Month: January 2019

SquadCast v 1 has Launched!

~ jen

SquadCast announced the launch of SquadCast v 1. It is their first official step out of beta. SquadCast allows you to “put an end to your toxic relationship with remote interviews”.

It’s about time for remote podcast interviews to not suck so much. Settle down without settling at all with SquadCast.

SquadCast listened to people who provided clarity on what matters most, and what doesn’t, in an audio recording platform. For example, they listened to the San Francisco Podcasters Association, who told them that “audio drift is a huge problem”. This was one piece of advice that made it clear that the post-production experience of editing audio is paramount.

SquadCast v1 makes it easy to:

SquadCast believes you deserve to have a reliable podcasting service in your life. They exist to amplify your ideas and conversations, not hinder them.

RØDECaster Pro Adds Multi-Channel Mode

~ jen

RØDECaster Pro is the world’s first fully integrated podcast production studio. Whether you are just starting out, or are a seasoned broadcast professional, the RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio is all you will ever need.

The RØDECaster Pro operates as a standalone unit straight out of the box, recording your finished podcast direct to a microSD card. The RØDECaster Pro also connects to your computer as a USB audio interface, so you can record your podcast to your favorite recording software or stream live.

And with the new 1.1.0 software version available in February 2019, you will be able to separately record in multi-channel mode, allowing you to separately record each of the sources to its own track for later post-production.

RØDECaster Pro Specification:

  • Frequency Range:
    Mic Inputs: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3dB at 20 Hz (high-pass filter)
    Monitor Outputs: 20 Hz – 20 kHz better than +-0.5dB
  • Input Impedance: 600Ω (Mic Preamplifiers)
  • Equivalent Noise: -125dBA (A-Weighted, measured as per IEC651)
  • Maximum Output Level: +3dBu (Monitor Outputs)
  • Headphone Output Power: Max output power at 1% THD: 32Ω – > 31mW
  • Dynamic Range: 100 dBA (Mic Preamplifiers)
  • Gain Range: 0dB – 55dB (Mic Preamplifiers)
  • Power Requirements: External DC power supply 12 – 15v DC, 1A
  • Output Connection: USB-C, 1/4” Balanced TRS STUDIO (Monitor Outputs)
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Bit Depth: 24-Bit
  • Sample Rates: 48 kHz
  • Storage: microSD card slot, 512MB internal memory for storing sounds for programable pads
  • OS Requirement: macOS 10.11 Windows 10
  • Color: Black
  • Weight (g): 1980
  • Dimensions (L x W x H, mm): 350 x 275 x 82
  • Packed Weight (g): 2850
  • Package Dimensions (L x W x H, mm): 412 x 338 x 127

David Tennant Does a Podcast With…

~ jen

Somethin’ Else announced a new podcast called David Tennant Does a Podcast With… It is hosted by David Tennant, who will talk with the biggest names from TV, movies, comedy, and elsewhere in each episode.

The podcast is being released from Somethin’ Else’s podcast studio, Sound Directions. The Apple Podcasts description says it is “A Somethin’ Else and No Mystery production”.

Future episodes will see Tennant welcome a diverse selection of influential names including Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Ian McKellen, Jon Hamm, the former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Michael Sheen, Krysten Ritter and Samantha Bee. Doctor Who fans will also be excited to hear that Tennant will host the current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker, in the coming weeks. More names will be announced imminently.

The podcast’s first episode will feature Olivia Colman, who has been nominated for Best Actress at the Oscars and the BAFTAs for her role as Queen Anne in the critically acclaimed ‘The Favorite’. Episodes will be released every Tuesday on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all good podcast providers.

Podchaser Announced Their 2019 Roadmap

~ jen

Podchaser announced their 2019 roadmap and 2018 review. They revealed several things that are coming to Podchaser in 2019, as well as their solutions to the decentralization dilemma.

One of the things Podchaser is doing is allowing for merchandise. You can sync your TeePublic store with your podcast page on Podchaser. Now, when you direct listeners to rate and review on Podchaser, you can ask them to buy a t-shirt, too.

I think this is an interesting idea. Many podcasts have logos that can easily go on t-shirts and tank tops. Podchaser is making it easier for listeners to not only know that the t-shirts exist, but also where to buy one.

In addition, Podchaser will soon allow podcasters to connect their existing donation platform account with their Podchaser podcast page so listeners can contribute to your podcast via Podchaser. This could potentially mean that podcasters who have a Patreon could connect that with their Podchaser page. Podchaser is asking for suggestions about which donations platforms they should support.

Podchaser is also working on solutions for discovery of podcasts:

“Follow” Podcasts, Creators & Lists: By creating an account and utilizing Podchaser’s upcoming “Follow” feature, you’ll be notified when a podcast releases a new episode, a Creator appears on a podcast, or a List is updated.

Smart Recommendations & Feed: Podchaser is launching a custom feed full of recommendations created just for you. It combines your “Follow” data, listening habits, and ratings/reviews.

Featured Snippets: Once a podcast is claimed, Creators can add a featured snippet for a podcast and each episode to give listeners a taste of the content. These snippets will appear in users’ feeds as part of Podchaser’s Smart Recommendations.

Visit the Podchaser website for more information.

ZCast Announced End of Broadcast

~ jen

ZCast announced that after four years, they have decided to end their ZCast journey. They have provided some instructions for podcasters who have content on ZCast and who want to download it or move it elsewhere.

ZCast said that the decision to end ZCast was not an easy one. By way of explanation, they wrote “Unfortunately, startups are sometimes unpredictable and things change in rapid speed, at times for the best, but too many times for the worst.”

Those who have podcasts on ZCast need to be aware that ZCast will run in a minimal capacity between now and the end of January 2019. After that, it will shut down indefinitely.

There is now a download feature that enables users to download any content that they recorded in ZCast. To download an episode, users need to go to their personal ZCast page and use a button that is next to each episode to locate the “Download MP3” option.

Users who have an entire RSS feed are asked to choose a new hosting provider for their podcast, and then look at that host’s instructions on how to import an existing RSS feed into their platform. ZCast has more details about how to find your old RSS link on ZCast.

It is always a good idea to set aside time that you can dedicate to getting your content off of a hosting provider before it shuts down. Don’t wait until the last minute. There is an email address on the ZCast blog post that users can use if they have questions or concerns.

American Public Media has Open Call for Podcasts

~ jen

American Public Media (APM), a division of Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) is launching an open call for podcast pitches. They are looking for storytellers, producers, and new talent from all backgrounds to join them in entertaining, educating and connecting with people in new ways.

We’re ultimately looking for two to three new show ideas to develop into pilots and potentially full seasons of at least six episode. If selected for a full season, APM will also provide marketing and PR support, underwriting/sales and membership opportunities, and the opportunity to collaborate, cross-promote and learn from other APM Podcast teams.

For this open call, it is not required that you have professional audio or media production experience (although that doesn’t hurt). It is important that you have a stand-out, timely idea that will resonate deeply with listeners.

APM is interested in a wide variety of concepts, hosts, styles, and structures. Visit their website to find out more about the key traits they are looking for in each pitch.

Submissions will be accepted from January 15th to February 15th. If your idea is selected for further consideration, producers from APM will reach out with additional questions.

Parcast Announces Slate of New Podcasts

~ jen

Parcast, the premier story-driven network focused on scripted audio entertainment, announced a slate of new weekly shows premiering during the first four months of 2019. This includes the expansion beyond the scripted non-fiction genre with its first fiction podcast, Mind’s Eye.

Mind’s Eye is now available with new episodes premiering Mondays through January 21. The scariest monsters are those hiding inside our own minds. Plagued by nightmares, homicide detective Kate McCay enlists her radio-journalist husband to get to the bottom of her horrifying dreams.

In the process, Kate fights against psychology, unsolved crimes, her own family, and even a serial killer. Will Kate’s dreams ever end? Or is her nightmare just beginning?

Other new shows launching this season for Parcast include:

Extraterrestrials: Premiers January 29, 2019. Every week, Parcast hosts analyze alien encounters ranging from ridiculous to the spine-chilling, and land on the most plausible explanation.

Crimes of Passion: Premiers February 20, 2019. Every week follows a love story that turns into a crime story. Along the way, the hosts analyze the relationship dynamics and psychology that lead to betrayl, theft, and even murder.

Survival: Premiers March 20, 2019. This show take a look through the eyes of the world’s most resilient surviors: people trapped on sinking ships, captured in death camps, alone in the arctic wilderness. Within each weekly story, hosts will analyze the strategies they used to survive, and provide worst-case-scenario advice for listeners.

Not Guilty: Premiers March 28, 2019. This weekly podcast presents the stories of both the wrongfully convicted and the victims who never saw justice. Each episode follows a different victim of miscarried justice, examining how the justice system could fail the people it was designed to protect.

Espionage: Premiers April 12, 2019. Espionage tells the stories of the world’s most incredible undercover missions, and how these covert operations came into the public eye.

The Dark Side Of…: Premiers April 29, 2019. This show digs into the dirty underbelly of pop culture and history icons. Every week, the aim is to expose the ugly truth behind the cultural moments and public figures we hold most dear, proving that almost nothing is what it seems.

Maximum Fun Seeks a Production Fellow

~ jen

Maximum Fun is an independent podcast and radio production organization, based in Los Angeles. Audio shows produced in their Los Angeles office include Bullseye, Switchblade Sisters, International Waters, and a the scripted comedy Bubble. Maximum Fun is seeking a Production Fellow.

Maximum Fun is seeking candidates who are starting out in (or transitioning to) a career in audio production. The Production Fellow will work full-time out of Maximum Fun’s office near downtown Los Angeles.

Our Production Fellowship program will be a full-time position, and will focus on all aspects of production of our in-house programming, including assisting with writing scripts, research, booking, engineering recordings, editing audio, getting material broadcast and podcast-ready writing content for our blog, and managing and curating social media for our shows. The Fellow will also assist with occasional live shows and events.

Requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Will not be enrolled in an academic program throughout the duration of the program
  • Some experience with Adobe Audition, ProTools, Hindenburg, or similar digital editing software
  • Ability to multitask
  • Demonstrated ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure
  • Love of comedy and culture

The application deadline for the Production Fellow position is February 1, 2019. It is a one-year, full-time position. The Fellow will receive an annual salary of $31,200 plus federal holodays and a benefits package that includes health insurance, sick time, personal time, YMCA membership, and more.

Visit the Maximum Fun website for more details.

2019 Podcast Awards Registration Opens January 18

~ jen

The 14th Annual Podcast Awards is open to podcasters worldwide. Registration for the 2019 Podcast Awards will open on January 18, 2019. The Podcast Awards has been honoring podcasters since 2005.

The Podcast Awards are open to all shows globally. Shows from around the world are encouraged to participate. The 14th annual Podcast Awards has some new rules and has released an official timeline.

Official Timeline:

  • Podcaster Registration Period: January 18 – July 31
  • Listener Nomination Period: July 1 – July 31
  • Slate Announcement: August 10
  • Slate Voting: September 15
  • Awards Ceremony, held in conjunction with International Podcast Day: To Be Announced

The 2019 registration window is January 18, 2019, through July 31, 2019. Be aware that the listener nomination period opens July 1, 2019, and your show will not be added or shown on the nomination page until you register.

Nomination Rules and Eligibility:

  • Any show podcasting on or before July 1, 2019, with a minimum of 10 published episodes is eligible to be nominated for the 2019 Podcast Awards.
  • Legacy Shows as listed on the Legacy Page are not eligible to win a podcast award. If a legacy show has not yet won a People’s Choice Podcast Award the show will automatically be registered to participate in the People’s Choice Category.
  • All registered shows will automatically be eligible to be nominated in the People’s Choice Category. Any show wishing to be eligible to be nominated can register via the registration page until the nomination closing date and pay via PayPal the $20 registration fee.
  • Shows that do not register are not eligible to participate. The registration fee is non-refundable.

Podcasters can, and should, provide instructions in their shows and on their websites instructing their audiences on how to register and nominate their podcast. This is allowed and encouraged.

Expressly forbidden are automated programs, web assist templates that interact with the Podcast Awards site, web overlays, bookmarklets, and no nomination tool or macro is allowed. The podcast committee reserves the right to amend forbidden activity details at any time throughout the awards process.

Buzzsprout Introduced the Wave Podcast Player

~ jen ~ 1 Comment

Buzzsprout has introduced the Wave Podcast Player. It is a brand new podcast player for all Buzzsprout customers. It builds off of what Buzzsprout learned since they launched the Minimal Podcast Player in 2015.

The Wave Podcast Player gets its name from the waveform that is front and center on each embed player. It adds a cool visual component while letting people know they’re about to listen to an audio file.

Those who use the Wave Podcast Player can customize the colors, artwork, and type of player. It is possible to customize the colors to match your podcast’s unique branding.

You can also customize the artwork that is displayed on the Wave Podcast player. You can pick to use your podcast artwork, episode artwork, or to leave artwork off the player altogether.

You can also decide if you want to embed a single podcast episode or create a playlist of multiple episodes. If you decide to include multiple episodes you’ll have the option to filter episodes by guest, tag, or by a number of your most recent episodes.

Buzzsprout users can customize their own Wave Podcast Player now. It is now available in your Buzzsprout account.