Tuesday, December 10, 2019

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PodMov Daily: Tuesday, December 10

Episode 102: Testing, One Two-sday

Matthew McLean on Podcasting and the Philosophy of Digital Minimalism

In a compelling review, audio drama writer and producer Matthew McLean explores applications of Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. Newport is the author of Deep Work (2016) a well-regarded guide to developing focus. He defines ‘digital minimalism’ as:

“A philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support the things you value, and then happily miss out on everything else.”

McLean explores this philosophy’s implications for our digital lives. “Mindless use of technology and information consumption can erode away at your time,” he acknowledges.

“It can severely impact your family life, friendships, your working life, and your creativity.” That said, “How does podcasting fit in to all this?”


Google and PRX: Podcasting 101 Series Educates in 5 Languages

Last month, Google and PRX teamed up for a 10-part educational series meant to teach and support “early stage podcasters around the world.”

Produced as part of the Google Podcasts creator program, the Podcasting 101 videos are “free via YouTube and translated into five languages — Spanish, French, Portuguese, Hindi and Arabic,” writes PRX’s Kerry Donahue. Transcripts are available on each episode’s main page.

“Over the course of the program, during open calls for applications, we heard from more than 10,000 podcasters representing more than 100 countries working in dozens of languages,” Donahue shares.

“We were continually amazed by the bold, urgent ideas we received […] But we also saw how needed a tool like Podcasting 101 was: a free, trusted and actionable resource for a global community.”


Host and Producer Jody Avirgan on ESPN's 30 for 30 Podcast

The 6th season of ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast is “following in the Oscar-winning footsteps of its namesake film series,” writes Debbie Emery. “Using sports as the unifying backdrop, each story looks at a larger event beyond the field or the court.”

Host and producer Jody Avirgan told Emery about the production adjustments needed for audio, including the the “hybrid translation work” required to overcome language barriers within a documentary narrative.

A great audio series “needs to be a story on multiple levels with twists, turns and bigger themes,” Avirgan said. A visual format may no longer be the default:

“When an idea comes in that we recognize as a good story, we ask ‘what is the best way to tell that story?’”

Podcorn’s Native Ad Platform: True Creative Freedom That Works

Podcorn’s new self-service platform is open for business, delivering the next generation of native podcast advertising. The marketplace mission is to give podcasters transparency, creative freedom, and full control of how and when they monetize.

Custom-fit sponsorships, easy tools, and super fast payment processing are just the beginning. Podcorn eliminates the middleman to let podcasters browse and choose opportunities right on the platform. There are no contracts, no exclusivities, and you set your own prices for sponsorships.

Explore expertly matched partnerships right away by pitching your podcast directly to brands who are looking for your niche expertise. Native means creative — design your own host-read spots, interview segments, and topical discussions that will resonate with your listeners.

Take it from the hosts of Morning Cup of Murder:

“This is amazing! Thank you so much for this opportunity! We’re in a workroom with a second sponsor right now waiting for them to respond to some follow up info! Very excited!”

What are you waiting for? Discover a better way to monetize with Podcorn.


Everyone reading this is so worried about their years, while continuing to waste their days. It’s all execution. You have to do.

Here's what else is going on:

  • Team spirit: Lifehacker’s podcasting series continues with an expert-led video on gaining listeners and growing your audience. Following a guide to NPR-level sound quality, producer Abu Zafar dives into the power of a story-first hustle.
  • A briefing: Dan Misener’s yearly analysis of average podcast episode length is out. “Metadata for ~19 million episodes (representing more than 600k distinct podcasts)” suggests that shows are getting shorter by a mean of 2 minutes.
  • Strong landing: RAIN News reports that Deezer has entered a deal with the Saudi Telecom Company. Via investments, “the streaming service has been making stronger ties to the Middle East and North African regions in recent years.”
  • Wrap sheet: In TechCrunch, Brian Heater’s well-reviewed selection of software and gear can help you nail your podcasting-related holiday gifting. “It’s easier than ever to make a show sound professional, one upgrade at a time.”

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