Episode Summary

Podcast: LSE: Public Lectures and Events
Host: LSE Film and Audio Team
Episode: The Ballpark needs your help!
Date: October 10, 2016

Episode Overview

This short and upbeat episode from The Ballpark, a podcast by the US Centre at the London School of Economics, serves as a call to action for listeners. Hosts Denise Barron and guest Chris Connelly (on work experience) reach out to their audience to request feedback in order to improve the upcoming second series. Through a brief, friendly conversation, they explain the purpose of a listener survey, encourage responses, and offer a fun incentive for participation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gratitude to the Audience and Podcast Community

• Hosts express thanks to both guests and listeners for their support so far.

  “Thanks so much for listening to The Ballpark so far. We really appreciate everyone who has been on the podcast to talk with us and everyone at home who has been listening and sending your feedback…” (Denise, 00:27)

2. Request for Listener Feedback

• Central aim: The hosts announce they're preparing for season two and actively want to make improvements based on audience input.
• Feedback sought through a listener survey:

  “We are currently working on series two of the podcast, and in order to create even better and more entertaining content, it'd be great to know what you all think.” (Chris, 00:40)

• Denise highlights the collaborative spirit in the office, mentioning the survey as Chris Connelly’s contribution that week.

3. Survey Details & Incentive

• Hosts reassure listeners that the survey is quick and simple.

  “We created a short survey to help us understand how we can improve the series and make it better for you. It will only take five minutes of your time.” (Chris, 00:58)
  “Five minutes, people. It will just take five minutes.” (Denise, 01:06)

• Incentive: Completing the survey enters participants into a draw for a £25 Amazon gift voucher.

  “As an enticement, we are giving one person who completes the survey a £25 Amazon gift voucher. That person could be you.” (Chris, 01:10)

4. Friendly Closure and Look Ahead

• Both thank listeners again and express anticipation for season two.

  “Thanks for all your feedback and thanks for listening.” (Chris, 01:18)
  “We hope to see you all in season two.” (Chris, 01:25)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Playful banter: Throughout, the tone is light and collegial, which creates an inviting atmosphere.

  “Hello? Hello? Can you hear me? Cool.” (Denise, 00:00)

• Behind-the-scenes fun:

  “Okay, what else do we want? Some sort of, like, baseball sound effects of, like, the crowd goes wild. Home run.” (Denise, 01:38)
  “I think that's quite good. Yeah. Okay.” (Chris, 01:49)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:00–00:21 – Introduction by Denise and Chris Connelly
• 00:27–00:40 – Thanking listeners, introducing the need for feedback
• 00:40–01:10 – Survey announcement and incentive details
• 01:10–01:25 – How to participate and final thanks
• 01:38–01:49 – Lighthearted behind-the-scenes moment about adding sound effects

Tone & Style

The hosts employ an informal, enthusiastic, and grateful tone throughout, reflecting the podcast's desire for genuine engagement with its audience. The dynamic between Denise and Chris is warm and approachable, with a few candid, humorous asides that keep the episode personable.

Useful Links

• Survey Link: [Found in the episode description]

This episode serves as a friendly invitation to listeners to help shape the future of The Ballpark podcast, balancing both gratitude for past engagement and excitement about the show's next steps.