On the Record

Our latest series lets us do two of our favorite things: bragging about our team and discussing all things podcasting.

In our first installment of “On the Record,” we’re joined by Simplecast employee (and certified podcast expert) Luke Brawner. Not only is he the Creator of the podcast network Odd Parliament, but he’s an independent podcaster himself and serves as Simplecast's Technical Support Manager. 

Keep reading for his insights:

We’ve written a few blog posts about podcast production tips, like this and this, what are some of your go-to production tips?

First, I’d recommend establishing a consistent pre-production workflow for your show. Get in the habit of checking batteries, cables, mics, etc., before you’re in the actual production process so that when it’s time to hit the record button, you can do so in as relaxed, unrushed a mindset as possible. After all, if you’re not having fun making the show, then honestly, what’s the point?

Second, I’d encourage creators to establish a consistent post-production workflow. For example, I edit in Logic Pro X. I create templates for every show I work on. So when it’s time to edit and mix an episode, I can drag the necessary files into their respective channels, intro and outro music is already in place, some plug-ins that I use consistently are already enabled, etc. Whatever digital audio workstation you may use, it will also likely allow you to set up templates specific to your show(s).

Since you edit, assemble podcast episodes, and set up RSS feeds, what resource(s) did you find helpful in learning those processes?

 I learned how to podcast from the Simplecast knowledge base.

What are two Simeplcast tools that you use the most?

I’ve come to really love the Episode Footers tool. It allows you to append the same text to the bottom of your episode notes for every episode in an RSS feed. I use it to include production credits on shows where every episode has the same production personnel, links to social media, websites, and copyright info.

This, combined with the Episode Duplication feature, makes the process of getting new episodes ready to publish exponentially faster and much less tedious. I used to write show notes from scratch for every episode, and I did not enjoy it.

I find anything that leaves me more time for what I love incredibly useful.

(Both the Episode Footers tool and Episode Duplication are available to every Simplecast account.) 

How do you feel about monetizing podcasts?

Monetization is useful, of course, but it’s not all upside the way some folks may think. I’m not calling it a “necessary evil” because it’s neither evil nor necessary for every show. It’s useful, but, it’s also a significant amount of work (most of the time) and can become a real stressor. 

There are many, many well-crafted podcasts that have tremendous non-monetary value in the world. Some of them make money, and others don’t. I think often the only folks measuring a podcast’s value by the revenue it generates are podcasters themselves.

If you're a podcaster who is interested in monetization, click here to learn how to start. 

At Odd Parliament, you’re all about helping facilitate a deeper human connection. How do you ensure your shows are aligned with that goal?

I start by creating shows alongside people with whom I already share a deep human connection. We choose to be really honest, open, and vulnerable with one another on and off the mic. We’re willing to learn from each other in real-time, on mics, where other folks can hear. We approach every conversation (or aspire to approach every conversation) with a degree of curiosity and the knowledge that each of us (everyone) has a perspective that is both limited and valuable to others. No one has all of the answers.

The best chance any of us have at making it through this life is to do so in relationship with one another.

With just over 4M podcasts currently being produced, what advice would you give a newcomer on starting up and standing out? 

Learn the craft and learn to love the craft. Whatever you want to make probably won’t be entirely original. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be good or that it will hold no value. You are the piece that will make it stand out.

Even if you’re making a show that (conceptually speaking) has been made a thousand times before, you’re the only one who can do it in your voice. So if you learn the craft, and learn to love the craft, then building an audience, finding your niche, monetizing, etc., all that stuff that folks get caught up worrying about, you won’t have to concern yourself with. At least not primarily. You can just do the thing you love doing and trust that that’s enough.