Podcasts - They're Everywhere!
Podcasts - They're everywhere! And if you are a painter who loves to listen to them while you paint, this is a very good thing. Podcasts are often overlooked by artists, but they are an excellent way to share ideas.
Recently, I have had the absolute pleasure of being a guest on three podcasts with my Women.Artists.Mentors. (WAM) group. We are 5 artists who have come together in the spirit of business and friendship, and you can listen to recorded interviews with us on these fine podcasts:
Artists Helping Artists, hosted by Leslie Saeta in December, 2015
Artists Network AMO Art Chats, hosted by Linda Fisler in May, 2016
Artists Helping Artists, hosted by Leslie Saeta in August, 2016
Our mission in appearing on these podcasts is to encourage other artists to form small groups in a collaborative spirit. The art world is so competitive. We believe all artists could benefit personally and professionally with a little more collaboration in their lives.
Here are some little known facts about podcasts, from the guest's perspective.
- They are very loosely scripted. Often, from the time you are asked to appear on the podcast, you have less than a week to prepare. Then, a loose outline of what will be discussed is offered a day or two in advance. One of the things I enjoy when I listen to podcasts, is that the information is fresh, loosely rehearsed, heartfelt and real.
- You only call in as a guest 5 minutes before you go live. So if your connection doesn't work, which happens often, there is a mad scramble to get the audio right, as the system is counting down the minutes and then seconds before you are on the air.
- The hosts will often improvise. Things happen. Dogs bark, doorbells ring, phone connections drop. Part of the fun of podcasts is that they are recorded live. Some are edited, but most are not. I actually find it exciting when glitches occur and you listen along as the host tries to right the ship.
- The host is taking a risk, because they have no idea whether their guests will be interesting or not. Some people portray better in audio than others. Part of the excitement when you appear on podcasts is listening to the recording to see if you sounded engaging in the episode.
- Often, you will say things in passing during an interview, but they will take on greater import for listeners. Several of the questions or comments from listeners have referenced things I never remembered sharing. You quickly realize how even subjects you consider insignificant may be of interest to others.
- Podcasts are an excellent platform for sharing your world. They aren't just for advice or how - to's. People are genuinely interested in learning more about what other like minded individuals are up to.
- The great thing is that once a podcast is recorded, it's there for anyone to listen to for as long as the internet continues to exist. So you can go back and listen to podcasts that interest you from years past.
There are so many great art related podcasts on iTunes and other platforms. Listening to them is great to do while painting. I've been so entertained and learned so much and I'm always excited to hear about new podcasts.
Consider creating a podcast of your own. I would encourage anyone to accept offers to appear as guests on podcasts. With all of the different digital and social media opportunities there are out there, I'd like to lift up podcasts today and remind everyone that they are a great platform for communicating, marketing, sharing.
