PODCAST NOTES

! IMPORTANT !
The audio quality of a podcast is of utmost importance.
Please read the following notes carefully.

Format & Content

  • The podcast is "interview style", mixed with a natural conversation. Guest talks ~80%, Matt ~20%.
  • Please provide a list of 10-15 points which are important to you to discuss (career, vision, pivotal moments in life, things that are important to you, hobbies, ...). Especially the things that cannot be found online.
  • The questions will be provided after Matt's research, though not necessarily the ones that will be asked.
  • The episode length typically is >90 mins.
  • The dialog itself will be held in a Microsoft Teams meeting. Webcams will be on, to see each other.
  • The Teams call audio is recorded as a backup audio track. The video will be discarded.

Microphone & Audio Specification

  • Use a professional grade microphone (best a "dynamic" model, with pop-filter). Reach out ahead of time for recommendations. Delivery times can take up to a month! No laptop microphone or cheap USB headsets!
  • Record your own mic (only!) locally, using e.g. the tool "Audacity". No system sounds or the full call’s audio.
  • Format: .WAV, mono, uncompressed (16bit or 32 bit float)
  • Keep a constant distance from the mic at all times (15-20 cm).
  • Speak into the mic a bit at an angle.
  • Please prepare and test the full audio setup before we go into the audio test call. This might take you a few hours of preparation.​
Choose the best option you can.

Room & Disturbing Noises

  • Choose a quiet room, where you won’t be disturbed.
  • Deactivate fans, AC units or other noisy devices.
  • If you have a noisy PC, maybe switch to a laptop.
  • Make sure the mic does not touch vibrating objects.
  • Use blankets to eliminate echos on hard surfaces.
  • Don’t use keyboard or mouse unless strictly necessary.
  • Don’t eat, write, draw or use other objects which may create noises.
  • Place post-it notes to remind yourself of things you might forget.
Print and place in front of you during podcast.

Audacity (free tool)

If using Audacity, best use these settings:​