20 Years of Podcasting
What went on behind the scenes for our 1,000th episode
On Tuesday, I published the 1,000th episode of The Digital Story. It was a show that I wasn’t sure I would ever host.
As I thought about it over the preceding months, I wavered back and forth between “this is something that I think my listeners would enjoy” to “Oh my God, that is so self-congratulatory.” Once I reached 960 episodes, however, I knew I had to decide one way or another. These things take time to put together.
Then, in February, when Saturday Night Live aired its 50th Anniversary Special, I realized how wonderful these celebrations can be. I loved that show. The way they mixed the old with the now was so well done, and entertaining. I was inspired.
I decided that I wanted to do something along the same lines. Interview friends who were there in the early days (Frederick Van and David Lents), talk about the future with Rob Knight, and have as many listeners as possible chime in.
That last element became the most important.
Since the show has published, I’ve received lots of feedback. And invariably, one or more of the listener spots would be highlighted as a favorite part of the lineup. Now that I think about it, I’m not surprised.
Photographers who tune in to The Digital Story, and who participate in our events (Inner Circle, online classes, in-person workshops) are part of a community that’s important to them. I’ve known this for years, but the depth of those feelings so impressed me when listening to their cameos.
Those heartfelt recordings touched other listeners as well. People would write or comment to me, “I really appreciated Jim’s thoughts about community, Sergio’s warmth, Scott’s favorite shows, Lawrence’s reinvention, and Tim’s story from Durango.”
Those wonderful words… they are now captured for anyone who cares to tune in.
The week before the 1,000th episode, I was in the Northern California Redwoods leading a workshop with seven of our community photographers. I had previously recorded all the guest spots for the show, but I hadn’t done the intros, outros, and voiceovers yet.
So, of course, I caught a bad cold while on the road. When I sat down in front of the mic on Monday to record my bits for the celebration, my voice was raspy. It sounded like an echo chamber in my head. I was disappointed.
But that’s the thing about podcasting. No matter what happens, figure out a way to record the show and publish. I spoke as smoothly as I could, then adjusted the tone in post production. I’m hoping it wasn’t a distraction. No one has asked me if I had a cold yet. I consider that a good sign.
Then, just before midnight Monday, I pushed the Publish button, and the show was live. I was exhausted from the marathon week, the stupid cold, and the travel. I couldn’t get to sleep for hours. But I didn’t care because I was thrilled that we had pulled this off.
Going back to the beginning of the year when I was contemplating whether or not to record a celebration show - I didn’t realize at the time how heartfelt the endeavor would be.
Sometimes you have to say things out loud for others to realize how you feel. Thanks to everyone in our community who took the time to speak up with their thoughts and feelings.
I’m blown away.
Congratulations! What an awesome achievement! Thanks for all your great inspiration and amazing interviews! It's make me a better photographer!
Congratulations on this significant milestone.