Thank you so much for coming on the Beginner’s Garden Podcast. I’m looking forward to our conversation! Below is everything you need to know to prepare for our interview.
Pre-Interview
Prepare your environment
If possible, find a quiet place that minimizes noise. Ideally that would be a room without high ceilings or a lot of glass.
You may want to have a glass of water handy so you stay hydrated during our conversation.
Optimize your recording setup
Close other browsers and browser tabs to keep SquadCast the focused tab while recording. Opening other windows or tabs while recording starts a new process within the browser. If the network is already struggling, this may affect the browser’s ability to upload files while recording while maintaining conference audio and video quality.
Browser extensions can also interfere with SquadCast. To avoid this, try using an incognito tab in Chrome to anonymize browsing from active extensions or apps that may be in use. Using a different browser can also help; the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Brave, and Edge all support SquadCast.
If for any reason your network disconnects during the call, don’t worry, everything is backed up to the cloud. Simply click the gold Reconnect button & continue recording.
Check your equipment
Internal microphones will work, but external microphones are recommended to record quality audio. Headphones are highly recommended to eliminate echo. At the very least, a good set of earbuds will work well.
Prepare the Room for Video
We will be connecting via video, as the podcast will also be posted on video form on YouTube. If possible, try to avoid sitting in front of a window; instead, face a window or a light for best results. The background doesn’t have to be studio-quality, but a few steps go a long way. Besides optimizing for light, clearing distracting clutter from behind you will help viewers focus on the content of your interview.
For the Best Listener Experience
The most enjoyable conversations for a listener are the ones that go “back and forth.” To keep the listener’s attention and interest, plan to answer the questions thoroughly but succinctly and allow for follow-up questions to dive deeper. As a general rule, each response/answer should be only a few minutes in length. Keeping an eye on the time will also help us provide the best information for the listener while respecting their time. While we have planned 60 minutes on our calendar, that includes tech checks, and a short pre-interview chat. My goal is for the recorded conversation to only take 30-40 minutes.
SquadCast Platform Overview
We’ll be using SquadCast.fm for the recording of the interview. The actual URL will be provided in the calendar invite prior to the call. SquadCast is a browser-based service and works with the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Brave, & Edge. To see the most recent list of browsers supported, click here.
Here is a quick video that will help you prepare to use Squadcast:
The Interview Process
- We have 60-minutes scheduled for the interview. If possible, you’ll want to connect a few minutes early and follow the steps above to ensure everything is working correctly
- The format is very conversational and while I will (or have already) send you a list of questions, this is more so you can get an idea the topics we may discuss.
- I make every effort to listen attentively and let the conversation flow, so if an interesting topic is raised by the guest, it’s likely that I’ll dig in further. You’d be surprised at how quickly the time flies by!
- The SquadCast interface also provides a mute button, which is helpful if you feel the need to cough or clear your throat during the call.
- If there are any specific questions you’d like me to ask that would help the conversation, feel free to send them to me prior to the interview.
- Keep in mind that the episode is not live, so if you feel the need to do a second take on a statement, or correct something you misstated, that’s perfectly OK.
Post-Interview
- Once the episode is published, I will be providing you with a detailed email which outlines all the social sites where the episode will be promoted for the full week the episode is live.
- Graphics and multimedia artwork created for the episode will also be attached.
- I appreciate your assistance in getting the word out about your appearance on the show!
Thanks again for taking the time to appear on the Beginner’s Garden Podcast. I’m looking forward to our conversation!
