Podcasting tips with Dr Andi Horvath

On day 1 of the PLP Induction Program, Dr Andi Horvath shared what Museum Victoria is doing in podcasting, with her new show Access All Areas. Andi is a presenter on 3RRR’s Einstein a Go Go and is an energetic and extremely engaging speaker.

When creating a podcast start by asking, “What is the purpose of the podcast?” this dictates who to interview. Tackle the research, and find out what you don’t know. Find volunteers, find voices that you don’t know, a range of voices make the podcast much more interesting. Access free sounds, or create your own.

Using audio removes the limitations of presented by video, eg in audio I can blow things up just with a paper bag. What if animals could talk? Well in podcasts they can! Use dream sound to indicate when animals or objects are talking so that the audience understands what is happening.

Get a really, really good microphone. Create an atmosphere where your talent is relaxed.

Ask the same question twice, often the second answer is the best one.

Threading ideas together requires a link. Recording the question or a different question at the end helps the link the ideas of the podcasts together. Think about where to interview your guests, outside or create a location by recording the sounds of a lift. The sound effects shouldn’t distract or drown out the content. You will surprised about how noisy a world it is, and just what sounds are available. Use a dreamy sound to indicate that the animals are now talking.

Find the teachable moments.
Think about the narrative arc. The journey that occurs through the podcast.

Don’t despair, the first podcast is the hardest. Try using who, what, when, where, why and how. Try creating a news report for the school. Do some background reading. Send the questions beforehand so that the guest will feel prepared and confident.

Time limits? Cut podcasts down to 10 minutes and split into multiple episodes if necessary.

And closing thought from Andi, it is such a privilege to have an audience.