Podcast – Week 9 – Buzzsprout – Is it as easy to use as they say?

So, this week we were asked to use a platform that we have never used before. So, I am starting to work with my distribution platform, Buzzsprout.  I have been really looking forward to (and dreading) this step. The reality of putting my work and thoughts into the universe is a anxiety inducing for me.

 

Now, two blog posts ago, I decided to use Buzzsprout for my distribution platform. Now, this decision was made before I started working with the recording platform. The one option that swayed my decision was the transcript creator option that Buzzsprout provided. However, now that I am working with Riverside, this isn’t the asset I thought it was now. However, I still like the layout of Buzzsprout and some of the other options that it presents (when you get into the paid subscriptions), so I will continue working with this platform for the time being. If you look at the layout screenshot below, you can see that everything can be easily found. I found that there wasn’t a need to search aimlessly for information or to find the place you need to upload items. I am a person who loves menus and organization. This layout really speaks to the way I organize my material.

 

I found that the integration with social media platforms was seamless and easy to use. All I had to do was type in the usernames of the platforms I was using and it automatically added them. The one downside is that it did not include TikTok. As we discussed last week, TikTok creates a huge market for podcasters. So this omission is a little frustrating. Also, it does not have a space for Bluesky (seeing as X is becoming more and more unpopular). I feel it would be nice if they had an “Other” category. However, the social media integration of Buzzsprout is better than most platforms, so I can’t complain too much.

 

 

 

Now, the moment I have been anxiously awaiting: downloading an episode. I have worked tirelessly on an episode about trauma integration in the classroom. As I started a grad class about this topic, my colleagues and I discussed how this information is sorely missing from our PD. We believed it to be essential knowledge when working in a classroom today. So, as I was finishing the class, I wanted to create something that helped others access this information without having to pay for a grad class (and fight to register for it) or do the hours of research to attempt to cover the subject matter. This was my inspiration to start this podcast. We discuss new learning methods, units, activities, and classroom management styles – but what about the issues in the classroom that we are expected to deal with, but have little to no training to rely on? This is my attempt to help fill that void.

So, after editing my podcast through Riverside (taking out the pauses, checking reverb, etc), I downloaded the podcast to Buzzsprout.  The process was really simple. The Buzzsprout laid out everything in a step-by-step manner. It was really easy to upload. You can see the process below:

I am honestly happy with the programs I have selected to use during this process. They are extremely user friendly, free, and well laid out. There are a few options I wish I had access to, but I will be able to access those options if I decide this is the path for me and I pay a subscription to these sites.

Curious about the episode? Here is the RSS link: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2465677.rss  

Next up: What do the analytics look like? Are they useful to a beginner podcaster?