Podcast Summary: The Voice Over Coffee Shop – Episode 78 | Coffee with George Whittem

Release Date: June 28, 2024
Host: Andrew Morrison
Guest: George Whittem, Founder of George the Tech

Introduction

In Episode 78 of The Voice Over Coffee Shop, host Andrew Morrison sits down with George Whittem, a renowned expert in audio technology and the founder of George the Tech. The episode delves into George's journey in the audio industry, his insights on studio design, audio recording technology, and his visionary plans for the future of sound in creative spaces.

George Whittem's Background

George Whittem brings a wealth of experience to the table, with expertise spanning studio design, audio recording technology, and more. From the outset, George humorously shares his simple yet effective morning coffee routine, highlighting his practical approach to both life and work.

George Whittem [02:00]: "I grind them in my nutribullet blender, which is like an absolute no no to coffee nerds, right?"

Despite not being a coffee connoisseur, George demonstrates ingenuity by repurposing equipment to suit his needs, a trait that underscores his innovative mindset in the audio realm.

Audio Career Path

George's passion for audio technology ignited in childhood, influenced heavily by his father who provided early exposure to audio equipment. This foundational experience fostered a lifelong interest in recording and sound engineering.

George Whittem [06:20]: "My dad always had audio equipment around... just for fun. It was a plaything to record and listen to back."

After earning his degree in audio and technology in 1997, George ventured into various facets of the audio industry, from live sound and studio installations to broadcast radio engineering for the Eagles football team. His diverse experiences culminated in the establishment of his own remote recording truck, showcasing his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.

George the Tech: Services and Team

As the founder of George the Tech, George has assembled a stellar team of seasoned professionals dedicated to enhancing and making sound accessible for creatives. His team includes experts like Jim Edgar, Humberto Franco, Andrew Feliciano, and others, each bringing unique skills to the collective.

George Whittem [20:33]: "I'm incredibly honored and blessed about the team of people we've assembled."

George emphasizes the importance of understanding voice actors' unique challenges, positioning his company as a bridge between technical excellence and the creative needs of voice talents.

Studio Setup Essentials

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the essentials of setting up a reliable and effective recording studio. George underscores the necessity of a dependable setup to ensure consistent performance.

George Whittem [22:44]: "First and foremost, whatever you're recording with, it has to be really reliable and really consistent so that you can record day after day after day."

He advises against overspending or underspending, advocating for a balanced approach informed by seasoned professionals to achieve optimal results.

Acoustics and Recording Environments

Acoustic treatment is a pivotal topic, with George highlighting the complexities and 'black art' nature of soundproofing and acoustic design in small spaces.

George Whittem [29:32]: "A small room is 8 by 10ft. If it's smaller than that, they don't... they are not interested."

George shares innovative solutions, such as partnering with vocalbooth.com to develop affordable and effective acoustic panels tailored for small booths. He also explores unconventional materials for sound absorption, like recycled denim and bath towels, demonstrating his commitment to practical and sustainable acoustic solutions.

George Whittem [31:52]: "He just took a whole bunch of bath towels... and they worked great."

Information and Learning Sources

Staying abreast of the latest in audio technology is crucial for George. He leverages a variety of sources, including YouTube channels, social media groups, podcasts, and direct interactions with industry peers.

George Whittem [36:20]: "I subscribe to a lot of YouTube channels... host a show called the Pro Audio Suite, which is four of us absolutely geeking out about recording, voiceover and audio."

This multifaceted approach ensures that George remains at the forefront of technological advancements, enabling him to offer cutting-edge solutions to his clients.

Future Plans and Business Expansion

Looking ahead, George outlines ambitious plans to expand George the Tech beyond voiceover services to cater to C-Suite executives and podcasters. His vision is to democratize high-quality audio, making it accessible and straightforward for professionals in various fields.

George Whittem [41:15]: "My goal is to make that no longer acceptable and be... make it so accessible to getting that information and make it so easy for them to fix that problem."

He envisions creating educational content and possibly leveraging augmented reality and spatial audio to enhance user experience, ensuring that audio quality becomes a standard across all professional communications.

Personal Insights and Hobbies

Beyond his technical expertise, George shares personal aspects of his life, including his love for cycling and pizza. Cycling serves as a crucial outlet for balance and productivity, reflecting his high-energy approach to both work and personal life.

George Whittem [47:40]: "For me, bike, biking is it... it's physically and intellectually stimulating."

His passion for pizza also adds a relatable and humanizing touch to his persona, rounding out his multifaceted character.

Conclusion and Contact Information

As the conversation winds down, George emphasizes the importance of continual learning and adaptability in the ever-evolving audio landscape. He encourages listeners to engage with George the Tech for top-tier audio solutions.

Andrew Morrison [58:02]: "If you'd like to book him for any audio related inquiries, you can visit georgethee Tech."

Listeners interested in George Whittem's expertise and services can visit his website at www.GeorgetheTech.com to explore offerings and book consultations.

Final Thoughts

Episode 78 of The Voice Over Coffee Shop offers an in-depth look into the world of audio technology through the eyes of George Whittem. From his rich background and innovative approaches to studio design and acoustics, George provides valuable insights for voiceover artists and audio professionals alike. His dedication to making high-quality sound accessible and his forward-thinking strategies make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about audio excellence.

For more episodes, guest information, and updates, visit veocoffeeshop.com or check out their YouTube channel and your favorite podcast streaming platform.