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 Bill from the Media Fiasco Podcast
When did you start podcasting?
Well, I actually had a previous podcast that I premiered on July 27, 2011, so that would be my official start.
I had to cease production on that show after 29 episodes, and started up my current show, Media Fiasco, on June 16, 2003.
Why did you start podcasting?
I’ve always enjoyed talk radio – namely shock-talk shows like Don and Mike, and now that Don Geronimo and Mike O’Meara each have their own podcasts, I enjoy them both.
I think that hearing them have so much fun combined with being told by many that I have a face for radio led me to podcasting.
I felt that I needed a creative outlet of some kind. I don’t sing or play and instrument, I don’t write, and I don’t act, but I do have a quirky sense of humor, and it all just kind of clicked for me.
What’s your show about?
I refer to my show as my irreverent and inappropriate take on news and pop culture. Basically, I dig deep into the seedy underbelly of the word to find the most bizarre, weird, disgusting, gross, and wholly inappropriate news stories that I can find.
I report the stories, and offer my takes – often just a brief one or two line zinger.
I always tell people not to listen if they have children in the car, if they have a weak stomach, or if they can’t find humor in the sickest things they’ve ever heard.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
My hardware chain is a Heil PR40, a FetHead PreAmp, Mackie MDX–4600 Compressor/Limiter/Gate, Mackie 1402VLZ3 Mixer, recorded on to a Roland R–09 Recorder.
I also have a Shure SM58 as a second mic in Channel 2, an iPad I use for a soundboard, and a Laptop I use for Skype, playing secondary soundboard sounds or audio directly from the internet.
Media Fiasco is a WordPress Installation with the Thesis theme. I also have a forum (phpBB) that I developed and customized.
I also have a Google Voice Listener Feedback Hotline 209–432–3535
My media files are hosted on Libsyn…. NATURALLY!
How have you promoted your podcast?
I have a Facebook page I post to.
I post new episodes on Twitter: @mediafiasco
I am trying to keep my forum up to date with new episodes as well –
I have a YouTube channel: – I have tried posting quick 3–5 minute episode previews/recaps, but they have not gained a lot of traction thus far.
I have also asked for promos from a few folks, and believe it or not had a little bit of success. I have voice promos from radio personalities in England and Ireland.
I enjoy doing little produced bits, and have submitted them to podcasts and radio shows with the hope of a little promotion that way.
I try to interact with other podcasts where possible, and I always have business cards in my pocket to hand out.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I would have jumped in before making sure that everything was “perfect.”
And I wish I would have realized the time commitment that podcasting required.
While my production process is pretty streamlined, the research and collection of show material can be quite time consuming. That plus being a single dad to a 5-year-old son has meant that lately I have been lucky to get a show out a month…
I am looking at trying to increase my output, but it is tough at this point. I will stay the course though and keep it up, even if it is not as frequent as I’d like!
If you are looking for some powerful entertainment, it’s time for you to subscribe to Media Fiasco! We all need a little Media Fiasco in our lives.
And if you feel you have a take on the news, life, history or whatever, why not start a podcast? Host your podcast with us!
