Narrative foundations podcast workshops
What’s a narrative podcast? Our definition is 1) telling a story, 2) working from a script, and 3) creating an immersive soundscape. Our one-day workshop series will give you this three-part foundation for a powerful scripted podcast.
Each two-hour interactive session will feature live exercises and feedback, insider insights from the award-winning shows we have created and coached, tutorials, examples, and Q & A. You’ll finish each workshop with real practice, increased confidence, additional resources, and inspiration from committed peers.
Next sessions summer '24
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Next sessions summer '24 ...
Workshop 1: scriptwriting & the architecture of storytelling
This workshop covers the key elements of writing and editing — both universal, and specific to podcasting. We’ll cover techniques and forms for getting started, creating a story from an interview, tools for getting unblocked, story diagrams, and tips on moving from first to final draft. More details
Workshop 2: finding your voice(over) and tracking narration like a pro
This workshop will equip you for the second major narrative podcasting building block: recording, narration, and finding your voice as a host. We’ll work on writing for the ear, effective preparation and reading, finding your vocal sweet spot, maximizing sound quality wherever you’re recording, and more. More details
Workshop 3: sonic storytelling & making your stories sing
This third workshop in our series covers the third key aspect of narrative podcasting, creating a great soundscape. We’ll cover DAWs, work on your audio editing ethos, highlight surprising parallels between visual and sound design, dealing with bad audio, and explore the nuances of music and emotion. More details
Podcast workshops: prerequisites
Basic computer literacy and familiarity with podcasting will be helpful, but to get the most from the workshops, some shared attitudes are the most important:
A belief in the value of feedback and discussion in making any work better
Willingness to stretch, grow, and even be uncomfortable
Agreeing that we are critiquing the idea, not the person
Podcast workshops: requirements
Computer, wired headphones, and quiet environment
Story idea, notes, outline, or other material you want to workshop
Trial version of Descript (scriptwriting workshop); audio editor (sound design)
Notepad & pen
“Thanks again for putting this course together - it is a true gift for people looking to explore creativity and trying to tell their own, or others’, stories.” — Chris Marot, fall ‘22 course
Curious about the full course?
The workshops distill key aspects of narrative podcasting, but the course covers everything in more depth, and gives a comprehensive toolkit, including interviewing, launching, marketing, networking, producing, and collaborating — as well as the practices and habits for long-term creative living, like motivation, personality, boundaries, and wayfinding. For more, see the FAQs.
Even better, sign up for the course, and get the workshops included.