I love trying new things so much that last week I did my first ever podcast with Josh Fortunatus over at Thoughts Weigh Heavy.
I’d never considered doing a podcast which may or may not have been directly related to never having been asked to do a podcast.
Come hear me make sweeping generalizations and bold, unsupported statements about beer tasting and what makes good writing! Marvel at my ability to use the word “subjective” 12 times in one sentence! Be amazed at my comparison of beer and Mountain Dew!
If you’d like to put a voice to my words, you can check out the stream here (there’s also a picture of me drinking Bass and being overwhelmingly dapper):
If you find yourself in a situation where your pods are to be cast, I suggest the following:
Things you’ll need:
-A computer with Google Voice or a working telephone (required)
-Vocal chords and a brain (required)
-A list of talking points and or questions (optional)
-Your most conversational tone (optional)
-Beer (required)
1. Mentally Prepare
Podcasts are serious business, especially when you plan to talk about beer and writing and more beer. Be sure to lose sleep over what you’re going to say, and do your best to psyche yourself out by constantly second guessing why anyone would want to talk to you, never mind record it.
Double extra bonus points if you pre-write a script that you end up not using because it’s near impossible to script a casual conversation.
2. Be ready to answer quickly, without really considering whether the answer is right or wrong or insane
The worst possible thing you could do is sound vapid and vacant in the middle of your chat. To avoid this, when asked questions you’re not 100% sure how to answer, jump to conclusions. No one will call you out on it probably.
3. Be friendly and assertive and don’t swear at your host or say anything about your nervousness related gastric issues
Everyone will appreciate that.
4. Listen to the podcast before you share it and pray that your host was gracious with his editing
Smile and thank your host when he was gracious with his editing.
5. Have fun, be yourself
Because, well, what’s the point otherwise?
Josh released an album on September 4, titled “Raise D’etre.” You should check it out if you like good music and good people doing good things.
Tagged: beer, do i sound like im on old time radio?, how-to, humor, podcast, thoughts weigh heavy, twh, voice, writing
Literature and Libation 
Also, it’s MUCH easier to be a guest when your host knows nothing about the topic of discussion.
Ha! I guess that means I just get to hog the conversation the whole time 🙂
Really enjoyed this Oliver, so thanks to you and Josh for putting it together. Enjoyed the beer info and glad to know someone else couldn’t get through Ulysses. 🙂
Thanks for listening Phil! It was really fun to do. Would do again.
Podcasting is fun, especially when you have a great host or co-host!
Agreed! Would do again! Maybe I’ll try to play host next time.
I’m considering strong arming an old friend of mine into being in his podcast because he’s much funnier and more energetic with the right company. Like, you, however, I think I’ll wait to be invited. I hate speaking in front of people and have absolutely no idea why I am a teacher.