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Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling
“An interestingly idiosyncratic and personal vision of how to make podcasts.”—Ira Glass
Veteran podcast creator and strategist Eric Nuzum distills a career’s worth of wisdom, advice, practical information, and big-picture thinking to help podcasters “make noise”—to stand out in this fastest of fastest-growing media universes.
Nuzum identifies core principles, including what he considers the key to successful audio learning to think the way your audience listens . He delivers essential how-tos, from conducting an effective interview to marketing your podcast, developing your audience, and managing a creative team. He also taps into his deep network to offer advice from audio stars like Ira Glass, Terry Gross, and Anna Sale.
The book’s insights and guidance will help readers successfully express themselves as effective audio storytellers, whether for business or pleasure, or a mixture of both.
Veteran podcast creator and strategist Eric Nuzum distills a career’s worth of wisdom, advice, practical information, and big-picture thinking to help podcasters “make noise”—to stand out in this fastest of fastest-growing media universes.
Nuzum identifies core principles, including what he considers the key to successful audio learning to think the way your audience listens . He delivers essential how-tos, from conducting an effective interview to marketing your podcast, developing your audience, and managing a creative team. He also taps into his deep network to offer advice from audio stars like Ira Glass, Terry Gross, and Anna Sale.
The book’s insights and guidance will help readers successfully express themselves as effective audio storytellers, whether for business or pleasure, or a mixture of both.
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2019
About the author
Eric Nuzum
8 books74 followersEric NUZUM is a writer, cofounder of podcasting company Magnificent Noise, and creator of iconic podcasts. He is considered a leading “go-to” expert in audio, podcasting, radio, and spoken word entertainment. He led NPR’s initial podcasting efforts in 2005 and remained that effort's leading creative and strategic force for a decade. As a creator, he developed some of NPR’s most successful podcasts, including TED Radio Hour and Invisibilia. He continued his track record of success during his tenure as Audible’s leader for short-form content and podcasting, creating such recognized podcasts as Sincerely X (another co-production with TED), The Butterfly Effect with Jon Ronson, and Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel. He is also the author of Giving Up the Ghost: A Story About Friendship, 80s Music, A Lost Scrap of Paper, and What It Means to be Haunted (2012), The Dead Travel Fast: Stalking Vampires from Nosferatu to Count Chocula (2007) and Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America (2001). Nuzum was awarded the National Edward R. Murrow Award for News Writing and his work has appeared in a few publications you’ve heard of and many more that you haven’t heard of. Eric is based in the New York City metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 8, 2019
There are times in all our lives when we find ourselves searching for answers. We usually have a good idea where we want to end up, but the path to get there is covered in heavy mist and smoke. For those interested in podcasting, there are thousands of examples to copy. We may prefer some more than others, but perhaps cannot articulate why. What we need is a map, a guidebook that promises not to take us in the wrong direction. The question is, what would that book look like?
At first glance, “Make Noise” might not appear to be the solution, with its vibrant cover and a title that might be more at home at a championship basketball game. However, it has all the right elements and even the title has a great story behind it.
Author Eric Nuzum is not someone who woke up one morning and, based upon hours of listening to different talk shows, decided he was qualified to write a book on the subject. Mr. Nuzum has been part of the industry for many years and has numerous accomplishments under his belt. Bluntly, he understands the nuts and bolts of podcasting.
Which would mean nothing if he wasn’t able to put together a book that makes sense, chock-full of solid suggestions accompanied by reasons why we should take his advice. Throw in stories of the mistakes he (and others) made and you have a map of what not to do (and it’s entertaining to read stories with a human element rather than slog through 300 pages of boredom). The book is laid out in a sensible pattern that is easy to understand, thus creating a recipe for success.
Mr. Nuzum constantly reminds us of the work involved, from determining exactly what you are creating (your mission boiled down to ten words) to balancing the amount of prep before an interview or a show. Along the way the author opens our eyes (i.e., a group of interesting facts – no matter how interesting -- does NOT tell a story) and shares the secrets he has learned over the years. His methods do not encourage you to cut corners. Rather, he demonstrates how to successfully smooth and shape them so they match the end vision of whatever you are creating.
While this is an outstanding book for those interested in podcasting, I would recommend it for anyone working to carve a place for themselves on the Internet. If you are hosting a show, streaming on a gaming platform, you name it – there are valuable lessons in “Make Noise” and plenty of strong advice to keep you traveling toward your goals. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an advance electronic copy of this title.
At first glance, “Make Noise” might not appear to be the solution, with its vibrant cover and a title that might be more at home at a championship basketball game. However, it has all the right elements and even the title has a great story behind it.
Author Eric Nuzum is not someone who woke up one morning and, based upon hours of listening to different talk shows, decided he was qualified to write a book on the subject. Mr. Nuzum has been part of the industry for many years and has numerous accomplishments under his belt. Bluntly, he understands the nuts and bolts of podcasting.
Which would mean nothing if he wasn’t able to put together a book that makes sense, chock-full of solid suggestions accompanied by reasons why we should take his advice. Throw in stories of the mistakes he (and others) made and you have a map of what not to do (and it’s entertaining to read stories with a human element rather than slog through 300 pages of boredom). The book is laid out in a sensible pattern that is easy to understand, thus creating a recipe for success.
Mr. Nuzum constantly reminds us of the work involved, from determining exactly what you are creating (your mission boiled down to ten words) to balancing the amount of prep before an interview or a show. Along the way the author opens our eyes (i.e., a group of interesting facts – no matter how interesting -- does NOT tell a story) and shares the secrets he has learned over the years. His methods do not encourage you to cut corners. Rather, he demonstrates how to successfully smooth and shape them so they match the end vision of whatever you are creating.
While this is an outstanding book for those interested in podcasting, I would recommend it for anyone working to carve a place for themselves on the Internet. If you are hosting a show, streaming on a gaming platform, you name it – there are valuable lessons in “Make Noise” and plenty of strong advice to keep you traveling toward your goals. Five stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an advance electronic copy of this title.
November 23, 2019
The only radio I own is in my car, and it probably hasn't been turned on in a decade (which, for the record, is five fewer years than the age of said car). If you ever find me listening to an audiobook, start unzipping the body bag - I'm almost ready. Streaming, to me, means the fish are biting and an earbud is somebody's hearing aid. So for the love of all that's holy, why am I reading a book about podcasting and audio storytelling?
In a word, curiosity. Perhaps born of a childhood infused with party-line crank telephones and gearshifts on steering wheels, I'm enthralled by "newfangled" gizmos and gadgets and determined to learn all I can about them (at the rate technology is advancing these days, that keeps me plenty busy). Add in years as a journalist - an industry that might not even exist were it not for curiosity - and hey, bring it on.
Factor in also that while podcasts themselves aren't all that recent, they seem to be multiplying like bunnies of late. There are more than 700,000 of them in 100 languages, the author says, and I believe him. Every day, it seems, another dozen TV talking heads, business owners and (barf!) politicians are begging me to tune into their offerings. It's a trend that as far as I can see isn't going away anytime soon, and I want to find out more. Now that I've read this book, that goal has been achieved.
Years of interviewing hundreds of people has made me painfully aware that far more time is consumed in the preparation process than in the actual writing of my newspaper articles, so the author's insistence that the same is true for podcasts certainly didn't come as a surprise. But for those who are considering the possibility of starting one - and, hopefully, making a few bucks in the process - it's a full-on reality check. Put another way, if you think that sitting down in your garage and speaking your mind into a microphone you snagged for $20 at Amazon will make you an overnight millionaire, think again. If you need further evidence, consider this: According to the author, fully 40% of all podcasts are abandoned within a year. What's in this book can help ensure that yours isn't among them.
To be clear, this book is not a step-by-step outline of the specific equipment you'll need, how to edit your tapes (yes, that's a must) and other finer points of actual podcast production. Rather, it's a detailed and interestingly written overview - by one who clearly is an expert in the field - of what anyone who's thinking about starting a podcast needs to know before plunging ahead. The nucleus of the book, the author notes, is "finding a balance between confidence and humility, between being clear and focused while remaining open, and that there is always an opportunity to improve." Achieving success, he adds, requires compelling stories and ideas, engaging characters and a unique voice. Perhaps first and foremost is identifying your audience in almost minute detail, thus allowing you to "learn to think like they listen."
There's a good-size portion devoted to leading teams - and while it serves up excellent advice for anyone who is, or will be, in that position, I admit to speeding through this section simply because even if I ever were to attempt a podcast, I'm sure my production efforts never would reach the level of cubicles filled with worker bees and my motivational buzzwords. Moving on, I thoroughly enjoyed the final section on the history of podcasting and learned a good bit more of what I'd hoped for when I picked up the book in the first place. The whole thing is wrapped up with a list of recommended reading and online resources - always a plus for a how-to book.
Beyond recommending the book to anyone who's interested in starting a podcast, or in the start-up stages, or simply wants to learn more about the process as I did, I won't spill any more bean pods and instead urge you to read it for yourself. I'm certainly glad I did, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
In a word, curiosity. Perhaps born of a childhood infused with party-line crank telephones and gearshifts on steering wheels, I'm enthralled by "newfangled" gizmos and gadgets and determined to learn all I can about them (at the rate technology is advancing these days, that keeps me plenty busy). Add in years as a journalist - an industry that might not even exist were it not for curiosity - and hey, bring it on.
Factor in also that while podcasts themselves aren't all that recent, they seem to be multiplying like bunnies of late. There are more than 700,000 of them in 100 languages, the author says, and I believe him. Every day, it seems, another dozen TV talking heads, business owners and (barf!) politicians are begging me to tune into their offerings. It's a trend that as far as I can see isn't going away anytime soon, and I want to find out more. Now that I've read this book, that goal has been achieved.
Years of interviewing hundreds of people has made me painfully aware that far more time is consumed in the preparation process than in the actual writing of my newspaper articles, so the author's insistence that the same is true for podcasts certainly didn't come as a surprise. But for those who are considering the possibility of starting one - and, hopefully, making a few bucks in the process - it's a full-on reality check. Put another way, if you think that sitting down in your garage and speaking your mind into a microphone you snagged for $20 at Amazon will make you an overnight millionaire, think again. If you need further evidence, consider this: According to the author, fully 40% of all podcasts are abandoned within a year. What's in this book can help ensure that yours isn't among them.
To be clear, this book is not a step-by-step outline of the specific equipment you'll need, how to edit your tapes (yes, that's a must) and other finer points of actual podcast production. Rather, it's a detailed and interestingly written overview - by one who clearly is an expert in the field - of what anyone who's thinking about starting a podcast needs to know before plunging ahead. The nucleus of the book, the author notes, is "finding a balance between confidence and humility, between being clear and focused while remaining open, and that there is always an opportunity to improve." Achieving success, he adds, requires compelling stories and ideas, engaging characters and a unique voice. Perhaps first and foremost is identifying your audience in almost minute detail, thus allowing you to "learn to think like they listen."
There's a good-size portion devoted to leading teams - and while it serves up excellent advice for anyone who is, or will be, in that position, I admit to speeding through this section simply because even if I ever were to attempt a podcast, I'm sure my production efforts never would reach the level of cubicles filled with worker bees and my motivational buzzwords. Moving on, I thoroughly enjoyed the final section on the history of podcasting and learned a good bit more of what I'd hoped for when I picked up the book in the first place. The whole thing is wrapped up with a list of recommended reading and online resources - always a plus for a how-to book.
Beyond recommending the book to anyone who's interested in starting a podcast, or in the start-up stages, or simply wants to learn more about the process as I did, I won't spill any more bean pods and instead urge you to read it for yourself. I'm certainly glad I did, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
May 17, 2020
кайф! увлекательнейшее собрание историй, советов, вопросов и идей для создателей подкастов и тех, кто хочет ими стать.
January 17, 2021
Для таких новичков, как я, в книге много полезных базовых советов и истории развития подкастов, баек из собственно жизни автора и его друзей. послушала, какие белые мужчины прикольные, какие они читают книжки, написанные белыми мужчинами, какие советы дают их друзья (да, вы правильно догадались, тоже белые гетеросексуальные мужчины). И на закуску о том, как Порнография самая передовая индустрия, и нужно за ней стремиться в плане платформ и технологий. Даже с примерами описаний женщин в этих видео. Ну прикольно, че. Хорошо ребятам живётся.
March 3, 2020
Filled with anecdotes of the author's time working in both radio and podcasting, this was an interesting read with an "insider's look" feel to it. It was also more comprehensive than other basic guides of the same type. I liked that it covered so many types of podcasts, from talk show format to fictional narrative. A must read for beginner and intermediate podcasters.
December 23, 2023
A great how-to on creating podcasts. Nuzum writes from a professional or industry point of view, so there may be some things that are not applicable to those who are creating podcasts for a hobby or side project. There is some really great advice on managing creative teams, that can be applicable outside of podcasting. One thing I found interesting is a chapter that outlines how to create avatars of potential readers. I am not sure if Nuzum knows this, but what he outlined are personas, a marketing technique that's also used in Instructional design. It's a very practical exercise when making any product.
March 23, 2021
Recomendación de Desbarrancadero.
Un manual para taller, muy divertido, práctico y elegante para pensar mejor a la hora de querer crear un podcast. Una metodología práctica para determinar el tipo, estilo y contenido de tu podcast, y este tenga un mejor desempeño y sea único e irrepetible.
Es fácil de leer, comprender y sobre todo te hace pensar las cosas sin ser intolerante y tajante con cómo debe debe de ser un podcast. Más bien, es una serie de dialéctica para llegar a productos innovadores y creativos. Me gustó mucho porque comparto su forma de pensar un proyecto, de cómo debería de realizarse y que debería de contener. Ojo, no hay camino fácil, ni rápido, y este libro no te da libros ni opciones a seguir, te pone a pensar y trabajar. Si te interesa lo más técnico, este libro no es para ti.
Un manual para taller, muy divertido, práctico y elegante para pensar mejor a la hora de querer crear un podcast. Una metodología práctica para determinar el tipo, estilo y contenido de tu podcast, y este tenga un mejor desempeño y sea único e irrepetible.
Es fácil de leer, comprender y sobre todo te hace pensar las cosas sin ser intolerante y tajante con cómo debe debe de ser un podcast. Más bien, es una serie de dialéctica para llegar a productos innovadores y creativos. Me gustó mucho porque comparto su forma de pensar un proyecto, de cómo debería de realizarse y que debería de contener. Ojo, no hay camino fácil, ni rápido, y este libro no te da libros ni opciones a seguir, te pone a pensar y trabajar. Si te interesa lo más técnico, este libro no es para ti.
March 2, 2021
Una lectura que disfrutarás mucho si eres de los que a la hora de hacer un proyecto lo sobrepiensas sobre el qué, porque y para quién es lo que estás haciendo. Te ayudará a darle un sentido y profundidad a cualquier proyecto creativo que esté realizando.
Si eres de lo que son más técnicos y sólo quieren hacer cosas sin pensarlo mucho este libro no será de tu agrado.
Pd: tiene una lista de libros que le gustan o cree importante y es como un gesto muy padre.
Si eres de lo que son más técnicos y sólo quieren hacer cosas sin pensarlo mucho este libro no será de tu agrado.
Pd: tiene una lista de libros que le gustan o cree importante y es como un gesto muy padre.
March 13, 2021
A book to read, re-read, highlight, quote, and keep around as both instruction and inspiration for all audio storytellers.
December 14, 2021
Шикарна книжка. Написана легко, з гумором і корисно
April 6, 2020
Een heel degelijk boek over de craft van podcasting, geschreven door een autoriteit in het vak. Begint prima, maar wordt naar het einde toe meer een boek over management van podcast teams en over creativiteit in het algemeen.
February 11, 2020
I found this a useful book about why to podcast and how to maintain high standards in broadcasting. It is not, however, a beginner's guide to podcasting. I was looking for basic guidelines from an industry expert but there was very little attention to practical procedure here.
The author acknowledges this and points out that practical advice can be found anywhere. What he has to offer is perspective on the industry of radio and podcast creation, as well as years of experience in what works and what doesn't. He is big on taking risks to see what happens. I appreciated his encouragement to newcomers to aim for high-quality productions.
The narration of the audio book is good and makes for easy listening.
The author acknowledges this and points out that practical advice can be found anywhere. What he has to offer is perspective on the industry of radio and podcast creation, as well as years of experience in what works and what doesn't. He is big on taking risks to see what happens. I appreciated his encouragement to newcomers to aim for high-quality productions.
The narration of the audio book is good and makes for easy listening.
September 22, 2021
Хорошая книга. Вдохновила. Считаю, что ее необходимо читать каждому, кто хочет создавать контент. Рекомендации сработают для любого канала. Везде, где упоминается слово «подкаст» — подставляйте свое слово: телеграм-канал, youtube, блог и т.д.
Крутой факт, что эта книга вышла на русском языке благодаря издателю, который ее прочел. Он сам связался с автором и предложил издать ее.
Мой полный обзор — https://nikitatim.medium.com/%D0%BF%D...
Крутой факт, что эта книга вышла на русском языке благодаря издателю, который ее прочел. Он сам связался с автором и предложил издать ее.
Мой полный обзор — https://nikitatim.medium.com/%D0%BF%D...
March 8, 2020
In Make Noise, Eric Nuzum lays out an agenda that is at once extremely ambitious and directed at a narrowly defined audience: His intention is to explain to would-be creators of podcasts how to conceptualize, organize, and execute their vision in order to launch a successful venture. What the book is not about is how any of the millions of potential users might select or evaluate the podcasts they listen to. However, as the author notes, given that there are currently about 700,000 existing podcasts available to choose from, this is apparently an important problem to address, in terms of both improving current products as well as influencing the development of future ones.
Nuzum would seem to be the perfect person to write such a book. He has a lengthy and impressive resume chronicling his work in this area, including program development experience in public radio and creating or producing some of the most popular podcasts in the market today (e.g., TED Radio Hour, Invisibilia). For the most part, he succeeds in translating that experience into practical and insightful advice on how a would-be podcast producer should go about the task of creating and delivering effective content. Beyond the substance of the message he conveys, Nuzum also writes in a down-to-earth style that is especially effective in getting his points across. The use of many illustrative examples from his personal knowledge of the industry is helpful in that regard.
The book is divided into ten chapters (including the Introduction), each of which explores a different aspect of the podcast development process. For me, the first several of these chapters contained the most compelling, interesting, and useful material. In particular, the author describes the importance of developing a ten-word descriptive sentence that encapsulates the creative concept as well as the need to visualize the podcast’s specific target audience. Following those discussions, Nuzum addresses the issue of how a good podcast should be structured, emphasizing both the function and the form of the product. Above all else, he stresses the idea that podcasting is all about telling stories and that understating the principles for how to tell a great story is the most important skill to have.
On the other hand, some of the material in the last few chapters was less effective at accomplishing the author’s pronounced mission. Specifically, the information on finding an audience through “guerilla marketing” tactics and how to lead teams of creative people were verbose and largely unnecessary to the core purpose. In fact, the latter chapter really read more like an excerpt from a general management textbook than advice tailored to someone interested in podcast development. Beyond that, it is actually difficult to know how to evaluate the usefulness of any of this information until a person actually tries to put it into practice launching their own audio project. Still, Make Noise is an engaging discussion from an author who writes with authority and passion, which makes it a worthwhile reading experience.
Nuzum would seem to be the perfect person to write such a book. He has a lengthy and impressive resume chronicling his work in this area, including program development experience in public radio and creating or producing some of the most popular podcasts in the market today (e.g., TED Radio Hour, Invisibilia). For the most part, he succeeds in translating that experience into practical and insightful advice on how a would-be podcast producer should go about the task of creating and delivering effective content. Beyond the substance of the message he conveys, Nuzum also writes in a down-to-earth style that is especially effective in getting his points across. The use of many illustrative examples from his personal knowledge of the industry is helpful in that regard.
The book is divided into ten chapters (including the Introduction), each of which explores a different aspect of the podcast development process. For me, the first several of these chapters contained the most compelling, interesting, and useful material. In particular, the author describes the importance of developing a ten-word descriptive sentence that encapsulates the creative concept as well as the need to visualize the podcast’s specific target audience. Following those discussions, Nuzum addresses the issue of how a good podcast should be structured, emphasizing both the function and the form of the product. Above all else, he stresses the idea that podcasting is all about telling stories and that understating the principles for how to tell a great story is the most important skill to have.
On the other hand, some of the material in the last few chapters was less effective at accomplishing the author’s pronounced mission. Specifically, the information on finding an audience through “guerilla marketing” tactics and how to lead teams of creative people were verbose and largely unnecessary to the core purpose. In fact, the latter chapter really read more like an excerpt from a general management textbook than advice tailored to someone interested in podcast development. Beyond that, it is actually difficult to know how to evaluate the usefulness of any of this information until a person actually tries to put it into practice launching their own audio project. Still, Make Noise is an engaging discussion from an author who writes with authority and passion, which makes it a worthwhile reading experience.
August 20, 2020
Maybe you were one of the hundreds (or thousands) who decided they needed to get creative with their extra time during COVID and wanted to start a podcast. It seemed easy enough. You just turn on your computer’s recording software and start talking. Well, not exactly. But also, actually, yes. There are no barriers to entry, but there are some skills that lead to success.
The world needed a book for all of those looking to begin a podcast career. What’s uncanny is that Eric Nuzum wrote Make Noise just before we all knew we needed it.
Even before the pandemic, two thousand new podcasts were created every week, and Nuzum argues that podcasting has far from hit its peak. “…great content finds its audience, and audiences will crawl across broken glass to get to things they love. But for that to happen, [some] things need to occur. First, you need to create something that is editorially distinct and unduplicatable.”
In Make Noise, Nuzum takes his rich experience creating chart-topping series for NPR and Audible and allows you to pick his brain on developing your own podcast.
With a lot of advice out there already on how to physically produce a podcast, Nuzum saw a void in guiding would-be podcasters on getting their start. Make Noise offers practical information on the basics, like how to come up with the winning podcast idea. Make Noise is more than a how-to; it forces the reader to consider how to create work with impact that listeners will love.
The book has it all: from a helpful history of podcasting, an analysis of current trends, and insights on opportunities in the podcasting marketplace, to a step-by-step — and also interesting — guide to developing your character, creating your backstory, amplifying your authentic voice, and conducting a must-listen-all-the-way-through interview. Nuzum even includes “bonus episodes” from his network of thoughtful expert podcasters — resources on lessons learned — or at least engaging stories that will make you think twice when it’s your turn.
“Many expect that because they are both audio mediums, [radio and podcasts] are interchangeable,” Nuzum says. “Podcasting… is about areas of interest. Podcasts are about passions. Podcasts are the hub of a community of people who are interested in a subject, type of story, hobby, or worldview.”
Those interested and passionate about storytelling, whether to create a podcast, produce viral videos, or even just improve reporting skills, will gravitate to this essential resource.
The world needed a book for all of those looking to begin a podcast career. What’s uncanny is that Eric Nuzum wrote Make Noise just before we all knew we needed it.
Even before the pandemic, two thousand new podcasts were created every week, and Nuzum argues that podcasting has far from hit its peak. “…great content finds its audience, and audiences will crawl across broken glass to get to things they love. But for that to happen, [some] things need to occur. First, you need to create something that is editorially distinct and unduplicatable.”
In Make Noise, Nuzum takes his rich experience creating chart-topping series for NPR and Audible and allows you to pick his brain on developing your own podcast.
With a lot of advice out there already on how to physically produce a podcast, Nuzum saw a void in guiding would-be podcasters on getting their start. Make Noise offers practical information on the basics, like how to come up with the winning podcast idea. Make Noise is more than a how-to; it forces the reader to consider how to create work with impact that listeners will love.
The book has it all: from a helpful history of podcasting, an analysis of current trends, and insights on opportunities in the podcasting marketplace, to a step-by-step — and also interesting — guide to developing your character, creating your backstory, amplifying your authentic voice, and conducting a must-listen-all-the-way-through interview. Nuzum even includes “bonus episodes” from his network of thoughtful expert podcasters — resources on lessons learned — or at least engaging stories that will make you think twice when it’s your turn.
“Many expect that because they are both audio mediums, [radio and podcasts] are interchangeable,” Nuzum says. “Podcasting… is about areas of interest. Podcasts are about passions. Podcasts are the hub of a community of people who are interested in a subject, type of story, hobby, or worldview.”
Those interested and passionate about storytelling, whether to create a podcast, produce viral videos, or even just improve reporting skills, will gravitate to this essential resource.
February 7, 2022
Gosto demais desse formato.
Eu tenho prestado atenção em como os candidatos à presidência tem se dedicado mais às "ruas digitais" neste momento do ano eleitoral. Além da oportunidade de falar com "nichos" de enorme audiência, esta via costuma ser um "ambiente seguro" para os pré-candidatos. Diferente de formatos jornalísticos, que tem tempo delimitado e os entrevistados são confrontados, os podcasts e vodcasts - transmitidos em áudio e vídeo ao vivo na internet - se estendem por horas, dando tempo aos participantes para desenvolver teses com mais conforto.
Programas completos e os chamados "cortes" - trechos selecionados que depois também são usados nos perfis dos futuros candidatos - atingem milhões de pessoas. Novíssimos modelos desta comunicação também já inspiram pré-campanhas.
Preste atenção: O ex-ministro Ciro Gomes criou o Ciro Games, live divulgada semanalmente nas redes sociais do candidato. No programa, Ciro faz "gameplays" - transmissões de uma pessoa jogando vídeo game - entrevistas e "reacts" - formato em que uma pessoa assiste a vídeos e opina sobre o que viu. No último "react", o alvo foi Bolsonaro.
Novos públicos: A ideia de buscar novas plataformas faz parte da tentativa de agregar públicos, principalmente os mais jovens, à campanha.
Simplicidade: O marketing é arte da síntese. O que se quer nas redes sociais é ter alguém falando de forma mais simples, diferente do formato engessado da propaganda na televisão. O trunfo dos canais de internet é essa capacidade de atrair algo mais íntimo dos candidatos.
Eu tenho prestado atenção em como os candidatos à presidência tem se dedicado mais às "ruas digitais" neste momento do ano eleitoral. Além da oportunidade de falar com "nichos" de enorme audiência, esta via costuma ser um "ambiente seguro" para os pré-candidatos. Diferente de formatos jornalísticos, que tem tempo delimitado e os entrevistados são confrontados, os podcasts e vodcasts - transmitidos em áudio e vídeo ao vivo na internet - se estendem por horas, dando tempo aos participantes para desenvolver teses com mais conforto.
Programas completos e os chamados "cortes" - trechos selecionados que depois também são usados nos perfis dos futuros candidatos - atingem milhões de pessoas. Novíssimos modelos desta comunicação também já inspiram pré-campanhas.
Preste atenção: O ex-ministro Ciro Gomes criou o Ciro Games, live divulgada semanalmente nas redes sociais do candidato. No programa, Ciro faz "gameplays" - transmissões de uma pessoa jogando vídeo game - entrevistas e "reacts" - formato em que uma pessoa assiste a vídeos e opina sobre o que viu. No último "react", o alvo foi Bolsonaro.
Novos públicos: A ideia de buscar novas plataformas faz parte da tentativa de agregar públicos, principalmente os mais jovens, à campanha.
Simplicidade: O marketing é arte da síntese. O que se quer nas redes sociais é ter alguém falando de forma mais simples, diferente do formato engessado da propaganda na televisão. O trunfo dos canais de internet é essa capacidade de atrair algo mais íntimo dos candidatos.
February 19, 2020
While the audience for this is definitely people who are planning to (or even already) producing a podcast, many sections like audience building or how to lead a group of creative types could be valuable to someone producing other types of media like blogs or indie video games. It also doesn't discuss the technical details of taping a podcast, but rather how your idea can be refined and effectively reach an audience and keep the passion going so you don't end up dropping it a year in. If you happen to merely be a podcast consumer who just wants a peek behind the curtain? It was fun read, but it presents a lot of questions (what kind of audience do you want, can you describe your project in 10 words, etc) that you'd have to skip over. It does have a short history of the podcast that could be up your alley though and knowing that any great podcast takes way more than just the time it takes to record could help you appreciate them better.
There are a great deal of anecdotes to emphasize and/or prove each point - this book could probably serve as an excellent first rough draft of the author's biography. Luckily each personal story was relevant or interesting (and most often both)! Nuzum shares credit and praise generously and does not name names when discussing what not to do (though he does bring up his own failures and why his work is better for acknowledgement of them).
There are a great deal of anecdotes to emphasize and/or prove each point - this book could probably serve as an excellent first rough draft of the author's biography. Luckily each personal story was relevant or interesting (and most often both)! Nuzum shares credit and praise generously and does not name names when discussing what not to do (though he does bring up his own failures and why his work is better for acknowledgement of them).
January 7, 2022
Writing: 4/5
Knowledge Gained: 5/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
If podcasts are separated into technical (upload, storage, rss feeds) and content, then the author did a great job on educating on the content side of a podcast. There were quite a few anecdotes and "how-to's" in the book, I found it quite helpful and learned something.
Important notes:
-Intimacy is key to podcasting, it's more deliberate, and purposeful than radio, there is "intentional selection" from the audience, and is not a live show.
-There needs to be connections with the character (or narrator) so that the audience would actually sacrifice their time to just to listen to you. Don't try to be likeable, self-conscious etc, just be yourself.
-Describe your podcast in ten words, specifically. (I would say this rule goes for all movies, drama, shows etc)
-Types of podcasts: Rant, Q&A, conversation, story, episodes.
The second half of the book is more redundant, but give a B for effort there.
This is a "how-to" book, and didn't veer off topic much.
Knowledge Gained: 5/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
If podcasts are separated into technical (upload, storage, rss feeds) and content, then the author did a great job on educating on the content side of a podcast. There were quite a few anecdotes and "how-to's" in the book, I found it quite helpful and learned something.
Important notes:
-Intimacy is key to podcasting, it's more deliberate, and purposeful than radio, there is "intentional selection" from the audience, and is not a live show.
-There needs to be connections with the character (or narrator) so that the audience would actually sacrifice their time to just to listen to you. Don't try to be likeable, self-conscious etc, just be yourself.
-Describe your podcast in ten words, specifically. (I would say this rule goes for all movies, drama, shows etc)
-Types of podcasts: Rant, Q&A, conversation, story, episodes.
The second half of the book is more redundant, but give a B for effort there.
This is a "how-to" book, and didn't veer off topic much.
May 2, 2020
When my boss gave the green light to start building a podcast, I didn’t have much idea as to how to take the next steps. From clarifying the idea to defining the audience to promoting the show, Make Noise covers a lot of territory for anyone looking to start a podcast. Eric’s got the experience so you know he isn’t blowing smoke. The read is engaging and filled with plenty of real world examples to help illustrate what he’s teaching.
The end section about leading creatives is super relevant and valuable and should be a read for anyone managing people in any discipline, let alone creative endeavours.
I loaned this from the library and I’ll be buying it shortly to mark up a copy for my own future reference as well.
The end section about leading creatives is super relevant and valuable and should be a read for anyone managing people in any discipline, let alone creative endeavours.
I loaned this from the library and I’ll be buying it shortly to mark up a copy for my own future reference as well.
June 21, 2021
If you were interested in podcasting this would be an excellent place to start. The main message I am taking away from this is to keep the end in mind. How will the listener hear it? Will they hear a coherent story and conversation they can follow and feel like a part of? Or will it sound like you’re eavesdropping on a conversation in a foreign language.
Also, Nuzum discussions on leading a creative team could have saved me ten years of learning by trial and error. Provide your team with a clear mission and purpose. Focus on activities that support that and say “no” to anything that doesn’t. Provide the what and why and give people the freedom to supply the how. I arrived at these practices on my own but Nuzum’s approach affirms my own.
Anyway, a must read for starting a podcast.
Also, Nuzum discussions on leading a creative team could have saved me ten years of learning by trial and error. Provide your team with a clear mission and purpose. Focus on activities that support that and say “no” to anything that doesn’t. Provide the what and why and give people the freedom to supply the how. I arrived at these practices on my own but Nuzum’s approach affirms my own.
Anyway, a must read for starting a podcast.
November 22, 2019
I'd never heard of Eric Nuzum before this book, but I'm looking forward to finding more of his work.
This book is part "the job history portion of my resume is amazing" and part actionable advice for any storyteller. The focus is on audio, but almost all of the advice works for other formats.
Even the bragging and personal history is well done. Nuzum throws credit to others like a rapper throwing bills to strippers- early and often.
Overall: well written, well organized, a good read for anyone telling stories or someone wanting to appreciate storytelling more.
**I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is part "the job history portion of my resume is amazing" and part actionable advice for any storyteller. The focus is on audio, but almost all of the advice works for other formats.
Even the bragging and personal history is well done. Nuzum throws credit to others like a rapper throwing bills to strippers- early and often.
Overall: well written, well organized, a good read for anyone telling stories or someone wanting to appreciate storytelling more.
**I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2020
I highly recommend this book to those interedted in podcasting with good storytelling. This book focuses more on the art of podcasting rather than the practical side. The author does give plenty of advice on building the foundation, the mission, of the project. He also details how to work well with others. No podcast is exactly the same because every person has a unique story and point of view.
There is a lot of practical creative advice as well ad encouragement. I'm grateful that this book is available.
Content warning: there are some instances of extreme swearing and mentions of porn. People sensitive to this may wish to avoid this book.
There is a lot of practical creative advice as well ad encouragement. I'm grateful that this book is available.
Content warning: there are some instances of extreme swearing and mentions of porn. People sensitive to this may wish to avoid this book.
March 2, 2021
I'm a podcaster, so I figured it would be wise to read a book about podcast creation. I heard enough to be encouraged about where I was, challenged to do better and go further, and be excited about future podcasts I hope to make. A lot of the principles also work for just about any kind of creator, like if you were making YouTube videos, or music, etc.
There are some sections of the book that didn't apply to me, namely the chapters about more journalistic, story-based podcasting. That's okay. They were still interesting, and I got a bit out of it, too. A book on podcasting without a section on that would be incomplete, so I understand.
There are some sections of the book that didn't apply to me, namely the chapters about more journalistic, story-based podcasting. That's okay. They were still interesting, and I got a bit out of it, too. A book on podcasting without a section on that would be incomplete, so I understand.
May 1, 2021
I think this is the best book you could read about podcasting. Now I'm not sure because I haven't read any other podcasting books, nor do I even know if there are any others. But this. This is good. Explains everything you need to know, with just the right amount of examples in it go explain the theory. Sometimes you learn more from examples than theory. This book was on the recommended reading list in my digital storytelling postgraduate. I learned a lot of things from this book, which I won't explain here, just read it. But one lesson that really struck home: do the recommended reading kids. Damn.
June 1, 2019
"Make Noise" is a helpful book for those looking to start a podcast. It will give you very clear guidelines on the type and style of podcasts, how to execute it successfully, and popular examples. If you want to start a podcast and need some direction, this is the book for you. It doesn't include technical aspects of podcasting such as recording, equipment needed, or uploading, but with that known, this book is still very helpful.
Special thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Special thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
February 19, 2020
I like a good craft book I can hang my writerly/creative brain on, and this one fits that bill. Nuzum gives us plenty to think about as he organizes what we know/didn't realize we knew/didn't know about podcasting for anyone considering adding the medium to their creative wheelhouse. Along the way, he inspires us to think about the stories we want to tell, the stories we enjoy hearing, and how they're all told, and shares with us the past, present, and possible future of the podcasting landscape.
July 12, 2020
Nuzum offers actionable advice on planning and executing a podcast. He knows his business, having had such podcast hits as the TED Radio Hour, Where Should We Begin? and others.
His tips are commonplace yet most podcasters begin without asking them. Who's your audience? Well, it isn't everyone. Nuzum suggests finding a picture of your target audience. A single person to whom you'll be speaking personally. Sounds corny, but when he builds out the strategy, it works.
If you want to begin podcasting, or if you want to improve what you are already doing, this is a good place to start.
His tips are commonplace yet most podcasters begin without asking them. Who's your audience? Well, it isn't everyone. Nuzum suggests finding a picture of your target audience. A single person to whom you'll be speaking personally. Sounds corny, but when he builds out the strategy, it works.
If you want to begin podcasting, or if you want to improve what you are already doing, this is a good place to start.
September 27, 2023
Coming into it from Kristen Meinzer’s book on beginning a podcast, I couldn’t help but giggle a little here and there at the often very different tones taken between a man and woman author re: authority on the topic.
Still, this is an excellent resource with takeaways for those looking not to just create something, but looking to create something with *excellence* in mind. From basics of networking and marketing, to managing expectations, this is a valuable (and encouraging) resource for those looking to enter what feels like an intimidating and over-saturated field.
Still, this is an excellent resource with takeaways for those looking not to just create something, but looking to create something with *excellence* in mind. From basics of networking and marketing, to managing expectations, this is a valuable (and encouraging) resource for those looking to enter what feels like an intimidating and over-saturated field.
November 14, 2023
If you're considering getting into podcasting (which is still growing at an astounding rate) this is a really useful book from a master in the field. It's not about the latest microphones or editing software, it's about the core of the actual podcast: the content. It covers what to talk about and how to do it, from general categories to preparation tips. It's honest and thought provoking.
Note: If you're already doing it and have figured out your niche, there are a few helpful nuances in there, too, but it's not written for the advanced players.
Note: If you're already doing it and have figured out your niche, there are a few helpful nuances in there, too, but it's not written for the advanced players.
July 1, 2019
This book is an absolute MUST READ for any person looking to start a podcast. Told in simple, easy to understand and digest information, this book is LOADED with critical information to prevent mistakes for what is an expensive endeavor. What I loved most about this book was it has information applicable to the author, as well.
Look for my full blog review closer to publication and possible inclusion in IndiePicks Magazine!
Reviewed for publisher via Netgalley.
Look for my full blog review closer to publication and possible inclusion in IndiePicks Magazine!
Reviewed for publisher via Netgalley.
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