I couldn’t agree more. Imagine going to see a movie and the screen is blurry. Now imagine a content-rich podcast with mic pops, garbled sound, and variable volume levels.
I once went to what I thought was a standard screening for a movie, turns out they loaded the 3D version by mistake. I know exactly the horrors you speak of, mate... :D
Great article Danny! I’m with that 54% about audio quality. As for hosts hugging convo and/or inside jokes…it’s such turn offs.
I’m wondering how you suggest navigating audio quality when guests show up with what they think are great conditions (mic, environment) but they’re not! A conundrum for sure. Love your take.
Thanks, Danusia! If possible, I try and limit that possibility by sending a cheat sheet pre-recording, with advice on best practices for optimal recording (so, work being done outside your house on recording day, for example), and if they can't be met, maybe reschedule.
There's also the option of a pre-record chat, just to get a feel for the audio, and where you can maybe offer some tips on how to improve.
If the worst comes to the worst, and the audio is bad, then there are some AI tools that can help to a degree - Adobe's Enhance feature (part of their Podcast AI feature set), or Descript's Studio Sound. They can make bad audio sound better, for sure - but it's key to remember that these tools are for bad audio, they'll make good audio sound bad, so this is where separate audio tracks is key. :)
All the things you mention are in place - the optimal recording advice, the chat etc. I find the people who churn out roughing quality pod episodes themselves then become guests are usually the worst culprits. They don’t think about checking their own audio as they think they have it all down.
It happens less with guests who aren’t podcasters as they learn from the direction. Differing standards come into this too - one persons high quality is another’s not high!
Funnily enough I sent builders out yesterday when I recorded. They were happy to return once I’d finished with my guest. 😉
Man, if I asked builders around here for the same courtesy, I can think of a few choice words coming my way...! :)
That's a good point about non-podcaster guests being open to more guidance. As podcasters, we can be pretty stubborn at times, or set in our ways, and often none more so than when it comes to how we feel our show comes across.
Yet if we were open to more feedback, more often, it can make for a much better experience. I remember opening one of my older shows up to an audit once, and the experience was very chastening. But, looking at the feedback I received, every single critique was on point and so I made the changes that were suggested (primarily around audio to the points in the article above), and I'm forever grateful yo that podcaster for telling me like it was.
Danny I can offer you support and mentorship on negotiating skills if that would help. It might reduce the bills you’ll be paying to deal with the fallout from those imaginary cussing builders. Special substack mate rate okay? 🤣Or here’s a freebie. A tray of tea and direction to go rest for an hour in the van - never seen builders move so fast!
Exactly this. It’s us stubborn podcasters who think we’ve got this handled. As hosts we might assume other pod hosts have it sorted so concentrating more on non pod people back fires.
Thank goodness for great editors. I work with two - Marie Cruz and Roger Heathers. Often unsung heroes in podcasting.
I couldn’t agree more. Imagine going to see a movie and the screen is blurry. Now imagine a content-rich podcast with mic pops, garbled sound, and variable volume levels.
I once went to what I thought was a standard screening for a movie, turns out they loaded the 3D version by mistake. I know exactly the horrors you speak of, mate... :D
Great tips Danny thank you and if you have time shoot me an email I would like to discuss something with you
Great article Danny! I’m with that 54% about audio quality. As for hosts hugging convo and/or inside jokes…it’s such turn offs.
I’m wondering how you suggest navigating audio quality when guests show up with what they think are great conditions (mic, environment) but they’re not! A conundrum for sure. Love your take.
Thanks, Danusia! If possible, I try and limit that possibility by sending a cheat sheet pre-recording, with advice on best practices for optimal recording (so, work being done outside your house on recording day, for example), and if they can't be met, maybe reschedule.
There's also the option of a pre-record chat, just to get a feel for the audio, and where you can maybe offer some tips on how to improve.
If the worst comes to the worst, and the audio is bad, then there are some AI tools that can help to a degree - Adobe's Enhance feature (part of their Podcast AI feature set), or Descript's Studio Sound. They can make bad audio sound better, for sure - but it's key to remember that these tools are for bad audio, they'll make good audio sound bad, so this is where separate audio tracks is key. :)
Thanks for your in depth reply!
All the things you mention are in place - the optimal recording advice, the chat etc. I find the people who churn out roughing quality pod episodes themselves then become guests are usually the worst culprits. They don’t think about checking their own audio as they think they have it all down.
It happens less with guests who aren’t podcasters as they learn from the direction. Differing standards come into this too - one persons high quality is another’s not high!
Funnily enough I sent builders out yesterday when I recorded. They were happy to return once I’d finished with my guest. 😉
Man, if I asked builders around here for the same courtesy, I can think of a few choice words coming my way...! :)
That's a good point about non-podcaster guests being open to more guidance. As podcasters, we can be pretty stubborn at times, or set in our ways, and often none more so than when it comes to how we feel our show comes across.
Yet if we were open to more feedback, more often, it can make for a much better experience. I remember opening one of my older shows up to an audit once, and the experience was very chastening. But, looking at the feedback I received, every single critique was on point and so I made the changes that were suggested (primarily around audio to the points in the article above), and I'm forever grateful yo that podcaster for telling me like it was.
Danny I can offer you support and mentorship on negotiating skills if that would help. It might reduce the bills you’ll be paying to deal with the fallout from those imaginary cussing builders. Special substack mate rate okay? 🤣Or here’s a freebie. A tray of tea and direction to go rest for an hour in the van - never seen builders move so fast!
Exactly this. It’s us stubborn podcasters who think we’ve got this handled. As hosts we might assume other pod hosts have it sorted so concentrating more on non pod people back fires.
Thank goodness for great editors. I work with two - Marie Cruz and Roger Heathers. Often unsung heroes in podcasting.