Starting the Vision & Graft Podcast | Part 2
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For Part 1 of this blog post click here.
I decided my second attempt at podcasting would be more audio focused as a ‘traditional’ podcast is and ditch the video podcasting idea (for now). Before I dived head first into it, as I did on the initial attempt, I wanted to educate myself to do things properly. The thought ‘I’ll start a podcast’, comes to you with ease and you expect the execution to be similarly effortless. I was severely mistaken.
About 3 months before the release of the first episode I embarked on an education spree, doing online course after online course, reading various blogs and resources, as well as immersing myself in podcast listening on a daily basis. At the same time I was researching equipment that I might need. Fortunately from my background in filmmaking, I have a vague idea of what microphone does what, but I still needed further education if it was to sound ‘professional enough’.
The need to be professional was rapidly becoming the crux of the matter. Once I’d started to educate myself, the level of quality I wanted to achieve grew on a daily basis. With that, the amount of time it was taking to get the project off the ground was also growing exponentially. I had to have a few reality checks to not compare myself to top full time podcasters but I still wanted to create the best end product that I could.
What started as a small side project rapidly became my main priority as I focused in on my aim to normalise talking about the difficulties creatives face in their careers, at a time when I knew a lot of creatives were struggling with their mental wellbeing. It was a topic that was too important to be sidelined and knowing this carried me through moments where I questioned if I was capable of doing something like this. Talking publicly and putting myself out there is only something I have tried recently and it doesn’t come naturally, I was riddled with imposter syndrome and had to overcome a fair few “I quit” moments but I got there in the end.
On the way to Vision & Graft Episode 001, I did courses in interviewing technique, storytelling, audio production, adobe audition, growing an audience, presentation skills and taking a podcast from start to finish. I’ve referenced some of these courses at the bottom of the blog post.
I also got help along the way. My friend Ned Wolfgang Kelly is someone who I have worked with many times on a variety of creative projects. He produces amazing music and can turn his hand to many genres. He composed the soundtrack to the short film I produced and shot, maithiúnas. directed by Conor O’Callaghan. We had worked closely with Ned on the short and I reached out to him again this time. He created some standout music with a very limited brief and I’m very appreciative of the effort he made.
Similarly I reached out to Alexia Kombou, a friend from university who is now an incredibly successful and talented voice over artist. I asked if she’d record a few bits for me as we have both been doing favours for each other for the past decade and she thankfully obliged. Having the air of professionalism that Alexia’s voice brings has really helped to elevate the sound of the podcast and I’m happy for that.
Finally I asked Laura Frances Heitzman If she would create a logo for me. She is an illustrator and mural artist based in Manchester and I saw her work whilst scrolling through instagram. It stood out to me instantly amongst a lot of other illustrators I had put side by side. Laura was a pleasure to work with and her work is well worth checking out.
I also had endless feedback from Conor O’Callaghan, a long time creative collaborator and friend as well as childhood friends Anthony Bates and Faye Chown who pride themselves on their honest feedback (no matter how brutal).
Now was the time for me to record the first podcast. As the podcast was to be conversational it felt right to begin as such. I booked a guest and set about planning. We recorded and everything seemed to go according to plan but something was missing. I again felt like I wasn’t truly opening up in the way I felt I needed to.
I decided I’d make that first recording the second episode and re-record the first podcast episode again, but this time alone. This would be a much better setting to be completely open and I am pleased that I made that decision.
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Subscribe here at visiongraft.com
Vision & Graft is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts amongst many other podcast platforms. Just open your podcast app, click search and type ‘Vision & Graft’ and be sure to click subscribe.
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We are never alone in the struggles we face.
Vision & Graft aims to inspire action, give hope and normalise the discussion of mental health issues within creative sectors as well as more widely throughout society.
"If talking is the cure then creativity is the recovery." - RWP
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Vision & Graft Podcast | visiongraft.com
Vision & Graft Podcast Instagram | @visiongraft
Vision & Graft Podcast Twitter | @visiongraft
RWP Website | rwpreisner.com
RWP Instagram | @rwpreisner
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Reference Links
maithiúnas. short film - www.maithiunasfilm.com
maithiúnas.Instagram - @maithiunasfilm
Ned Wolfgang Kelly Instagram - @nedwolfgangkelly
Alexia Kombou VO Instagram - @alexiakombou_voiceover
Alexia Kombou VO Website - www.alexiakombou.com
Laura Heitzman Instagram - @laurafrancesheitzman
Courses
How to Make a Podcast Sound Great - Ray Ortega
The Art of the Interview - Tania Ketenjian
Power Your Podcast with Storytelling - Alex Blumberg
Post Production Workflows for Podcasters - Jim Briggs
How To Grow a Podcast Audience - Dan Misener
Blueprint for a Standout Podcast - Julie Shapiro
Become an Engaging Presenter - Andrew Whelan
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Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or read in the episode notes.