Top tips to start your own podcast
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Fifers are a curious bunch, if there’s something going on in the town, we’ll hear the story somewhere in town.
People and their idiosyncrasies beguile and fascinate me.
In 2019, after a few weeks of solo podcasts it’s no surprise I wanted to interview Fifers and share their stories. Over 100 radio and podcast interviews later, here are my top tips:
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Hide AdUse technology. We’ve adapted to using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and Messenger and What’s App amongst others to have work meetings and run virtual quizzes. All provide the ability to conduct an interview.
Have a structure. A tip favoured by, Gavin Hugh, founder of the Creative Film Fife Network which recently released its first podcast. Gavin likes to have a clear plan with prepared questions so he can focus on his guest rather than worrying if he’s missed anything.
Communicate with your guest. Discuss your plan. Once they know where you’re going they will feel comfortable and relax.
Research but don’t overdo it. Know your facts, but, give yourself room and let your guest tell their story. It’s a conversation not a research paper.
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Hide AdDon’t be afraid to go left-field. It’s okay to explore an off-topic subject with your guests and return to questions later.
Share the recording with your guest. I always gain the permission of my guest to release the interview. Upon reflection they may wish to take something out, it’s okay. It’s their story - it’s not 60 Minutes.
Ask for a review! You’ve put a lot of work into getting this far. Feedback can help you learn and adapt positively.
Create an archive. Imagine 100 years from now your great granddaughter visiting the archive at Kirkcaldy Galleries and hears your voice? OnFife’s ‘Fife in Lockdown’ project is creating an archive of stories and experiences of people now. To get involved with, e-mail [email protected]
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Hide AdSeeing each another, even virtually, has never been more important than it is now. This is a call to the nosey and curious!
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Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press