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comment by insomniasexx
insomniasexx  ·  4198 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: The New Green Podcast : Running Sucks

Okay...I finally had a free moment. Actually, I had to eat something (I havent eaten since breakfast yesterday! Say WHA!?) and I happened to be in front of the computer while eating.

You asked for my honest criticism so I've been really picky. Beware:

(1.) So, you talk so slowly. Which is a good thing - it is much better than talking too fast (as is often the case when I record...or talk in general) But I think you need to find that balance because at some points it seems that you are purposefully slowing yourself down. I think this will come with time. Or maybe I just am impatient.

(2.) The recording of the "interviews" should match the levels of when you're talking. Obviously, you aren't going to have awesome interviews in a full studio and some echo/hum/outside noise is going to be expected. But in some segments it seems like you went from being in my ear to being 100 feet away in a massive room. Try to balance it a little bit.

(3.) I loved the gold-erected part. Humor or moments that aren't perfect are great because they are fun and real and make your personality stand out.

(4.) Also, regardless of the subject, you should act like your audience knows almost nothing. Don't talk down to them but feel free to cut up an interview in post and make a little note explaining or emphasizing a point that the interview-ee may have just spoken about like it was nothing. Ira Glass does this all the time - same with Planet Money.

(4b.) For example, at 4min28sec: I have no idea how the fuck far 50ks is and I have less of an idea what 32 miles would feel like. I can imagine it in a car but that doesn't do much good. I do know that that is fucking impressive as fuck so pause for a moment and let it sink in. See if there is a way to clarify or emphasize or break down exactly how far that is. Also, give me some damn times. If the interviewee doesn't want to say the time or whatever, say the average person runs a mile in 10 minutes...so that is 320 minutes...or 5 hours. Except after about 3 ten minute miles I would be dead so it would take me more like 30 hours. Something like that.

(5.) Also, something I learned from Broadcast Journalism: you don't have to have the question in the interview. Just cut that shit out. Prep the person you are interviewing before hand. Tell them when you ask the question to stop, pause, collect their thoughts, and then answer the question completely. Ask them to repeat the question in the answer somewhat. You can do some practice runs asking then what their favorite class in school was (or something.) This will help you get your levels right and make sure they answer in a way that will sound good. A lot of people will go "My favorite class in school was........................................(collect their thoughts here)..........." and then answer. Remind them to collect thoughts first then answer completely. It might sound bitchy but people love direction and will appreciate that you want them to sound good. And when they sound super smart after they will appreciate it even more and will be willing to do more interviews.

(6.) Besides these little thing it's really good! The music was good, it was conversational, it had a great flow and kept me interested all the way through. I am really impressed. Honestly, this was WAY better than I expected. It sounds really professional. I like it. Keep at it.

(7.) And to answer your question - I don't run because it makes me sweaty and gross and makes me hurt. I have been forcing myself to do the treadmill or elliptical at the gym and usually go about 3 miles before I call it quits. Sometimes I do 4 and sometimes I only do 1. No matter what there is a hot tub moments away, I'm not on the other side of town and forcing myself to run back.

(7b.) I much prefer other types of cardio though (and Tony from p90x) rather than running in place and aimlessly watching tv or listening to music. I get bored and when I get bored I start to think and then I have to stop running to make a list of things I need to do or creative ideas that come to me. For this same reason I take unreasonably long showers and keep a whiteboard hung right outside the shower door. Sometimes after an hour in the shower I still get out to realize I never shaved or shampoo'd. I don't know where I would end up if I let myself out into the world running aimlessly while deep in thought.

Good work steve. I can't wait to hear the next one!





thenewgreen  ·  4198 days ago  ·  link  ·  

All of this, ALL of it is fantastic advice and isn't waisted on me at all. I agree with all of your points and had not realized the "slow talking" thing until you and someone else mentioned it. Thank you. They will get better... I hope. Please continue the critique. I need it.

I am grateful for your feedback insom. You rule, seriously. I wish I had a badge!!

PS. Eating is important. You're already super tiny. Eat.

insomniasexx  ·  4198 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Me making love to my dinner (honey bran muffin) right now.

And trying not to look so thin.

http://imgur.com/a/RYLmI

:D

<3