iframe frameborder="0" height="200px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=42589443&theme=dark&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=false&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=false" width="100%"></iframe></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsNxCkl0eiVfbgIyd0yDv6IIOiNlEo8Tq_TrvkiCXWLQSLqWnPzbOWMPj30CHA2HqzWOGVNIXiBV35SRmr8h9xIR1CwLqL6wbVpi6vMYZK5RMN-AB5x4A5TEGprfgQ9PayftYpUCARZod/s2048/2019+CCM+Podcast+Cover+Art+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKsNxCkl0eiVfbgIyd0yDv6IIOiNlEo8Tq_TrvkiCXWLQSLqWnPzbOWMPj30CHA2HqzWOGVNIXiBV35SRmr8h9xIR1CwLqL6wbVpi6vMYZK5RMN-AB5x4A5TEGprfgQ9PayftYpUCARZod/s320/2019+CCM+Podcast+Cover+Art+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" /></a></div>We're all familiar with the holiday music of Mannheim Steamroller, Mariah Carey, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Pentatonix. But sometimes you want something a little bit different or new around this time of year. So today, even though this is a little bit outside the realm of what we normally talk about here, Iām going to share 7 Christmas albums from artists you've never heard of that I think you should listen to. Now you may have heard of some of these; I'm not going to say that youāve not heard of any of these artists. But most are lesser-known, independent musicians who are making really good music and I think it's worth checking out.<p></p><p>Now personally I like a Christmas album that has a good mix of traditional and some new tunes as well. I also am not a huge fan of when an artist completely changes a traditional song but I can get used to that sometimes if itās done really well. These records will represent a good mix of all these elements. Also, this list is not in any particular order but these are just some albums that I found in the last few years that I really really enjoy and I think are well done so let's jump into it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikluGMoic2vIItjK9GTN6kEgjw7yYsa2jINQJDtbP6lQZsZkw4Kr65XVv32JMEdFGfnDoahe4ppixktGidzZ1NtAVIuCDfsKiS9kno5PFi2ASnqNgt4wFJgFH-MJ1EgFiRjPUk18cC8arE/s1200/a1329054889_10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikluGMoic2vIItjK9GTN6kEgjw7yYsa2jINQJDtbP6lQZsZkw4Kr65XVv32JMEdFGfnDoahe4ppixktGidzZ1NtAVIuCDfsKiS9kno5PFi2ASnqNgt4wFJgFH-MJ1EgFiRjPUk18cC8arE/w117-h117/a1329054889_10.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>There's a short EP titled <i><a href="https://garrettvandenberg.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-bleak-midwinter" target="_blank">In The Bleak Midwinter</a></i> from Garrett and Michelle and this one is really, really enjoyable for me. It features beautiful acoustic arrangements of familiar Christmas songs but just done in a stripped-down way it has a bit of a folksy feel to it. The instrumentation is just beautiful and the project features some really great vocals as well and I really enjoy it. It is available on Bandcamp and it is only $5.<div><br /><div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9QiuHZz-XdgDxClsDVx3jnLXwOhDyhFZv-_zyNEq1kGAf-lUOGRGJaXJrIa-NbUfS0StqHrNsaJ36RekBEZVK2eQoEYsogvMY2bv0LSKLkHgomsdQ3Z3-ZcEPP7kxEvcPLXkvQI9cAhv/s1200/1573814969_folder+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9QiuHZz-XdgDxClsDVx3jnLXwOhDyhFZv-_zyNEq1kGAf-lUOGRGJaXJrIa-NbUfS0StqHrNsaJ36RekBEZVK2eQoEYsogvMY2bv0LSKLkHgomsdQ3Z3-ZcEPP7kxEvcPLXkvQI9cAhv/w128-h128/1573814969_folder+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Another one I found in recent years is called <i><a href="https://www.houndfoxmusic.com/" target="_blank">Songs of Winter</a></i> by The Hound + The Fox and this is a full-length project. There is also a deluxe version of this album I would recommend getting because it has 16 tracks and it's just a fantastic offering from this husband and wife duo. They're mostly traditional songs that you are familiar with like, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "O Holy Night" but what makes this one stand out is just the beautiful harmonies and stunning vocals on this project. The arrangements of the songs are interesting; they mix it up a little bit but not so much that it's not familiar. So this is a really fun project as well.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3MDsjQzhdn4Naj76CWraTLClg2E1WBix4nwN1jngrFgc47iOTescvLk8tbI8wFxoH0V_TLh5PjIucUphehifk_iag7oYfasqb6xjRrkNUbgB0neKgpBzJzv99MhKbFMouf2IqZTupPD/s500/71Gw4pe5PQL._SS500_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDP3MDsjQzhdn4Naj76CWraTLClg2E1WBix4nwN1jngrFgc47iOTescvLk8tbI8wFxoH0V_TLh5PjIucUphehifk_iag7oYfasqb6xjRrkNUbgB0neKgpBzJzv99MhKbFMouf2IqZTupPD/w131-h131/71Gw4pe5PQL._SS500_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>An album I just found last year is also another EP. It is titled <i><a href="http://www.theladybugsband.com/store/5omcwd2y4l1gfjihy09u0s7yrytaab" target="_blank">Blue Christmas</a></i> and it's by the group called The Ladybugs. It has a really fun jazzy, classic sound to it. With the sound of an upright bass and a snare driving the rhythms, and lead vocalists Martina DaSilva and Vanessa Perea bringing their soft, smoky vocals to the mix, the band just has a really fun sound. I particularly like their arrangement of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Again, just a fun record. There are seven tracks on this project.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h6i_pNXdRjBIPfP08iEAyN4UDBue0PrOodEnmESCo3ODHcENzpu9M_y1LmNRpt50g6miMxX0rhhOmKivn2i0iK-WN0y4IR4cq9WcJmLj96pvb6fSlsVzNlxmCYzuMLCpsiWP9lhmGgpM/s1400/61ba9bc486283bf6b2281acaa35b7040_1480070938.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h6i_pNXdRjBIPfP08iEAyN4UDBue0PrOodEnmESCo3ODHcENzpu9M_y1LmNRpt50g6miMxX0rhhOmKivn2i0iK-WN0y4IR4cq9WcJmLj96pvb6fSlsVzNlxmCYzuMLCpsiWP9lhmGgpM/w133-h133/61ba9bc486283bf6b2281acaa35b7040_1480070938.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Next is the group called Voctave. They are an a capella group with some of the most amazing vocalists Iāve ever heard. I believe they're mostly classically-trained vocalists so their style has a little bit more of that classic feel to it. They don't stray too far from the traditional arrangements of the familiar holiday songs, but there are some new tunes on here as well. This album is called <i><a href="https://voctave.myshopify.com/collections/physical-cds/products/the-spirit-of-the-season-cd" target="_blank">The Spirit of the Season</a></i> and there are 13 tracks on it and it includes one of my favorite arrangements of "Mary, Did You Know" that I've ever heard. Their harmonies are so amazingly tight and the sopranos in this group are just amazing. The notes that they hit are just jaw-dropping and the overall sound from this group is just beautiful.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_1kTQe9b5Z-NyZ1dKJnd9aM-m6CkImKuRgN6o0lV_PytKIgYzCaYz46wG596Ialobu2F7iSyiiFHcgnHL2okl8EWy2ObyzyA9HL6ZF8Z1ePoyrum7lBmYkLqn9UtTbObvowjp1tTNR42/s500/81eIrqsgJ8L._SS500_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_1kTQe9b5Z-NyZ1dKJnd9aM-m6CkImKuRgN6o0lV_PytKIgYzCaYz46wG596Ialobu2F7iSyiiFHcgnHL2okl8EWy2ObyzyA9HL6ZF8Z1ePoyrum7lBmYkLqn9UtTbObvowjp1tTNR42/w140-h140/81eIrqsgJ8L._SS500_.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Next up is another husband-wife duo. They're called Caleb and Kelsey. Caleb is one of the members of the group Anthem Lights so you may be familiar with them but they have released a project called <i><a href="https://calebandkelsey.com/store" target="_blank">Christmas Together</a></i>. Itās an eight-song album and it has mostly medleys. They're well known for doing medleys and mashups of songs and so this was a fun album with great vocals. There are familiar songs and some newer ones in mashups in a way that you may have never heard before so this is just a fun album as well.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wf1ZDAVcahKulteX-LCZchgtD0FuvP6JQCIrCrF017wPUbfYkDgxtsj2UyFpMDgjhW3d1zkAyncerVEHCpAGxdFFlOQ8M4c0p7KoT7eHS0rRfjWK7JMmsddMNM_OZ8gqdx3unpnBZDyI/s1280/CharlesBillingsley-ItsChristmasTimeAgain.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wf1ZDAVcahKulteX-LCZchgtD0FuvP6JQCIrCrF017wPUbfYkDgxtsj2UyFpMDgjhW3d1zkAyncerVEHCpAGxdFFlOQ8M4c0p7KoT7eHS0rRfjWK7JMmsddMNM_OZ8gqdx3unpnBZDyI/w144-h144/CharlesBillingsley-ItsChristmasTimeAgain.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>The penultimate selection I want to mention is called <i><a href="https://store.charlesbillingsley.com/products/its-christmas-time-again" target="_blank">It's Christmas Time Again</a></i> from the artist Charles Billingsley. This is a really really fun album; a lot of the big band, jazz sound and so many of these familiar songs are spruced up with that brass instrument flavor and it's just a really upbeat and fun project. 13 tracks with a lot of familiar ones again and then a handful that I had never heard before. So this is just a really fun project that was actually recorded all at once; all the instruments and vocals all done at the same time just to give it a really live feel. you know most albums are tracked with each instrument separately and then the vocalist will come in and will come in record their stuff and then the background vocals and it's all mixed later, but that was not the case here so it's just got a really warm live feel to it that I really enjoy. <p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXIy1hBqxloU6DFT_CML_Hi_HE7HgDFuA8Qenexfm2bmq1glSg7Puk6vCjQH812lTg-pHdpPmRsxc6Qo3wzgVipshnMg8Z2VLMZWJf7To9cE7M6FAL9JgZVDqcPGSd8H9_zwvZlpfTif/s2048/ChristmaswiththePetersens_DigitalAlbumArt-scaled+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOXIy1hBqxloU6DFT_CML_Hi_HE7HgDFuA8Qenexfm2bmq1glSg7Puk6vCjQH812lTg-pHdpPmRsxc6Qo3wzgVipshnMg8Z2VLMZWJf7To9cE7M6FAL9JgZVDqcPGSd8H9_zwvZlpfTif/w155-h155/ChristmaswiththePetersens_DigitalAlbumArt-scaled+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>And my final selection is a brand new release this year from the family bluegrass/folk band The Petersens. Itās called <a href="https://www.petersenband.com/product/christmas-with-thepetersens/" target="_blank"><i>Christmas with the Petersens</i></a> and features 13 Christmas favorites arranged in their signature folksy style with the warm sounds of stringed instruments like the mandolin, fiddle, and dobro. All the members of this band are excellent vocalists and they take turns singing lead on the tracks. Itās a nice combination of traditional carols and more recent Christmas tunes with selections such as "Joy to the World", "Mele Kalikimaka", and "Iāll Be Home for Christmas". The record is just an absolute delight to listen to.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><i><u>Bonus Selection From an Artist You May Know</u></i></p><p><i><a href="https://tommeeprofitt.lnk.to/thebirthofaking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu1PIg4oTm9w2Opqox6mO6nFwrPKg3keqA6ztV09xg5a08Lf3DL3Hq1pJdpMDFBbbq7-5UP4YpgHCzbhXm6FDQJcCTERM5Pg3Ho-5XtUjckQTGiKR6jiJVuFhl7KPYFTUr9fQ6I9nyNRW/s1500/91OKArrvxGL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBu1PIg4oTm9w2Opqox6mO6nFwrPKg3keqA6ztV09xg5a08Lf3DL3Hq1pJdpMDFBbbq7-5UP4YpgHCzbhXm6FDQJcCTERM5Pg3Ho-5XtUjckQTGiKR6jiJVuFhl7KPYFTUr9fQ6I9nyNRW/w150-h150/91OKArrvxGL._SL1500_.jpg" width="150" /></a></i></div><i><a href="https://tommeeprofitt.lnk.to/thebirthofaking" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Birth of a King</a></i> just released this year from producer Tommee Profitt. He collabed with a bunch of amazing vocalists on this project and it is an amazing record. There are 17 tracks on it featuring vocalists like Rachael Lampa, Avril Lavigne, Fleurie, and other amazingly talented singers. The arrangements are really interesting; sweeping and cinematic in places. Just an amazing record that has been on repeat in my house for the past week or so.<p></p><p>So there you have it! Those are my album recommendations for this year check them out and if you do hit me up and let me know what you think of them.</p><div><br /></div></div></div>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-32628383476525169552020-08-19T09:27:00.015-07:002023-02-14T22:40:49.309-07:0013 Lessons Learned in 13 Years of Podcasting<p style="text-align: justify;">A few days ago marked the thirteenth anniversary of the launch of my first podcast. Back in August of 2007, I didn't know much about podcasting. In fact, I hadn't even listened to very many podcasts at the time. But when I discovered the ability to share a message, in an audio form, with people around the world, right from my own home, I was immediately intrigued. I knew I was going to start a show. It was just a matter of time.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL2bhl_8rTxdHMBNsqKEdnEdl5tj2VXlJBMEnZ9oggZ_pLuXUpF2IZnnlvAhQgC7xF_adXq9vWBRG2817dT2YKadzuTAkuz0C75JQCafJzxcuf4As1WHMexK7SdDCwTccQcMKpfLVUDOg/s2048/13+Lessons+Learned+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL2bhl_8rTxdHMBNsqKEdnEdl5tj2VXlJBMEnZ9oggZ_pLuXUpF2IZnnlvAhQgC7xF_adXq9vWBRG2817dT2YKadzuTAkuz0C75JQCafJzxcuf4As1WHMexK7SdDCwTccQcMKpfLVUDOg/s640/13+Lessons+Learned+%2528compressed%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jakehills?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Jake Hills</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/step?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, I did launch that show and it grew into a network of shows called Porchlight Family Media. We now have multiple shows in various niches with their own websites and teams that work very hard to make high-quality audio content for families to enjoy together. I also now produce podcasts for clients and have done podcast consulting and coaching for business executives, journalists, entrepreneurs, and comedians. I've learned a lot in the past 13 years. From my own experiences, from working with clients, from chatting with other podcasters at meetups, and from following trends in the industry. So I want to share with you a few of the lessons that I've learned. These are not in any particular order of importance, I simply jotted them down as they came to me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBsjYvw0pRnnRc3R26_CRsa8b4P88_vk3HBW-C3o9D-4UkhRx832CsIu3_Pp2eTjedudeyz94aYxDEns17TJkETCaLtF7rNLjk_dkWCONUOVmMF05XSLI3Hko8pC2Vb_kg14bMTL_qzUf/s640/waldemar-brandt-Vd87rgA53CE-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBsjYvw0pRnnRc3R26_CRsa8b4P88_vk3HBW-C3o9D-4UkhRx832CsIu3_Pp2eTjedudeyz94aYxDEns17TJkETCaLtF7rNLjk_dkWCONUOVmMF05XSLI3Hko8pC2Vb_kg14bMTL_qzUf/w328-h219/waldemar-brandt-Vd87rgA53CE-unsplash.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@waldemarbrandt67w?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Waldemar Brandt</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/13?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. If you want to build a brand, you need a website</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Sure you can have a Facebook page, or upload your show to YouTube, and yes, your podcast feed does syndicate your show out to podcast apps on phones wherever your listener may be, but you do not have control over any of those platforms. Something could happen at any moment and your content could be removed and you've lost the connection with your community. Unless you have a website (or a custom domain at the very least) that you have reinforced in the minds of your listeners from the beginning, in each and every episode. Your website is your home base that you should always direct your listener back to. Sure, create profiles on other platforms if you want to, but treat them as outposts, and always make it clear that your website is the place to go for everything related to your show. This will set you up for all sorts of potential product/service offerings, audience building opportunities, and business connections, but it all comes back to having your home on the web where people know how to connect with you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bonus tip: Since you have the website, blog as much as possible. Search engines are slowly beginning to process audio content, but they still love text. Give Google and the others plenty of text content to crawl to help send traffic your way. And blog posts are a great way to offer additional content to your fans between episodes.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Audio quality matters (nearly as much as the content)</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">In the early days of this medium there were lots of shows that didn't really have the best audio quality that still were able to gain a decent following. That was often due to the quality of the content or the engaging presentation style or personality of the host/s, but another big factor is that there really wasn't much to choose from. Today that is no longer an issue. This spring we hit one million active podcast feeds in the Apple Podcasts directory and as of this writing we're nearly at 1.5 million. That's a lot of content. We're talking over 34 million episodes here. Shows are of all different lengths, from 1 minute to 3 hours, but let's say that each episode works out to an average of a half hour. That's over 17 million hours of podcast episodes. Now, I know I've tossed a bunch of numbers at you, but the point is that if you don't give your first-time listeners a reason to stay, or conversely, if you give them a reason to tune out, they will bail on your show and just go somewhere else. And one of the top reasons I hear over and over (regardless of format or topic) for why people bail on a show: bad audio quality.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Engage with your listeners</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I realize that not every show format lends itself to this or makes it easy to engage your listeners on the program, but do whatever you possibly can to do connect with them. Respond to every email or comment on your blog posts if you can. Give them shoutouts on the show, have specific segments where you include their comments and opinions (that are relevant to your show's content), solicit topic ideas from them and be sure to give them credit for suggesting it. People love to feel involved and connected to others of like mind, so build that rapport with them. Your loyal listeners will become evangelists for your show. And it really just makes a listener's day to get a mention on their favorite show. I know because I've been told that time and again by listeners and as a podcast consumer myself, I feel the same way when the roles are reversed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Side note: ALWAYS mention the name of the person who sent in the feedback, left the 5-star review, or posted a comment on the blog when you reference it; unless there are privacy reasons not to. If they cared enough to take the time to reach out to your show, then have enough goodwill and courtesy to acknowledge them. It just irks me when I hear a host say something like, "We got a comment from someone the other day about X topic and I forgot to copy their name into the show outline, but they said..." It makes me think that this host is lazy and didn't do enough show prep or they just don't care about their audience. Don't do that to your community. That's not how to develop loyal fans.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. You never know who is listening</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">This lesson can be taken a couple different ways. First, approach your show with the realization that every episode is going to be someone's first time to listen. Consider this when you create or hone your show open, segment transitions, or make references to "inside info" that only those who listen on the reg know about. Make sure that you are communicating your message or information clearly to both noobs and OGs alike. This can sometimes be tricky and takes some thought on creative and clever ways to do it, but it makes your show better and more cohesive when you are cognizant of this fact.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The second way to look at this lesson is this: you really never know exactly who just might stumble upon, be recommended, or seek out your show. I've heard of TV show fan podcasts that actors, writers, or directors of that very show have checked out. I had a similar experience with one of my shows where a very well-known industry professional whom I was interviewing began to reference things I had said in past episodes. Mind you, I didn't know this person was even aware of the show before I reached out for an interview, let alone that they had listened to it. So keep in mind that influencers, industry pros, and journalists in your show's niche may very well be listening. There's much more I could say about this, but I need to move on.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Opportunities you never dreamed of will come</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I have been asked to guest lecture at a university, received invitations to speak at conferences, been granted press access to industry events, been featured in newspaper articles, met many of my personal heroes in my show's niches, and much more, all because of my podcast. Some of the people I've met due to my podcasts have led to business opportunities, others have resulted in great collaborators on projects, and still others have become friends who have even been house guests. These amazing opportunities would have never come along if I didn't have a podcast that was filling a need in a specific area of interest.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. You can make an impact in your niche</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">As I pointed out above, you never know who is listening to your show. You could be speaking to the person who is in a position to address a particular issue in your niche and not even know it. That's the power of podcasting. So take care how you frame issues and perceived problems in your space; whether you're critiquing something or offering praise, your influence as a podcaster in your field can make or break relationships and sway someone's opinions on a product, service, or even on another person. Be thoughtful and intentional about how you express yourself. I'm not saying you must genuflect to every industry pro, should never speak off the cuff, or that you have to muzzle yourself and not share your authentic feelings, I'm just saying that you have the power to impact your niche in both positive and negative ways, so handle with care, honesty, and integrity. It will go a long way in building your reputation in your space.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Numerous times constructive feedback that we provided in one of our shows was taken into consideration by folks in the industry and used to inform and shape future products. In one of our niches we have even been able to create an annual awards show for the industry which has impacted people around the world. So what you say on your podcast <u>does</u> have an effect.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Professionalism goes a long way</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of honesty and integrity, these are very important ingredients in handling yourself in a professional manner. When you start a podcast in a particular discipline or field, you will be looked at as a journalist. And whether others in the space view you as a muckraking, tabloid, rag reporter or a trustworthy, reliable individual with journalistic integrity is all dependent on how you conduct yourself. That goes for "on the air" as well as in your email and phone communications, and in how you behave in IRL interactions. You'd be amazed at how receptive people will be to you and how far you'll go with just a little politeness, a well-written email, and some gratitude.</p><p>Some tips: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Re-read every email at least once before sending it and look for not only typos, but also unclear wording or lines that could be misconstrued; remember that inflection and visual cues are missing from text communication.</li><li>Ditch that personal email address (space_pirate_24@gmail.com or hotmess89@yahoo.com doesn't leave a good impression) and use one branded with your show name, preferably one through your own domain (you do have one, right? See Lesson 1 above) but at the very least set up a new account specifically for your show.</li><li>Set up a free Google Voice phone number for interactions related to your show and have a clean, succinct voicemail message with show branding.</li><li>Add an email signature with your pertinent information and perhaps even a logo.</li><li>Print up business cards for when those in-person networking opportunities arise.</li><li>Send out press releases when circumstances merit it; a big-name guest shares an exclusive on your show, a milestone episode is reached, you produce a tribute or memorial episode to someone in your space, you develop a new segment or feature that will be a huge benefit to your community, etc. All of these things can be presented in a way that is newsworthy to either general media outlets or ones specific to your industry.</li></ul><p></p><h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qwr8Q_UefS7H-p8Zh4xd4F9qtBTkxcHxcWhNFNXlaKyGGI_6QpBVqIKUk9HjhrZUg0XQ5oMCHl9iFeAFK4pifiSn0lFHWc001lERgbU4yFQ3Q_9ANly7-XpRWSYrOXjZAy6SkUgYX-Bc/s886/kaue-fonseca-EaWsEKHzQDY-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="640" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4qwr8Q_UefS7H-p8Zh4xd4F9qtBTkxcHxcWhNFNXlaKyGGI_6QpBVqIKUk9HjhrZUg0XQ5oMCHl9iFeAFK4pifiSn0lFHWc001lERgbU4yFQ3Q_9ANly7-XpRWSYrOXjZAy6SkUgYX-Bc/w237-h328/kaue-fonseca-EaWsEKHzQDY-unsplash.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@kauefonseca?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">KAUE FONSECA</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/road?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">8. Never stop learning and improving</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I am constantly on the lookout for ways to improve my presentation, speech patterns, vocabulary, industry knowledge, show prep workflow, show segments, etc. I never want to think I can just coast on past achievements or yesterday's accomplishments. Last year's method for doing things may not still be the best way for today. One of the first big lessons I learned many years ago in my first corporate job was when an executive vice president (my boss's boss) sat me down and said, "Just because that's the way you've always done it, doesn't make it reason enough to keep doing it that way." There is a concept in the Japanese business world called <i>kaizen</i> that is worth doing a deep dive into and fully studying and applying, but in short, it means "continuous improvement". Every day look for ways to be better at what you do.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of the ways I do this is by listening to dozens of other podcasts in my niche and adjacent ones, as well as shows that have nothing to do with my topic, simply to glean ideas. Not to copy or imitate, but to learn from how others do things. I regularly sample shows in areas that I'm not even very interested in because it helps us to get out of our little bubbles and see how other folks in other niches with different expertise and experiences operate. And not just other podcasts; grab a periodical and read an article, listen to an audiobook, read some poetry; anything to stimulate your thinking and get the creative juices flowing. You never know what you'll learn and how it could be applied to your podcast. And if you are actively seeking to learn, you will be more likely to discover something worthwhile.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">9. It's ok to start small, if you do it right</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">My studio currently has thousands of dollars of gear in it, including nearly a dozen microphones, four computers, a 22-channel mixing board, and numerous pairs of headphones. I have accumulated a lot of kit over the years and that has grown even more since I began doing consulting and since moving into the world of voiceover work. But I didn't have any of this stuff when I started. I started with a USB headset. Now, as I pointed out above, audio quality is much more important these days than it was a decade ago, so while I wouldn't necessarily recommend you use a headset today, you can very easily start off with an investment of less than $100, provided you already have a computer. And depending on the type of show you want to make, you could start with even less money. So it's ok to start out small if you are thinking ahead and you make the right decisions during the early stages to set yourself up for success in the long run. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A couple examples: 1. Don't have the budget for a monthly web host or the time to devote to building a website? Ok, then at least purchase a domain name that you can direct to your page on your podcast media host so that that branding is baked into your show from day one and when you reach the place where you're able to build out a full website, it's a simple matter of pointing the domain to your new site. 2. You don't have the personal bandwidth to do a show every week? Cool, do it every two weeks. Or one episode every month. You can always increase output as time allows.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">10. Let your community get involved</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">You know those loyal fans we talked about a bit ago? Get them involved in your show. Listeners to my shows have become blog contributors, recorded voiceovers, guest hosted on episodes, conducted interviews, and served as sounding boards for show ideas. I've met several in person and have had innumerable virtual conversations with many others. This can help you to shape your show format or content with valuable feedback directly from an active member of your community and allows them to be a part of a program that they love. I've heard of shows who have eventually been successful enough to bring those loyal fans "on staff" as researchers, reporters, or social media managers. Leverage those connections within your community when possible and even if it doesn't turn into a paid position, a little swag to say thank you here and there is a nice touch.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">11. The tools don't really matter</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">You're a Windows gal? A Mac guy? Love Adobe Audition? Have an affinity for Audacity? Won't use anything but Hindy? Really dig that Shure mic or do you sing the praises of the Heil PR-40? It doesn't matter one bit what you use to make your show as long as you're making a good show and it sounds good. No one is going to listen to your show and be able to tell which Digital Audio Workstation you edited and assembled your show in. (Unless you're using a stock music loop from GarageBand, but as long as it sounds good, no one is really going to care.) The point is, get the tools you need to make the show you want and then make that show. Don't worry about the tools, just focus on making the best show you possibly can with the tools you have, and that goes for both the content side and the audio quality side. Are there times when a software or hardware upgrade is necessary? Absolutely, but don't let the means of making the show take precedence over the show itself. Yes, you've got to make sure that the quality is good, but in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter if you recorded your show with a Zoom, Marantz, or Tascam digital audio recorder or in software on MacOS or Windows 10. What matters is if your show is serving its target audience or not.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">12. You really should edit</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">I've heard lots of podcasters over the years say that they didn't want to edit something because they wanted to be "authentic" or "genuine". Well, is it really authenticity and genuineness or is it just laziness or perhaps even thinking a bit too highly of yourself? Does that 12-minute, rambling, disjointed rant that you're calling a display of authenticity really need to be in there in all its "glory"? Was that really a valuable use of that time or could that have been edited down to a concise 5 minutes and still gotten across the same point? My mantra when it comes to editing is: Respect the listener's time! Authenticity should not come at the price of sloppy, disorganized, rabbit-trail-ridden orations. You might think that anecdote was hilarious, but does the listener have the context to appreciate it or is it going to just confuse them? Cut the fat and leave the meat.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And in regards to your guests, make them sound good! I'm not saying to edit the substance of what they are saying to put them in a good light or clip every single "um" so that it no longer sounds like natural speech. But I am saying that when they fumble for the correct word, or when they start to answer and then change direction, or if they stumble over something and misspeak, edit it! It takes only a few seconds and they will be more inclined to share your episode if you presented them well. And also, it's just the courteous thing to do, both for the guest and for your audience.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, it is possible to overedit and make a conversation sound formulaic, robotic, or unnatural, so there must be a balance. But generally speaking, even if you are doing a talk show format podcast that has a very loose outline, it will benefit from some editing. Your audience is made up of busy people with lots to do and many entertainment choices so don't waste their time. Make them feel like they made a good decision to spend that 45 minutes with your latest episode as opposed to feeling like "that's nearly an hour of my life I'll never get back." Not every word that exits your mouth is "gold" that absolutely must stay in the show.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pet peeve: Hearing a host say, in a publicly released episode, "I'll edit that out." *facepalm*</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">13. You probably won't get rich (or even earn enough to make a living), but that's ok</h3><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, there are folks who have built lucrative careers or even just a lifestyle business around their podcasts. It's possible, but not probable, for the vast majority of podcasters. Unless you already have a successful business that you can integrate a podcast into in some way or you are a household name with a substantial following (in general or in your industry) then don't start a podcast for the money. If you do, you're likely to be very disappointed. But if you start a show because you love a topic and are passionate about talking about it and sharing with others and building community, you'll likely find it a very rewarding endeavor. The amazing experiences I mentioned in Lesson 5 above have enriched my life in so many ways. I am deeply grateful for the people I've met and things I've been able to do, and would never trade them for a financial payout. If prosperity comes along then I'll take it, but most of all, I just love making a podcast and connecting with all the cool people in my niche.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So there you have it. 13 randomly selected lessons that I've learned over the past dozen and one years that I have been podcasting. Have I always followed all of these things perfectly? No. Are these the only things I've learned? No. There is much more I could say about each of these and many other lessons I could have talked about too. These may not even be the most essential lessons for <i>every single</i> podcaster. But I do believe that the majority of the information I've shared here can be applied to any podcaster's own personal journey in some fashion. Whether you're just starting out, been going for a few years, or have yet to launch I think there are some helpful tips to take away from this.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Did you find this helpful? Please share it with someone who you think could benefit from it as well. Thank you! And post any questions you might have in the comments below.</p>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-61992771482994945762019-08-03T22:29:00.000-07:002019-08-03T22:29:34.644-07:00My cover of Beautiful City from GodspellThis is not usually the kind of post I publish on this website so if this doesn't interest you, feel free to just skip this one. :)<br />
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I saw the musical, Godspell, a handful of months ago and loved it! Many of the songs are just fabulous. One song in particular really stuck with me and I couldn't get it off my mind. It brought me to tears on more than one occasion. And I knew I had to record a cover of it.<br />
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I went into the studio and recorded three takes and even though they weren't perfect, I decided to just use the best one of those three, imperfections and all. The raw and unpolished feeling was ok with me as I just had to get the message of this song off my heart and recorded in that moment of my life. My talented friend, Ezra, mixed and produced it for me since that's beyond my realm of expertise. So here it is, Beautiful City from Godspell, warts and all, if you care to check it out. :)<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/660747041&color=%23d6e4ea&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<b>Credits:</b><br />
<i>Vocals recorded by J.D. in the Porchlight Family Media studio.</i><br />
<i>Piano track by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN5sm69eHq5No0w37evOFzw/featured" target="_blank">Instrumental Tracks</a>. Used with permission.</i><br />
<i>Produced and mixed by Ezra of <a href="https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fserenitysoundsstudio.wixsite.com%2Fwebsite&token=8b04af-1-1564895573720" target="_blank">Serenity Sounds</a>.</i><br />
<i>Songwriters: Stephen Schwartz</i><br />
<i>Beautiful City lyrics Ā© S.I.A.E. Direzione Generale, NEW CADENZA MUSIC CORP</i><br />
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<b>More detail for those who care to read further:</b><br />
If you're unfamiliar with Godspell, the play is a modern retelling of the life of Jesus, as if He came to earth in the modern-day and in one scene the character of Jesus sings this song to his disciples. I'm sure there are many ways to interpret the lyrics, as is the case with much poetry, but I interpret them to be talking about Heaven, or more accurately, the New Jerusalem, where Christ has built a city of man (a place for his bride) not a city of angels. But it could also be interpreted more abstractly, as the church on earth is a haven for the weary pilgrim and that it is a sanctuary from all the trouble in this world. And frankly, the message about rebuilding out of the rubble really spoke to me personally. The past few years have held some very rough and dark days for me and these ideas of renewal and rebirth spoke to exactly where I was in life when I saw the play so the hopeful message resonated with me.<br />
<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-1662446024361757892019-01-14T19:27:00.006-07:002019-01-16T11:50:43.586-07:00First Impressions & Audio Samples of the Purple Panda Lav Mic KitI heard about this inexpensive lavalier mic and decided to give it a try as I occasionally do on-location recordings and interviews for some of the podcasts on my network and I am always interested in ways to get good clean audio. The Purple Panda Lav Mic Kit looked like an affordable option for this purpose. It came to about $24 with shipping for the kit.<br />
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Here's how it was advertised:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeoyAqBqV7CD4JuaDuNzmH844Q9U8Yy4HEcjNmxUYY4PGlDG1lj7fPj9-rWGwjytV6FooPrsxRgbYLuENluWkPji-H6tgnd3ti_8fNANDt3MSJStKki3-weBW8QmpBh78_U7hQ2OpZFfI/s1600/Lav_Mic_Set_Main_1296x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1000" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeoyAqBqV7CD4JuaDuNzmH844Q9U8Yy4HEcjNmxUYY4PGlDG1lj7fPj9-rWGwjytV6FooPrsxRgbYLuENluWkPji-H6tgnd3ti_8fNANDt3MSJStKki3-weBW8QmpBh78_U7hQ2OpZFfI/s320/Lav_Mic_Set_Main_1296x.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The product arrived inside a simple bubblewrap lined manila envelope. I would have liked to see it in a box to protect it, but so far my unit seems to have survived the postal service without damage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtm1xJwru5cb07GRefGs7N8UbrqFnVUcn2t-3R11LgBYK9_VN7oWNFVg5MNucjRIIo5L_5qIRCzhSIBa4gq7HspuEvP7zuqdykrRKG3nmoMWJruNrHTmijzmYj6Hi9f-gnw6RIADcSL-N/s1600/0111191740_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtm1xJwru5cb07GRefGs7N8UbrqFnVUcn2t-3R11LgBYK9_VN7oWNFVg5MNucjRIIo5L_5qIRCzhSIBa4gq7HspuEvP7zuqdykrRKG3nmoMWJruNrHTmijzmYj6Hi9f-gnw6RIADcSL-N/s320/0111191740_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is what I received:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTmXdw-W3-eBM9k5g0LPzSz7YUsq9Vsdt6qZooD_pcs7Opgfx-_tzVWkRqJNb2nDi9pqfNWGAUy9uK4hUD9qpOGiRWAwW8dhFitgXBe8opTasUsb0IMT7_CWxZlOir36mxsE_Wik4PrcX/s1600/0111191743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTmXdw-W3-eBM9k5g0LPzSz7YUsq9Vsdt6qZooD_pcs7Opgfx-_tzVWkRqJNb2nDi9pqfNWGAUy9uK4hUD9qpOGiRWAwW8dhFitgXBe8opTasUsb0IMT7_CWxZlOir36mxsE_Wik4PrcX/s640/0111191743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Contents:</b> <i>The velvet pouch, lav mic with a decent length of cord (didn't measure, but guessing at least 3 ft.), additional extension cable (about 10 ft.), TRS adapter for digital recorders, adapter for DSLR cameras, an extra mic clip, and a mini dead cat windscreen in addition to the foam one that comes installed on the mic, instructions for which cables to use for different devices.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbhxJ4On-oG5gJVFXZ9BFbGjo0I6jcgWFym8w7jcJDjZWqTYHg9YpEGH_pZ_Rn774cMfRtZNcYy8vG-W-2s55DH9VxKNr56WsYN3qqPO-mGr2YFogRFdGf4px0yRYdDzPXXcEAqWkF0KG/s1600/purple-panda+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1024" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbhxJ4On-oG5gJVFXZ9BFbGjo0I6jcgWFym8w7jcJDjZWqTYHg9YpEGH_pZ_Rn774cMfRtZNcYy8vG-W-2s55DH9VxKNr56WsYN3qqPO-mGr2YFogRFdGf4px0yRYdDzPXXcEAqWkF0KG/s400/purple-panda+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I recorded a couple of quick tests with my smartphone and with my Roland R-05 digital audio recorder. The following are two tests recorded in a room in my house that is not sound treated and is quite reverberant and since this mic is a condenser it picks up lots of room tone. There is no processing on this audio at all.</div>
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<b>Unprocessed Audio recorded with Smartphone - Large Room</b></div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559177548&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<b>Unprocessed Audio Recorded with Digital Recorder - Large Room</b></div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559177572&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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Then I went into a smaller room and recorded a test there; also unprocessed.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559194399&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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Next, I took the mic outside to record see how it handled recording my voice while there was outdoor ambiance in the background. This audio was recorded with my LG smartphone.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559181184&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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And finally, in case you wished to hear the first three tests after I did some noise reduction and ran some EQ and compression, here you go.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559177533&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559177557&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/559195791&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></div>
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All things considered, I think this mic is a good value and it seems to be of solid build quality. The audio I got from it seemed very good considering the environments which I was recording in. It is definitely worth checking out.<br />
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Well, there you are. My first impressions and a couple quick audio tests of the Purple Panda Lav Mic Kit. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.<br />
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You can grab this kit on <a href="https://amzn.to/2FqEoKo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon through my affiliate link</a> if you wish. If not, you can purchase <a href="https://www.purplepandastore.com/products/purple-panda-lavalier-microphone-kit" rel="" target="_blank">directly from Purple Panda at this link</a>.</div>
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Adios!</div>
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J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-29248147164886459182018-12-29T13:02:00.002-07:002018-12-29T13:02:28.653-07:00How to commission custom podcast theme music - CCM009<iframe frameborder="0" height="200px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=16589585&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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What I do at the beginning of the theme music process is really give a lot of thought to the feel of the podcast.</div>
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<ul>
<li>What style of music would be most appropriate for that specific topic?</li>
<li>What sort of music will help to set the stage for the content?</li>
<li>What style will be more appealing to my target audience?</li>
</ul>
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If it's a show about knitting then I don't want a heavy metal intro tune.<br />
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Then I think about instruments.<br />
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<li>Do I want it to be piano-driven or guitar-based?</li>
<li>Acoustic or electric?</li>
<li>Or am I looking for something more orchestral?</li>
</ul>
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I also take into account the tone of the host's delivery or if there's a cohost then consider the conversation style of the hosts and how they interact. If a solo show, you don't want a crazy rockin' intro if the host is super laid back and chill in their presentation style. It's too jolting for the listener's ear to have such a contrast. If multiple hosts, the same thing goes; if they have great banter and there is a humorous side to their conversation then you probably don't want a slow, classical-sounding orchestral piece. The goal is to complement the host's presentation style with the music. Once you've answered these types of questions then it's just a matter of explaining your vision to the composer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioun1Zk0Hb9B5nOoESIU4b5ideOLpIp48AQuf920NCR0-U0OMwUpVyfjFMioFOzbf4aYa3ak5UfG16OUptx24-vwjfRBnS9OgG4QK0R6ywW0qmATaY2Wt_y3vWQ0duWaCL9yLJlEIn9gjy/s1600/content_creation_musings_artwork_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioun1Zk0Hb9B5nOoESIU4b5ideOLpIp48AQuf920NCR0-U0OMwUpVyfjFMioFOzbf4aYa3ak5UfG16OUptx24-vwjfRBnS9OgG4QK0R6ywW0qmATaY2Wt_y3vWQ0duWaCL9yLJlEIn9gjy/s200/content_creation_musings_artwork_600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If you still have trouble describing to the composer exactly what you're looking for then I'd suggest finding an existing piece of music that is similar to what you want and ask the composer to use it as a reference point. A quick Google search for a couple stylistic keywords plus āinstrumentalā or āsoundtrackā or similar terms should net the results you want. The internet is full of theme music from popular shows as well as film scores so that's an easy place to go for a reference piece. Also, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/music?ar=2" target="_blank">YouTube Audio Library</a> has lots of pieces of music broken down by genre and mood that can be used to find a starting point. Other stock music sites can help too. You can find a list of these sites at <a href="http://www.jdsutter.me/podcastmusic">www.jdsutter.me/podcastmusic</a><br />
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All of the composers I've worked with have been able to come up with a great tune that fit the needs of the show. Now it may not happen on the first try. I've had to ask for them to take another stab at it on occasion, but a good composer will give you a rough "draft" of the piece for approval before they fully flesh out the instrumentation. Also keep in mind that the composer knows music (if you're using a pro, of course) so be open to how they may interpret your commission. Even if on first listen it may not match with what you heard in your head. They may just have come up with something that you might not have ever thought of.<br />
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<b>Where to Find Composers</b><br />
So where can you find a good composer? Well first, Iād start with any personal connections or references you might have. Or find a composer on SoundCloud whose work you like and reach out to them. You can also try Fiverr or such places, but I don't really recommend those platforms for this type of gig. You just never know what youāre going to get that way.<br />
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Here are a few of the composers that I've either worked with personally or have clients or colleagues who've used them.<br />
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Solomon Kim - <a href="http://solomonkim.me/">http://solomonkim.me/</a><br />
Gabe Miller - <a href="http://gabemillermusic.com/">http://gabemillermusic.com/</a><br />
Conner Savoca - <a href="https://connersavocacomposer.com/">https://connersavocacomposer.com/</a><br />
Garrett Vandenberg - <a href="https://www.garrettvandenberg.com/">https://www.garrettvandenberg.com/</a><br />
Sam Avendano - contact me<br />
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Also, keep in mind that if you have a musician friend you could always just see if they would be up for putting something together for you. One podcaster I know had a friend who played guitar come over to his studio and he just recorded him doing little riffs and strumming around for a few minutes then he took those and cut them into an intro and segment stingers and it sounds great. Now that may not be the best solution for every show, but it's an option to consider.<br />
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<b>Cost</b><br />
Regarding the cost, there's quite a range. It can depend on the complexity of the composition, the length of it, etc. It is a bit of an investment, but one that I think is worth it to have your show stand out and have its own unique sound. I am not opposed to using stock themes or loops for a show, but most times I believe a custom theme is the better option.<br />
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<b>Couple Final Notes</b><br />
Now I realize that some of the above questions are difficult to answer if one has yet to record an episode of their show so I often recommend to clients to record a few test pieces of audio to get a feel for the show's dynamics before commissioning a theme. These recordings may or may not actually be used in a publically released episode, but it will give an idea of what the show could sound like. At the very least, record a few runs at delivering the show opening that will be used with the theme to see how they would sound when mixed together.<br />
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Hopefully this has been helpful. Iād be happy to answer any other questions you might have regarding this topic.<br />
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Send your feedback to show@jdsutter.me.<br />
<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-11545422988332342452017-08-26T15:26:00.002-07:002017-08-26T15:29:49.156-07:007th Gen Kindle Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa Unboxing and First Impressions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1-3Hg_kLXuo2pxraoVWN0JZbtKvG-D8YVHu4QxpUg57ocfDj19WF2EqPZHI0ReZSJ1Fmpaj855xH3BNslYcUntykhc6S5bWGr7DcTZXlSrXJXDUYpnKVs4QPP4CSrUSacRa5Z0u7jc50/s1600/0715171049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1-3Hg_kLXuo2pxraoVWN0JZbtKvG-D8YVHu4QxpUg57ocfDj19WF2EqPZHI0ReZSJ1Fmpaj855xH3BNslYcUntykhc6S5bWGr7DcTZXlSrXJXDUYpnKVs4QPP4CSrUSacRa5Z0u7jc50/s400/0715171049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I decided to take advantage of some Prime Day discounts and pick up the 2017 edition of the Fire 7, Amazon's budget-friendly 7-inch tablet. This is the 8GB model with the Amazon "Special Offers" deals on the lock screen. This post is not a comprehensive review, but I wanted to share my first impressions with the device after putting it through a few paces over the past couple days.<br />
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<h3>
Unboxing</h3>
Inside the package, you'll find the tablet, a/c charger, USB-3 charging cable, and documentation. No special accessories included, which you won't really expect for such a low price.<br />
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The tablet is quite chunky; certainly not a sleek, slim device like the Nexus 7 or similarly sized devices. It has both front- and rear-facing cameras, a speaker on the bottom left-hand corner of the rear side. There is a micro-SD card slot on the right-side and a volume rocker and power/screen-on button on the top. Also on top is the headphone jack and charging port.<br />
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The cable is about 3 feet long so you may need an extension cord if you wish to use the tablet while it's charging. It does fit into the port quite securely unlike some of the other cheap Android devices that I've checked out before.<br />
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The back is plain except for the camera lens in the top left corner, the Amazon logo in the middle top, and the speaker in the bottom left corner. I highly recommend a case as the back gets scratched quite easily. [<a href="http://amzn.to/2weGztc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is the one I chose.</a>]<br />
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<h3>
A Few Specifics</h3>
The tablet is running a customized version of Android, which Amazon calls Fire OS. It does not have access to the Google Play Store so you have to use apps that are available in the Amazon Appstore. This means that none of your typical Google apps, which are often pre-installed on most other Android tablets and phones, are even available for the Fire tablets.<br />
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The Fire has an internet browser called Silk which seemed adequate, but I missed having all of my Chrome bookmarks. The Kindle, Audible, Music and Amazon apps worked quite well as you might expect.<br />
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The speaker on the back has pretty decent volume though you may still want an external speaker or earbuds. I picked up an inexpensive set of AmazonBasics branded earbuds to use with the tablet and have been quite pleased with them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Update: It looks like this model is no longer available. <a href="http://amzn.to/2wIpwm6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here is a similar product.</a>)</td></tr>
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As I mentioned above, I opted for the model which includes ads for specific products on the lock screen. The benefit of this is that the device has a significantly lower price tag than its counterpart without the "Special Offers". I didn't find them to be too bothersome. As soon as you swipe to unlock the screen they go away and you are able to use the device without any restrictions.<br />
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This 7th Generation edition of the tablet also comes with the Alexa Voice Services installed. I found this to be a nice feature, but one I didn't use all that much. I have both the original Echo and an Echo Dot in my home and I use them all the time. I just didn't find a need for Alexa on the tablet, but perhaps with more use of the device that will change.<br />
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<h3>
Final Thoughts</h3>
My favorite use case for the Fire 7 was to read Kindle books. And I did download and try out a couple of free games from the Appstore that were quite enjoyable. This device is not a powerhouse, nor is it intended to be. If you're looking for a productivity tablet then you may want to pass on the Fire 7. But if you want a media consumption device or ebook reader which can also run a few apps and games and has web access, then I don't think you can go wrong for the price.</div>
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<b><a href="http://amzn.to/2uC4epm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out the Fire 7 Here.</a></b></div>
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(I also grabbed a <a href="http://amzn.to/2iBk66u" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pack of screen-protectors</a> to prevent scratches to the screen.)</div>
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You may also want to consider this <a href="http://amzn.to/2vgj8Cd" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fire 7 bundle</a> which includes the tablet, screen protector, and case for a $15 savings.</div>
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<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-21928655513939152992016-08-06T16:28:00.002-07:002018-09-10T18:30:21.162-07:00How To Create A Short-Form Solo Podcast with AudioBoom - CCM8<iframe frameborder="0" height="200px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=13333880&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUhQdbxoB36HVFztSGOAzzzv9w_UL-qJqE2cycJ6YvGhoL-lIa24a5jW0ykSzmuHSxp_WNN-CEt10wDyJev2c_YJXLVWDPjcWmo3xkBXerE_Lhyphenhyphen22DYp_epqYeI28Lp6bqNOrXusN15x7/s1600/content_creation_musings_artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUhQdbxoB36HVFztSGOAzzzv9w_UL-qJqE2cycJ6YvGhoL-lIa24a5jW0ykSzmuHSxp_WNN-CEt10wDyJev2c_YJXLVWDPjcWmo3xkBXerE_Lhyphenhyphen22DYp_epqYeI28Lp6bqNOrXusN15x7/s200/content_creation_musings_artwork.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><i>UPDATE: audioBoom no longer offers a free plan but the rest of the information shared in this episode is still valid.</i></u><br />
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Here is my workflow for using a mobile device to create a solo podcast. This is just to show how easy it can be to get a show going. I use <a href="https://audioboom.com/" target="_blank">audioBoom</a> for this show.</div>
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<b>1. Write episode outline in Google Keep using Nexus 7 tablet or Android phone.</b></div>
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Keep is my note-taking app of choice and I use it for show ideas for all of my podcasts.</div>
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<b>2. Record the episode using the audioBoom app on my phone.</b></div>
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The app allows you to trim the audio at the beginning and end of the recording but doesn't allow for other edits. You can also record your audio in another app and just upload to your audioBoom account through the app if you wish.</div>
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<b>3. Add episode title and description and artwork and upload the file via the audioBoom app.</b></div>
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My artwork is saved in Google Photos, but of course, you could also pull an image from your device memory.</div>
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That's all there is to it! These 3 steps you will go through for each episode.</div>
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After you have recorded your first episode you will then need to activate the podcasting settings in your audioBoom account if you want them to host your feed. You can then submit that to iTunes or run it through Feedburner first. This is what I'd recommend doing in case you decide to take the show in a different direction you can then move from the audioBoom platform without having to change your feed in iTunes.</div>
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It's also possible to simply use them as a media host and pull the URL of your mp3 file and use it in WordPress. However, since this was an experiment on creating a show completely on a mobile device I didn't go that route.</div>
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<b>A few final thoughts:</b></div>
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AudioBoom has autoposting to WordPress and Tumblr capabilities so your posts will be syndicated over there automatically.</div>
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I'm not saying this is the best way to create a solo podcast. Simply that is one way. And if you're really not sure how long you want to commit to creating a show, then it's a great way to give it a try. Especially if you don't have the time or funds to invest in purchasing and setting up a bunch of gear.</div>
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Also, note that this workflow is very limiting. You don't have the flexibility of being able to edit your audio so you have to get it right in one take. And you also can't add intro or outro music, but again, this is just to show you that it can be done. And of course, you can always decide that you want to take the show up a notch and begin to record and edit in something like Audacity and then just upload the file to audioBoom. You can host files up to 10 minutes long for free.</div>
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A few other short-form, top of mind shows that are recorded on mobile devices are John Wilkerson's show <a href="http://www.strugglingforpurpose.com/category/10/" target="_blank">"10 the Podcast"</a>, Albert Hathazi's <a href="http://audioboom.com/alberth" target="_blank">"From The Hip"</a> (Although Albert also does sketches and skits as well) and Paul Colligan's <a href="http://www.paulcolligan.com/thinkingoutloud/" target="_blank">"Thinking Out Loud"</a>. I'm subscribed to each of these shows and recommend you check them out if you're interested in the short, solo podcast format.</div>
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Well, that's how it's done!</div>
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Send your feedback to <a href="mailto:show@jdsutter.me">show@jdsutter.me</a>.</div>
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J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-89088942370075051682016-07-24T15:09:00.005-07:002018-09-10T18:31:41.989-07:00Using Music In Your Podcast - CCM007<iframe frameborder="0" height="200px" src="https://widget.spreaker.com/player?episode_id=13333882&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=true&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false" width="100%"></iframe>
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This episode began as a blog post so instead of a transcript, <a href="http://www.jdsutter.me/2015/06/4-options-for-using-music-in-your-podcast.html" target="_blank">here is a link to the post</a> which contains all the applicable info and links. Send your feedback to <a href="mailto:show@jdsutter.me">show@jdsutter.me</a> or post in the comments below.</div>
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<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-61265964336893800672016-07-14T11:59:00.002-07:002016-07-14T11:59:33.771-07:00Podcaster, Rusty Humphries, Features Binaural Audio Recordings in Tour of Israel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever wanted to visit Israel? How about a fully immersive audio tour of courtesy of podcast, <i>The Rusty Humphries Rebellion</i>? Rusty visited many sites throughout the Jerusalem and the surrounding areas in 2015 and captured his experiences in a mini series on his podcast.
As he toured the country he recorded many of his stops in binaural audio (also known as 3D audio) which gives you an amazing audio experience when listened to with headphones.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_Per73qSbCMlRarF-V6bOyS2LPnIIKfOk7CNyay4QpKe9sS0ZNTuuzyPmN32TK-HMzJiVKem8bcne1_GtDy127VzCfE0xfeOOTSBkVq8q_hH34JvSrxoCFfwnZcYe8LZIR37nk__E9tF/s1600/RustyHumphriesPic2_s220x347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_Per73qSbCMlRarF-V6bOyS2LPnIIKfOk7CNyay4QpKe9sS0ZNTuuzyPmN32TK-HMzJiVKem8bcne1_GtDy127VzCfE0xfeOOTSBkVq8q_hH34JvSrxoCFfwnZcYe8LZIR37nk__E9tF/s320/RustyHumphriesPic2_s220x347.jpg" width="202" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusty Humphries</td></tr>
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This series is downright stunning to listen to. And even if you're not into politics, I recommend checking out this series of episodes only for the sonic experience. I'm not sure if this type of recording is a first for the medium of podcasting, but it's the first time I've ever heard anything like it and I felt it was worth sharing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqKHQMpC-HNPq1pLc1IJvzdTkjhA0qYfEiSV3SsvE4iuXYeszTBuO2_Vo0NBJSbZsPsmkhE1QwhvSN7iqYQQPB1Kamm_u3SKg1YYQz-v6o2VLodUCH_pxnPlkWCAu-KjnVtbum2WKwLnw/s1600/the-rusty-humphries-rebellion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqKHQMpC-HNPq1pLc1IJvzdTkjhA0qYfEiSV3SsvE4iuXYeszTBuO2_Vo0NBJSbZsPsmkhE1QwhvSN7iqYQQPB1Kamm_u3SKg1YYQz-v6o2VLodUCH_pxnPlkWCAu-KjnVtbum2WKwLnw/s320/the-rusty-humphries-rebellion.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'd love to see more content of this kind in the podcasting space. Imagine a travel podcast that takes you on a tour through the various cities they visit. Or a local-focused podcast that records a visit to an event in their town. I could even see a use for this approach with a sports show. Pretty much any genre of podcast could use 3D audio recordings of industry events in their niche.<br />
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Check out the links to the series below. <b>Be sure to listen with headphones.</b><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3535421/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">Rusty Humphries Day One in Israel - The Knesset</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/05-05-15_Israel_Day_1_Knessett_and_Disney.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3536184/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">Rusty Humphries Day 2 in Israel - The Old City Pt 1</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/05-06-15_Israel_Day_2_Old_City.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3538648/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">Rusty In Israel with Aaron Klein and Col. Mike Bumgarner</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/05-07-15_Israel_Day_3.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3542797/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">Rusty Humphries in Israel - Rusty follows in Jesus' footsteps</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/05-08-15_Israel_Day_4_North.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3550421/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">Tour the historic City of David with Rusty</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/City_Of_David_Tour.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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<a href="http://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/3554964/theme/standard/autonext/no/width/600/height/250/thumbnail/yes/category/" target="_blank">The Pope's Palestine Problem and a East Jerusalem Settler</a><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://podcast.washingtontimes.com/humphries/RHR_5142015_Aaron_and_Yishai.mp3" target="_blank">Direct Download Link</a></span></i><br />
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If you are aware of other podcasts that have released binaural recordings please share them in the comments.<br />
<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-50826898418858924322016-03-03T11:38:00.000-07:002016-03-03T11:38:31.481-07:00Ordering the Amazon Echo DotAmazon just unveiled two new devices today which use the Alexa Voice Services. They are the <a href="http://amzn.to/1L6CZq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echo Dot</a> and the <a href="http://amzn.to/1QVW6FF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echo Tap</a> and are both smaller than the <a href="http://jds.link/echo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">original Amazon Echo</a> and seem to be intended to be complimentary to it; a less expensive way to add "Alexa" to multiple rooms of your home. The Dot is a small hockey puck sized device and the Tap is a cylinder about the size of a 16 oz. aluminum can.<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/dp/2016/P/feature-slate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/dp/2016/P/feature-slate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Dot is currently only available to <a href="http://jds.link/prime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime members</a> and you must order by speaking to your Echo device. You must have enabled "Voice Purchasing" in the Alexa app and have set your 1-click payment options before you can place your order. <b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202009720" target="_blank">(Click here for instructions on how to do that.)</a></i></b><br />
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I ordered the <a href="http://amzn.to/1L6CZq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Echo Dot</a> and recorded the exchange so you can see how simple and quick it is. In under a minute, the order was placed.<br />
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<audio controls="controls">
<source src="http://www.mediafire.com/download/7bt73me538c373x/Echo-Dot-Order_edit.mp3"></source>
<source src="http://www.mediafire.com/download/7bt73me538c373x/Echo-Dot-Order_edit.mp3"></source>
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<embed 0="" flashvars="audioUrl=http://www.mediafire.com/download/7bt73me538c373x/Echo-Dot-Order_edit.mp3" quality="best" src="http://www.google.com/reader/ui/3523697345-audio-player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="650? height="></embed>
</audio>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOQaYchi6TVdT5RsIjSiOf8tgBjSKVw0AEcdpphZ1H-o2-x0iXiAzjW6Y2Wu_-FZp0HYJsauXylxR2d474s4kECOkhM8LKIMSFWXBgEYAyFE_-bVJjBqpZb_VpDMwAp4iauW1UYUKeQPl/s1600/Screenshot+amazon+dot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOQaYchi6TVdT5RsIjSiOf8tgBjSKVw0AEcdpphZ1H-o2-x0iXiAzjW6Y2Wu_-FZp0HYJsauXylxR2d474s4kECOkhM8LKIMSFWXBgEYAyFE_-bVJjBqpZb_VpDMwAp4iauW1UYUKeQPl/s400/Screenshot+amazon+dot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still image from the Dot promo video</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>For more info see the links below. </b><br />
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<a href="http://jds.link/echo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Echo</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1L6CZq3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Echo Dot</a><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1QVW6FF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Echo Tap</a><br />
<a href="http://jds.link/prime" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a><br />
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<i>(This post contains affiliate links.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-87705763671969296132015-11-02T15:59:00.000-07:002015-11-03T07:28:47.075-07:00Is FeedBurner's Future Brighter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_2LbTYi-hwxvAO79zcxnZ6F3mzBSpmajCwAri5_yPGw7hzwrh78J4-CBkh3XLO4PaHbRTW8w1WtcyJXDihQtXcYjiwdqEWppPrLME0lvhV9vi9pUA3-79B2CVL_Zb646oqq1LZsMfkuh/s1600/feedburner-future-jd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_2LbTYi-hwxvAO79zcxnZ6F3mzBSpmajCwAri5_yPGw7hzwrh78J4-CBkh3XLO4PaHbRTW8w1WtcyJXDihQtXcYjiwdqEWppPrLME0lvhV9vi9pUA3-79B2CVL_Zb646oqq1LZsMfkuh/s640/feedburner-future-jd.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Given the fact that Google is now taking an interest in podcasting by adding them to Google Play Music does that mean that they will begin supporting podcasters in other ways also? There are a couple of Google services which could help the community even more if Google would take a little time to tweak a few things here and there.<br />
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<h4>
Feedburner</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj300PJM5lbTFvoBHuPzUvZUxcgWsYu_TU2vdwqrsy0XaplexfbD-8NT0XVQYiFdOXlO_Qfi6rIfGhsrAMXH-E5c1dthXzlnC9VoovQ-Kjm9gC1IjNxwFUw38l4P3-CsuVhc8nWwMAFTzT-/s1600/feedburner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj300PJM5lbTFvoBHuPzUvZUxcgWsYu_TU2vdwqrsy0XaplexfbD-8NT0XVQYiFdOXlO_Qfi6rIfGhsrAMXH-E5c1dthXzlnC9VoovQ-Kjm9gC1IjNxwFUw38l4P3-CsuVhc8nWwMAFTzT-/s1600/feedburner.JPG" /></a></div>
Google's RSS feed service, FeedBurner, has long been thought to be on it's way out by many leading voices in the podcast industry. It has been the cause of some compatibility issues over the last couple of years and has been largely untouched by Google for quite a while. But for podcast creators who are creating a show strictly as a hobby and have no desire to monetize their show and are not willing to pay recurring monthly fees for web and/or media hosting, FeedBurner is still one of the only options for creating an RSS feed which has the required elements for podcasting. My hope is that this news about Google Play Music means that Google will also begin to give FeedBurner some much-needed attention. (By the way, they did update the logo to match their new look so they haven't completely abandoned it.)<br />
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<h4>
Blogger</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aUewDCNs6RqGJ6sCWjF0Nvzqu_LH5kwrWD05_A6zohLde5Hg3labRfBcqkjPHJ5GRDQIsKvVLxIryO1-iU5TAFWRIAVNin_sOi4HAcxtODglj61U4l_eeJb14KTVYdqkUAHMHqCqPVF_/s1600/bloggerCapture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aUewDCNs6RqGJ6sCWjF0Nvzqu_LH5kwrWD05_A6zohLde5Hg3labRfBcqkjPHJ5GRDQIsKvVLxIryO1-iU5TAFWRIAVNin_sOi4HAcxtODglj61U4l_eeJb14KTVYdqkUAHMHqCqPVF_/s1600/bloggerCapture.JPG" /></a></div>
Blogger has been a popular tool for many years for folks wanting to have a personal blog to share with family and friends. There has also been some use of the service for more professional blogs, but WordPress seems to be the platform of choice for those users. Although Blogger does have several features which are great for podcasting, (URL redirection for creating short slugs to redirect to posts, support for media enclosures in the post editor, etc.) there are more things that could be added to the tool to make it more accessible for podcasting.<br />
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<h4>
Google Voice</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9kEnehAeGRRyygVnPEPj-1f0bitfcU5TRpvCtpnGpls-xEn5pVYXZMAfHUqxs2dDm6ADHEOV8LBJZUzcgHdDilsOwaq84STox44wBuvOtsErHb744FYGQXdTzfUQwEr4GwivoXpp6rhG/s1600/Google+Voice.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP9kEnehAeGRRyygVnPEPj-1f0bitfcU5TRpvCtpnGpls-xEn5pVYXZMAfHUqxs2dDm6ADHEOV8LBJZUzcgHdDilsOwaq84STox44wBuvOtsErHb744FYGQXdTzfUQwEr4GwivoXpp6rhG/s200/Google+Voice.png" width="200" /></a></div>
I've been a user of Google Voice since it's original incarnation as Grand Central. My GV number has been my primary one for many years. But I have also been using a separate Voice number as a feedback hotline for my podcast network for several years as well. This has been a great option for us and it would be wonderful to see Google make this tool a bit more adaptable for this use case. In particular, I'd like to see the ability to customize the website call-in widgets and the ability to upload an mp3 file as my default voicemail greeting.<br />
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Without a doubt, the fact that Google has entered into the podcasting space is a good sign for podcasters. I'm hopeful that this move is the first in a series of moves that Google makes to show the podcasting community that they're interested in supporting them. There are many ways for them to improve their tools for podcasters and let's hope that the team working on this project is willing to engage with the community to see how we might work together.<br />
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What are your thoughts on these issues? Let me know in the comments below.<br />
<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934820040289235478.post-11839912082630494932015-10-28T10:32:00.002-07:002015-10-28T10:32:16.364-07:00Google Embraces Podcasting: Podcasts To Be Added To Google Play MusicThere has been an exciting development since my post from a couple months ago entitled, <a href="http://www.jdsutter.me/2015/08/hey-google-wheres-love-for-podcasting.html" target="_blank">Hey Google! Where's The Love For Podcasting?</a> Yesterday, October 27, 2015, <a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/10/podcasters-welcome-to-google-play-music.html" target="_blank">Google announced via their Official Android blog</a> that theyāve launched a Podcast Portal for show producers to submit their content for inclusion in the soon-to-be rolled out podcast directory in Google Play Music (GPM). This is very exciting news for podcast creators as this will open up this medium to a potentially massive audience. In my opinion, this is a long overdue move by Google, but Iām very glad to see that theyāre making a move into the space and Iām very optimistic about the possibilities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrdWSxqCt9akv8g1dzdSbpKFYsvACW5d9NLGSqLJmSeHl5wQOb_YbLYcHqpCvt4dR-2VvIFcXdbIGTtWRZnIGblmzi3qr_YThqns_H4pKXgh248KYNj7nGK8-pWSlYOQmSPU1Xt_bmvOB/s1600/GPM-podcast-portal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrdWSxqCt9akv8g1dzdSbpKFYsvACW5d9NLGSqLJmSeHl5wQOb_YbLYcHqpCvt4dR-2VvIFcXdbIGTtWRZnIGblmzi3qr_YThqns_H4pKXgh248KYNj7nGK8-pWSlYOQmSPU1Xt_bmvOB/s640/GPM-podcast-portal.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The submission process is very quick and easy. You simply navigate to the <a href="http://g.co/podcastportal" target="_blank">Podcast Portal</a>, paste in your RSS feed URL. Google then looks at the email address in your feed and will send you an ownership verification code to that email address. Either paste that code into the filed in the Podcast Portal or click the link in the email. Next, the RSS feed info will populate into the system and you just click the button to submit your show. Youāll then receive an email letting you know that youāre show has been reviewed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtAZe9EcF4yPijDi8P4ehCr6cz1HJ6TsVI3Y3pwh5ARTx07eWDVMc5zgKsH0LVIUlwihxvDYxwcJH1za2AUg51zJZrfq3fdSxOsPGY3RK6kunOSlvrYA9gmib7bCWw5MJoI60iyurnxNm/s1600/Screenshot_2015-10-28-09-04-15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtAZe9EcF4yPijDi8P4ehCr6cz1HJ6TsVI3Y3pwh5ARTx07eWDVMc5zgKsH0LVIUlwihxvDYxwcJH1za2AUg51zJZrfq3fdSxOsPGY3RK6kunOSlvrYA9gmib7bCWw5MJoI60iyurnxNm/s320/Screenshot_2015-10-28-09-04-15.png" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GPM approval email</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Hereās a recap of the 3 step submission process:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Provide your RSS feed</li>
<li>Verify ownership</li>
<li>Submit your show</li>
</ol>
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All three of the shows Iāve submitted thus far have been reviewed and approved within just a few minutes. If your show is rejected for some reason I assume that you will receive notification of that as well. Just remember that the actual user interface has not yet launched. At this point, the Google Play Music team is just trying to build up the catalog of shows so the content is readily available at the time of public launch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNetDvkjVoAzYi7YKIhUUwSLiRecf0REpJfDJnC-nTLfMUBx-TdDDx71o8Zpmj3yhpZ1K7jJwVDVp_cm278xEJIhBFX_xXzs5jfG4LVFsS2Mt1UBC7yWH8EZZuxLJGK5UQh3Wm_XjBkhq/s1600/CCM-GPM-capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNetDvkjVoAzYi7YKIhUUwSLiRecf0REpJfDJnC-nTLfMUBx-TdDDx71o8Zpmj3yhpZ1K7jJwVDVp_cm278xEJIhBFX_xXzs5jfG4LVFsS2Mt1UBC7yWH8EZZuxLJGK5UQh3Wm_XjBkhq/s400/CCM-GPM-capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of a show listing in the GPM Podcast Portal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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For more information and details about this development Iād recommend listening to a <a href="http://blog.libsyn.com/2015/10/27/the-feed-special-google-play-music-adds-podcasts/" target="_blank">special episode of Libsynās <i>The Feed</i> podcast</a> in which Rob Walch interviews Googler, Elias Roman. The interview is contained in the first 15 minutes of the episode, but if you use Libsyn as your media host then itās worth listening to the full episode to learn how Libsyn will be interfacing with GPM.<br />
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Again, Iām very excited about this move by Google. It seems that they are finally taking podcasting seriously. Now if theyād just get Feedburner up to dateā¦<br />
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<h4>
Links:</h4>
<a href="http://officialandroid.blogspot.com/2015/10/podcasters-welcome-to-google-play-music.html" target="_blank">Google's Announcement</a><br />
<a href="http://g.co/podcastportal" target="_blank">GPM Podcast Portal</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.libsyn.com/2015/10/27/the-feed-special-google-play-music-adds-podcasts/" target="_blank"><i>The Feed</i> Interview</a><br />
<br />J.D. Sutterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00346426516937055741noreply@blogger.com