Episodios

  • How to Audit Your Podcast Effectively - EP 82
    Jul 8 2024
    How do you make sure your show evolves along with your listener? As an independent podcast creator, chances are you wear a lot of hats. You’re the host, of course, as well as the producer, the audio editor, the marketer, the designer… When you’re so focused on doing all the things for your show, it can be easy to forget that your podcast isn’t about you at all. It’s about your listener. Being a podcaster means you’re responsible not just for putting out a show you think your ideal listener will connect with, but for diving deep into your current listener and making sure that your episodes evolve alongside them. In the last episode before the summer break, Mary takes you through the many steps she follows when she conducts a podcast audit, so that your show can evolve to serve your audience better. Take these pro tips on a test drive to guide the evolution of your podcast: How to learn more about your current and ideal listenerWhy defining success is directly linked to podcast growthHow to evaluate your show, inside and out Links worth mentioning from the episode: Take Mary’s listener survey and be entered to win a deck of her Voice Connection Cards and a 30-minute strategy session - https://forms.gle/GrCcLd4GXybGmfvb8Schedule a complimentary strategy session - https://www.organizedsound.ca/contact/ Connect with Mary! Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.comGet the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.comRead up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletterTo learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.caLink up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions Show Credits: Podcast audio design, engineering, and edited by Mary Chan of Organized Sound ProductionsPodcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words StudioPost-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA Transcript: [MUSIC IN - GHOSTHOOD FEATURING SARA AZRIEL “LET’S GO” BEGINS] MARY: In podcasting, creating your show can feel so much about that overwhelm because of what the host does. Many shows are a one person show. So not only are you the host, but also the audio editor, the writer, the producer, showrunner, marketer, executive assistant, and the list really does just go on and on. But remember, your podcast is actually about your listener, not you. Without your listeners, your podcast is basically a fancy place to leave yourself some voice notes. If that's what you're looking for, great. I mean, hit stop on this episode and move on. But if you want to grow alongside your podcast, you need to learn more about your listeners so that you can evolve along with them. So today we're getting into auditing your own podcast so that you can grow and learn from it. This is episode 82 of The Podcasters Guide to a Visible Voice. << WOMAN SINGS: So so so so let’s go >> Thanks for joining me today on this episode. And, yeah, it's about auditing your podcast. [INTRO MUSIC ENDS] And part of that process is learning about your listeners. So, before we get started into the meat of the episode, I want to learn from you. I'd love to hear what your feedback is. And really, that is the main theme of the episode. So, knowing your show and auditing your podcast comes down to knowing your listeners. I'm doing a listener survey to learn more about you. This way, I can create more episodes with you in mind. What do you want to hear more of? What can I improve on? What do you actually not like to hear? You know, all the good stuff, all the feedback. And as a thank you for taking your time to share your thoughts. The survey is anonymous, but if you provide me your contact information, you'll be submitted to one entry to win a deck of my Voice Connection Cards. They'll give you a boost of compassion before you hit that record button. It's kind of like a little affirmation card deck for you. Plus, I'll also throw in a 30-minute strategy session to talk to me about voice or podcasting and everything in between. So that's for you to choose. Kind of like a choose your own adventure session. You bring your questions and fire them at me, and I'll help support you on your voice and podcasting journey. So head on over to visiblevoicepodcast.com/offers, and on that page will be a link to the survey. So, like I said, as part of the theme of this episode, you can also go through my listener survey. And yeah, use it for yourself, too. Why not? Go through the survey, fill it all out. But then you can use those questions as a template for your own listener survey, if you want. It's okay. You can steal my ideas, because point number one here, this whole episode, is to know your audience, ...
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    24 m
  • Start a Ripple Effect of Continuous Learning with Beth Cougler Blom - EP 81
    Jun 24 2024

    How can activating your beginner’s mind help you facilitate an authentic podcast experience? For many podcast hosts, the draw of creating a show is two-fold: we are eager to engage with and educate our listeners on topics we’re passionate about, and we look forward to the personal learning and professional development our interviews and solo episodes can foster.

    Beth Cougler Blom is a facilitator, learning designer, and author crafting impactful learning experiences for organizations making a difference in the world. She also funnels her passion for transformational learning into her own podcast, Facilitating on Purpose. In this episode, she and Mary discuss the challenges, joys, and vast potential of kicking “Instagram Perfect” to the curb and creating an authentic podcast.

    Explore how your podcast facilitates learning for yourself and your community:

    • Facing down the fear of reaching out to potential guests
    • The benefits of receiving (and giving) listener feedback
    • Balancing vulnerability and professionalism in your episodes
    • Prioritizing the pursuit of greater inclusivity on your podcast

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Fill out the 2024 Listener Survey - https://www.organizedsound.ca/offers/
    • Episode 79, Making Accessibility Possible in Podcasting - https://www.organizedsound.ca/making-accessibility-possible-in-podcasting-with-joel-mckinnon-episode-79/
    • SessionLab State of Facilitation 2024 Report - https://www.sessionlab.com/state-of-facilitation/
    • Listen to “Facilitating on Purpose” - https://bcblearning.com/podcast/
    • Mary’s 12-week 1:1 Launch Experience program - https://www.organizedsound.ca/launch-a-podcast/

    Engage with Beth:

    • Read Beth’s book “Design to Engage” - https://bcblearning.com/book/
    • Connect on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethcouglerblom/
    • Work with Beth - https://bcblearning.com/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and edited by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA

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    40 m
  • Level Up Your Listening Skills to Improve Your Podcast - EP 80
    Jun 10 2024

    How has being a podcaster changed how you listen? There are plenty of ways AI can make podcasters’ lives easier, but there’s one human ability Mary firmly believes AI will never be able to replicate (or at least not for a very long time): true listening. We humans have the incredible potential to distill the emotional impact underlying the words a person speaks. Artificial intelligence bots, on the other hand, can only record the words themselves and “react” with whatever follow-up is programmed into their databanks.

    As podcasters, we learn to hear and listen differently than other people. We hone in on the nuances in our guests’ voices, which enables us to strengthen that shared connection in our interviews. We also pick up on background sounds that wiggle in around our recorded words, affecting the quality of our episodes in a big way. So, when you’re podcasting—what are you listening for?

    Explore the emotional nuances of the human voice:

    • The significant difference between listening and hearing

    • What’s behind the “zoom-quality sound” fatigue we all experience

    • How deep and supportive listening can make you healthier

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Episode 77, Why We Need To Highlight Our Humanity In Podcasting with Erin Moon - https://www.organizedsound.ca/why-we-need-to-highlight-our-humanity-in-podcasting-with-erin-moon-episode-77/

    • JAMA Network Open study “Association of Social Support With Brain Volume and Cognition” - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2783042

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and edited by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
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    24 m
  • Making Accessibility Possible in Podcasting with Joel McKinnon - EP 79
    May 27 2024

    How can we make sure your podcast is accessible to everyone? Everyone in the podcasting world is talking about accessibility these days, as more and more platforms release improved transcription services aimed at making the process easier for creators and meeting growing expectations around equitable access. Of course, AI tools are leading this charge, and simply publishing whatever that tool spits out—misspelled guest names, garbled industry terms, and all—just doesn’t cut it.

    Joel McKinnon is a podcaster and an accessibility engineer—the ideal expert to discuss the future of podcasting accessibility. The creator of two podcasts and a rock opera, Joel turns his expertise to exploring the future role of AI in all things podcasting and websites. He has an inspiring take on striking a balance between making the most of robot efficiency and maintaining that essential humanity.

    Gaze off into the fantastic future of podcasting and explore:

    • The quickly changing accessibility landscape of podcasting
    • How to incorporate equitable access into every layer of your podcast
    • How to efficiently and effectively manage the extensive podcast-creation workflow

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Listen to Joel’s podcast, “Seldon Crisis” - https://www.seldoncrisis.net/
    • Discover the “Planet and Sky” rock opera and podcast - https://www.planetandsky.com/
    • Episode 78, “Podcast Transcripts and the Future of Accessible Audio” - https://www.organizedsound.ca/podcast-transcripts-and-the-future-of-accessible-audio-episode-78/
    • Check out Joel's Fanfare transcription of this very episode! https://www.withfanfare.com/p/the-podcaster-s-guide-to-a-visible-voice/making-accessibility-possible-in-podcasting-with-joel-mckinnon

    Engage with Joel:

    • His company, “New Worlds Inclusive Design” - https://new-worlds.org/
    • IndieWeb - https://indieweb.social/@seldoncrisis
    • BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/seldoncrisis.bsky.social
    • Seldon Crisis on X - https://twitter.com/SeldonCrisisPod

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com

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    35 m
  • Podcast Transcripts and the Future of Accessible Audio - EP 78
    May 13 2024

    How can transcripts positively impact your podcast? Podcasts have always had an audio-first following, but as-is, audio isn’t accessible for everyone. In the wake of Apple Podcasts’ announcement to begin including transcripts with their latest update, it seems likely other platforms will begin to follow suit. This raises an important question for podcast creators: is it worth preparing transcripts for each of your episodes?

    After two years of exploring transcripts for her and her clients’ productions, Mary dives into their potential to transform both creator and listener experiences. You’ll hear (or read!) about everything from SEO (search engine optimization) and AI to the proven benefits of many other accessibility initiatives. If you’ve been considering taking the leap and creating text alternatives for your episodes, or you want tips on fine-tuning your transcript process, add this episode to your queue.

    Get a better grasp on how transcripts can impact your show:

    • Why are platforms making the move to include transcripts?
    • How can transcripts improve the podcast experience for both creators and listeners?
    • What are the professionals doing to make sure their transcripts perform?

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Web Accessibility Laws and Policies - https://www.w3.org/WAI/policies/
    • This American Life transcripts case study - https://www.3playmedia.com/why-3play/case-studies/this-american-life/
    • T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History Transcription Style Guide - https://www.laseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/OH-Transcription-Guidelines.pdf
    • “2.5 Million Podcast Episodes Now Have Transcripts” - https://podstandards.org/2024/04/15/2-5-million-podcast-episodes-now-have-transcripts/
    • Newsroom report: “Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts” - https://www.apple.com/ca/newsroom/2024/03/apple-introduces-transcripts-for-apple-podcasts/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions
    • Learn more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • Learn more secrets and the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca

    Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com

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    19 m
  • Why We Need To Highlight Our Humanity In Podcasting with Erin Moon – Episode 77
    Apr 29 2024

    How do you bring your humanity to your podcast? Sharing your voice isn’t always easy. Factor in the painstaking writing of your script or copy, all those edits and revisions, and some nerves about speaking into the mic, and even the most heartfelt story can wind up either flat and unemotional or encased in that “reporter voice” from the dawn of radio.

    Unlock some podcasting inspiration through this conversation with Erin Moon, a classically trained actor who has narrated more than 450 audiobooks. To deliver the sincere and evocative narration for which she’s known, Erin centers her humanity in every character she adopts, embracing both the muse that first inspired the author and the physical reactions—the literal human responses—the writing evokes. Because connecting to the text means connecting to the listener and, as Erin says, “we don’t exist without each other.”

    Align your true self with Erin’s thought-provoking insights:

    • Why it’s vital to bring your humanity even when you’re reading off the page
    • How to avoid “just reading” as a podcast host or audiobook narrator
    • What the explosion of podcast popularity says about our need for connection
    • What we risk losing if we let AI voice our stories and write our scripts

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Episode 76, “Audiobook Inspiration to Master Your Microphone” - https://www.organizedsound.ca/audiobook-inspiration-to-master-your-microphone-episode-76/
    • Listen to “Be Kind, Be Calm, Be Safe: Four Weeks That Shaped a Pandemic”, co-narrated by Erin - https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780735243019-be-kind-be-calm-be-safe
    • This American Life with Ira Glass - https://www.thisamericanlife.org/
    • “The Body Keeps The Score” by Bessel van der Kolk - https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
    • The Secret Life of Canada Podcast - https://www.cbc.ca/listen/cbc-podcasts/203-the-secret-life-of-canada

    Engage with Erin:

    • Erin’s Website - https://www.erinmoonactor.com/
    • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mooneybooks/
    • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mooneybooks
    • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-moon/
    • X - https://twitter.com/mooneybooks
    • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mooneybooks

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions
    • Learn more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • Learn more secrets and the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca

    Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com

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    44 m
  • Audiobook Inspiration to Master Your Microphone - EP 76
    Apr 15 2024

    What’s the connection between audiobooks and podcasts? You already know the right tone and voice is essential for building a connection with your listeners. It just makes sense, then, that you can turn to different kinds of audio media for inspiration when looking to further hone your skills behind the mic. Take, for example, audiobooks.

    Especially in the last year or so, the connection between audiobooks and podcasts has expanded beyond the shared audio medium. Platforms like Spotify are putting a lot of their chips on audiobooks, and podcasters need to start considering this angle more closely from a marketing perspective. Luckily, plenty of the takeaways Mary has gleaned over years of working in the biz of spoken audio apply to both podcast and audiobook narration, and in this episode, she’s sharing her tips.

    Uncover the secrets to speaking more engagingly no matter which spoken audio platform you use:

    • The importance of nailing down your tone and style
    • Why recording an audiobook isn’t just “reading your own words”
    • How to make your audio listeners feel as seen as your print audience
    • Why you don’t have to read your book word-for-word

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Audio Publishers Association Sales and Consumer Data - https://www.audiopub.org/surveys
    • The ACX audio submission requirements - https://help.acx.com/s/article/acx-audio-submission-requirements
    • Audible Audiobooks - https://www.audible.ca/
    • The Libby App - https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby
    • Libro.FM for Audiobooks - https://libro.fm/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions
    • Learn more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • Learn more secrets and the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca

    Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com

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    21 m
  • Writing For Your Podcast with Shannon Kirk - EP 75
    Apr 1 2024

    How do you create the written content for your podcast? You’ve probably heard actors say that they can’t bring themselves to watch their own films. As a podcast host, maybe you relate to the cringe factor that comes from listening to your episodes after you’ve recorded them, but if you’ve decided to write episode-accompanying blog posts and show notes yourself, you don’t have that luxury—you have to tune back in. And if you don’t consider yourself A Writer, this process can feel a bit overwhelming.

    Shannon Kirk is the writer behind the blogs and show notes for the podcasts Mary produces. She shares what goes into crafting the written portion of a podcast episode. From engaging in active listening while taking notes to preserving the parts of speech that are essential to your authentic voice, she and Mary discuss professional writer tricks and tips to help you create captivating blogs and show notes that add a readable and search-friendly layer to your audio offerings.

    Build confidence in your podcast’s written components:

    • Why you need to listen to your episodes from a listener’s perspective
    • The benefits of a set template and process to guide your posts
    • Why you shouldn’t edit the charming “you-isms” out of your written words
    • How to hook your reader in your show notes

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Ologies Malacology (Snails & Slugs) episode - https://www.alieward.com/ologies/malacology

    Connect with Shannon:

    • Check out her website - https://www.shannonkirk.ca/
    • Follow Shannon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-kirk-17429680/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voicemail with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions
    • Learn more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • Learn more secrets and the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca

    Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. https://www.artiodesignco.com

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    43 m