Podcasting 101 with Cidiot, Mat Zucker

Our intrepid Trixie’s List reporter, Patrick Heffernan, attended one of the Hillsdale Workshop Alliance’s classes, “Podcasting 101”.

by Patrick Heffernan

Just what the world needs – another podcast….

Actually, I mean it!

Zero sarcasm in the above. This past Sunday, I attended PODCASTING 101 as a part of the Hillsdale Workshop Alliances festival’s “The Workshop Experience”, hosted at Taconic Ridge Farm. The class was taught by the self-proclaimed Cidiot, Mat Zucker, who uses his show to talk about learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley.

For two and a half hours, on a porch overlooking the Taconic Ridge Farm, myself and five other attendees sat bundled up and clinging to Mat’s every word. He shared a wealth of knowledge on all things podcasting – from branding and marketing, tech equipment, and recording and editing softwares. Mat walked us, step-by-step, conceiving our own podcasts. The workshop was not only educational, but also, a great way to engage with local community members, and hear about their ideas!

We pitched our podcast ideas to each other, using a template that Mat provided us, in his comprehensive guide and workbook. One person wanted a show about passive, energy-efficient housing and sustainable building practices, while another wanted a podcast that explored one single word each episode.

We funneled our ideas through Mat’s prompts of:

• Who’s it for?
• What’s the problem you’re solving?
• What’s the takeaway you want listeners to have?

We learned about podcast formats, including conversational, monologue, investigative, and round table. We gave each other feedback and encouraged one another about our respective ideas. It was exactly the kick in the pants and support that I needed to get going on my own podcast project.

Decision fatigue around podcasts is real. There are over 2 million podcasts worldwide.

Chances are, there is something that will interest you. If not, it might be time for you to start your own!

Patrick and Mat