Hello and welcome to Podcast Evaluation! I’m Emily Harper, and I’m joined by the ever-thoughtful Edward Collins. Today, we’re diving into what really makes a podcast pop—especially from our experiences at Bishop Druitt College. Edward, I have to say, the first thing that comes to mind for me is just how much quality audio equipment and editing can change the whole feel of a show. I mean, you can have the best ideas in the world, but if it sounds like you’re recording in a wind tunnel, no one’s gonna stick around, right?Absolutely, Emily. I think people underestimate how much crisp editing and a good mic can do. It’s not just about removing awkward silences or, you know, the odd cough—though that helps. It’s about making the whole thing sound polished, like you actually care about your listeners’ ears. And, well, when you get that right, it’s so much easier to keep people engaged.Yeah, and speaking of engagement, I love how vibrant pitching and storytelling can set the tone for an episode. I remember listening to Violet’s commentary—she just has this way of breaking down what makes a podcast work. She really digs into the details, doesn’t she? Like, she’ll talk about how a good commentator notices things most people miss, and suddenly you’re hooked on something you never even thought about before.Violet’s a great example. She’s got that knack for making the technical stuff sound interesting, which is no small feat. And, you know, it’s not just about the gear or the editing, it’s about how you pitch your story to the audience. If you’re not excited, why should they be?Exactly! Oh, and before I forget, I get asked all the time about my favourite microphone setup. So, quick behind-the-scenes peek—I actually use a dynamic mic with a pop filter, nothing too fancy, but it’s brilliant for cutting out background noise. It’s helped me connect with younger audiences, especially when we’re recording in, let’s be honest, not-so-quiet classrooms. I think it’s those little choices that make a big difference.That’s a good tip, Emily. Sometimes it’s the simple setups that work best, especially in a school environment. And, well, if you can get the basics right, you’re halfway there.So, moving on a bit, let’s talk about how commentators actually paint pictures with words. I mean, it’s one thing to have a good mic, but if you’re just reading off a script, it’s not going to land. The best commentators, they highlight those subtle details—stuff most people would just gloss over. That’s what makes a podcast memorable, don’t you think?Oh, absolutely. It’s like, when you listen to a show and suddenly you can see the scene in your head, you know they’re doing something right. I always think of "Short and Curly"—it’s this podcast about ethics and decision-making, but they make it so vivid. Like, they’ll ask, should you dob on someone, or should we ban lollies? And suddenly you’re picturing the whole scenario, even if you’ve never been in that exact situation.Yeah, "Short and Curly" is a brilliant example. They take these big, sometimes tricky topics, and make them accessible. I remember a school project I worked on—oh, ages ago now—where we had to focus on the tiny details. At first, it seemed a bit, well, tedious, but then we realised that’s what made the story stick. Like, instead of just saying, "We went to the park," we’d talk about the sound of the gravel under our shoes or the way the sun hit the swings. Suddenly, it wasn’t just a park, it was an experience.That’s such a good point. It’s those overlooked details that turn a simple topic into something people remember. And, honestly, it’s not always easy to do, especially when you’re just starting out. But when you get it right, it’s magic.So, let’s talk about what we’ve actually learned from making podcasts at Bishop Druitt College. One thing that really stands out for me is the value of narrowing your focus. Like, instead of trying to cram in every idea, just pick one or two things and really dig deep. It makes for better quality and, honestly, it’s less overwhelming for everyone.I couldn’t agree more. I think when we first started, we wanted to cover everything—every topic, every angle. But, well, it just got a bit messy. When we started focusing on fewer topics, the episodes felt tighter, and people actually listened all the way through. Funny how that works.And, you know, patience and persistence are huge. I mean, making a podcast takes time. There were days when I thought, "Is this ever going to come together?" But when you finally finish an episode, it’s such a great feeling. Plus, working together—collaborating—makes all the difference. You catch things you’d never notice on your own.Yeah, and I think one of the best things we did was the "question of the day" segment. Getting answers from both experts and kindergartens—well, it gave us a range of perspectives you just don’t get otherwise. It made the show feel more alive, more real. And, honestly, sometimes the kids had the best answers.They really did! I think that’s what makes podcasting so rewarding—you never quite know what you’re going to get, but if you stick with it, you end up with something special. Well, that’s all from us for today. Edward, always a pleasure chatting with you.Likewise, Emily. Thanks for listening, everyone. We’ll be back soon with more insights from the world of podcasting at Bishop Druitt College. Take care!Bye for now!

Episodes

Making Podcasts Pop