I really suck at podcasting

[Rasheed]

I tried to create a podcast about running and after two episodes I'm realizing I really suck at podcasting. I have no clue what to talk about, how to say it to make it more entertaining, and what to leave out and what not.

To top it off, I have criticized some podcasters on a podcast network about technical issues (ID tags and MP3 conversion) and now they seem to hate my guts, because in their eyes I only nag and nag and don't give enough credit and positive feedback to the podcasting network. Well, I'm like that when I'm frustrated because things don't go my way. I'm sorry, but I can't change the way I am in an instance. I'm only human and bad habbits take a long time (if ever) to get rid of.

Against all good advice I published two awful sounding podcast episodes, which, in hindsight, I wouldn't even listen to myself.

It is just a mess.

What do you fine people think I should do next? Continue trying until I've created an episode that rocks, or just give up? Or perhaps scale down and try to create audio comments for podcasts instead?

Of course, I first have to get rid of my frustration, because that feeling really sucks as well and is very counterproductive.

[Yotto]

1) Listen to your shows critically and try to figure out *why* they suck (your words, not mine. I'm heeding your warning and not listening :) )

2) Continue to podcast only if you really want to be a podcaster. This ain't easy (which is why people tend to get defensive if you point out problems in their shows) and you do need to really want to do it. Usually, the only benefit is the feeling of accomplishment.

3) Learn all you can about editing, noise reduction, leveling, and all the other tricks we use to make crappy audio sound good.

4) Listen to Phedippidations if you don't already and maybe ask him how he does it (I've never listened, just know the show exists and is similar to what you want to do)

[Rasheed]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter.

I clearly have to do some soul searching.

Luckily, I have found some guidance I couldn't get at this podcast hosting provider: Absolute Beginner's Guide to Podcasting. And boy, do I need guidance! I can tell from reading the first few chapters.

I will work through the book and see if I like podcasting by creating some test podcasts and ask some of my running friends to tell me what they think of them and what they think could improve.

At least, I now have a strategy. Being without a clue is so frustrating.

[RobotsLove]

Don't be too hard on yourself since you picked one of the most difficult things to do both technically, being on location, and content-wise, interviewing people on the street.

I think you would feel comfortable nailing down the basics in a controlled environment. I'm just starting as well, and even though I've been lucky enough to have a good amount of experience with recording audio as well as journalism, I still don't have the confidence as a microphone speaker.

I whole-heartedly agree with sitting down and disecting what you've done already as a road map to fix those issues in the future. I know the biggest thing for me is speaking clearly without swallowing my words and slowing down my thinking so I don't stumble over myself when I speak.

Good luck.

[WyethDigital]

I've noticed a bit of the "know-it-all" persona around here that your post implies that you've projected, and the first thing I can tell you is something you've already learned: Technology and knowledge of specs only gets you so far. There needs to be something intangible. Being able to approach the people you've irritated and telling them that maybe they were onto something that you weren't will go a long way towards mending fences, getting advice and maybe even easing some of that frustration.

The second thing I can tell you is that podcasting should not start out being a chore, it should be at the very least, a curious attraction, and at best a passion. Yes, there are some things that will grind, no matter what how much you enjoy the rest of it, but the key to that is putting as much emphasis as you can on the parts you love.

Finally, everybody's first podcasts pretty much blow. Bad! Get used to the idea of sucking for several weeks to come. Maybe longer. Find what bugs you and slowly improve upon it. Practice in a mirror, or do a dress rehearsal without a mic. Ask someone to listen to you as you record. There are lots of tricks.

Eric

PS -- And yes, listen to Pheddipidations. It's an excellent show and probably the standard bearer of it's genre.

[Rasheed]

I can't thank you enough for your support and thoughts on the matter.

Phedippidations was what brought me on the idea of creating a podcast. I already contacted Steve about what mics to use some weeks ago. He is very approachable and also told me how much time he spent in postproduction. I think it shows, because his show is so well produced.

Yes, I know some technical stuff, because I'm a geek (in a good sense), but I'm a bit weak in the practical stuff. However, I don't want to approach podcasting as a technical exercise. I'm geniunly interested in how people of all running abilities fit running into their lives and what I (and hopefully my listeners) can learn from that.

I don't know if I'm going to produce a podcast, but, at least, I will have gained some friends when I look for fellow runners (maybe potential listeners) and what they can tell me about their love for the sport. I'm sure it will be an interesting experience.