How to record and produce podcast interviews (Chris’ version)
I record interviews each week for my podcast. Some are better than others, but I will give you the mechanics of it here and other random thoughts on success.
First, what are my goals when I record interviews for my show?
– Add value to the listener, the interviewee and myself by
- Keep it interesting.
- Keep it convivial (I don’t seek or like conflict).
- Keep it brief and to the point.
Second, how do I select my interviewees?
– Something I’m interested in and I think others would be interested in too.
– Something that adds value to the running community or the community in general.
– Generally related to endurance sports, social media or the community.
– Someone who possesses positive leadership qualities.
Why only 15 – 20 minutes?
– Short answer is that it fits my show format.
– Allows me to stay interested and not meander.
– Makes conversation focused to key points.
Mechanics of scheduling an interview.
- Reach out and make contact with interviewee.
- I have a standard email template for this that explains who I am, what I do and what I want in compelling and non-threatening terms.
- Schedule a time slot.
- I schedule 30 minutes. (people seem to like this light commitment of time)
- Double check your time zones
- Ask if they can use Skype or would like to use a dial-in.
- Provide Skype or dial in numbers info.
- General research topic/interviewee
- Briefly review published online stuff about topic/interviewee.
- Jot down some interesting questions
i. (typically around 5 – 7 or one handwritten page of bullets)
ii. Maybe ask Social Media audience if they have questions
- Share suggested questions/topics with interviewee (optional)
Skype or dial in?
There are two physical methods that I use to record calls; Skype (computer to computer) and Dial in.
Skype with Pamela
Skype usually has a better digital audio quality and is my preferred method but requires the following:
– Interviewee needs to have a Skype account, know how to use it and a decent quality microphone (typically a computer headset with audio recording capability)
– I need to be at a computer and have one of my digital audio headsets with me.
– You need to buy Skype call recording software. I use a product called Pamela. I paid ~$20 for the standard edition. You need to make sure you know how to use it.
– Pamela saves an .MP3 file to a directory on your computer when you hang up.
Instant Conference Dial In
The audio dial in service I use is Instant Conference (http://www.instantconference.com) so far it is free, but I can’t guarantee that. Line quality is acceptable.
Note: I would not recommend multi-party calls; this seems to degrade the quality.
Note: There are other recording services; this is just the one I use.
– When you sign up they will give you your own dial in number (a toll number) and access code plus a passcode.
– You give the dial in number and the access code to your interviewee.
– When you both are dialed in, you start recording by hitting *9 and entering your passcode.
– When you hang up you will get an email with a link to the MP3 file of the call.
– Follow the link from the email, on the website right click and ‘save as…’ now the MP3 is on your computer.
What do I do with the MP3 of the interview?
I have a PC so I use Audacity and Levelator to post process and edit my interviews. If you are a Mac user you can use Garage Band.
- Open Audacity.
- Import MP3 file (depends of version of audacity).
- Visual check to see if anything is overtly screwy, macro edits (like remove chit chat at beginning and end)
- Export as a .wav file.
- Open Levelator.
- Drag and drop .wav file onto Levelator. It balances audio and creates an output.wav version.
- Import output.wav into Audacity
- Do fine editing. (Take out ‘ums’, ‘ahhs’, pauses and lip smacking…etc.)
- Save as a final mp3 file.
- Ready to import into the show.
- Import into show add other stuff like bumpers etc.
That’s it. Simple enough.
Chris Russell lives and trains in suburban Massachusetts with his family and Border collie Buddy. Chris is the author of “The Mid-Packer’s Lament”, and “The Mid-Packer’s Guide to the Galaxy”, short stories on running, racing, and the human comedy of the mid-pack. Chris writes the Runnerati Blog at www.runnerati.com. Chris’ Podcast, RunRunLive is available on iTunes and at www.runrunlive.com. Chris also writes for CoolRunning.com (Active.com) and is a member of the Squannacook River Runners and the Goon Squad.
Email me at cyktrussell at Gmail dot com
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