Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
This week, we did things a little differently. We turned the mic on our host, Doug Wooldridge, to get his insights on the podcasting world, AI for L&D voiceovers, bbq and bread, and much more.
They also covered Doug’s career journey, his proudest moments, early jobs, and what he hopes to achieve in the future. It was a fun and informative conversation, mixing useful podcasting tips with some great personal anecdotes.
AI Voiceovers for Learning and Development
Have you heard about AI voice generation lately? The technology has gotten so good that some AI voices are almost indistinguishable from real human voices. This makes AI voiceovers a tempting option for podcasts and other audio content because they’re cost-effective and flexible.
On the plus side, AI voices are cheap and quick to produce once you’ve got your transcript. You can choose from multiple voice options and there are no scheduling headaches. But, there’s still a bit of a catch. AI voices sometimes sound a bit off for longer narrations, especially if the script requires a lot of emotion or natural conversation flow.
The main issue is that AI voices can still feel a bit artificial, especially for longer content. They also struggle with conveying irony, emphasis, or subtext like human actors do. So, while AI voices can be a great tool for certain projects, human voices might still be worth the investment for more nuanced storytelling.
Preparing for Podcast Interviews
When it comes to podcast interviews, preparation is key. Doing your homework on the guest helps you craft questions that draw out their most interesting stories and insights.
Here are some tips Doug shared:
- Research: Look into your guest’s biography, career, and any media they’ve appeared in. This gives you context and helps you form better questions.
- Social Media: Check out their social media to get a feel for their personality and interests.
- Outline: Make an outline of topics and potential questions. Share it with your guest beforehand so they can prepare.
- Open-Ended Questions: These encourage your guest to elaborate on their experiences.
- Be Flexible: Don’t stick rigidly to your script. Let the conversation flow naturally.
- Practice Transitions: This keeps the discussion smooth and organic.
Good prep shows respect for your guest and results in an engaging interview that keeps your listeners hooked.
Equipment for High-Quality Podcasts
If you want your podcast to sound professional, you need the right equipment. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Recording Space: Find a quiet, echo-free space. Even a walk-in closet with some blankets can work wonders.
- Microphone: Go for a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20 for great sound quality. The Blue Yeti is a good USB option too.
- Audio Editing Software: Start with Audacity (it’s free!). For more advanced features, check out Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
With the right gear and some good mic technique, you can produce a podcast that sounds top-notch.
*Please note: The links provided are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, ttcInnovations may receive a commission.
Landing Podcast Guests
Getting interesting guests can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a big network yet. Here are some of Doug’s tips:
- Build Relationships: Attend events, join professional groups, and connect on social media. The more people you know, the easier it is to find guests.
- Leverage Connections: Ask your network for recommendations. Past guests can often introduce you to other potential interviewees.
- Professional Outreach: Be clear and professional in your invitations. Explain why you think they’d be a great fit for your show.
- Personalize Your Approach: Tailor your pitch to each guest. Genuine flattery helps!
- Offer Value: Make it worth their time by promoting their work and ensuring a great conversation.
Doug’s Passions: Sourdough and BBQ
Doug is super into cooking and baking, especially making sourdough bread from scratch. He loves the whole process, from cultivating the starter to baking the perfect loaf with a crispy crust and airy crumb. Here’s a few of his go-to tools for bread making:
He’s also a big fan of barbecue. Doug enjoys firing up the smoker and spending hours slow roasting meat to the perfect tenderness. While Doug is originally from Kansas City, he does a bit of a blend of that KC style bbq sauce with the Texas style of focusing on salt, pepper, and a good cut of meat. His enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and he’s even thinking about creating a recipe book to share his favorite dishes with listeners.
Doug’s Favorite Sourdough Recipe
- 900 grams strong bread flour
- 680 grams of water
- 180 grams of mature sourdough starter
- 18 grams fine sea salt (kosher salt works as well)
Makes two loaves
Doug’s Proudest Moment
One of Doug’s proudest moments was his wedding day. He described it as incredibly special, surrounded by friends and family. Seeing all those supportive, smiling faces made him feel so grateful and happy. It was a major life milestone, and having his loved ones there to celebrate with him meant the world.
Importance of Nature
Doug also finds a lot of inspiration in nature. He loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, walking, or just soaking in the scenery. Nature helps him stay grounded and sparks his creativity.
He finds that moments of stillness in nature give him clarity and help him reflect on life’s big questions. It’s a vital source of inspiration and personal growth for him, helping him stay centered and passionate.
Overall, Doug’s conversation with Jessica was packed with great insights and fun stories, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in podcasting or just looking for some inspiration.
Additional Resources
- Get to Know Doug Wooldridge: Host of ttc’s New L&D Podcast, Learning Matters
The Ultimate Guide to Voiceover Talent: Pros and Cons of Human vs. AI Voices for Your Project
- ttcInnovations Spotify Playlist
- How to Create Better Learning Experiences Using Generative AI Images
ttcInnovations Launches New Learning and Development Podcast: Learning Matters
