Episode Summary
In this episode of Recorded Content, host Ben Decowski dives into the intricacies of podcasting, drawing from his experiences as the Managing Director of Podcasting at Motion. He reflects on the challenges he faced, emphasizing that while podcasting is rewarding, it demands dedication and hard work.
Ben underscores the importance of a well-defined process in managing multiple podcasts. He shares insights into the timeline of production, from recording to editing, and the significance of setting clear deadlines. This structure, he believes, is crucial for efficiency and consistency in content delivery.
Lastly, Ben introduces listeners to essential tools that have been pivotal in his podcasting journey. He highlights Descript for its powerful editing capabilities and Frame.io for streamlined feedback collection. These tools, combined with a robust process, enable podcasters to produce quality content and manage their shows effectively.
Guest Profile
- Name: Ben Decowski
- What he does: Managing Director, Podcasting
- Company: Motion
- Noteworthy: Expert in podcasting, guides listeners on launching successful first episodes.
Key Insights
- The Demanding Nature of Podcasting. Ben Decowski, the Managing Director of Podcasting at Motion, offers a candid look into the world of podcasting. He emphasizes that while the journey is rewarding, it's not without its challenges. From late nights to working weekends, podcasting requires a significant commitment. Ben's dedication stems from his passion for the craft, and he stresses that to succeed in this field, one must be genuinely committed and ready to invest time and effort. The satisfaction derived from producing quality content makes the hard work worthwhile.
- The Power of a Structured Process. Managing multiple podcasts is no small feat, and Ben highlights the importance of having a clear, structured process. From recording to editing and feedback collection, every step needs a defined timeline. This ensures efficiency, consistency, and timely delivery of content. At Motion, they've established a seven-business-day turnaround for episodes, emphasizing the need for planning and accountability. This process-centric approach is crucial for anyone looking to manage multiple podcasts successfully.
- Essential Tools for the Modern Podcaster Ben introduces listeners to two game-changing tools in the podcasting world: Descript and Frame.io. Descript stands out for its audio and video editing capabilities, allowing users to edit transcripts while simultaneously adjusting the audio and video. This tool significantly reduces editing time and ensures quality output. On the other hand, Frame.io revolutionizes the feedback collection process. It provides a centralized platform for time-stamped feedback, eliminating the chaos of long email chains and ensuring efficient revisions.
Episode Highlights
The Journey from Novice to Managing Director
Ben Decowski dives into his personal journey in the podcasting world. From being a novice to becoming the Managing Director of Podcasting at Motion, he shares the growth and learning he experienced over six months. This segment provides listeners with a glimpse into Ben’s dedication and the evolution of his role.
“It’s been about six months since I’ve been here at Motion as the Managing Director of Podcasting. And today I wanted to talk to you about how it’s gone and how I’ve learned to go from really not podcasting at all to being able to manage 30 plus podcasts.”
Headline: The Commitment Behind Podcasting
Ben emphasizes the intense commitment required in podcasting. He talks about the long hours, the weekends, and the personal sacrifices he made to ensure the quality of his work. This part of the discussion underscores the passion and dedication needed in the podcasting realm.
“Podcasting is not easy. I’ve loved my job and I get a great deal of satisfaction from what I do, but it has been a ton of work.”
The Beauty of Tangible Results
Ben contrasts his experience in tech sales with podcasting. He appreciates the tangible content produced in podcasting, which serves as a lasting testament to one’s efforts, unlike the cyclical nature of sales quotas.
“After working in tech sales for eight plus years and working my tail off to hit quotas each quarter before starting all over, podcasting has been a blessing in that I can do all of this work and then see the improvements and the results and walk away from it with multiple pieces of tangible content that I can be proud of.”
The Role of Descript in Podcasting
Ben introduces Descript, an all-in-one audio and video editing software. He discusses its features, from real-time waveform editing to transcript editing, and how it has been instrumental in his podcasting journey. This segment offers listeners a practical tool recommendation for their podcasting needs.
“Descript is an all-in-one audio and video editing software. And it’s been incredibly powerful for me to edit video and audio podcasts. The real-time waveform editing makes cutting, splicing, and rearranging content easy.”
