PodMov Daily: Tuesday, September 7

Episode 498: Testing, One Two-sday

Are Dreaded Podcasting Tasks Holding You Back?

“Although you might love ‘podcasting,’ you don't have to like every act that you must undertake in order to be a podcaster,” writes Captivate CEO Mark Asquith. There are bound to be tasks on the list that you simply hate doing. To keep them from dragging down the whole process, here’s how to test your tolerances.

He suggests dividing tasks into three categories: things you like, things you dread, and things that take up too much time. Each may seem equally important, but that first category deserves more attention. Drop a few tasks that just aren’t worth it (Asquith chose Instagram) and lift some weight off your shoulders. 

“Just do your thing,” Asquith says. “Connect with your audience through your content, make that your sole focus and don't sweat the other things – the things that you just have no tolerance for.” Remember that the checklist can be flexible. Modifying your process may remind you why you started, and what you love.

How to Hire More Women in the Audio Industry

“Currently, only 9% of audio engineers in America are women which [is] not nearly enough,” writes Kristie Chan, a sound designer at Pacific Content. When she began a professional program nearly three years ago, she had heard the statistics. Soon the immense pressure of a male-dominated field set in.

‘Hire more women’ is a clear solution, but what does that shift actually look like? “A conscious effort needs to be made by all studios hiring audio professionals to break down their subconscious biases that women are not fit for these roles,” Chan says, speaking with someone who hires for her company.

Due to fewer opportunities and structural norms, women are likely to have less experience on a resume. Chan insists that employers be willing to put a bit more effort into training while taking a candidate’s full range of talent into account. Read on to find her resource list for candidates and hiring managers.

The Ken Coleman Show: Career Advice You Can Trust

In this time of economic struggle, career solutions are more urgent than ever. Each week on The Ken Coleman Show, radio veteran and bestselling author Ken Coleman delivers practical advice you can trust. Tune in for caller-driven conversations with actionable answers.

“Ken skillfully meets listeners where they are, whether they’re a seasoned worker who’s been laid off, or furloughed, or the new graduate who’s entering a competitive and challenging job market,” says Brian Mayfield, executive vice president of Ramsey Media, home to The Ramsey Network of shows.

Many of us are in new territory and searching for a plan. Through career transitions, job losses, and more, Ken’s expert insights help thousands plan for a secure future. Ready to build career confidence? Subscribe to The Ken Coleman Show wherever you get your podcasts.

Here's what else is going on:

• Real talk: How many breaths, ‘likes,’ and ‘umms’ should be cut from your podcast? This week on The Pod Lab, sound designer Robyn Edgar (Pacific Content) explains her approach to natural dialogue editing. Plus, unstick yourself with three expert tips for overcoming creative roadblocks.

• Intro course: Feed drops “can be an amazing way to tell your audience about another pod they might love & legitimize you by associating you [with] a potentially larger show.” Arielle Nissenblatt of SquadCast.fm breaks down a “superbly executed” drop by Alexandra Cohl (The Pod Broads).

• Seeing stars: Tomorrow is Podcast Review Day. On the 8th of every month, celebrate #podrevday by reviewing a show and posting it on Twitter. Founder Stephanie Fuccio recommends leaving a review on Podchaser, which recently added Moonbeam to its list of app integrations.

• House blend: From award-winning producer Andrew Wardlaw, Transom’s Mixing Tune-Up guide takes the technical fear out of the DAW. “We’ll knock out common trouble spots and build your confidence with the machine, so you can spend your energy making better creative decisions.”