Today we review the Google at a glance podcast. A podcast about all things Google. You can find it at http://netcaststudio.com/google-glance/ The show is about an hour long (51 minutes) and features two hosts and a guest. They talk about all things Google (gmail, voice, TV, plus, etc) and keep everyone up to date about whats going on about Google.

Their Website

When I first went there I couldn’t find their podcast as I had no idea what “NCS” was (isn’t that on CBS after CSI?). Many people listen to podcasts at work, but there isn’t an easy to figure out way to stream their audio in a new widow. What happens is people will click to listen, and then need to do something work related, and click the back button (thus losing your episode).

They do have links to subscribe in about anyway you want to subscribe, but you have to click a link to see these. If having lots of subscriptions is not a priority, then this is no big deal. I understand with a network it can be hard to have links for every show (as well as players).

It has a clean interface, and once I got to a “show” page, the other shows were obvious. Again, its hard when you have so much information (everything can’t be on the front page).

Content
Their content is good (once they get to it – more on that later). I did learn some things that adobe is not going to develop flash for mobile, and some new stuff about Google voice. I really liked that these are not a bunch of Google fan boys. They are objective, and when it’s needed, critical of Google. That was refreshing.

Out of a courtesy to their guest they ask the same questions every episode. This revolves around what your computer system you’re on, your browser, your phone, etc. This kind of lets me get acquainted with their guest, but in reality I’m here to learn about Google – not their guest. I can see where the spot could be interesting, but I wouldn’t lead with this spot. In this episode, it got the hosts sidetracked and it turned into a giant Apple lovefest that meant that the first mention of Google news came almost 10 minutes into the show.

Production

They start off with 15 second spot (and if you watch youtube, that appears to be the maximum time people will tolerate before they get frustrated). This is a pet peeve of mine. I would go to fiverr.com and hire someone to say “Welcome to Google at a Glance, here are your hosts John and Nicholas” (but that’s me). My point is if there is nothing there for me then why make me listen to it. In this case it’s better than nothing, but my first impression had me waiting for someone to come on and talk – and they never did.

Their audio levels are good. There are some tools in Audacity or Adobe Audition that would suppress the slight noise when nobody is speaking. In reality if I had been listening to this in my car (instead of a quiet room with headphones) I never would’ve noticed it.Their ID3 Tags were good (although I prefer something more descriptive than “Episode 41) and displayed in my player.

The other catch 22 they have is this is a news show. On one hand you want to tell people what is coming down the pipe at Google, but the flip side is as its only in development there aren’t many details. As I’m not a huge Google fan boy, this didn’t interest me a ton, but I can see where it fits the audience.

Summary

Would I listen to another episode? Yes
Did I subscribe to this podcast? Not yet. I typically can’t hang with a podcast that’s longer than 30 minutes unless I’m really into that subject.

If you’re looking to keep up with all thing Google, this podcast will help you do that. While these are obviously people who enjoy technology, they are not “fan boys” of Google and provide an objective point of view.

I would make it easier to stream the podcast in a new window (I worked at a place where everyone listened to podcasts with one ear bud in at work). While I understand there is a button on each post, look into a player like the one at player.podtrac.com, or blubrry.com have free players. If you want a custom player, check out the Wimpy player. I would also make it easier to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes (not that iTunes is all that, but it’s still top dog) – so I would make it so that you don’t have to search for it (again – could be challenging on a network).

Bonus Thought
If I was on a network, I would purchase either the Wimpy Player or the Rave player, and use something liek yahoo Pipes to “Squish” all of the RSS feeds from the different show into one and throw them into the player. Another option would be to create playlists of each show and let them randomly playlist. If you’re worried about taxing the server (not sure if you’re using Libsyn), you could set up a streaming radio on Listen2yradio.com

Today we interview Marriage expert Mark Gungor. This was suggestted by Scott from www.thebaseballexerpeince.com The show is another podcast that comes to us via radio. This (once again), means it starts slow, and has one pinch too many of “morning zoo.” The episode I listened to start slow. However, they did turn it around eventually. 

They did forget the album art when it came to tagging their mp3 file, and this makes them look like hacks. On content, they get some big points, but it takes too long to get to it. I understand the concept that they want it to stand out from the typically marriage advice show, but the sound effects are WAY to over the top and seem to be used to fill in when there is a lull in the action. I don’t mind sound effects, but when you hit me with five in the first two minutes it seems like your trying to hard to be “whacky.”

Check him out at www.markgungorshow.com, and www.laughyourway.com

If you want to listen to the show, click the player button below and let me know what you think of the show. I gave it a 7.5 out of ten.

Pros:
Great conent, straight talk, no punches pulled.

Cons:
They are trying to hard to be weird that its annoying. Sound effects for the sake of sound effects is annoying. They also need to get to the point. Commerical breaks are too long.

Advice:
Have someone edit your ID3 tags, and play no more than 2 commericals on a break. Play sound effects that tie in with the conversation.

The “Who Dey Weekly” podcast is about the Cincinnati Bengals football team. While I’m not a football fan (I live in Cleveland, Oh and all of our team suck). I went into this show looking at content, flow, quality, etc. I was impressed.

They give you a quick blurb to know what’s on the show, insert a quick bit of ads (not enough to be annoying), and start off the show with good energy. They have a number of people on their panel, but do a good job of not just arguing with each other while talking all over each other. Instead you have a well paced, well produced segments that get to the point, and stick to the subject.

The only thing I would recommend is try using the noise removal tool in Audacity (or Adobe Audition) or try a noise gate to remove the fan noise. With that said, if I had been listening in the car or out walking the dog I never would’ve noticed the fan noise. With this in mind, don’t fret about if. However, if you can find a way to remove it – go for it.

Their podcast got one of their hosts on the local news for both the afternoon and evening programs (COOL!).

They did mention Twitter a fair amount but I didn’t see links to their individual twitter accounts. If you’re a fan of the Bengals, I would recommend this podcast.

If you’re wondering what the whole “who dey” thing is about, according to wikipedia: “”Who Dey” is the name of a chant of support by fans of the Cincinnati Bengals, in use for over 30 years. The entire chant is: “Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?” The answer screamed in unison, “Nobody!” Sometimes fans will instead shout “Who Dey” to represent the entire cheer. “Who Dey” is also the name of the team’s mascot, a Bengal tiger.”

Mentioned on the show:

Audible affiliate deal pays podcasters $15 per new customer.

More Podcast Money ebook about Podcast Monetization.

Listen to the Who Day Podcast by clicking the player below and leave your comments below.

Today we review the Raphael “Doctah” Love show episode seven “You Must Eyedentify.” The show is a quick self help podcast set to inspire you to be the best person you can be.

Pros:

Great into with lots of energy.

Obviously loves his topic.

Short episodes delivered more frequently.

Cons:

You’re using podmatic which will eventually bite you in the butt. I would move immediately. They already have control of your RSS feed in iTunes (see below)

You point people to your podomatic site (in general anything to do with Podomatic is a bad move). I recommend Libsyn.com and Blubrry.com for hosting your media.

Your website at Raphaelove.com needs a player for people to listen to the podcast. While you are using Podomatics (which requires people to dig for it). I would recommend going to player.podtrac.com which makes it easy to let people listen online.

I couldn’t find your email address on the website, or a “contact us” page. You mentioned to send you an email, but you didn’t mention the email address in the podcast (when I went back to find it I couldn’t find it if its there. I listened to the beginning and the end and didn’t hear it).

Advice:

Install the PowerPress plugin on your WordPress at Raphaelove.com and just use that website

Add some information about YOU in addition to what the podcast is about on your website. Who are you and why should I listen to you.

Get away from Podomatic as quickly as possible.

I would also give a brief 5 second description at the beginning of the show.

Bottom Line:

Both my wife and I would listen to another episode of this podcast. The audio quality was good, and the host kept on topic (we didn’t hear about his kids, frustrations, etc – he got to the point). It made a great first impression and while we are not reaching to subscribe to this podcast, we would sample more episodes.

Podomatic Site

Raphel Love Website

The Doctah is In – Pull Up A Coach and Get Comfortable (Take a Listen)

- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -
PODCAST CONSULTING: I wold love to work with you via one on one podcast consulting and coaching. I can do as little or as much as you’d like. I can demonstrate and walk you through the podcasting process. Email me at , or schedule an appointment.

Self Paced Tutorials: The School of Podcasting has self paced tutorials that will walk you through the entire podcasting process, and has an organized resource section to equip you with the proper tools. Sign up for a week, or a year. There are many packages to meet your needs sign up today.

As I’ve been trading notes with Tripp on twitter, and I know he is a listener of my podcast about podcasting, it is painful to say I did not enjoy listening to this podcast .This podcast is a little bit like Jeopardy to me. At the end of it I felt kind of stupid. Even one of the commentors at their website wrote, “Not being a theologian, some of the schools of thought escape my full understanding.” Does this mean this is a “Bad Podcast”? Not at all. I’ll get into that in my final summary.

Here is what we had to say:

iTunes Listing

Their description is: “We share a hope that there are a bunch of Christian breweries out there crafting, experimenting, imagining, and sharing a Christian faith that is life-giving. These two friends will be talking to each other, interviewing other ecclesial brewers, and hopefully encouraging those who listen to journey towards a more beautiful life with God and the world. homebrewedchristianity.com”

For me, there was a little too much “inside jokiness” going on. I got the idea it was something to do with pursuing God, but didn’t have a “Oh this is about that, and I want to know more about that” kind of feeling.

Website

Their website was pretty clean (Diane thought it was busy). Player buttons were easy to see for the current or featured post. (I would look into putting a player stream all your current posts). They are missing some opportunities to further Google juice. From an end-user stand point it was easy to navigate and they had some helpful show notes for each episode. I really liked their “Disciples” option which provides codes for people to put on their blogs/website to help promote the show. They are using the Genesis framework. The feed they are providing has blog postings that have no media associated with it (use the player beneath to see what I mean).

Branding

This is one area that the boys need to pick up the ball. Their mp3 file was tagged, but it was missing album art and it listed the album (name of the podcast) as “Bo C. Sanders’s Album” and the Artist as Bo C. Sanders. While I understand that Bo is part of the podcast, the name of the Podcast is Home Brewed Christianity.

Delivery

The podcast starts off with some good energy. I would bring down the intro music as it becomes distracting towards the end. I also thought it took a bit too long to get to the interview (8+ minutes – we get it you think she’s great, but get to the guest). Their audio quality was good. They had some theme music, got the show going it would be nice to give a quick one sentence explanation of what the podcast is about (for new listeners).

When they got to the interview it was OBVIOUSLY recorded with ONE condensor microphone for both people in a room that had no carpet and the participants were at least 5 feet from the microphone. While I feel im pretty giving when it comes to audio quality, this added “room noise” (reverb) did not help the discussion in a positive manner. With that said, it was still better than someone doing a phone interview.

Lastly, neither myself or Diane are probably big fans of long format shows (45+ minutes) and as there really wasn’t any spots once the interview got going for a “brain break” I found the conversation draining. But here is the bottom line: We are not their target audience. For some people this conversation might have gone by too fast. I know its hard to split up a conversation, but for me I needed a break.

Bonus Points

The boys are putting out HOUR LONG podcasts in some cases twice in one week. That’s a lot of content. They also seem to have an active community as the episode we listened to called “Religious Pluralism, Christology & Process with Monica A. Coleman: Homebrewed Christianity 123” had 7 comments on it (which for me is impressive).

Final Summary

Trip and Bo seem like guys who are very passionate theologians. They are obviously knee-deep in the theology world and love discussing these topics. They do it fairly well (although I prefer a more “get to the point” type of delivery), and have OK audio quality. With many episodes under their belt its obvious they love their topic and talking to people. On a branding stand point their website was clean and easy to navigate (but cold use some SEO tweaking – which means nothing to the average listener, but a missed opportunity for some Google juice), and they need to tighten up their ID3 Tags in their files. By the number of comments I saw on their site, their content does move people. It just didn’t move myself or my wife. We wish them the best of luck with their podcast.

Have a Sip of the Home Brew

For more information check out their website at http://homebrewedchristianity.com/ or click the Play button to listen to their podcast.

This is that first episode where you get to meet me. I’ll tell you what I will be judging the podcast on, and more. But it also gives a glimpse into what will be coming down the line in terms of future shows.