BEHIND THE SCENES: IN FOCUS PODCASTING (FUNDED BY ESF & SKILLS FOR GROWTH)

After seven weeks of incredible talent, creativity and teamwork, our In Focus: Podcasting course has come to a close. This programme was delivered in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, part of Skills For Growth initiative and funded by European Social Fund. This time round we welcomed a collection of audio-enthusiasts to the space to work on production, editing, script-writing and MORE in progression towards launching their own podcasts. With a helping hand from our award-winning Audio Production Team, our participants gained hands-on experience in the likes of interview technique, publishing, and guest sourcing, not to mention brainstorming podcasting ideas altogether.

We caught up with two of our participants, Joss (he/him) and Lauren (she/her) to find out more about what they got up to and where they’re going from here.

1. Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you do? What are your interests & hobbies?

L: I am a cancer-specialist nurse, working and living in Manchester. I have two feral children, aged 6 and 2 and a half who keep me on my toes. I am also married to a nurse and between us we love travelling, seeing the world, eating good food and drinking wine (me, not the kids haha)

J: I am the Lead Carbon Consultant for Net Zero Group.

3. Why did you want to join this In Focus course?

L: So I saw the course on one of my community Whatsapp group chats and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to take part. As a nurse, you come across and meet so many incredible people and there are some very funny situations you find yourself in. I think we have the ability to find light in the dark and I was really keen to do this course to share our stories of how we balance everyday life and work, and the challenges we face whilst doing so.

J: I was feeling pretty lost with my work, and I was desperate for a creative outlet, so it was perfect timing for me when I came across the advert for the course. I already have a radio show but I felt like my ideas were more appropriate for a podcast so it was the perfect opportunity.

4. What interests you about podcasting and audio in general?

L: I absolutely LOVE podcasts. I listen to them on the school run, I listen to them on the way to work and I love how accessible they are and how varied they can be.

5. What’s your favourite aspect about podcasting/audio?

L: This is probably a new-found favourite as I’d never really done podcasting before, but it’s definitely recording and editing. It’s something I never thought I’d be capable of doing but I’m loving the process and learning.

6. When and how did you realise that you wanted to be involved with podcasting/audio?

L: I don’t think I ever knew until I saw the advert for the course, but seeing that made me realise there was an idea inside me that I really wanted to create and this has been the best opportunity to do that.

J: I saw the poster for the course, it looked bright and interesting, but it also seemed like quite a comprehensive course. This really appealed to me and I realised it literally started the following week so I didn’t have time to think about it – I just went for it.

7. What have you gained from this course?

L: The list is endless. I’ve gained a new set of friends, some amazing technical skills which have allowed me to create something I love that I will hopefully share with the world soon, and I gained the confidence to do something way out of my comfort zone.

J: I’ve gained all the skills I knew I needed to podcast but I just planned to pick them up along the way, but now I have them all under my belt to go.

8. What’s your biggest aspiration for creating or working in audio/podcasting?

L: I really want to create a successful podcast about nursing. I feel like I have something quite unique to offer to the podcasting world.

9. Where do you see yourself after this is all finished?

L: Probably super busy! I have so many ideas whizzing around about what I want to create, and hopefully it will be out there soon – watch this space.

J: I already had some ideas in the mix but I’m going to use what I put together for this course as a kick-off to create the fully formed podcast now! Obviously, I’ve built some momentum now to do this alongside work but it would also be fun, now I’m part of the podcasting and audio community to explore this professionally. Also because I work in sustainability, we’re often communicating about climate change, and what others are doing and sharing messages. So there’s a lot of scope to bring audio into that line of work too.

We can’t wait to see what this pair and other participants have up their sleeves moving forward from here! Don’t forget if you would like to get involved or find out more about any of our projects, please drop us an email at projects@reformradio.co.uk.