iPodcast.

Thanks to Break Drink and almost a year of broadcasting weekly shows, I can official say I am a podcaster. Does this mean anything to anyone? Probably not – but for me it sure has. The Campus Tech Connection (#CTCX) has helped me to engage and inquire about all things tech, student affairs, higher education and then some. Break Drink recently celebrated the 100th Podcast by bringing the entire group of podcasters together. The BreakDrink team, which includes the #StudentAffairs, #OnDuty, #CTCX, #EDUsports podcastor and contributor ARL275, were able to reflect and share their own podcasting experiences. 

I have been producing and participating in the podcasting since 2007 [first with the Academic Advising & Career Centre at UTSC], however my recent podcast times with Break Drink have been more frequent and regular. Unlike a blog, podcasting allows me to put a real voice behind some thoughts, resources and ideas. With my co-hosts,  Jeff Jackson & Jeff Lail, I have learned and engaged more in my academic and professional development. 

Here is a past presentation I pulled from my archives for others who might be interested in entering into the podcast realm. This is just  a start, however perhaps it will kick start your podcasting plans.

Here are just a few things I have learned and enjoyed as a Break Drink #CTCX podcaster:

• You have to ENJOY it – if you like what you’re talking about it keeps the listeners interested & coming back for more
• It is a Process – we have learned & improved along the way; it is okay to make mistakes
• Gadget & Tools – identify what hardware and online resources work best for YOU. There are LOADS out there free & paid
• Be Genuine – you are there to have a bit of a chat; be yourself
• Plan – it’s okay to have a plan/script to keep you on track especially if you have many hosts & multiple interview questions
• Co-Host Backchannel – we use IM on Google Chat to keep the flow & avoid talking over each other
• Get to Know Your Audience – engaging in the Meebo room & the #CTCX backchannel on Twitter lets your live listeners play
• Ask & Invite – We have invited some pretty amazing guests who we would not have talked to if we did not ask them to join 
• SHARE! – not only do we talk, but we also post links & resources on a blog each week to follow up from the show
• Be Open – to feedback, collaboration and new ideas! 
• Teamwork – it has been great to put a schedule, invite guests and plan topics a a group
• Always More – The learning never stops – there is always more trends, innovations, happenings and questions to ask