In this section, I try to answer some of the questions you might have with respect to how I produce and distribute podcasts and podcast episodes. If your question is not being answered below, please contact me via email.
What’s involved to produce an episode and how long does it take?
It takes on average 4 to 5 days to produce an episode end to end. This includes:
- preparation, development and research
- scripting, recording
- editing, post-production and publishing
What’s the final product?
The final product will be a digital audio file in either MP3 or WAV file format. I record and produce only audio data.
Platforms like YouTube have become more popular as an additional way to distribute podcasts. On demand, I can create a digital video file in MP4 format. This would include the digital audio data and a still image (e.g. the logo of the podcast with title of episode - see the Code for Thought YouTube channel).
I do not record video.
Where to publish it?
This depends on your needs:
- as digital audio files, they can be published anywhere on a website. This could be an option, if you wish to make episodes available internally for your organisation.
- if you have an existing podcast show, you can publish the episode directly there.
- if you want make it publicly available, but do not have a podcast show, yet, I could help setting one up
- if the episode falls within the scope of the Code for Thought podcast, I will publish it there
How much does it cost?
I have a fixed price for producing an episode end to end. Please contact me via email to find out more.
If we agree, that it is necessary to travel and attend events (conference, workshop etc) to produce an episode, I would kindly ask to be reimbursed for the extra costs (travel, accomodation, registration fee).
Can I sponsor and support the Code for Thought podcast?
Absolutely. A good way to sponsor this podcast is via Patreon. This can be done on a regular (e.g. monthly) basis or a one-off payment. If you want to support the show in other ways, email me.
What about tax and insurance?
I am operating as a sole trader and no extra taxes need to be added. The work is insured with a Professional Indemnity insurance, and a copy of the insurance schedule is available on request.
How does interviewing recording online work?
- I prefer to meet with podcast interviewees informally (online or face to face if requested) to
- discuss the scope of our conversation
- let people know what to expect on the day of the recording and how the whole process works
- let them know what happens after the recording
- For online recording, I use Zencastr
- NOTE: Zencastr only works with Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Brave browsers
- During the recording, we will have video enabled (this helps the conversation). However, recordings will be audio only.
- For the recording, please use an external microphone, e.g. a headset with microphone. Using the built-in microphones of your laptop is a bad idea, as it will capture all of the environmental noises.
- Recorded episodes will be in WAV or MP3 format. I will typically not share the original, raw data with you, unless requested.
How do face to face interviews work?
- As above, I’d like to meet interviewees informally before the recording to scope the discussion. This can be done online (or face to face).
- If the interview is to take place at your workplace, it would help if you could have a room, which is quiet(er) to reduce the background noise during the recording.
- We would need to agree in advance if you require me to travel (beyond normal commuting distances) for the interview and extra costs (travel, accomodation) may incur.
- I will bring the audio equipment for the recording.
How many people can I record at the same time?
I did record panel discussions for the Code for Thought podcast. In practical terms, I can record up to 6 people (including myself) at one sitting.
- face to face recording mixer has space for 6 microphones
- online in theory I can invite more people to an interview. However, with more than 5 interviewees it becomes difficult to go through a recording and keep it interesting and useful for listeners.