School of Podcasting Episode Summary
Title: Podcast Interview Wizard: Brainstorm With Yourself and Create Better Interviews, and Get More Exposure in Half the Time
Host: Dave Jackson
Release Date: March 28, 2016
Introduction
In episode 507 of the School of Podcasting, veteran podcaster Dave Jackson delves into the Podcast Interview Wizard—a software tool designed to streamline the process of planning, conducting, and promoting podcast interviews. Drawing from his extensive experience in the podcasting realm, Dave provides an in-depth review of the tool, shares valuable insights on enhancing podcast interviews, and features an engaging segment with fellow podcasters Gary and Margaret from the Kiwi Mana Podcast.
Reviewing Podcast Interview Wizard
What is Podcast Interview Wizard?
Podcast Interview Wizard, developed by Jim Edwards, is a comprehensive software solution aimed at simplifying the podcast interview process. It assists podcasters in brainstorming interview questions, creating show notes, generating promotional materials, and more.
About Jim Edwards
Jim Edwards is a seasoned internet expert with over 20 years in the field. He is the founder of Guaranteed Response Marketing LLC and has authored numerous ebooks, print books, and articles. Dave highlights Jim's unique blend of professionalism and sarcasm, which has made his products both effective and engaging.
Key Features and Functionality
Dave explores the 16-question template that Podcast Interview Wizard uses to generate various tools for podcasting:
- Interview Setup: Collects details like the host's name, podcast name, guest's name, audience demographics, and key themes.
- Content Generation: Produces email templates for securing interviews, reminders, and post-interview thank-yous ([04:35]).
- Show Notes and Bullets: Automatically creates show notes and bullet points for episodes, including multiple show title options ([15:20]).
- Promotional Materials: Generates ads tailored for platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as well as audience handouts ([18:00]).
Dave's Experience and Assessment
Dave tested the software by planning his interview with Danny Pena from Gamertag Radio. He appreciated how the tool streamlined the preparation process but noted areas where the software's templates felt limiting or generic.
Notable Quotes:
- "The Podcast Interview Wizard is meant for people who basically hate to write... it's so much easier to edit than it is to create." ([12:45])
- "Don't forget to be you. The software doesn't know your audience." ([38:20])
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Efficiency: Significantly reduces the time needed to prepare for interviews by providing structured templates.
- Comprehensive Tools: From email communications to show notes, it covers multiple aspects of podcasting.
- Customizable: Allows podcasters to modify generated content to better fit their show's voice.
Weaknesses:
- Generic Templates: Risk of interviews sounding formulaic if templates are used verbatim without personalization ([37:10]).
- Limited Creativity: May constrain podcasters looking to deviate from structured question formats.
Dave emphasizes the importance of personalizing the content generated by the software to maintain a genuine and engaging interview style.
Balancing Templates with Personal Touch
Dave advises podcasters to use Podcast Interview Wizard as a brainstorming tool rather than a rigid blueprint. He stresses the necessity of actively listening to guests and allowing conversations to flow organically, rather than strictly adhering to scripted questions.
Notable Quotes:
- "The best question to ask may not be on the paper in front of you." ([39:50])
- "Be sure to inject you into there, because the software doesn't know your audience." ([40:30])
Interview Segment: Gary and Margaret from Kiwi Mana Podcast
Dave features Gary and Margaret from the Kiwi Mana Podcast, highlighting how their show has fostered a global community of beekeepers. They share stories of connecting with listeners worldwide, including fans traveling from England to New Zealand to meet them.
Notable Quotes:
- Gary: "Our podcast is really helping us build a community all around the world."
- "It's really great to hear from people and even greater to visit when they come to visit." ([28:40])
Celebrating Hall of Fame Inductees
Dave congratulates new inductees into the Academy of Podcasters Hall of Fame:
- Don and Drew: Veteran podcasters from the Pod Show Network.
- Gary Leland: From Podcast Pickle and All Things Fast Pitch Softball.
- Mignon Fogarty (Grammar Girl): Noted for her transition from a science podcast to the acclaimed Grammar Girl series.
- Rob Walsh: VP of Podcast Relations at Libsyn.
He highlights their longevity and influence in the podcasting industry, encouraging listeners to check out their work.
Business Mistakes in Podcasting: Learning from Failure
Dave shares his experience attempting to create a free podcasting course, priced modestly at $20. Despite investing hours into the project, the course failed to attract buyers, reinforcing his belief that those seeking free podcasting resources are unlikely to invest financially. This anecdote serves as a cautionary tale about understanding and targeting the right audience.
Notable Quotes:
- "People that want to podcast for free won't spend money on anything." ([35:50])
- "If they want to podcast for free, they're not going to be very successful because it takes a lot of work." ([36:30])
Enhancing Podcasts with Sound Effects
Dave discusses his techniques for integrating sound effects into his podcasts to enhance storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of organization and file management when handling a large library of sounds. Tools like Sony Sound Forge and freesound.org are recommended for sourcing and editing sound effects.
Notable Quotes:
- "It doesn't take that much time if you have them organized."
- "Having that organized makes adding effects seamless and efficient." ([43:20])
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Dave wraps up the episode by reiterating the value of tools like Podcast Interview Wizard for brainstorming and structuring interviews. However, he underscores the necessity of maintaining a personal touch and actively engaging with guests beyond the software-generated templates. He encourages podcasters to experiment and innovate, ensuring their shows remain unique and authentic.
Final Advice:
- Personalize Templates: Always modify generated content to reflect your unique voice and style.
- Active Listening: Focus on genuine conversations rather than sticking strictly to scripts.
- Stay Organized: Efficiently manage resources like sound effects to enhance your podcast without becoming overwhelmed.
Additional Highlights
- Guest Feedback: Eric K. Johnson praises Dave's use of subtle sound effects, enhancing the depth and visualization of stories ([42:47]).
- Resource Recommendations: Dave directs listeners to podcastingresources.com for a comprehensive list of podcasting tools and to weeklywebtools.com for website enhancement strategies.
Notable Quotes Recap
- “Be sure to inject you into there, because the software doesn’t know your audience.” ([40:30])
- “The best question to ask may not be on the paper in front of you.” ([39:50])
- “People that want to podcast for free won’t spend money on anything.” ([35:50])
How to Access Episode Resources
For a visual walkthrough and additional resources discussed in this episode, visit schoolofpodcasting.com/507. Interested listeners can explore the Podcast Interview Wizard at podcastinterviewwizard.com/sop using the coupon code LISTENER for a discounted rate.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from episode 507 of the School of Podcasting. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned professional, Dave Jackson's evaluation of the Podcast Interview Wizard offers valuable perspectives on optimizing your interview process while maintaining authenticity and engagement.