PodMov Daily: Tuesday, July 27

Episode 470: Testing, One Two-sday

Synthetic AI Voices Are Becoming the “CGI of Audio”

“The voice imitation revolution is already here,” writes Matt Pearce of the Los Angeles Times. It’s a complex, uncertain present: “Artists, technologists and companies in several industries who use the new tech are grappling with the big question of what happens when you separate speech from the speaker.”

The deepfake audio of the late, beloved Anthony Bourdain used in a recent documentary was “only a taste of what’s coming.” Pearce examines the uses, benefits, tradeoffs, and ethical complications of synthetic voices, speaking with companies that produce the technology and individuals affected by it. 

Voiceover performers in particular face a legally uncertain future when it comes to automation and compensation. “AI is really cheap, right? Costs less than having to pay a person,” voice coach David Rosenthal told Pearce. “Ultimately it’s our job to educate those people as to the value of the human voice.”

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Private Spaces: Podcasting from Prison and Therapy

How do podcasters gain behind-the-scenes access to private spaces? For Timber.fm, podcast consultant Amanda Cupido explores how shows like Ear Hustle and Other People’s Problems have “navigated access and consent to give listeners a fly-on-the-wall experience” — from prison to therapy sessions.

Building trust is a long process that underpins the entire project, says Radiotopia’s Julie Shapiro, executive producer of Ear Hustle. Co-host Nigel Poor had volunteered at San Quentin for several years before the podcast began. Rigorous confirmation of consent is essential, before, during, and after recording.

Over 52 million downloads later, “There’s no real shortcut” to forming a show like Ear Hustle. “It’s just putting the hours in, finding the opportunities to connect with people and be very present and treat them as equals,” Shapiro says. “It’s really about showing up and being consistent and showing respect.”

Professional Podcast Voiceovers, from Intros to Ads

With the right voice, your podcast’s intro instantly elevates your brand. Jodi Krangle is a voice actor specializing in intros, outros, and sponsor reads that shine. A podcaster herself, Jodi has a true passion for engaging delivery — and years of experience in custom projects.

Voiceover collaboration is all about quality and trust. From start to finish, working with Jodi ensures outstanding results with service to match. Just ask clients like Marriott, HGTV, and Bose. She provides what you need quickly and conveniently, with multiple takes to choose from. 

Jodi brings the expertise of her show, Audio Branding: The Hidden Gem of Marketing, to every project. Her versatile work is ideal for podcasters, production companies, and ad agencies who are serious about professional sound. Ready to level up? Explore demos and hear the possibilities.

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Here's what else is going on:

• Pro tools: This Tuesday’s episode of The Pod Lab digs into using foley, sound layering, and modifying effects to bring your podcast to life. Listen and learn. Plus, Mignon Fogarty (Grammar Girl) reveals her secret to keeping ideas fresh, episode after episode. A PM original series.

• Nice try: A new podcast co-hosted by Kristen Bell (initially) launched with the same name as Shattered Glass, an indie show running since 2017. In an open letter, the original Shattered Glass hosts make their message clear: “Creators deserve to own their brand and protect their work.”

• Solo flight: Tomorrow at 1:00 pm CT/7:00 pm BST, the London-based Rise & Shine Audio will host “Freelancing Basics.” The live panel and Q&A will offer pointers for freelance podcast production and broadcasting from experts like String Cast Media founder Sam Mbatha. Free registration.

• Fine print: James Cridland of Podnews examines an unusual clause in Fireside’s terms (the social audio app, not the podcast host). Among other actions, it “allows them to use your stuff in their ads or marketing, to edit it (‘derivative works’), and to keep it even if you want it deleted.”