► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is Skyler and I produce and host a podcast with four other friends named Chandler, Daniel and Wyatt.
Our podcast is called World Talkers: An Unofficial Evermore Fancast. The podcast is about a new theme park in Pleasant Grove Utah called Evermore. On our podcast we discuss what it is as well as how to get the most out of it, including the current and on going story line happening there.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
We started this podcast a while back because Evermore park was super new and so very unique. This meant that there was a high learning curve to attending the park. We loved the park and wanted it to succeed. They didn't have anything that facilitated the types of information we were looking for or what we felt other guests had been asking. So we decided to do it ourselves.
I was introduced to podcasts when i was in high school and i absolutely loved them. I listened to a wide variety ranging from informational to story driven dramas. What i particularly liked about podcasts was the fact that i could be engaged while doing other things. This really helped me learn and enjoy things without being stopped or taking time out of my busy schedule. There is so much information to be had about Evermore Park that i felt it would allow people to easily learn without taking too much away from their days productivity. Also when we started we were poor college students and podcasting had the lowest barrier for entry.
Our initial goal when starting our podcast was to just have fun. Also, hopefully, help those who listened to get the most out of Evermore.
We started our podcast in February of 2019.
This question is a bit tricky. I think like a lot of people i have wanted to release a podcast episode ever since I learned about podcasting. I just never knew what i wanted to release. Once Evermore came along and i had a topic that i felt was worth while we released pretty quickly. We got the idea, created the logo, bought a microphone and away we went. It probably took about a month from the time we had the idea to publishing our first episode. The main issue was saving up for a decent microphone.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Finding the time is the most difficult part of making a podcast. We release every other week and that takes a lot of effort for us to do. We are entirely self produced and so it can be a bit time consuming. When we record it is usually about and hour or two and then we have to edit the podcast so that takes even more time. Depending on how well we made an outline it can be a lot harder than others. so four to ten hours of editing.
There are four of us when we record so synching up our schedules is a bit hard, especially since we all work full time. The only way I know to get around that difficulty is to be dedicated and really committed to doing what you want to do. We find podcasting to be a lot of fun so it makes putting time in a bit easier. Also dividing up jobs helps a lot. Like I edit the podcast while Wyatt does our social media, Chandler handles outreach and interview set ups, and Daniel focuses on episode outline and content ideas.
We fund this podcast entirely by our selves. The microphone set up was the most pricy thing to deal with. A larger upfront cost. Then there is our monthly hosting fees which is about $20. We also occasionally do give aways and those can range anywhere from $10-$100. We just take it slow and divide costs evenly. If you want more exact looking figure id probably say somewhere around $1300 so far.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
For our podcast we actually pay out of pocket for things to happen so we make nothing. But finding a really engaged and friendly community is really what we have gotten out of it. So if anything thats what i appreciate the most. Its also really nice to show the podcast of to family and friends. It's a fun thing to do that people enjoy hearing about.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
So when we started out we used a public library. It is really amazing the types of resources that are available to you if you just look around. As for hardware we don't use anything super special. Just four Shure sm85 microphones and a Zoom H6 recorder. Then we edit in the free version of Audacity. So it really helps out that way. As far as processes go. We start by having an episode outline and then we move into recording and then edit in. Pretty straight forward stuff.
Finding guests to be on our show has been pretty easy as well. We often find them via facebook and then we just message them asking if they are willing to come on. We have gotten some pretty high profile people on this way. You never know who you can get until you try.
In regards to preparing each episode we usually think about questions that we have and then compile them in a way that takes you from start to finish a day you would spend in the park. We also poll our audience pretty often to see what they would like to hear about.
When we interview people we really like to do it in person. There is just an interconnectability that you can only get in person. It also helps the guest feel more calm and natural.
► How do you market your show?
We don't really market our podcast soo much. We have accounts on all the major social media platforms like twitter facebook and instagram. Then we post fun things about the park about every other day.
Most of our listeners come from apple podcasts. about 67% come from them. The way we have managed to get out how we have is mainly from word of mouth. We super appreciate our listeners and the work they put into getting our name heard.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
There is probably a lot of advice I could give, but it mainly boils down to a few things. Be willing to research. Look at what is going to work best for you and then just do some google searches. Learn how to talk into a microphone and be a bit better in your speech. Not also much so that you lose your personality. But having a clear and concise voice really cuts down on editing time. Also be wiling to take criticism. Don't take it personally. Different people like different things but look at the feedback you get and then put it into practice. Above all just have fun. Thats what really comes through. Because if you're having fun then people will listen. And if for whatever reason they aren't listening, at least you will be having fun.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
We can be found in a lot of places and we appreciate every amount of support. Even if its just a like on one of our posts. However if you want to do or find out more you can find us at these places.
Website: https://worldtalkers.fireside.fm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldtalkers/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/worldtalkers
Email: worldtalkers.podcast@gmail.com
Patreon: patreon.com/worldtalkers
The place we talk about: evermore.com