► Tell us about you and your podcast
Hi,
I'm Shayna Host / Producer of Girl Interrupter Podcast. The show is categorized in the "comedy interview" subclass. However, I utilize more of a conversational approach when recording. All most all of the episodes feature hand-selected strangers (and/or comedians) from the internet. I like to engage with open-minded, conversationalists that have a great sense of humor.
I'm Shayna Host / Producer of Girl Interrupter Podcast. The show is categorized in the "comedy interview" subclass. However, I utilize more of a conversational approach when recording. All most all of the episodes feature hand-selected strangers (and/or comedians) from the internet. I like to engage with open-minded, conversationalists that have a great sense of humor.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
The show started as a leisure activity to occupy my time during quarantine, in 2020. I had thought about making a podcast for years prior. I still have those recordings backed up to my Google Drive. There were several reasons, I didn't take the initiative to produce a podcast back then. For starters, I was working and going to school full time. I also had (and still have) terrible ADHD. The distribution process was a lot more challenging 5 years ago than it is today.
I've only been podcasting for less than a year and it's CRAZY how much has changed. The success of the show has been tremendous. Getting featured on Apple Podcast did amazing things for the show's exposure. I even have a mini following! And, I've learned so much about audio production. Everyday I learn more about what it takes to make a "quality production."
My first few episodes were done on a handheld recorder (I think I even recorded an episode from my phone). The edits took some time but I want to say no longer than a week to record, edit, and publish. I'm pretty obsessive. Now, I have a mixer (that I don't use), a professional mic, and a handful of very helpful software programs that I use religiously.
My goals have been pretty consistent--trying to get rich and famous while being ridiculous.
I've only been podcasting for less than a year and it's CRAZY how much has changed. The success of the show has been tremendous. Getting featured on Apple Podcast did amazing things for the show's exposure. I even have a mini following! And, I've learned so much about audio production. Everyday I learn more about what it takes to make a "quality production."
My first few episodes were done on a handheld recorder (I think I even recorded an episode from my phone). The edits took some time but I want to say no longer than a week to record, edit, and publish. I'm pretty obsessive. Now, I have a mixer (that I don't use), a professional mic, and a handful of very helpful software programs that I use religiously.
My goals have been pretty consistent--trying to get rich and famous while being ridiculous.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I was in quarantine and I got laid off... so not much has changed (although the funding from unemployment has progressively declined).
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I have (virtually) met some of the funniest creatives on the face of this planet! It fills my heart with joy when I'm able to capture an epic and ridiculous conversation with someone because I know I'm going to get to listen to it on repeat, 500 times, when I go to edit.
I don't have any sponsors yet. I'm working on building my audience. My show gets anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 downloads a month (from the mainstream platforms, not including Youtube).
I don't have any sponsors yet. I'm working on building my audience. My show gets anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 downloads a month (from the mainstream platforms, not including Youtube).
► How does your podcasting process look like?
Sometimes I don't prepare at all, I just set up a time to hop on Zoom and run my mouth. Other times, I'll jot down a few notes about some of the dumb shit I want to discuss.
I record for about an hour (sometimes two). I record through Zoom and also using a software (Audio Hijack) because it enables me to record each speaker onto different tracks. I do this because sometimes we're talking over each other and I can go back and mute one of the tracks or spread them out so my listeners have the ability to hear and understand each speaker's input.
From there, I drop the recording into another program called Descript which magically transcribes the file so I can make easy edits. I also use Descript to drop in my soundbites. After that I import the conversation and the soundbites into a multitrack editor (Adobe Audition), make some more adjustments, and convert it all into one file. And lastly, I upload it to my distribution host and schedule it for upload. Oh ya, I also make some cover art for the stuff while I'm doing file conversions and what not.
I record for about an hour (sometimes two). I record through Zoom and also using a software (Audio Hijack) because it enables me to record each speaker onto different tracks. I do this because sometimes we're talking over each other and I can go back and mute one of the tracks or spread them out so my listeners have the ability to hear and understand each speaker's input.
From there, I drop the recording into another program called Descript which magically transcribes the file so I can make easy edits. I also use Descript to drop in my soundbites. After that I import the conversation and the soundbites into a multitrack editor (Adobe Audition), make some more adjustments, and convert it all into one file. And lastly, I upload it to my distribution host and schedule it for upload. Oh ya, I also make some cover art for the stuff while I'm doing file conversions and what not.
► How do you market your show?
I was given a 12 day feature on Apple Podcasts which was amazing for my exposure. I do a lot of callabs with other podcasters. Their listeners will subscribe to mine if they like my opinions and what I have to say.. We also have the most powerful tool of expansions, word of mouth. My listeners share my podcast with people who they know so that is helpful. I also post a ton of shit on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.). I do my best to make sure my presence is known.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Do it! Enjoy every step of the process. It will be discouraging, frustrating, and tedious at times but it's so worth it. I have met some of my best friends through podcasting. And whatever you don't know right now, you'll learn along the way.