The Power of Podcasts & Audio Storytelling
Podcast Producer and lead educator Myrriah Gossett, Intro to Podcasting workshop
If you’ve ever asked for podcast recs from friends, you may find yourself immediately supplied with a lengthy list of “must listens”. It’s easier than ever to find and listen to literally thousands of podcasts on any topic imaginable. Podcasts are amongst the most prominent cultural phenomenon in the United States, but why are podcasts so hot right now?
Let’s take it back to 1938… [cue old-timey voiceover]
The voice of H.G. Wells plays through radios across the country as he reads his story, “War of the Worlds.” Listeners across America perceive his fictional storytelling as the real deal. CUT TO: National hysteria and pulsing fear through the hearts of listeners. The murderous aliens HAVE LANDED on earth and the end of the world is here as we know it.
…Oopsie!
Fast-track 81 years later, and our fascination with audio storytelling is bigger than ever. According to a CBS poll report, as of 2018, there are over 525,000 active podcasts, with over 18.5 million episodes produced. Over 73 million Americans listen to podcasts each month with 48 million people being weekly listeners. The podcast audience has consistently grown at a rate of 10–20% per year, a trend which seems likely to continue. Podcasts & audio storytelling allow us to consume media which we can closely connect with. We can stimulate our imagination while learning about a limitless variety of new topics at any time, even in the midst of the daily grind.
The core reason podcasting is so very popular is simple: accessibility. Podcasts have emerged from their niche recently thanks to smartphones, podcast apps and voice-activated speakers in homes. The old problem of visibility has largely been solved by distribution platforms from the likes of Apple, SoundCloud and Spotify.
The appeal of this informal, less "produced" style of media consumption has proven particularly popular with the much sought-after "millennial" generation, according to the Tow Center for Digital Journalism in New York. In fact, a report for the Interactive Advertising Bureau by consultants PWC predicts advertising revenues in the US digital audio sector will grow more than 110% to $659m by 2020.
So the big question remains: how do you make your idea into a podcast or audio story?
Our one-day workshop is designed to cover the basics of constructing a great story for audio, interviewing techniques, and technical aspects needed to create great tape. If you’re interested in learning more about podcasting or get new insights and spark inspiration to evolve your current show, Podcast Producer Myrriah Gossett will dive deep into pre-production, gear, recording techniques, and distribution. Students will work hands-on with audio gear while gaining valuable information and bonafide professional feedback.
Myrriah is a local independent podcast producer with nearly a decade of industry experience. For example: this past spring she managed to produce over 50 podcast episodes in just 10 short days! You can hear her on mic as a co-host of the Star Trek Discovery Pod, and see her name in the credits for the Founding Media Podcast Network, the new relaunch of the Bedpost Confessions Podcast, Creative Queso Podcast, Seen with Miranda Podcast, FOGO: Fear of Going Outside Podcast, and more!
Whether you’re interested in learning more about what goes into producing a podcast, getting your hands on the gear needed to create it, or already an emerging Podcast Producer excited to dive deeper into the production pipeline with a pro— this is definitely a class worth checking out!
A weekend, hands-on workshop for creators of all levels — learn to produce, record, and edit your own podcast from concept to release from a real podcast producer.
Step into the world of podcasting and audio storytelling in this immersive, hands-on weekend workshop. Whether you’re new to audio or ready to take your ideas to the next level, this class will guide you through every stage of creating a compelling podcast — from concept to distribution.
Led by Podcast Producer Myrriah Gossett, this course introduces students to the creative and technical foundations of professional podcast production. Through hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to craft engaging narratives, conduct interviews, record and edit high-quality audio, and publish their work across platforms.
By the end of the weekend, students will have a strong foundation in both storytelling and sound design — and leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to launch their own audio projects.
Topics & Exercises Covered:
Podcast conceptualization and storytelling structure
Interviewing techniques and narrative development
Pre-production, planning, and project management
Gear essentials and recording setups (home vs. studio)
Audio editing, mixing, and mastering
Industry-standard software and production practices
Distribution strategies and audience tracking
Student Experience: Students will work on project-based assignments using real-world audio assets, gaining feedback from professional producers. The course emphasizes creative storytelling, technical proficiency, and how podcasts can push beyond traditional formats.
MORE INFORMATION
Location: This course will be held at the Austin School of Film in our iMac computer lab at The Clayton. All materials, equipment, software, and computers are provided for use during the workshop. To learn more about our locations, visit this link.
Who Should Attend: Perfect for beginners and creatives of all backgrounds interested in audio storytelling, podcast production, or expanding their digital media skills. No prior experience required. Students must be 16 years or older to enroll.
Supplies & Materials: All iMac workstations, audio assets, and editing software are provided. Students will also receive a PDF resource guide and have access to audio assets, microphones, and headphones for hands-on production.
Certificate: This course is part of Austin School of Film’s Film Forward Certificate Program.
Certification: This course, along with all Austin School of Film programs, is approved by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.*
HOW CAN I START A PAYMENT PLAN?
Anyone is eligible for a payment plan for any class if they need it! Email us to get started on a payment plan at classes@austinfilmschool.org. We require 50% of the tuition cost at registration and can divide the remaining balance in up to 2 additional equal payments.
SAVE UP TO 25% ON THIS WORKSHOP
WITH CODE: LONGWEEKEND
CODE VALID UNTIL 9/3/2019