What Makes a Good Podcast/Vodcast?

jtirrell's picture

There is a lot of advice online about what makes a good podcast or vodcast. Find some information about what makes a good podcast or vodcast by searching the Web and do these four things in a comment:

  1. Post the link to the advice
  2. Summarize the advice
  3. Identify one aspect of the advice that you think is sound, and explain why
  4. identify one aspect of the advice that you think is contestable, and explain why you think so

What makes a good podcast?

http://www.museumpods.com/id350.html

Buster Ratliff, who produces podcasts for Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM), gave a brief summary of some things he’s learned about podcasts and how to make them better. He broke down six steps that he takes every time he produces an audio or video podcast:

1. Create the goal of the podcast.
2. Know the abilities and characteristics of those involved.
3. Know your audience.
4. Outline the podcast.
5. Practice.
6. Get feedback.

He also explains that every podcast is different and subjective. He has won awards for podcasts he liked and ones he didn’t like. It’s just completely up to the listener/viewer to make up their mind. Also, different styles should be used for different topics/situations.

My favorite piece of advice is to outline the podcast. I don’t think it would be smart or practical to just pick a topic and try to talk about that topic for a certain amount of time without planning it out. If it were a speech, presentation, lecture, etc. then it would be planned out ahead of time, and so should a podcast. But, I also agree with him when he said that a strict script shouldn’t be written out. I like the idea that it should be more conversational and less rehearsed, but I think that the topics should have time to simmer in the minds of the people that are going to be discussing the topic and not just be jumped into.

I think that all 6 of his tips are good pieces of advice, but the one I find least useful is to practice. Like I said earlier, I wouldn’t want my podcast to feel rehearsed or scripted. But, I would want it to be well-thought out. Practicing it allows for the people involved to potentially memorize what they want to say and then it could come off as rehearsed. I think that it is smart to practice talking into a microphone or being filmed for a video podcast. That way they will be more comfortable with their surroundings, but the practice doesn’t need to involve the topic of that particular podcast. That all being said, I think all of his advice was helpful.

Running and Life Podcast

http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/7125756

This podcast is outlined at the beginning and the topics are introduced. They will discuss: running up 42 flights of stairs, back injuries in injury corner, how to annoy race directors (adding some humor), and an interview with two marathon legends. They are targeting an audience of runners, but people that are new to running or don't run at all can still understand the topic. During the interview with the marathon "legends" the quality of the recording is pretty poor. It's difficult to understand the interviewees and the volume needs to be turned up. There are multiple participants as well. On top of the two hosts, there is an interview with two more people, and there are a few random people that chime in.

A Good Podcast



Dan Dodge, a Developer Advocate at Google who helps developers build new applications on Google platforms, writes a blog on business and technology called “Dan Dodge on The Next Big Thing.” In his post What Makes a Good Podcast?, Dodge complains that the basic problems with podcasts are they are too long and unfocused, not well-defined, tagged, or searchable, and not of professional quality. His five characteristics of a good podcast are:

1. Short and focused - Less than 5 minutes focused on one topic
2. Timely interesting topic
3. Offer an insight that hasn't been exposed in print
4. Professional quality - the audio track of a video is particularly important
5. Descriptive headline that explains what the podcast will be about

With the large number of amateur podcasts on the internet, it seems that Dodge’s advice to make a podcast searchable with a descriptive headline is sound. A podcast could easily be ignored if its audience has no conception of what its topic is.

However, I don’t agree with Dodge’s 5 minutes or less restriction. From what I’ve heard of them, I enjoy longer podcast segments like This American Life, which is an hour long. I can see why some podcasts would better fill their purpose with shorter segments though.

Second Stage



http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90256296

I listened to a podcast from NPR’s Second Stage page, featuring musician Lucy Bland. The podcast is outlined in the beginning by introducing Lucy Bland, and then goes right into playing one of her songs, “Sea Level.” This podcast is very tight and focused: lasting just over five minutes, its only purpose is to “showcase great unknown talent,” so it makes sense that the majority of its content is the actual song.

Making a Good Podcast

http://articles.marco.org/184

Marco Arment, lead developer of Tumblr, wrote at article with advice about making a good podcast. He describes tips for the actual content of your podcast, not much about the technical aspects behind making the actual recording. His advice is broken down as follows:

1. Get a friend- one person talking can be boring, but each person talking should have a distinct voice
2. Use audio level compression- makes all sounds the same volume, radio stations use this
3. Get a decent speech microphone or at least a good computer microphone- helps you sound professional
4. Use Skype sparingly- sound messes up a lot with Skype, only use it if you know it well and don't have a good alternative
5. Skip bumpers and large introductions- it's not live and listeners already know who you are/ about your website
6. Don't commit to a duration-- may end up cutting good content or padding lower quality content
7. Omit music from talk shows- only use if music is the focus of the podcast, listeners want to hear good content
8. When to use Video- only use video if it is necessary, otherwise it doesn't add value

I agree with only using video if it is important to the nature of your podcast. For instance, if you were showing your audience how to make a recipe, video would help you be a lot more clear. Video is also good if you want to draw something or show a chart to make a point. However, if the video consists only of you talking to the camera, then it is not necessary for you to have video and should not use it.

It doesn't seem necessary to always have multiple people in a podcast. Arment says that podcasts with only one person speaking can be boring, which may be true in some cases, but I've listened to podcasts with only one person speaking before and found them interesting. Having more than one person in a podcast depends on the situation.

Reply to Podcast Post

http://indietravelpodcast.com/podcast/017-independent-travel-in-new-zeal...

This site has a wide variety of podcasts that all relate to travel. This one follows the recommendations of Arment very well. There are two people giving the podcast, which makes it conversational. There was a very short introduction at the begining, less than 10 seconds, and no music was used. They both make jokes throughout the podcast that make it entertaining to listen to, even if you have to intention of traveling to the location that they are discussing. It didn't seem like there was a set duration for the podcasts. The sound was good quality and there are even transcripts of each podcast that are posted a few days after each podcasts, if you prefer to read the content instead. No video was used in this podcast, which was fine as it would not have added much value.

What makes a good podcast

http://educatorblog.wordpress.com/2009/04/03/podcasting1/

This advice comes from a blogger on Word Press, who apparently is some type of teacher or professor. He's considering using podcasts next year for his classroom and is questioning what makes a good podcast. He quotes Dan Meyer, who said:

  1. Successful blogging requires original thought, sturdy writing,and bloodthirsty editing.
  2. Successful podcasting requires original thought, sturdy writing, bloodthirsty editing, and a command of the aural experience.
  3. Successful vodcasting requires original thought, sturdy writing, bloodthirsty editing,a command of the aural experience, and a command of the visual experience.

So basically what Meyer and the blogger want to stress is that in all these forms the focus is the content. You must have good content to keep an audience's attention. It gets harder as you move on to podcasting and vodcasting because then you must have auditory and visual skills as well as the content.

The blogger wasn't sure about how you "command the aural experience" so he began to create a list of attributes from podcasts he listens to. The list included how often the podcast had use of themed segments, theme-based interviews, evidence between personal relationships between multiple hosts, and when hosts used humor.

One thing that I completely agree with this blogger is that content is a must for a successful podcast. Good content is the base of any good podcast. Without having a planned content, the person podcasting will just ramble and not have any order to the show.

One part of this blogger's advice that I would question is his chart. It's a good idea, but you have to be careful that what you notice about podcasts is what makes that a good podcast. He charts that almost always the podcasts uses humor. Well, if someone is podcating about something serious where it wouldn't be in good taste to use humor, then it wouldn't be a good thing to use humor.

Podcast reply

I listened to a podcast from NPR about Alice in Wonderland--the new movie and the book. This podcast focused on how the book is full of lessons about math and was a reflection about the mathematical abstraction going on during the time.

The podcast had a definite focus and stayed on topic. It was only four minutes long so your attention didn't wander.

What makes a good podcast

http://www.easypeasy.com/guides/article.php?article=214

1. The author breaks down what makes a good podcast in to six categories:
Identity - establish a way for people to hook into your podcast
Top and tail - make sure your podcast has a beginning, middle and end
Summarize - this helps the audience decide if they want to keep listening
Length - make sure it isn't too long
Quality - no one will want to listen to your podcast if it isn't clear
Content - the most important aspect of your podcast is the content, it has to be interesting

2. I think this blog had a lot of solid advice in it. One good idea was to get a pop shield to make p's and b's not sound so harsh. If you can't afford one, you can make one out of tights.

3. There isn't much advice on the blog that I thought was contestable, but it would have looked much more credible and professional had the author used complete sentences with capitalization.

http://www.podcastalley.com/p

http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=1917
The Keith and The Girl podcast fits the criteria that the class set up pretty well. They have a clear purpose and identity - they are a couple that answers relationship advice. They have a specific audience: probably a younger audience, because of their somewhat vulgar language and sarcastic humor, who are in a relationship. They have a clear beginning and end that is signified by their theme music (?). They also have a conversational tone because it's both people in the relationship speaking. At some points I don't think that their podcast seemed very focused.

Maria's: What Makes a Good Podcast?

1.) http://dondodge.typepad.com/the_next_big_thing/2006/09/what_makes_a_go.html
2.) He listed five main criteria that are necessary for a successful podcost or vodcast. One, keep it short and focused. Podcasts should be less than five minutes, be focused and strictly about one specific topic. They should also be brief and possess an interesting topic. Dodge also writes that a good podcast offers an insight that has never been exposed in print. The podcast should also be of professional quality, especially a video track. Dodge also writes that they should have a descriptive headline that explains what the podcast will be about.
3.) One aspect of the advice that I got from this site was the need for a timely, brief and focused podcast with a topic that will be of interest to people. This advice was the most sound and helpful in the top five criteria for a successful podcast. The reason why I think this is the best advice is because it is almost always better to have a focused and brief presentation that relays one topic or message that is of interest to a majority of people. Long, rambling and unfocused presentations are not met with interest to an audience, especially if you are trying to accomplish something with your podcast.
4.) One aspect of the advice that I thought would be contestable was the idea that the podcast or vodcast should be on something that provides insight that has never been written about before. As a student of professional writing I know that this is not always the most realistic advice. I don’t think that it is necessary for a podcast to always be on something that has never been done before.

Reply to Podcast Post

I watched a Jeff Bridges interview with the Vegas Film Critics Podcast. The interview was about the movie "Ironman" that Bridges starred in. This podcast went against the advice that I agreed with on my making a good podcast advice. The interview lasted much longer than 5 minutes, and it strayed between different topics but they were mostly generated around Jeff Bridges and the production of "Ironman."

What Makes a Good Podcast/Vodcast?

1. http://cctblog.typepad.com/cctnewsblog/2006/04/what_makes_a_go.html

2. The author of this article talks about three important facts to keep in mind while making a podcast. Firstly to have educational briefing. The podcast should be knowledgeable and unbiased. Secondly he talks about the conversational dialog. The podcast should demonstrate visibility for the listeners. And lastly he points out that a good podcast should have "Ad hoc interviews". This will promote their podcast to others and it also gives advertisers online exposure. He also sayd, "In my view, a good podcast is:
short (15 minutes or less)
conversational (features more than one person)
moderated (identifies speakers and controls content)
instructive (gives take-away tips)
glitch-free (plays without interruption)
lively (with animated speakers)
production-quality (musical interludes, etc.)"

3. I agree with this author that a podcast should include more than just one person. By adding more people into your podcast/vodcast you get more of a variety of details and advice. It's also a good way to get diverse opinions on topics.

4. Most of his tips about podcast I would agree with. If I had to choose something to disagree with it would probably be the fact that the cast should last for 15 minutes (or less). I feel 15 minutes is a longer time than it should last and people would get bored with the podcast if it's not something they are super interested in. I also don't think it's necessary to have a guest speaker in every podcast, all though it's a good idea I don't think it's absolutely necessary.

Tri Talk Podcasts

Tri-Talk Podcast:
http://cdn2.libsyn.com/tritalk/tri_talk_56.mp3?nvb=20100322173610&nva=20...

Positive Things:
-Introduces the specific topic for the episode.
-Talks about goals and how to reach those goals.
-Music clips are energetic
-Talks about motivation for triathlons
-Gives good advice for new athletes and people who have been doing this for years.

Negative Things:
-Talks a bit much about himself and his history
-Commercials/breaks --> has to do with triathlons though which is a plus
-Seems like he is talking from a script

Navid Sharifian

That Guy's picture

1. http://creativesuitepodcast.com/
2. A podcast that helps you use adobe products to make specific to broad projects.
3. The advice can help beginners and is a lot simpler to follow than written instructions, some of the casts are vodcast so you have the audio and visual aspect of teaching in your hand.
4. Some times the advice assumes the user knows more than they do, beginning tutorials might overstep the teaching curve and give true beginners a harder time learning from the material.

Probably the biggest oversight in my opinion is the vast gap between diffrent users and the ability to comprehend what is being taught. The organization of the podcasts is not completly coherent, at most you can select a program and look through a list of podcasts and vodcasts.

Honestly what makes a good podcast/vodcast to me is a speaker who can capture the listeners attention and not confuse or lose them in the process of explaining,telling,or entertaining their consumer. If the information is consitent and organized as well as easy to attain that makes the experience a lot more soothing and simplified.

Ta da

That Guy's picture

http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=2836

Talks about new tech in a comedic fashion, it either grabs the audience and helps keep them up to date or it loses them. The two people talking back to back to me have me a Mystery Science Theater feel that I enjoyed and allowed me to further listen to the subject. Loud,clear,comedic,and straight to the point.

Good Podcast

.

http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/198019

I listened to a Podcast called "What makes a good Podcast?". In this episode, a person from the School of Podcasting finally addresses this widely asked question. He does give some specific things that make a good Podcast such as picturing your audience and trying to suit your Podcast for what they like. He said that Podcasting is "one-on-one communication" and that they are ultimately the ones who decide if your Podcast is good or bad. Overall though, I think that he gave a broad answer by saying that it is dependent on you.

One piece of advice that I thought was sound was when he said "If you leave them wanting to hear more ... than that's a good Podcast." I thought that this was sound advice because it backs up everything that he was saying about focusing on your audience and what they like. One sign that you have the audience interested is when you leave them wanting more and that should definitely be a major focus of any Podcaster.

One thing that I did not like a lot about this Podcast was the fact that the Podcaster did not answer that question as thoroughly as he could have. He gave some sound advice and techniques, but ultimately said that it was up to you. I think that he could have gave more specific details about how to gain an audiences attention and to leave them wanting more.

What Makes a Good Podcast/Vodcast?

1. http://www.podcastingforlawyers.com/What_makes_a_professional_podcast.html

2. The advice given on this website seemed pretty accurate. The basic assumption about podcasts is that the quality of the final product reflects directly on the company or person that creates it. In a technological world, consumers and listeners expect high qualitiy podcasts that don't allow excess noises and hums to distract from the initial purpose.

3. I found that the following sentence had some real truth and substance: "You want to pay attention to the quality of your podcasts as they reflect on you, your company, and/or your services." If a consumer determines the effectiveness of a service based on the podcast a particular company produces, they are expecting professionalism. Once a consumer is distracted from a service because of the quality of a podcast, they may not consider the company as an option again.

4. Within the lists of good and bad podcasts, one of the bullets was confusing. A good podcast..."has video float overs to illustrate and accent the video presentation." Not only does this sentence seem confusing in structure, but it is unclear as to what it means in the first place; this may be because I haven't worked with podcasts before. Also, a good podcast doesn't necessarily require specific elements, other than proper quality.

What Makes a Good Podcast?

http://uncatalogedmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-makes-good-podcast.html

According to Linda Norris, a Fullbright Scholar from New York, the best podcasts employ the "Four C's:"

1. Conversational: The podcast narrator is easy and fun to listen to, not jargon filled.
2. Content and Context: The listener actually learns some information and can put it into a larger context.
3. Connection: The podcast narrator finds a way to connect directly with the listener/viewer.
4. Concise: The podcast needs to be direct and brief.

I think that she makes good points with all of these "C's" -- clearly, in order to get the message across, the podcaster should keep in mind these tips. If the podcast is too long or wordy, it will lose the interest of the listener. If the podcast content is not applicable to other information outside of the podcast, it can't be placed into larger context and is virtually pointless. Connection and Converstional coincide because they both involve engaging the listener. All of this advice is sound.

I think that the post could have included some advice on quality of the podcast as well. Even if the podcaster uses all four "C's," if the sound or picture quality is poor, the listener won't get the best experience -- they may not even listen to the whole thing. I think that technological quality of podcasts is almost just as important as context and connection with the audience, and it could have been mentioned in the article.

Podcast Analysis

http://c1.libsyn.com/media/1716/218AmateurTraveler.mp3?nvb=2010032217332...

Good:
- Has an introduction/outline
- Good sound
- Suits audience who wants to travel to this place ()
- Tight Focus on the Basdlfkand Islands (800 miles north of Tahiti)
- Establishes an identity of interviewer and knowledgable traveler
- Gives specific information/details about the topic

Podcast Advice

http://www.mcelhearn.com/2006/03/12/kirks-eight-rules-of-effective-podca...

The page highlights simple steps someone can take to make his/her podcast one that will draw an audience. Introduces eight rules of effective podcasting.

The advice that is most helpful, I believe, is that you should be prepared. Taking notes before you begin your podcast will help you not to ramble and stay on topic. If you ramble too much on a podcast the listener will become disinterested.

All of the rules outlined seem to be helpful to me but one that could be contestable is "be short and simple." Some subjects might not allow for a short and simple approach.

Podcast

http://www.podcastalley.com/podcast_details.php?pod_id=94275

The advice I looked at talked about not overusing background music in a podcast. During this particular podcast there is music playing throughout the podcast and makes it difficult to hear the speaker.

Podcasts

http://articles.marco.org/184

This article basically gives many tips on how to make a podcast 'not suck'. The author admits that he did not think that podcasts would stay successful, but he admits that podcasts have made a huge jump, and he thinks that they will be around for a very long time.

Some of the tips he gives are:

  • Get a friend
  • Use audio compression
  • Use a decent microphone
  • Skip large intros/outros
  • Omit music in talk shows

I think that one of the pieces of advice that he gives, about skipping bumpers and large intros, is one of the more important tips he gives. The podcasts are not live, so people will not be tuning in and out, thus there is less of a need for intros. Also, he deduces that most listeners of podcasts are repeat listeners, and will have heard the intro previously. The show is already described and summarized if it is on a venue such as iTunes.

The author also says that all music should be omitted in talk shows. I don't necessarily think that is true. Sometimes there needs to be a break between topic changes, or just to break up the monotony of speaking.

NCAA handicappers podcast

Two men, Dave Cokin and Jim Feist, preview the 2010 NCAA Tournament.

This fits in with the guidelines that Marco provided because there are two men to break up the monotomy of a single speaker. Also, one of the more notable issue was that they had a very VERY short intro. It basically was only a couple of sentences. There was a description of the podcast already, so it was not necessary for them to explain what the podcast was going to be about. There is no music, and there is also no music in this podcast either.

This podcast is sucessful, but would only be on interest to a certain audience-- sports fans. Otherwise, this podcast could put people to sleep.

Makings of a good podcast

http://www.translationdirectory.com/articles/article2095.php

Essentially the article boiled down keep your podcast short, a command of your information, no technical errors, and keep it lively.

Keeping the errors out of the podcast is an invaluable piece of advice. Anytime I come across errors in a podcast it completely distracts me. I have unsubscribed to many many podcasts for this very reason.

The length of the podcast is something that I don't completely agree with. 15 minutes is fairly short. I tend to listen to the longer podcasts. This is because I listen to talk radio while I drive and music any other time. I listen to podcasts while I am working out. If the podcast is longer I am more engaged in the podcast for a longer amount of time which seems to help the sustainability of my workout.

http://mmajunkie.com/misc/rad

http://mmajunkie.com/misc/radio.mma

MMAJunkie Radio effectively outlines their entire show at the beginning of their show. I also like how at the end of their show they wrap up by thanking their guests and briefing over what they have already gone through for the day. This is also a means of them creating a beginning middle and end structure.

Their content is broad in topic but focused in what they are addressing for the day. This is slightly contradictory to the advise found by my classmates but it is an enormous topic and a 2 hour podcast in most cases.

MMAJunkie Radio host a camcast of their radio show but it isn't part of their podcast which I think is a great idea. Besides the opportunity for watchers to physically SEE their favorite fighters in the studio, it doesn't really produce much that isn't already provided by the audio.

They address and speak with not only each other in conversational means, as well as incoming callers, but also with all levels of fighters from amateur to professional levels, which is a great product to be able to provide their audience.

What makes a good podcast video?

http://dondodge.typepad.com/the_next_big_thing/2006/09/what_makes_a_go.html

With podcasts on the rise, many people are trying to discover what all the fuss is about, and how they can get in on creating podcast. In the post "The Next Big Thing," Don Dodge outlines his top 5 pieces of advice for someone who wants to create a successful podcast. He highlights his top 5 key points and lists them for his readers. They are: 1.) Short and focused- focus on one topic for no longer than five minutes. 2.) Timely and interesting topic. 3.) Offer an insight that hasn't been exposed in print. 4.) Professional quality- the audio track of a video is particularly important. 5.) Descriptive headline that explains what the podcast will be about.

After reading Dodge's advice, I ultimately agree with the advice he has presented. The tip I agreed most with was the third point, explaining that it is important to offer an insight that has not yet been exposed in print. This makes sense, because obviously the audience who is viewing a specific podcast is looking for something more than they can find in print material. The person listening to your podcast does not want to hear someone just simply reading something off of a page.

Although I agree with the majority of Dodge's advice I do not agree with his first tip that advises the pod cast creator to avoid creating podcasts over 5 minutes. When giving a presentation or speech, five minutes is not very long. I believe that it is okay for a podcast to go over the 5 minute time limit Dodge allows. As long as they are no longer than 30 minutes to an hour I think that lengthier podcasts are okay. All in all though, I do agree with Dodge's advice and found it very helpful when learning more on how to create a podcast.

Economist Podcast

I listened to an "Economist" pod cast. It did follow many of the guidelines that we went over in class. It highlighted the main ideas of the podcast and included the most important information. The speaker spoke clearly and professionally, yet kept it interesting. It included clips of interviews from various important figures involved with the news, like Hillary Clinton. The podcast was no longer than three minutes, which proved that it is better to keep it short and simple.

What makes a good podcast about music?

http://www.translationdirectory.com/articles/article2095.php

Sharon Housley gives advice about what makes a podcast about music. She breaks down the many different aspects that go into having a good podcast. She writes a lot about the importance of sound quality and the various things you can do to make your podcast great. For example, the podcast should exude your personality and the emotions should be easily heard through the inflection of your voice. She stresses the importance of having clear recordings without rambling and have a consistent structure that remains the same through out all of your podcasts. This will give you a brand a way for listeners to know it is your podcast.

One aspect of the advice that I think is sound is her advice about podcasts ramblings. Housley informs us that "if the podcast is primarily an audio dialogue, keep to the point, and do not ramble. Listeners certainly do not want to hear the same thing over and over, so make the points and then move on!" This is great advice because people have very short attention spans and if the only way they are receiving the information is through sound then it is even easier for listeners to lose focus. Rambling could bore listeners and cause them to refrain from listening in the future.

One aspect of the advice that I would contest is the comment about podcast structure. Housley says that "a structured podcast requires timing for intervals, as each segment in the podcast is important. Create a format and structure for podcast shows and stick to it!" I do think that they are important, but if the structure is always the same, i would think that readers would become bored and stop listening because they know that each podcast is going to be the same.

Claire LaSure: What Makes a Good Podcast

http://blog.tippingpointlabs.com/2009/10/5-podcasting-tips-to-help-you-m...

One of the first things that this article reminds its readers is that podcasts are not new; it explains that just because anyone can stream a podcast onto the internet does not provide an excuse to not make the content worthwhile. The author, Jim Cosco, provides 5 tips on how to achieve a great and successful podcast:

1. Invest in editing software - "basic audio sweetening"
2. Tell a story - Find a way to introduce your topic in a creative way so that it keeps your audience's attention
3. Use music - Television shows have theme songs, so your podcast could too
4. Use 'Nat' sound - record natural sound for background
5. Don't go it alone - other people establish different voices

I agreed with two points that Mr. Cosco brought up. First of all, he writes that a story should have a beginning, middle, and end. This makes it easy for a listener to follow your podcast. Also, I really like the idea of using natural sound as a background layer for your podcast. I'm not sure if I would be completely sold on it until I heard it; I don't think it would fit for everyone type of podcast, but it is an interesting concept that can add to your flat voice.

The only thing I had an issue with on this podcast story was the editing software advice. The author includes only one free program; there's no telling how much the other software could cost, and unless this is part of a serious hobby or career, there's no point in having overly expensive software.

Stay-at-home dads Podcast (NPR)

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125057317

A really enjoyed listening to this podcast; it is a news story, so it is set up and flows very well. It is obviously that advanced editing gear is used, and background noise/natural noise (people talking, babies crying) is included, which makes the podcast come alive. Many different voices can be heard in this podcast, which is necessary to add credibility to this story. The narrator's voice, however, doesn't change, which adds listening stability contrasted against the noisy background. The podcast also leaves the listener wanted more: how many dad's in the U.S. population actually stay home with children?

http://www.innovatingtomorrow.net/2008/01/16/what-makes-good-pod

1.What Makes a Good Podcast?

2.The blog entry "What Makes a Good Podcast?" by InnovatingTomorrow.net is a short, concise list on what makes a great podcast. The three main focus points of the article are Hosting Style, Decent Audio Quality, and Consistent Content. Referring to Hosting Style, the article states the host[s] shouldn't "spend a lot of time talking about themselves or their life. When they do it's to relate to part of what they are talking about. People don't listen to podcasts to be involved in the hosts lives. They listen because the topic is something they care about." Also, they state that the host should have a conversational style of speaking, rather than telling the audience what to think.

3. I think the suggestion that the podcast should have decent audio quality is key. If you listen to a podcast and the quality is below average, you are less likely to take the content seriously. It is very important to compress the audio and ensure there is no annoying hiss/pop throughout.

4. I wouldn't contest any of the suggestions in this article. I think they are all great pieces of advice.

The Adam Carolla Podcast

The Adam Carolla Podcast

I am a long time listener of The Adam Carolla Podcast. It is the #1 Comedy Podcast on all of iTunes. It's an hour-and-a-half long daily podcast in which Adam Carolla interviews celebrities and talks about his own life. Out of the points listed in the class blog "Podcast/Vodcast Advice," the Adam Carolla Podcast had good audio quality, establishes identity, interesting to other people, multiple participants for a conversational tone, and leaves listeners wanting more. It does not have a tight focus or a distinct beginning, middle, and end. The fact that the podcast doesn't follow these pieces of advice is not important to its success because the show already has such a built-in and wide audience due to Adam Carolla's success in other areas of the entertainment industry.