► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is Anthony Jeannot.
Highbrow Drivel is the name of my podcast.
Hilarious takes from serious experts. I'm a stand up comedian who loves smart people. In this podcast, I invite my comedian friends to interview academics and experts.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
As a comedian, not being able to get on stage during lockdown was a bummer. I thought about how else I can use my creative talents and I thought there are a lot of experts who know important, fun or mindblowing things, why not get them together with my comedy mates and help them share that with people who aren't academics. I started recording in November 2020. I recorded 10 episodes before I released my first one in December 2020.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I release weekly, but recording in bulk before starting definitely helped. It's all self funded and I do 99.99% of it by myself. I probably spend 2 hours a night after work either doing admin (reaching out for guests) editing or recording.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Right now it's just a fun creative platform that allows me to connect with people while I'm not allowed on stages. I am learning a lot and having a lot of fun. I hope one day to be able to do live podcasts and have people and my comedy show tell me they came because they like the podcast.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use Zencastr and my sony wireless headphones / microphone. I research guests meticulously reading their academic papers, watching any talks they've given before offering them a spot. I read extensively on the topic before hand, then I ask my every day friends what they'd want to know from an expert in the that field, then I write a rough episode guide and share it with the guests.
► How do you market your show?
To begin with it was my stand up mailing list. I have two guests per show, and most have been helpful at sharing the episode on their social media. Then there's been word of mouth. I hustle hard on social, but I haven't really seen it have big noticable results.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
The old boring 'consistency and content' line rings true. And, if you believe in your product, investing in ads on a podcast platform like Overcast or Podcast Addict is the best way to give your podcast an initial boost.