Frequently asked questions

Formatting

How is the podcast structured?

The podcast is first and foremost a conversation. We’ll chat about what you’re passionate about and ask questions in a semi-structured format. This means that we’ll have questions prepared for you that you’ll have access to, but we’ll frequently dovetail off with different questions depending on interests and what is said. This helps the interview feel more conversational than rigid.



How do I know what to talk about?

We’ll send you a list of questions and discussion topics 1-2 days before the show. This way, you can get a feel for the questions we’ll be asking, and prepare what you’d like to say.



What if I’ve never been on a podcast before?

That’s totally okay! As previously stated, this is first and foremost a conversation amongst friends. It is a platform for you to talk about your passions. There is no pressure.



How do I prepare for the podcast?

The best way to prepare would be to look at the questions and discussion topics ahead of time to have an idea of the flow of the interview and what you’d like to say.



I have a sailor’s mouth and swear frequently, is this okay?

Our friends, colleagues, peers, and family members (specifically Jacob’s Grandmother) listen to this podcast, so we would prefer if you refrained from using foul language. We understand if your vocabulary does not permit this or an obscenity slips out here or there, but we would greatly appreciate an effort to refrain from this type of language while on air.



Timeline

What should I expect?

You’ve scheduled a time slot to come on air! Woohoo! Go you! The next steps will include an e-mail containing a list of discussion topics and questions for you to review prior to coming on the show. 1-2 days before the episode, you’ll receive a call from either Jacob or Mike to discuss further details and nuances of the show.



How long will it be?

Each episode lasts approximately 1 hour of on air time. We’ll send you a link via Zencastr (an application) to your e-mail between 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time slot to get situated and check audio quality before the episode. Following completion of the episode, we’ll ask you to stay on Zencastr for a few minutes to upload your audio file.



When will it be released?

After recording, you can expect the episode to drop within 2 weeks. We typically post episodes on Sundays, so that Monday morning commuters have something awesome to listen to.



What if I don’t like the way it sounds?

This is totally fine. We’re here for you. If you are unhappy with your recording, we can schedule a time to re-record.



Sound Quality

Do I need a microphone?

We would prefer the use of an external microphone, as it improves audio quality for voice recording. USB microphones are fairly inexpensive on Amazon. This is not necessary, however, as Jacob is a wizard with post-production sound editing.



Where should I record?

A quiet place with minimal distractions is prefered. If you have an office, or location that is relatively sound proofed, this would be ideal. Please refrain from recording outdoors, as crickets, automobiles, and aeroplanes can impact the audio quality.



How do we record?

We utilize an application called Zencastr. 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time slot, we’ll send a link to your e-mail. Click the link, enter your name, and you’re ready to go!



What happens if my microphone doesn’t work on Zencastr?

This has happened once or twice. Completely shut down your computer, turn it back on, and try to re-enter the chat room. Ah, the age old, “turn it off, and turn it back on again.” trick. This should resolve the issue.



Introduction

I'm going to be on a Podcast?

You sure are! Thank you again for agreeing to come on our show! We're so excited to have you on. We can't wait to hear your perspectives, stories, and advice.



What is Podcasting?

According to Wikipedia, the source of all definite and irrefutable knowledge, Podcasting is, "An episodic series of digital audio or video files which a user can download and listen to. It is often available for subscription so that new episode are automatically downloaded to the user's own local computer, phone, or media player" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast If you want to hear a completely ridiculous description of podcasting, watch this Ninja explain it as a, "Pie factory that supplies Pies to Whales" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEmss2lg-ug