Category Archives: Podcasting

Have Podcast Will Travel or: Consultation

12 Thursday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

I don’t think it’s a secret that I do podcasting, right? Nah. It’s also no secret that I produce podcasts for others. Sometimes this means they come to me and I do all the recording, production, etc. Other times they will do their own recordings and send them to me and I “massage” them by eliminating any noise that I can, putting theme songs/outros on there and doing whatever I need to make the clients’ podcasts “publish-worthy.”

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©Namecheap

And, then, there’s the other thing I do, I consult. Should you do a podcast? What will your podcast be? How will you record it? How will you host it? How will you promote it? And so on. All these are questions that I ask to gain perspective on what the clients are thinking and how best can their podcast work if they indeed decide to move forward with the project.

That also means that, within reason, I will travel to do a consultation. I prefer the clients come to me, but sometimes that’s just not feasible. I want people to get what they can out of their podcast experience, or I want them to not do one if it’s going to be more of a detriment than a benefit for them. So, I will go to them. After all, I promote this is what I do, so I have to follow through.

This is what I did today. I drove. I drove to Statesville. A client in a specific industry wants to do a podcast about that industry. They have particular ideas about how that works and plans to implement them. At least they thought they did. I had to steer them a bit to think about other factors and I believe I got them on the right track, both in direction and in equipment. The equipment was actually pretty well thought out in advance, and I am familiar with it and I gave my approval. Sure, they have the right to do what they want, no matter what I said, but I thought it was in their best interest to do it the way they were going to do. And, truthfully, it’s not far off from what I was going to suggest, anyway.

It wasn’t a bad ride. Not one I’d want to do often but it was okay. I had time to think about life, projects, plans, positives, regrets, etc. It was just thinking time. The only bad part, really, was in Mocksville where the DOT was paving I-40.

Anywhat! If you, or business owners (or individuals) that you know that is entertaining the idea of starting a podcast. Have them talk to me, first. There’s much more to it than sitting behind a laptop and talking. There’s entry-level equipment that is really good and then there’s crazy money stuff that is overkill. There’s shoddy content and entertaining content. There’s a lot to it and I can help you (or them) weed through the mucky-muck. Contact me for more information.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I think podcasting is here to stay.” – Adam Scott

A Third Piggyback or: Winston-Salem Monthly

11 Wednesday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, here we are, three days in a row that I’ve had a piggyback-worthy post from The Man Who Ate the Town. But, I am proud of the fact that I was featured in an article from Michael Breedlove for Winston-Salem Monthly Magazine about being “The Man Who Ate the Town.”

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©Winston-Salem Monthly (Sinclair?)

Because I can be verbose, and it’s already been said the best it could in the article, I’m going to post those here so you can read them for yourself if you’re so inclined, Dear Reader.

The article is HERE.
The TMWATT post is HERE.

Thanks to Michael Breedlove and all the folks over at Winston-Salem Monthly!

Until tomorrow, which may or may not be about food…
Scorp out!

—
“How Tim Beeman turned a love of food into a food-media empire.” – Winston-Salem Monthly (Breedlove)

Piggybackin’ or: Do(ug)h!

09 Monday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

I recorded The Man Who Ate the Town podcast a day early. Kelly was out again because she suffered a freak accident at Heavy Rebel Weekender this past weekend. Anywhat! I talk about First Street Draught House, Acadia Foods and my experience at the Biscuitville Headquarters two weeks ago. You can listen to the episode HERE.

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©Yes! Weekly

Look for the blog post about Biscuitville on the TMWATT blog as well. It should be there in the next few days.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Biscuitville has been locally-owned and operated since 1966 and serves FRESH SOUTHERN® food the old-fashioned way.” – Biscuitville

 

Happy Fourth or: TLD Lite

04 Wednesday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

The BCPF went into The Lab at Industry Hill with me today and we did our own little version of The Less Desirables. We talked music and ‘Murica. Listen HERE.

1-4th

But, it’s the holiday and I’m off now. Have a great time grilling and chilling, Dear Reader.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Kiss is a Fourth of July fireworks show with a backbeat.” – Gene Simmons

Piggybackin’ from The Lab or: How Many Coffee Shops Does It Take?

03 Tuesday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!coffee

Today on The Man Who Ate the Town Podcast, I flew solo as Kelly had to work and my scheduled guest had to reschedule. It’s okay. I talked about the 146 coffee shops in the downtown-ish area, things that are moving and July 4th, along with other things. It was the shortest episode I’ve recorded in several months. However, I want Kelly to come back soon so we can do the regular-length/regular-style podcast. You can listen to the episode HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I go to coffee shops for my outlet. Which is just not healthy at all.” – Jane Lynch

Settling In or: The Shows that Weren’t

02 Monday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

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The Lonely Studio

Today, after having all the stuff set up and ready to go, doing The Less Desirables so that it was first, and Fan Interference was canceled today. The guest for tomorrow’s The Man Who Ate the Town had to cancel and Kelly isn’t going to be there because of her job. We will have Apartment 5B as far as I know. But, I was kind of bummed. No one has seen the studio outside TLD, 3B, Our Jim and The BCPF. At least A5B will be there. I may still do TMWATT tomorrow, though.

That’s all I got today… Until tomorrow, Scorp out!

—
“We’re all influenced by everything unless we’re locked in an empty room.” – Nicolas Roeg

A New Sponsor or: X1 Marks the Spot

29 Friday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, the entire The Less Desirables Network got a new sponsor this week! I am so very proud to announce our partnership with X1 Communications, the standard of internet providers in the downtown WSNC area!X1 Logo

Nathan Geipel, the owner-operator of X1 Communications is a member of TBD Referral Group that I’m part of (that stands for The Best Damn Referral Group) and I know that most of the businesses in the downtown area rely on them for their internet needs. So, when I was going into The Lab at Industry Hill, I called on him to see if they serviced that location. Wait, what? Don’t all internet providers in the area service all the area?

Nope.

X1 Communications are different than traditional internet providers in town. First of all, X1 uses “Fixed Wireless” technology. According to their website: Fixed Wireless is the process of enabling communications between two locations, using a radio as a wireless link. Say what!? Yes, they do not use wired technology. They’re not renting lines from bigger communications companies. They have radios on a few of the taller buildings downtown. In order for them to service your business, they have to have a line-of-sight connection with your business from those points. At that point, the data is transferred between radios using passwords and high-level encryption to ensure fast and secure data transfer. This stuff is high speed!

Does the line-of-sight provision limit their reach? Well, kind of, but what it does is allows Nate and Josh to take care of and provide high-level service to the folks they do serve. I think that’s important.

They own their entire network. Unlike their competitors who rent wires from the phone company, they are not beholden to those primitive measures and can guarantee 99.99% uptime. Which, is imperative to business owners, especially those like me who are internet-based. I didn’t have to buy any special equipment, either. They put the radio on the roof of the building and the building was already wired internally. I plugged my router into the port and BAM! I’m surfing and uploading.

I don’t have to worry about weather problems, either. Their network is on the 5Ghz bandwidth so it is “weather resistant.” I’m not really sure what that means and it doesn’t matter if I know or not, it’s taken care of.

I know what you’re asking. “Is it safe?” Oh yes. X1 uses AES 256 Encryption – the same
level of security as the Dept. of Defense. So, my info, data, properties and all that are quite secure. And, man… it’s fast. The only thing worse than slow internet is no internet. X1 guarantees consistently high speeds, so you focus on your work, not your broadband service. That helps.

Are you like me and tired of dealing with Spectrum and AT&T? Well now, you don’t have to. No more hassle in dealing with the major telecommunications companies. You’re in the capable hands of a local provider, with a history of excellence.

Have I done an ample job of pushing X1 Communications? I hope so, because not only are they my sponsors, I think they have a great product and we know that I love promoting local businesses, especially the ones that I can get behind. But, if you’re looking for more testimonials, I’m sure you can ask Alma Mexicana, Krankie’s, Inmar, BB&T Ballpark, The Ramkat, WBFJ, Camino Bakery and fellow TLD sponsor, Underdog Records. I am sure all of them would give you raving reviews of X1 Communications, too. If you’re in line-of-sight of the taller buildings downtown WSNC and want high-speed broadband internet, contact X1 Communications at (336) 773-9950.

Here’s welcoming X1 Communications to the CrewTLD family! Thanks, Nate and Josh!

Until tomorrow, broadcasting at breakneck speeds…
Scorp out!

—
“With more than 20 years of combined experience in the field of Digital Communications, X1 is proud to provide custom internet solutions to a variety of businesses and residents.” – X1 Communications

The Space Within or: Mad Lab?

28 Thursday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

Last night, Danielle, Bethany and I recorded the first ever episode of The Less Desirables from our new digs. I have used that term a lot in the last bit but I feel it’s appropriate for this location. Anywhat! Now that we have all the ducks in place, I am in a position to tell you guys of the new space and give you a (virtual) tour.

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Main Office Area

First, the location itself. You know, Dear Reader, that we were in the Test Pattern Studios that were in the back of, you guessed it, the Test Pattern bar; right across from The Garage on 7th Street. Well, we are now about 4 blocks north, almost exactly, from that location. We are now on N Chestnut Street. The area is called Industry Hill (or at least we’re trying to make it so). It’s between 7th Street and Northwest Blvd. It’s where the Warehouse District is/was and whilst some are saying there’s no industry here, I say poppycock. Warehousing is an industry. Textiles is an industry. Furniture is an industry. There is plenty of industry here.

But, my plan to expand Such-N-Such Media into a real media company that goes beyond just podcast production and voice-overs. My new location is more than just a podcast studio. Here’s how it works out.

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The NC Libations Collection

First, there’s the main area. It sits about 300 square feet. I plan on getting a TV and streaming programming on it, including offering some advertising space to sponsors. Yes, the traffic is limited but we do get a good bit of guests coming through for the various podcasts (and other future things) so it’s just another incentive. That’s where the beer fridge is and out great friends over at Machine Gun Graphics are going to make me a huge TLD logo like we used to have in the Chatham Bldg studio. It leads to all the other rooms and studios. It also has all the bottles and libations from the guests on Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking podcast.

 

Then there’s the podcast/VO/production room. This is where all the magic happens. The six-foot round table that we have had for the last several years is too big. It fits but it makes it hard for people to sit around the table. So, our pals at Sunnyside Mill Works is going to custom make us a four-foot round table. So then we have something special; something no one else has.

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The Podcast Studio

Next, the video room. It’s awfully plain right now but I’m going to hang a green screen, a black muslin sheet and a white muslin sheet so I can create nearly any background I need to for video and photography. That opens up my service availability and scope of operations.

Something that I’ve never had before? An actual office for Such-N-Such Media, Such-N-Such Limited (the company that owns the media company) or any of the podcasts. Now, I do. Odd blue walls and all. I don’t know how much I’ll be in there as of right now but I do plan on using it in the future.

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Video Studio

I have my own bathroom that I don’t have to share with the rest of the building. The rest of the building has to use the communal restrooms. One of the coolest things in there is an old Wachovia bank vault. Well, it’s night drop safe with a Night Depository “slot” that is made of die-cast iron and what appears to be brass. It’s still pretty cool.

The building we’re in used to be the EG Forrest main offices. EG Forrest was a food distribution company that sold their company a few years back. Being as they were a food distributor, their breakroom actually had a hood system like in restaurants, although there is no stove or grill under it. I am sure there used to be. There is also a commercial grade dishwasher that was left behind and it powers on. Chef Travis said they use the same one at Willows Bistro and is getting me in touch with their technician so I can have him check it out and see if we can get it to work. That would mean I can get clean glasses without having to hand wash them. I hate doing that. So, keep your fingers crossed.

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The Office

Ideas for the name of the building has been floating around among the landlord and me. We have had a few other names which I think are cool but, for now, we are going with The Lab at Industry Hill. It’s sleek and classy. Odd-kind of something of a name for a podcast called The Less Desirables, huh?

So, there’s the big secret. I did a sweep today of Test Pattern Studios to make sure that I had everything out as it was my deadline. It’s clear. Onto bigger and better things in the Lab at Industry Hill!

Check out the first podcast recorded there, last night, HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I find podcasting an enticing space.” – Jason Calacanis

No Piggy Mo Biscuit or: Settling

26 Tuesday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, there was no The Man Who Ate the Town podcast today as I was completing putting the puzzle together that is the Such-N-Such Limited/Media studios and offices. I am not going to go into great detail about the studio, yet, because I’m saving that until after we record The Less Desirables tomorrow. But, it will come, I promise. I’m very proud of it and want to share it with you, Dear Reader.

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The Anniversary Cake

But, since we didn’t do a show, I still need to talk to you about our sponsors. So, the Humble Bee Shoppe… did you see the cake that Brittany made for Mes ‘Rents’ anniversary? Man, scratch-made chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse, blackcurrant jam and vanilla bean Swiss meringue buttercream in white and gold and she topped with a peony and added some macarons. It was amazing and Mes ‘Rents and all the guests thought it was amazing! It was! You can find her at 1003 Brookstown Ave. here in town, on her website and on social media.

Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant is the most delicious and authentic Italian cuisine you’re going to find in town. Tony and Maria do everything in the classic tradition from lasagne and spaghetti to seafood and veal and all else in between. You really have to try it to believe how undeniably awesome this food is. Find them at 301 Brookstown, on their website and on social media.

If you’re downtown and want a great inexpensive lunch option, try Washington Perk’s deli (in the back) counter. How about needing some kombucha or specialty teas? They have those at Washington Perk! How about coffee? They serve Larry’s Beans coffee. And, of course, they have Wolfie’s Custard in about 15 flavors. The Perk is more than a convenience store and not quite a grocery store. Check them out at 301 W 4th Street downtown.

Also, today, I was witness to a biscuit bake-off at the headquarters of Biscuitville in Greensboro. I’ll speak more of that on The Man Who Ate the Town and then piggyback that here, but It was very interesting, even if it doesn’t sound like it would be. It was! Keep a watch for the article and podcast on the experience around Tuesday or so.

Well, that’s all I have today. I hope your day was good. I’m worn out!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Locally owned and operated since 1966, Biscuitville serves Southern Inspired food the old-fashioned way.” – Biscuitville

On the Move or: Stu-Stu-Studio

25 Monday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today, with the help of my son, 3B and my nephew, whom his mother calls “Wee One,” both of them 16 and strong-backed, I moved everything that was ours out of Test Pattern Studios. It looked weird with all the stuff out of there. But, we moved it all into the new location and we’ll be able to tell you more about that studio in the coming weeks.

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Scorp holding the key to the new SNS Media recording facility.

But, I wanted to do some numbers on the other shows. A recap, we moved into Test Pattern Studios on July 20, 2016, and stopped production on June 20, 2018. That’s 100 weeks/700 days. 100 episodes of The Less Desirables were recorded there, as I stated a few days ago. Now, let’s talk about the others.

If my calculations are correct, we recorded 66 episodes of The Beer Dads in Test Pattern Studios.

We recorded approximately 85 episodes of Fan Interference. That could be a low estimate. It may be closer to 90 but here’s where I’ll put the proverbial “~” in there.

We recorded 36 episodes of Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking podcast there.

We recorded 73 episodes of The Man Who Ate the Town podcast there.

We recorded 10 episodes of Apartment 5B podcast there, which isn’t on the TLD Network, but you should still check it out!

We recorded five episodes of Twisted Tulip Podcast with Stacy V, which has never been released, only recorded and produced.

Such-N-Such Media (the company that produces the podcasts) also does production for outside content. We produced around eight (again, “~”) episodes for the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association’s Not a Complex Podcast in Test Pattern Studios which were recorded off-site by Jon Lowder.

Also, SNSM produces Thrive Podcast that is recorded off-site and sent to me to “massage” it and get it ready. This has just started to be released. If you have people in your life that are dealing with cancer, have them check out this podcast. Or, heck, you or your loved ones don’t even have to have cancer, perhaps you’re in treatment or are the caretaker for someone who is a cancer thriver? This is an entertaining podcast that still touches on subjects important to anyone with “the Big ‘C’.” We have produced around eight of those so far.

If my math is correct (or should I say the calculator on my laptop), then that’s 391 podcast episodes in that 700 days/1 years 11 months.

Again, I can’t thank B Cole enough for allowing us to use the space. I’m going to miss my 7th Street Window but progress happens. Now it’s on to greener pastures, at least that’s what I’m hoping for. Again, more to come on the new space. So, wish me luck for tomorrow as I go and start putting the pieces of the puzzle back together.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“I’m easy. Put me in an interesting location with good people and I’m there.” – Jane Curtin