► Tell us about you and your podcast
We are a trio of sports experts, who came together through the entertainment industry. Justen Williams and Nii Wallace-Bruce had previous rapport and hosting experience from a previous podcast, while Corbert deRonde (Cobe) is an experienced producer, who has his own sports channel COBE LIFE on Youtube.
Our show seeks to shed light on sports that big media tends to miss, while also covering the major sports in North America. In particular, we like to focus on women in sports, given that only 4% of coverage on ESPN (in 2020) was devoted to women’s sports. These goals influence the guests that we bring on, ranging from athletes, to broadcasters, and administrators.
Our listeners tend to be based in Canada and the US, but we also have a growing following in Asia.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Podcasting is the way of the future for small media. We do listen to a number of podcasts.
Our motivation was to deliver a podcast that stretched across borders and covered multiple sports.
We started laying the foundations for the podcast in November 2020, with the first episode launching in January 2021.
It didn’t take long to release our pilot/debut episode. Maybe 2-3 weeks. Most of the timing was used to map out our inaugural season.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
We release episodes twice a week - on Tuesday and Friday. Typically, we record together and/or record an interview beforehand - this is done either virtually or in person. It takes about 10 hours for the final product to be put together for release (as of Season 3).
Being a trio, we can usually make the recording schedule work, so that there’s at least two of us, whether that be during the day or at night. We also have to be flexible because sometimes our guests are based in Europe and Asia.
We fund the podcast ourselves, but we do so on an affordable budget. We will actually be releasing videos on our Youtube channel as to how we did this.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
We currently do not have any sponsors but we are open to opportunities.
Podcasting introduces us to a number of people we otherwise wouldn’t have met. It also allows us to get to know each more as hosts and maintain our friendship.
Being involved in this podcast adds to our online resume of work. All three of us have experience as actors, both on camera and live.
Each of us also possess an expert knowledge in a number of sports. Furthermore, that knowledge is increasing incrementally with each interview episode we produce. We make sure we do research beforehand too, rather than just winging it.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
We interview our guests using an audio application called Cleanfeed. It allows us to separate the tracks for each host as well as the guest.
Once completed, we download each separate track and then Cobe works his magic in the post-production phase. Once the episode is ready to release, we start putting together social media posts/promotions.
Post audio production takes place on Audacity. Then simple Social media posts are created on a number of applications available on both IOS or Android. More complex Videos are produced utilizing Movavi Video Editing software.
► How do you market your show?
Initially, we started with word of mouth, but once we found our feet we have started to use social media more - particularly Instagram and Facebook. As of August, we now have a newsletter that will capture more email subscribers too.
In addition, we have giveaway promotions from time to time. For example, we have given away stunning wood artwork to some lucky fans in the past. We also boost our viewership by taking advantage of Instagram/Facebook promotions.
Plus, we are hoping that more listeners will find us through Listen Notes!
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
First off, make sure you’re having fun. The three of us were doing podcasts in some shape or form before the pandemic, so we were well positioned for periods of lockdown. Podcasting is also a long-term game. If you aren’t persistent through challenges, you will give up at the first sign of trouble. We have seen a number of podcasts fall by the wayside due to a lack of vision and planning as well as the mere fact that the world is opening up again. To us, sport is something that we’re passionate about anyway, so why not educate our listeners and bring some stories to life?
Also, plan on growing with your podcast. Your first season won't be perfect if you are producing it on your own. Keep it as simple as possible to begin with. As your skills increase, you can add additional elements to your podcast without increasing your time commitment. Finally, in the same way that people listen to your podcast, make sure you listen to feedback and engage with people who leave a comment or message - don’t ever take it for granted.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find us on these links below.
Sign up for weekly newsletter here - https://captivate.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=48d148e91bacee63c8f63fe3c&id=73ef4ebbc5
Our Website - http://msha.ke/prosportspodcasters
Facebook Page - https://m.facebook.com/113120133945841
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/779730282578465/?ref=share
Instagram (@Pro.Sports.Podcasters) - www.instagram.com/Pro.Sports.Podcasters
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK5Uba2xfkGczV4sBiTSaKg
Twitter (@PPodcaters) - www.twitter.com/PPodcasters
Patreon Website - https://www.patreon.com/prosportspodcasters
We look forward to connecting with each of you.