Towncast Podcast

In this episode, Joe talks you through what you need to get your podcast recording space setup! At this point, if you've been following along, your podcast is really getting close to hitting the airwaves. But before you can do that, you need to record it! In this episode, we discuss: Acoustics and sound-treatment 101 Setting up your space Different types of microphones Gear suggestions - mics, headphones, and recording devices Some quick tips READ THE FULL BLOG POST HERE! Resources Joe talked about a bunch of gear and other resources in this episodes, check it all out below! Mics https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Q2UPack--samson-q2u-recording-and-podcasting-pack-usb-xlr-dynamic-microphone-with-accessories (Samson Q2U Bundle) https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiK6Zbn0bX6AhWFwMgKHYpJAZUYABAPGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_1RdVrPaIxFABlKq8wgsc_L7rhczQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwil84zn0bX6AhUgFlkFHZj-AwQQ9aACKAB6BAgEECY&adurl= (Audio Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone) Recording Device https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiH9J6I27X6AhWThMgKHa5FBDQYABAMGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_21MzsLYOHD8WokymSZj6s2OUjsLQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiBwpaI27X6AhXxMlkFHTCbA64Q9aACKAB6BAgEECs&adurl= (Zoom P4) Headphones https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjjw5zJ0LX6AhWNtsgKHWPwBeMYABAEGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_0IGi0bxe4w1oYOFm7uWSJ539Ze_Q&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiqs5PJ0LX6AhX6F1kFHTrbA6gQ9aACKAB6BAgEEBA&adurl= (Audio Technica M20X) https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwi-m_Xu0LX6AhUNvcgKHcpoDjkYABAMGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_3SUhYWgDG1MbaSjn88J12-OzQxkQ&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjCzenu0LX6AhWoFFkFHTrtCqYQ9aACKAB6BAgCEBQ&adurl= (Sony MDR7506) https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwj3lMr80LX6AhWPisgKHXHMDqcYABAKGgJxdQ&sig=AOD64_09ZwSUANFOs5jV7KmeqVHQeFIGNg&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjav8H80LX6AhV0GFkFHVZgCnMQ9aACKAB6BAgDEBQ&adurl= (Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro) Recording Software https://www.audacityteam.org/ (Visit Audacity's homepage) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzJ2VyYkmaA (Learn more about Audacity and how to use it) – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

Well before starting the Entrepreneurial Insights Podcast, Pearson Crutcher and Jay Healy were no strangers to the world of business. Both based out of Memphis, Tennessee, Healy and Crutcher both recognized that their city was a burgeoning hotspot for new names and interesting stories within the world of business. Longtime friends and collaborators, it was around the same time that both Crutcher and Healy had the idea to start a podcast to share these inspiring stories. Join us in this episode of the Towncast Podcast as we talk with Jay Healy and Pearson Crutcher about where their idea came from, how they acted on it, and how more people can follow suit in starting their own towncast! Some topics discussed in this episode: The “why” behind Crutcher and Healy starting the Entrepreneurial Insights Podcast Some of the benefits they've enjoyed since starting their podcast How the co-hosts used organizations such as local chambers of commerce to network and help spread the word about their local podcast More of Jay and Pearson's nuanced advice on starting a local podcast of your own Resources https://soememphis.com/podcasts/ (Learn more and listen to the Entrepreneurial Insights Podcast here) – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

Today, we're talking about those essential show elements that everyone needs to establish their pod, video, or towncast. In many cases, these elements are crucial to getting your show approved and streaming on major platforms. When you get all of these elements right, they can add up to become an extremely valuable resource in getting people to click on your show, tune in and keep coming back. Key topics discussed in this episode: Creating your perfect cover art Nailing your show description Choosing music, and deciding on other audio elements Things to consider when launching a videocast A few more quick tips Bonus takeaway https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G-6c3B8nawmALs2EW5X-Au9vxwRMJ0ZZ/view?usp=sharing (Enjoy this document) with some specifics on podcast cover art and YouTube banner dimension requirements, as well as some resources to help you acquire your show's elements! – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

Troy Price and his wife had lived all over the state of Kentucky, but they never wanted to settle in any one place for too long. They preferred to keep moving and explore everywhere from Louisville to Pikeville. But when they arrived at small town of Berea, Kentucky, they decided they wanted to put down some roots and settle in.  In this episode of the Towncast Podcast, Mathew Passy sits down with Troy to talk about his decision to launch a local podcast and use it as a tool for connection in his new town. Troy talks about the many benefits of using podcasting as a tool for networking, learning about, and educating people on the endlessly interesting people, places, and hsitory of Berea, Kentucky. Troy also goes into detail on his method for reaching out and pitching his show to potential guests. His methods are proven, and really seem to work especially well on a local level.  Other topics discussed include: Troy talks about his own hometown studio called Front Porch Studios! Some valuable resources for email templates that could prove useful in outreach for your local podcast Troy talks about the bright future he sees ahead for local podcasters Resources https://thebereapodcast.com (Listen to the Berea Podcast here) https://frontporchstudios.com/ (Learn more about Front Porch Studios here) Find some ideas for cold outreach templates here https://www.pps.org/ (Learn more about the Project for Publics Spaces and their community-focused initiative called "Placemaking") Some of the specific Berea Podcast episodes referenced in this episode: http://thebereapodcast.com/the-jazz-walker/ (Troy interviews the “Jazz Walker” of Berea) http://thebereapodcast.com/patbrunner/ (Pat Bruner episode). Features audio pulled from a decades-old oral history compiled by the municipality of Berea. – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

In this episode of the Towncast Podcast, Towncast Joe runs through some of the lessons he's learned in his first 10 episodes! Among the topics discussed: The beauty of using templates in your workflow Working in bulk Finding your rhythm Some technical tips - like hydration choices and identifying your best time of day to record One of the most daunting and important, yet simplest steps in getting started on your content-creation journey (hint: it's getting started!) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Yqplvuou15QtXka3TrqS2T8h_bcsLSm/view?usp=sharing (Find the bonus takeaway here)! – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

When Jon Newman and Danny Breslauer launched https://www.thescarletspotlight.com/ (The Scarlet Spotlight podcast) in early 2018, they knew they were aiming to serve an existing, underserved fanbase. That fanbase? The diehard fans of the Rutgers University collegiate athletics. Two alumni from Rutgers University themselves, Jon and Danny were avid fans of the school's current sports programs, as well as its extensive history. Being involved in the community themselves, they understood that the school's fanbase was craving content relating to the school and its sports programs. With the Scarlet Spotlight, they decided to build a format that they would enjoy listening to, schedule some interviews, and take a crack at it themselves. Over the course of the next few years, the duo would go on to release well over 100 episodes, talk with some of their personal sports idols, and deliver excellent, hyperniched content to a fanbase that was previously underserved. They have found tremendous success and show no signs of slowing down. In this episode of the Towncast Podcast, Mathew Passy sits down with Danny and Jon to discuss the origins of the Scarlet Spotlight. They talk about where the idea came from, how it's going, and what the two have in store for the future. Some key takeaways from this episode: How the Scarlet Spotlight came to be How they leveraged their networks to get the podcast rolling Jon and Danny's philosophies on podcasting, and how they approach it week by week Some thoughts on the potential for local sponsorships Ideas for how others could take their local sports programs - even at the high-school level - and create content based around it Resources Check out the https://www.thescarletspotlight.com/ (Scarlet Spotlight) podcast! https://twitter.com/scarletspotru (Follow them on Twitter) – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

​​Achieving goals always starts with setting those goals. It seems obvious, but many people overlook this crucial element to many endeavors. It can be easy to look at the end-goal, and overlook or underestimate the challenges and the journey that truly lies ahead.  It's great to have a sort of roadmap in place no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you're just starting out, or well down the road, it really pays to clearly define exactly what it is you want to do, how you want to do it, and setting a series of logical steps - goals - to eventually get there. So in this episode of the Towncast Podcast, we're continuing to develop our content strategy before we even press record. We're setting and scoring goals! Some of the key topics discussed in this episode: Why are goals so important? Setting the all-important, overarching goal Getting creative with your other goals Defining your target audience, and your content identity How goals can actually inspire and direct you to create better content If you would like to follow along with the lessons discussed in this episode, https://drive.google.com/file/d/18wsNGgvv2EE26QPq7bQRHXbvF16utEYB/view?usp=sharing (visit this link) to view and download a free PDF we made just for this episode! – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

On this episode of the Towncast Podcast, we sit down with Frank and Christina Sasso - creators of the Trenton Waves podcast.  Through their show, the Sassos are making waves by working to create a better name for their beloved town of Trenton, New Jersey. They talk with local business owners, artists, and other local personalities, all in the pursuit of exploring the beauty of their home, and bringing their Trentonian neighbors closer together. And beyond that, the Sassos take pride in shining a positive light on their home. They emphasize the best parts of the oft-misunderstood New Jersey capital - giving a platform to Trenton's most interesting people, places, and stories. The Sassos were able to find a way to take their good vibes, neighborly spirit, and on-air dynamics, and turn it all into a force for good in their community. The Sassos and their Trenton Waves Podcast are a shining example of how podcasting can truly change the world by offering listeners - local and afar - a true taste of what a place is all about. Some interesting points discussed in this episode: Why Frank and Christina Sasso - two NYC-natives - decided to start a podcast about Trenton, NJ Some of the benefits of creating local content Advice on how to start your own local podcast and find success over the long-run (hint: just get started) Insight on how your content may transform over time, and how it pays to at once have a plan but still remain open to adaptation Interesting stories from Frank and Christina's experiences creating Trenton Waves — https://www.trentonwaves.com/ (Listen to Trenton Waves) https://www.instagram.com/trentonwaves/ (Instagram) https://twitter.com/trentonwaves (Twitter) — – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

In this episode of the Towncast Podcast, Joe introduces a simple formula that can be of great help in finding the perfect topic for your pod, video, or towncast. The formula is simple: One part passion. One part knowledge. And one part network. Add them together and, according to Towncast Joe, you should find some great contents within their collective overlap! And even if you lack one or more of the elements, you can still explore your own curiosity to get closer to that perfect topic. Listen in for some more information and ideas on how to find some great ideas for your podcast. And https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZTVgNs_frLI-VKzT5t_pXZaSFYN1F7EA/view?usp=sharing (click here) for the bonus takeaway. It's a PDF that can help you to visualize the overlap and maybe come up with some ideas of your own. Thanks for listening! Keep on sharing the sounds of your community! – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

On this episode of the Towncast Podcast, Mathew Passy sits down with William Zank and Kristen Wuerfel, the two minds behind the Mitten Money Podcast.  While Mitten Money is supported by William and Kristen's employer - Tri-Star Trust, a Michigan-based wealth management firm - their show focuses more on the Southern-Michigan community than anything else. They talk with everyone from local businessowners, representatives from different local organizations, and even some local “celebrities”. In all, William and Kristen have tapped into the idea of towncasting in an amazing way, finding great success not just in their own business endeavors, but in connecting the people of Michigan in a self-supporting way. Some of the points discussed in this episode: Hear how William and Kristen came up with the idea for Mitten Money Podcast The interesting spin William and Kristen took with their hyperlocal content The surprising marketing advantages of going hyperlocal and talking with “local celebrities” The far-reaching, community-focused benefits of creating geo-local content Resources https://www.tristartrust.com/news/mitten-money/ (Learn more about the Mitten Money Podcast, and give it a listen) – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

Did you know that Towncast is more than just a catchy name? Towncast, as a brand, is pioneering a new frontier in the world of not only podcasting and videocasting, but content in general.  We are working to create a directory that allows creators and consumers alike to find content made by, for, or about a particular community. Maybe you want to see what kind of content is coming out of your hometown, or maybe you're interested in seeing what kind of creators are working in a particular city. On the other hand, towncasting - the verbal constituent to Towncast - is all about taking these core values of community and creativity and using them to create interesting and original content based out of your community.  By doing so, you'd be creating what we're calling a towncast. In this episode of the Towncast Podcast, we explore what Towncast is, where it came from, and where we want to go in the future. Topics discussed in this episode: The origin story of Towncast, from the founder himself - Mathew Passy An overview on some of our goals with the Towncast brand - including Towncast Studios, and the Towncast Podcast Some ideas on how to start a towncast of your own How Towncast can help you to start that pod, video, or towncast you've always dreamed of – Follow us on social media! https://twitter.com/TowncastStudios (Twitter) | https://www.instagram.com/towncaststudios/ (Instagram) | https://www.linkedin.com/company/towncast-studios/ (LinkedIn) | https://www.facebook.com/TowncastStudios (Facebook) Learn more about Towncast Studios here:  http://www.towncaststudios.com (www.towncaststudios.com)  Are you already a community-focused content creator? Join our growing directory and be one of the first to join the Towncast family here: http://www.towncast.com (www.towncast.com)

On the Towncast Podcast, we love to highlight content creators who are delivering content by and for their local community. But in some cases, these creators aren't even from the area that they're serving. Take, for instance, Jordan Gass-Pooré - special guest on this week's Towncast Podcast. Jordan created the Hazard NJ podcast to bring attention to the hundreds - if not thousands - of superfund sites around the United States. These abandoned toxic waste sites are harmful to the planet, and especially to the areas and people surrounding them.  Even though Jordan was born in Texas and lives in New York, with the Hazard NJ podcast, she is focusing her attention on cleaning up the superfund sites in New Jersey. Her goal is to not only educate the geo-local communities who are being directly affected, but a larger audience, as well.  By working together, Jordan believes we can all help in supporting the cleanup efforts of these superfund sites and make the world a healthier place to live. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: What are superfund sites? And why they deserve our attention Why Jordan chose New Jersey as the best place to start her fight against superfund sites Lessons learned in Jordan's time creating and researching the Hazard NJ podcast Jordan's advice on things to do - and not to do - when starting your own local podcast A particular piece of advice for towncasting echoed by Mark Bologna on a previous episodes (hint: librarians and archivists are awesome) Resources https://hazardpodcast.com/ (Listen to the Hazard NJ podcast) https://jgasspoore.com/ (Learn more about Jordan Gass-Pooré)

In this episode, we'll be discussing the different types of podcasting formats. Not genres - but actual structures. The very frameworks under which your favorite shows are built. Examples include monologues, panel discussions, interviews, and storytelling podcasts. This aspect of the podcast creation process can be overlooked by many beginners. It can be easy to jump to the fun stuff like booking guests and finding your theme music, but this important topic is one that we thought should be covered early. Some points we discuss: An overview of the most popular podcast formats The benefits of starting with a simple format Some tips for conducting a good interview Where towncasting fits into the podcast format discussion Considerations if you're thinking of changing your podcast format Whether you're an experienced podcaster or just beginning to think about what kind of podcast you want to create, this episode is designed to get you thinking about your content from a truly foundational level. This episode's bonus takeaway is a simple question intended to get you thinking about what you enjoy as a listener: What type of podcast format do you tend to gravitate to? And why? — Learn more and follow us at http://TowncastPodcast.com (TowncastPodcast.com) Subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss an episode!

“ …That's what really gives you some creativity with a local podcast. There's a story behind every door in your community.” — Mark Bologna In this episode, Towncast founder Mathew Passy sits down with Mark Bologna, creator of the Beyond Bourbon Street podcast. Beyond Bourbon Street is a great example of a long-running and successful "towncast". The show was inspired out of Mark's personal pursuit to learn more about his beloved city of New Orleans. In addition to that, Mark wanted to educate the public - local and beyond - on the true depth and beauty of his town. As Mark explains in the episode, New Orleans has far more to offer than just the familiar imagery of Mardi Gras and partying on Bourbon Street. In addition to covering the city's current events, diverse personalities, and local businesses, Mark also spends some episodes diving deep into New Orleans' 300-year history. Over the course of the show's 150+ episodes, Beyond Bourbon Street has evolved from a passion project into a thriving source of content for locals and curious minds alike. Today, Beyond Bourbon Street has tallied over 1 million downloads. According to Mark, his only regret along the way was not pressing record sooner! Among the topics discussed: Mark shares several lessons & tricks of the trade that he has discovered over the years Mark's advice for aspiring towncasters How being a good neighbor and shouting out local businesses eventually landed Mark some sponsorship opportunities The initial motivation that got Mark to press record and dive into podcasting How the lens of content-creation can allow you to see your community in a new way, and open many new doors (both figuratively and literally!) Resources Mark Bologna - http://beyondbourbonst.com/ (Beyond Bourbon Street) Chris Holyfield - https://iamsaltlake.com/ (I Am Salt Lake) Jeremy Collins - https://podcastswelistento.libsyn.com/ (Podcasts We Listen To)

In our first episode, host "Towncast" Joe Gangemi tells you what the Towncast Podcast is all about. To put it simply, our goal is to teach you how to launch a podcast - or a towncast - of your own. We'll do this through topical episodes where we cover one aspect of the podcasting craft at a time - from the fundamental to the advanced. Don't know what a Towncast is? Quite simply, it's a form of content - usually a podcast - that is specifically intended for a geo-local community. Think a podcast, but tailor-made for a particular town, city, or state. In some episodes, Towncast founder Mathew Passy will sit down with podcasters who are already successfully producing geo-local, community-focused content. In some cases, these shows have already been running for almost 10 years! As you'll discover in this episode and future ones, the possibilities for towncasting are only limited to the people, the places, and stories that are outside your door. Some of the points we cover in this episode: The premise of the Towncast Podcast What is towncasting anyway? Some ideas on how to start a local podcast of your own Joe opens up about his past struggles with social anxiety/fear of public speaking Some thoughts on the philosophy and theory behind podcasting This episode's bonus takeaway: If you could share one message with the world, what would it be? — Learn more about the Towncast Podcast at http://TowncastPodcast.com (TowncastPodcast.com)

On the Towncast Podcast, Joe Gangemi, aka Towncast Joe, is going to walk you through the idea of towncasting. What is towncasting? Basically, it's creating hyper-local content about your community - from as small as your neighborhood to as large as your media market. Mathew Passy, Towncast Studios founder, will also join from time to time - usually to share interviews he's done with folks already engaged in towncasting in a big way. New episodes every Wednesday! Learn more at TowncastPodcast.com