Introduction to Podcasting

NOTE: Please continue and complete your radio scripts. These will be due by the end of the marking period at this point. Most students were very close to finishing their drafts before we closed the district schools. Finish those scripts.

In the meantime this week, as we attempt to return to learning, take a look at the following Podcasts:

Similar to radio scripts is the podcast. Listen to some sample podcasts from the list linked below. As you listen, begin thinking about the kind of podcast you might create. There are many styles. Here are some of the more popular ones:  

• This American Life (realistic and culturally relatable audio "essay"-type podcasts)
• The Writer's Almanac (Garrison Keillor's excellent and inspirational literary podcast)
• Welcome to Nightvale (a comedic, surrealistic epic about a town that is doomed)
• The HP Lovecraft Literary Podcast (podcasts about horror stories)
• Tales from the Tavern (a fantasy podcast)
• Critical Role (an RPG (D&D) podcast)
• S-Town (a mystery podcast)
• Off the Ball (sports podcasts)
• Luminary Podcasts (all sorts of podcasts for every taste in every genre)

Try listening to one (or more) of these podcasts. As you listen, note the STRUCTURE of the podcast. How is the podcast you are listening to similar/different from a radio play? Which form is better in your opinion? Why? Take notes of your reaction and in YOUR BLOG write a review of one of the episodes/podcasts you listened to. Remember: 

• Post your commentary on YOUR blog.
• Give your readers a little background or context for the Podcast you listened to. (You can find out details about these podcasts on their websites!)
• Include a short summary of the episode your listened to.
• Evaluate your listening experience of the podcast. See and answer the questions posed above.
• Make sure you link (use a hyperlink) your episode and possibly the website of the Podcast you listened to.
• Include a picture on your post. 

This is an assignment that will be due by the end of the marking period.

Here is an example segment structure for a music podcast:

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome Message

3. Announcements

4. Song Intro

5. Song

6. Song Intro

7. Song

8. Music News

9. Final Comments

10. Outro Theme Song

Here is an example segment structure for a tech news podcast:

1. Intro & Welcome

2. Announcements

3. Top 10 Tech News Headlines with Commentary

4. Tech Quick Tip

5. Outro

Here is an example segment structure for a review show (movies, food, books/author, etc.):

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome

3. Announcements

4. First Review

5. Second Review

6. Interview

7. Third Review

8. Final Comments

9. Outro Music

HOMEWORK: Listen to a podcast. See links above. Post a review of the podcast you listened to on YOUR blog.