► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is David Smith and I am the creator of the Armchair Commentary. My co host Steve Steele and I tackle various topics across all sports and sport adjacent topics. We've had episodes on all time greats, Social Justice, Trading Cards, Wrestling, Dodgeball and even Esports.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started this podcast because I needed an outlet. I loved talking sports and where we (my Cohost and I ) live there are no Major sports team. We sadly rely heavily on mainstream media to get most of our content and podcasts were a part of that. I listen to many podcasts myself (some big some more niche) and our first episode took maybe a week to come together once the topic was decided we sat in a room and recorded.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
We both work at the same company (which is how we met) I am a single Dad and Steve works several other jobs on the side so its just about Balance and deciding we are going to do it. we have a day set aside to record and its worked out well for us. We are currently not sponsored or funded. we have a Patreon and Merch with Teepublic if folks would like to support the podcast but all of the equipment and time is from Steve and I alone.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I can speak for myself but its very relaxing when you are in the moment talking about something you are passionate about. Ive been a massive sports fan since i was a kid and honestly a career in sports just never seemed possible so this is the next best thing. We are always open to the right sponsor but we havent been approached as of yet. When we take someone on they have to fit the vibe of the podcast and I would say that goes both ways.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
We record using Zencastr right now. I sit in my home office Steve at his house. Our first episode (and one other) we recorded live in a room which was great but with Covid19 its a bit more difficult. I use Audacity to Edit and we have Anchor do the distribution (although ive also submitted the podcast to other platforms such as iHeartradio etc) we dont do a lot of interviews but ive found guests that have been friends, on Facebook groups or by asking around.
Our episode prep involves choosing the topic early in the week and research throughout the week. we record on thursday so the turn around is quick. most interviews are done via the app in "real time".
► How do you market your show?
Our show is marketed through our listeners and social media. We use Instagram, facebook and twitter for the most part and a lot of listeners id say have come through to us organically through friends and friends of friends. We arent a big budget podcast so its through places like Listennotes and others that we hope to be discovered by others.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Don't Sweat the Downloads is the biggest advice I can give any podcaster. Put your focus into making good episodes and the rest will fall in place. Also if you are going to podcast, make sure you are passionate about the topic.