► Tell us about you and your podcast
The podcast 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is Nathan's attempt to put his literature degree to good use by critically analysing the trashiest books from bestseller lists.
The podcast breaks down trash such as Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga, E.L James' erotic romance Fifty Shades of Grey, and Blanka Lapinska's Polish nightmare fuel 365 Days, with weekly chapter by chapter analysis. Currently covering Veronica Roth's dystopian YA novel, Divergent.
As well as a love of reading, Nathan has a passion for cheese platters, musical theatre, and 90's rom-coms. His pride and joy is his pet chihuahua, Chino.
Nathan's listeners are well-read amazing people who also share a love/hate relationship with trashy pop culture.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
This podcast was born out of frustration for poorly written bestsellers which are exceedingly popular despite their lack of narrative structure, sensible plots, and realistic characters.
I love podcasts and primarily enjoy recap podcasts of TV shows and Film. I also love books so this podcast is a merge of the traditional TV recap format but with books instead.
I also wanted to use my literature degree to deep dive and give serious analysis to books which traditionally are ignored by the literati (probably for good reason!).
This podcast was started in September 2020 and I released my first episode in October 2020.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I initially released two episodes per week, recapping one chapter per episode. I now release one episode publicly each week, as well as a bonus episode each week for Patreon subscribers.
It takes me about an hour to record each episode, and on average two hours to edit and publish. To prepare for each episode, I simply read the assigned chapter.
With having a day job, I try and allocate one night per week to record, and another night to edit. I often also use my weekends to try and prepare and get ahead with scheduling my episodes.
I purchased a mind-range microphone prior to starting podcasting and I use a free hosting service. I edit and market the podcast myself, and fund the podcast myself.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Patreon access is available for $3 a month, so I draw a small income each month.
I have attempted affiliate marketing but this has largely not been successful.
I also have designs related to the podcast availabel for purchase on TeePublic and RedBubble.
For me, the benefits of podcast are primarily social rather than economic. I love interacting with a community of readers. My patreon subscribers in particular are the funniest, smartest, wittiest people on earth.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I record using a Blue Yeti Nano microphone straight into GarageBand on Mac.
I edit with Garageband and export the file to upload on Acast & Patreon.
I prepare by reading the book I am covering at the time, and do not write a script. Each episode is structured by running through the plot of the chapter of the book I am covering.
► How do you market your show?
I use social media to promote the podcast and engage with listeners - primarily Twitter and Instagram. I also have a TikTok page but it was too time consuming to post regularly there.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
It takes time to establish a flow and natural tone on the microphone. I would suggest doing a few practice episodes before publishing - especially as your first episode will be your episode with the most downloads and will be what new listeners judge you from.
Reviews can be fun to read, but shouldn't be your primary focus or motivation. Especially as you will also most likely receive negative feedback at some point.