Hello everyone! I am pleased to announce that my podcast episode downloads jumped from 13 to 19 over the weekend! While six more downloads may not seem like much, every single one counts towards the podcast’s success and my motivation to continue making episodes. If you are reading this and are one of those who downloaded my podcast in the first week, THANK YOU! If you have not yet downloaded it but plan to, THANK YOU TOO! It’s a pleasure to create something that others can enjoy!
One lesson learned during this adventure was how Podcastle’s Magic Dust AI filter works. I had seen this tool on the ThinkMedia channel for content creators and thought it sounded like a great idea. It is intended to make your voice richer and fuller while removing unnecessary background noise. However, I did not realize it does not work well on a podcast with a musical intro.
I ran the audio version of my podcast, complete with the intro and outro music. What I got out of the processor was… strange. The best way I can explain it is that it sounded like someone was quietly “scat-singing” to the melody of my intro. This was partly hilarious and partly terrifying. I did not want Slenderman “doo-wopping” my intro Podcastle, thanks. Maybe I can post it as an “out-take?”
Before I publish the next episode, I will run the talking-only part through the Podcastle Magic Dust filter without the music. I would have done this when I made the initial launch, but I decided I was more interested in getting the first three episodes delivered than playing around with the software settings. If the audio sounds massively better, I can always resubmit the first three episodes to Buzzsprout with the filtered audio. If I do that, future listeners can hear the modified audio.
Recording an episode this week may be challenging. On the days I usually record, I have a packed schedule, including a painter repainting the studio walls (sorry, a softer green-blue hue will replace the over-the-top purple) and a few other rooms in my house. I also have some interviews for my doctoral project this week, which will take a lot of time. If I happen to have a sudden block of time open (such as a previously scheduled meeting being canceled or moved), then I might have the chance to record one. Only time will tell.