The Dublin Podcast Festival is running across Dublin from September 19th to 30th. We got chatting to podcast-pro Ben Green ahead of his Podcast Workshop and Masterclass on Saturday, 23rd of September in the National Concert Hall.
What can we expect from your podcast masterclass?
I’ll be playing lots of clips illustrating how to make a compelling introduction (and what to avoid to ensure you don't make a bad one!).
I'll also be discussing storytelling, how best to conduct an audio interview, and how to use sound design. Plus, I'll be advising on equipment, software, hosting platforms, monetisation and plenty more besides.
Who should attend?
The session is intended for people who are looking to start up their own podcast or make their current one better – but anyone who has a passion for podcasting, whether you're a listener or a (wannabe) producer, will get something out of it.
Will you podcast the masterclass?
I’m afraid if you want to get the know-how, you’ll have to attend on Saturday– or, cough cough, buy my highly affordable book, Podcast Master: Your Short Guide to Broadcasting Online, (also available as a free podcast)
The Guardian's podcasts - can you give us an overview in order of popularity/content and importance?
The Guardian has played a huge part in the emergence and growth of podcasting outside of America: it was actually a Guardian journalist who coined the phrase ‘podcasting’ back in 2004.
They've lost the edge when it comes to innovation, but they still make some great content - Science Weekly is especially well-produced - and of course there's Football Weekly, which remains the jewel in their crown.
You are a former multimedia producer with The Guardian, what are you working on now?
I left The Guardian this summer after more than a decade to start up a podcast production company of my own, along with James Richardson, who I worked with on Football Weekly for eight years.
I’m head of content at Muddy Knees Media, and we’ve just passed five million downloads for our Totally Football Show in our first six weeks. We’ve announced our first live date where you can see us on stage - we hope to be in Dublin in the new year - and this week we released our first spin-off show, The Totally Football League Show.
We’ll be putting out our next batch of podcasts soon – and they won’t be football related.
What are the three core elements at the centre of the best podcasts?
A strong connection between the people of air and the audience; good sound quality; and a unique take on the subject matter the podcast is covering.
What are three common podcasting mistakes?
- Bad sound.
- Over-long episodes (just because you can put out a five-hour discussion doesn’t mean you should).
- Adverts for Squarespace.
Your favourite podcasts?
WTF with Mark Maron; 30 for 30; A Stab in the Dark; The Mental Illness Happy Hour; The James Altucher Show.
Your favourite Irish ones?
OSW Review, Second Captains and An Irishman Abroad are the best Irish ones.
