Podcasting is an easy, low-cost, and fun way to share your thoughts and ideas with a huge online audience. It's so accessible that there are currently over one million podcasts available on popular streaming apps like iTunes and Google Podcasts. From big name productions by leading journalists and entertainers, to smaller shows where friends gather to discuss the subjects they love, podcasting is hobby anyone can enjoy--and some even make it their careers.   

In this class, students will learn how to record a high-quality show and make it available to stream on all the major podcast platforms. We'll discuss the different types of podcasts and what makes each format distinct. Then they'll see how to record great audio with just a phone, computer, and free software. (We'll also look at more advanced, optional tools, like microphones, if they want to take their sound to the next level.) From there they'll learn how to upload their show to a podcast hosting service, if they choose to make it streamable for listeners everywhere.

In addition to the technical side of podcasting, much of this class is also devoted to how to produce and maintain an engaging show that audiences will want to listen to. Students will learn advice and strategies for five main show types--interview show, discussion show, educational show, nonfiction/documentary, and fictional storytelling. From how to host and guide a group discussion, to how to book and interview fascinating guests, to how to write compelling scripts for a documentary or fictional story, this content will prepare each student to be a savvy new podcast showrunner. 

No matter what a student's interests are, from science or history, to Star Wars, Shakespeare, or even Fortnite, this class will show them how to take the things they love and explore them through the unique and creative medium of podcasting.  

Please note that we will not be recording a podcast during class. This class uses slides and group discussions to cover the topics above, using an easy-going format without homework or assignments. Students do not need any experience with podcasting, but they will get the most out of the course if they have at least some interest in how podcasts are made and potentially trying it themselves. We will not be covering any advanced audio engineering skills, or how to use complex equipment like mixers, but students will receive a short introduction to microphones, pop filters, and other professional tools they might want to try in the future. There will also be plenty of time for students to ask questions and if they want to delve deeper into any of the topics we discuss.