lb Rockin’ New libsyn Podcasts: The Podcast History of Our World
This series is all about showcasing Libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Rob from The Podcast History of Our World!
When did you start podcasting?
I recorded my very first episode in August 2012.
Why did you start podcasting?
Well, I had just completed my masters in teaching and had sent out my applications to schools, eager to get going with my new career, annnnd…nothing.
Not a bite!
So a buddy of mine suggested that while I continue the search for a job, why not make a podcast about what I’d be teaching anyway? So I sat down and outlined what I wanted to do, researched recording equipment, unpacked boxes of history books and presto! I had a podcast.
What’s your show about?
There’s two real components to my podcast: content and delivery.
For the content, the nice thing about my show is that the title isn’t misleading! The Podcast History of Our World is just that – an audio tour of our shared history, starting at the beginning and working through time.
I realized early on that I couldn’t decide on just one area of history to concentrate on, as other history podcasters do, so why not just tell the big story?
Each episode provides another chapter of our history, with just enough points and facts to educate, while at the same time intentionally leaving out details so that you go off and research on your own!
In terms of delivery, I knew that I wanted to create a humorous and exciting program to show those who’ve sworn off history that it can be fun!
Initially I envisioned a show much sillier than it is right now, and my early episodes attempt that, with lots of sound effects and jokes. But as I progressed I saw how challenging it was to keep it up with it! So while the new episodes don’t have nearly the amount of sound effects, they still retain the same spirit of humor and comic style.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
I started with a cheap USB microphone and a quick glance at the Audacity tutorial. After actually reading further, I learned how to better utilize the noise removal function (something I highly recommend), and eliminate all the icky noises that plague home podcasters – electronic hums, tinny sounds, echo chamber voices etc.
I also recently graduated to a Blue Snowball USB Microphone with a pop shield – an incredible and affordable piece of equipment that has made a significant difference in my recording quality! If you’re serious about your show you owe it to yourself to make the investment and buy quality.
How have you promoted your podcast?
I submitted my RSS feed to every single podcast directory I could find, no matter how small or big.
When my companion blog was up and running, that was submitted to every search engine I could find.
After that it was time to explore social media: twitter, soundcloud, facebook, reddit, you name it. Facebook actually has an awesome history podcast group where creators and listeners get to chat about topics and the shows in a very honest and friendly way.
If you do go the social media route, don’t be a passive host – if someone took the time to write you a note of support, don’t just click the like button, write back to them! After all, without the listeners you’re just someone talking into a computer, right?
I’ve also been exploring ways to cross promote the show through other artists.
I use different theme music each episode depending on the civilization we’re studying, and that ends up requiring a lot of podsafe music! Luckily there are musicians out there who are willing to share their work with you as long as you promote them – so it’s a win win!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
That I should have done this earlier! Getting mail from international listeners, being selected as iTunes Best New Society and Culture podcast of 2012, creating something worthwhile with my time, it’s all been so incredible.
The other thing that a fellow podcaster warned me about was to steel yourself for nasty criticism.
This is being the internet and all, people love being anonymous and mean. Now, I’m fortunate to have a fiver star rating on iTunes but I’ve had some choice words sent my way because I addressed topics someone didn’t like, or agree with.
Just take these misanthropes in stride and realize that as long as you’re enjoying what you do, who cares what some troll thinks?
Now doesn’t that make you wanna learn more about the history of your world? If you are interested in history this is the podcast to subscribe to!.
If you are interested in reaching out to Rob, you can email him at radiomonaco(at)gmail(dot)com, and we KNOW that you want to get yourself a fancy History of Our World t-shirt here!
Are you a history podcaster that wants a little community love? Check out this amazing history group on Facebook.
You know you want to start podcasting! Host your podcast with us!
