Less than a day, just a few more hours until Emerge: The Media Reset comes to life! The fourth-year Media and Communication Studies students are beyond excited to deliver the fun, insightful, and engaging media conference that you have so patiently been waiting for.
But just because we’re one day away doesn’t mean we’re logging off of here for good already. As always, you can count on me to bring you the update on Varsity Clues: Myths and Legends and the delightful characters that host it.
I’m sure that you guys are eagerly staying tuned for episode two of the podcast, but before then, you can catch the Varsity Clues team on day two of Emerge. The second day of the conference is a virtual experience and I’m here to remind you that it’s also the day your favourite myths and legends enthusiasts will be hosting Meta-Pod, the podcast all about podcasting.
You might remember that this was covered in an earlier post but here’s a quick rundown. The Varsity Clues podcast team gets meta as they turn their attention to discussing podcasts, the creative process, and learning how to grow an audience. As if that wasn’t enticing enough they’re joined by special guests, Michael Brown and Dean Hebscher, media pros who know the ins and outs of podcasting.
In celebration of this upcoming special one-time podcast, I chatted with the Varsity Clues podcast hosts and focused in on the topic of podcasting.
Podcasts continue to be very popular and there is no shortage of them to choose from, what do you think makes podcasts special?
Bianca: Podcasts give people the creative freedom to envision conversations or stories being told for themselves. It allows people to feel a part of the conversation without actually being there.
Alex: Podcasts can be listened to wherever, whenever. Whether it be on the bus, vacuuming, or playing a game, you can turn on a podcast that grabs your interest. It makes time pass by faster and is good for background information.
Jonina: The originality of discussions and each speaker’s thoughts being elaborated on is why I believe podcasts continue to rise in popularity. I think a lot of people like to listen to conversations that in some way influence their own thoughts or perspective on certain topics. If as a podcast host you can successfully do that, the podcast becomes really special.
David: I think what turns a good podcast into one that is truly special is when the host or the guest is able to make you relate to the topics they are discussing, or when they give you a glimpse into their mind, kind of like a good author would. I feel that podcasts can be like a compelling book, movie or TV series and something that will make you think about what you are listening to.
Podcasts can be enjoyed at home or on the go, what is your favourite way to listen to a podcast and why?
David: Personally, I like to relax and watch the podcasts that I like. I don’t feel as if I retain any of the information from a podcast when I’m on the go, say when I am driving or walking around.
Bianca: I personally enjoy listening to podcasts when I’m stuck in traffic, it keeps me entertained while I’m stuck on the 400.
Alex: I enjoy listening to podcasts while reading Twitter postgame for all the raptors games I watch, or while playing video games.
Varsity Clues is a talk show style podcast, what other type of podcast do you enjoy?
Jonina: I really enjoy deep and philosophical discussions. “Philosophize This!” is a cool way to learn more about philosophers that have influenced the whole world in different ways. This isn’t a talk show style podcast, it’s educational and informative. I enjoy it because I think it’s cool to listen to someone teach you something in an informal manner because for me, it absorbs better and I am more intrigued to learn about something if it is being presented in a way that doesn’t feel forced.
For more established podcasts, how important do you think audience feedback is when planning out the topics for an episode?
Bianca: I think that it’s important to keep the audience involved in the creation of a podcast because it will allow them to feel involved in the conversation and make them excited to hear their ideas or questions being discussed and analyzed in an episode.
Alex: I think it is very important as audience feedback and engagement can go a long way. They can suggest how you can improve, or add to the conversation in a positive way.
When did you first listen to a podcast?
David: I was probably about 16 or 17 when I found The Steve Dangle Podcast, they are an NHL themed podcast that mainly talks about the Toronto Maple Leafs. Steve Dangle is a pretty prominent figure in Leafs Nation due to his reactionary Leafs Fan Reaction videos (LFRs) and I have been a fan of his for a while, so when I stumbled on his podcast I was instantly drawn in.
Alex: I started occasionally listening to the Raptors Show with Will Lou this year, as I am a huge basketball and Raptors fan.
Bianca: I started listening to podcasts during the pandemic. I usually listen to a Spotify original called “Parcast Gemini Today.” This podcast gives you daily horoscopes based on your zodiac signs. If you’re someone who is into astrology this podcast is perfect for you.
Jonina: My first podcast was the “Random Order” podcast back in 2019. I would watch these youtubers from Brampton, Trey and Jae Richards; their YouTube name is 4YE (4 Y’All Entertainment). They then started a podcast and because I enjoyed their other content so much I decided to give it a listen and loved it!
