Podcast

Image of a podcasting setup including the Rode PodCaster Pro mixer.Objective

To develop an understanding of podcasting production techniques and applications.

Description

Produce, promote, and distribute at least six (6) episodes of a podcast centered around a particular topic. Episodes may be approximately 15 minutes in length. This project may be for you or a business or non-profit client. You may use any publicly available service to host the podcast files, and you must publish the podcast on the Apple Podcasts directory.

A few example program formats include:

  • Interview Podcast
  • Solo Podcast
  • Conversational and co-hosted podcasts
  • Non-fiction storytelling podcasts
  • Fiction storytelling podcasts
  • Repurposed content
  • Hybrid podcasts

Here are some examples of podcast formats.

Resources

Project Deliverable

Research: (100 pts)

Research three (3) examples of podcasts similar to the one you intend to create. They should be similar in subject or creative approach. Create a document outlining the following:

  • The objective for the examples should include what the audience should be able to know, learn, or do after using the example. “I don’t know” is not an example of an answer.
  • The audience of the example. This should include age, gender, geographic location, socioeconomic level, media and device use, etc. “Not sure” is not an example of an answer.
  • A rundown of each example detailing the main sections of the example (opening, main section, promo, closing, etc.) that describe that section and its length. This should look like the following.
    • Open -:30
    • First topic – 1:20
    • Promo -:20
    • Closing -:45
  • Client for the example (if any.)
  • Linked URLs of the examples you find.
  • Analysis: Why are these appropriate examples for your project? Do they use the medium effectively, and why? What works and why? What doesn’t work and why?

You may also include additional sources you found that are not examples but pertain to the media you will use or the topic you will cover. See the Project Brief for details.

Delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)\

Project brief (100 pts)

  • Podcast title.
  • Explain the objective of your project.
  • Describe the intended audience, including demographics.
  • Describe where you will host your podcast (Buzzsprout, Anchor, etc.)
  • Provide the metadata (title, producer, date, etc.) required for the publishing platform.
  • Create a rundown of each episode’s content.
  • Describe how you will promote the project.
  • Create show notes for each episode.
  • Create a podcast cover graphic.
  • Describe the tool or software used and the reason for that choice.
  • Provide an episode release schedule.
  • Provide a Task List with names of responsible individuals and the deadline dates for the tasks.
  • If appropriate, provide detailed contact information for the client and/or subject-matter expert (SME) and any cited sources for the information included in the project.

Use this Project Brief template. The filename should be LASTNAME_PROJECTNAME_brief.

Use this Task List template. The filename should be LASTNAME_PROJECTNAME_tasklist.

Delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)

Completed Project (200 pts)

  • At least six (6) episodes, approximately 15 minutes in length.
  • Audio is audible and recorded without hiss, buzz, or unnecessary background sound and is encoded and compressed for distribution.
  • Edits are properly paced.
  • Upload the project to an appropriate podcast host such as Buzzsprout, Spotify for Podcasters, etc.
  • Publish the podcast to the Apple Podcasts podcast directory. (You will need an Apple ID.) Follow all metadata, artwork, etc., required for submission to the chosen directory. Here are directions for what you will use when you submit your podcast. Your podcast host will probably have a step-by-step process or a submission page to walk you through these requirements.
  • Embed a podcast player with the episodes on your website OR create a website for the project. The website should include posts for each episode, including show notes and an embedded podcast player. The website should also have an About page that provides information about the podcast, a Podcast page with the episodes or series player embedded, and a Contact page.
  • Create social media posts for each episode on at least one appropriate social media account.

Submit an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions) to the D2L dropbox with the following information.

  • URL of your website page about the project
  • Screengrabs of the information you submitted to Apple Podcasts Connect.
  • URL of the finished project
  • URLs of the social media account used (hashtagged #iam3210.)

Submit a separate MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions) with your Usage of Generative AI Justification (if applicable) to the D2L dropbox.

Reflection:

Submit a 250-word reflection paper about your project that addresses the following questions. Support your reflections with specific examples from the project. Focus on constructive, forward-looking observations. Consider both technical and interpersonal aspects of the experience. Use the heading structure below.

Personal Growth & Learning

  • What were the 2-3 most important lessons you learned from this project experience?
  • Describe your primary contribution to the project and explain why it was significant.
  • What specific skill or approach would you focus on improving in your next team project?

Creative Process

  • What was your team’s creative approach to this project, and what influenced those choices?
  • Based on the project outcomes, would you take a different creative approach if you could start over? Why or why not?

Professional Development

  • How do you plan to apply specific skills or insights from this project to your future career?
  • What additional skills or knowledge did this project reveal you need to develop?
  • Outline your concrete plan for developing one of these needed skills in the next 6 months.

Team Dynamics

For each team member (including yourself):

  • Name their most valuable contribution.
  • Provide one specific example of how their work impacted the project
  • What one piece of actionable feedback would you give to each team member to enhance their collaboration skills?

(Comments about your team members will be kept confidential, but I encourage you to share them.)

This is an individual submission. Each team member must submit their own Reflection.

The document is delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)

Due Dates

See the Course Schedule for Project 1 and 2 due dates.

Evaluation

Points will be awarded based on adherence to the Project Deliverables.

Total points available – 500