KEW Episode 41: State of the Podcast

Just checking in this week with some observations about KEW. It’s been almost a year and over 40 episodes. I’ve learned a lot and am doing my best to deliver the highest quality content.

What’s new?

-I have shortened the episodes. Though 50 minutes works for my ‘thinking cycle’, I think it’s a bit long for listeners and viewers. While I enjoy listening to long podcasts while I work (because I can, I work alone), I realize listeners prefer shorter episodes. There’s a reason TED talks are 10-20 minutes.

-I have realized my audience is probably not on TikTok. Though I enjoy TikTok, I also don’t think it’s my style. I’m not patient enough to produce high quality, short videos. I’d rather focus on Episode content. It would be awesome to be able to pay someone to develop TikToks for KEW. Speaking of which, have you seen Sustainable Human? OMFG, these folks have mastered the short multi-media message.

-I’ve added a Linkedin profile to try and network with folks there.

-Speaking of networking. . . . I have started releasing episodes for the Curiosity series. My second interview with Mandy Napier was cosmic. I literally randomly selected her from an article she published about Curiosity. Like we all do, I imagined what she would be like (and naively thought my prediction would be accurate) but our interaction, and her person, was far different than I expected. Long story short, I think interviewing is a good way for me to network. I don’t have a natural inclination for social media, but inviting someone to interview and share their stories seems like a great pathway toward making new friends.

-Last, I see an evolution in the topics I share. Recording episodes is therapeutic for me, it helps me focus thoughts into ideas, and after an episode is released they continue to evolve. I see a need for further development of these ideas to focus more finely. I see opportunities to do this in ebook formats. My goal is to take some time to focus on popular episodes and organize those thoughts into ebooks or similar digestible products for release.

What’s staying the same?

-I will continue to do episodes about whatever is inspiring me that week. I will retain the semi-stream-of-consciousness approach, though I will focus more to get the ideas out in 20 minutes or so.

-I will maintain the authenticity of the recording process by editing as little as possible. I still believe ‘not editing’ is a thing. I could be totally wrong here and invite your input.

-I am committed to the release schedule of new episodes every Friday, preview clips Wednesdays, and Flashback releases on Monday. I hope to release a Curiosity episode in place of a regular one about every 3rd or 4th Friday, depending on how quickly I can find new guests.

What ideas didn’t work?

-Like I said, I think the episodes are too long. I’ll aim for 50 minutes or so for Curiosity interviews, but I’m going to focus on making regular releases about 20 minutes long.

-I think I’ve plateaued on my level of social media marketing. I have a natural avoidance of social media and, while I see the need to advertise, I just don’t think I’m going to become an influencer via this route. Perhaps one day I can afford to pay someone to do this, but it just isn’t going to be a skill I will excel at. I will continue with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn posts and to share links as I have been. Again, your input is welcome here.

-Originally I had planned to organize my thoughts by category, but I think that’s an unnecessary organizational step so while the Episode topics might seem scattered or incongruent, I truly believe the themes will emerge. The Episodes are part of a pathway to more focused products – possibly ebooks.

As always, I welcome your input and involvement in any way you feel compelled to share. Comment here or email me at kpluseiswise@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing your curiosity!

-Chris

Podcast audio link: https://pdcn.co/e/https://chtbl.com/track/CGDA9D/www.buzzsprout.com/530563/7806181-kew-episode-41-state-of-the-podcast.mp3?blob_id=34726627&download=true

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/9acyb-qgspc