► Tell us about you and your podcast
I am a Professor of Political Science and the host of The P.A.S. Report Podcast. I have appeared on radio and television to provide analysis on current issues and trends within government, politics, international relations, education, homeland security/emergency management, and social/cultural related issues. I speak at many events throughout the year to provide information and analysis on critical issues facing the United States.
The P.A.S. Report Podcast differentiates itself by bringing a fresh educational perspective to the national conversation. For too long, ordinary Americans assumed that all aspects of our society were operating in good faith, from the government and education to the media and journalists. Unfortunately, much has changed requiring us to ask questions and hold officials accountable. The P.A.S. Report's mission focuses on providing an in-depth examination of political issues impacting everyday Americans, bringing back an appreciation for the core American values of liberty and freedom, and explaining We the People’s role within the system. The P.A.S. Report, attracts a broad audience, encouraging listeners to come to their own conclusion.
Before becoming a full-time tenured Professor, I served as a Catastrophic Planning Lead for the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYS OEM) within the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services and coordinated response activities with local and federal emergency management officials. I served as a liaison between New York State, local governments, and federal departments/agencies. My accomplishments are far-reaching and and lead to a number of planning initiatives so that officials more effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from an incident.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I have a passion that led me to start The P.A.S. Report Podcast over two years ago, and that's why The P.A.S. Report Podcast has become one of the top podcasts around. Sick of an activist media industrial complex that wants to dictate how to think, Professor Giordano began the Podcast because of his unique ability to break down complex political issues and explain those issues in a way that appeals to everyday Americans. By introducing facts, a conservative perspective, and quality analysis, the listeners can come to their own conclusions.
Tired of a news media that operates in 3.5-minute segments not providing any context or background information on a political issue or story? Tired of a news media that acts more like political activists pushing an agenda, rather than honest purveyors of information? Tired of biased news media outlets that operate within their own bubble and have little regard for ordinary Americans? Well, so am I. Think logically. We have some really complex political issues in America and throughout the world. It can take an entire semester to teach about some of these issues. The media insults its audience every day by focusing on mostly the superficial BS and that's where The P.A.S. Report Podcast comes in. It fills a void.
I don't pretend to be non-biased, and I am open about my political views, but regardless of where anyone stands on the political issues, they can be sure to learn something in each episode. The only thing I ask is that the audience keeps an open mind.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Finding the time to do the podcast is difficult and requires a delicate balance. Prior to starting the podcast I figured it would be easy. I mean, I talk for hours on end in the classroom, so I thought this would be a piece of cake. Boy was I wrong.
I release two episodes per week. I do one interview episode where I speak with influential people who provide value to the audience. The other is a monologue focusing on a specific topic/issue.
For the standard monologue episodes, the preparation for each episode requires a lot of work. When presenting information, I want to make sure it's accurate, and I also source all my points. Quality is extremely important and making sure the content meets my audience's expectations is essential. For interview episodes, it takes time researching potential guests who will provide value, and then connecting with them to get them on the podcast.
Then each episode has to be edited and uploaded. Since this is a one-man shop, I do everything myself. As of now, I don't really monetize all that much. However, I'm constantly promoting on social media, and I have begun to branch out with small advertising mostly through Facebook.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
At this time, it is more of a hobby than a money maker. For those that jump into podcasting just to make money, usually, that ends in failure. You have to be doing this for the right reasons. I have a passion when it comes to news, government, and politics. I also have a passion for providing an education about the highly complex issues we face.
The feedback I get always makes it worthwhile, and when audience members email me to thank me for an episode or explaining an issue, that's the reward.
While I don't have sponsorship now, it is something I will look to do in 2022. Let's face it, passion is the main motivating factor, but given the time, effort, and energy put into The P.A.S. Report Podcast, it would nice to be financially rewarded as well.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
Starting a podcast is much easier than I expected. All you need is a computer, a decent microphone, editing tools, and passion.
As far as editing goes, I use audacity, which is free. Once you get the hang of it, it's relatively simple to use, and editing is a quick process now because audacity makes it easy. I use Libsyn to serve as the Podcast Hosting Platform, and they distribute it. So it's really easy to get started.
I prepare for each episode by doing research into topics I think the audience will find interesting. Usually, the top headlines/major news stories are a good place to start. I'll explore those topics in-depth, and then connect the past to the present providing alternative points of view that most people wouldn't have considered. I also explain why I feel the way I do.
Getting guests is never easy, but the internet is your best friend. I've had on some of the biggest names in the industry, and people always ask how I get these guests. It's simple, you reach out to them. Don't be intimidated. What's the worst that can happen when you reach out to influential people? They say no or don't respond. I can live with that because if I never reach out to them in the first place, then it's a guarantee they won't come on the show. I have found that some of the most influential people can be really down to earth. And with applications like Zoom, it makes interviewing guests really easy.
► How do you market your show?
I constantly use social media to promote the show and reach audience members. I also continually promote the show word of mouth when giving speeches and interacting with others. Organic growth is the most important, and so interacting directly with the audience always helps. And don't be afraid to ask the audience to share your podcast with other people. That's how I continually grow month over month.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
First, do your research and find your niche. While doing that, also begin to build up a social media following. Don't wait until you launch to build up a following, do it while you're in the planning stages so that when you do launch, you already have a potential market/audience. Also, you can gain valuable insight into what people want to hear or what issues they care about.
When you are ready to launch, record about 4-6 episodes and release them all at once, This gives you a better shot at making Apple's new and noteworthy spotlights which will be an enormous help to grow your audience.
Unfortunately, I focused too much on the audience of the podcast as opposed to also thinking about how to grow and launch.
You also want to be consistent. Once your audience begins to grow, people expect episodes to be released on a regular schedule.
Whatever you commit to, follow through. Determine how many episodes you want to drop a week, and the days you want to drop them, and then stick to that schedule. You can always fine-tune as needed.
Finally, make sure you're putting out quality content. If your content is top-notch, people will tune in.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
People can find me on all the social media platforms. Simply search for Nicholas Giordano or PASreport and I'll pop up. They can also go to my website to find out more information https://pasreport.com. I always appreciate all donations and use Ko-Fi- https://ko-fi.com/thepasreport. Finally, if there are those who are thinking about podcasting and want advice, they can always email me at podcast@pasreport.com.