Black Feather Blog
Listen Notes Interview
Spencer Borup
Dec 08, 2019
The GM Does An Interview
Recently Spencer did an interview on the site Listen Notes. It is a podcast distribution service and database similar to places like Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher. We thought you might enjoy reading the questions that were asked and his responses to them. This is not December's newsletter, that will still be coming out on the 15th of December, and Tracy has been hard at work getting that ready for all of you. We just thought you would enjoy the interview.
►Tell us about you and your podcast
Spencer Borup
- Game Master
Tracy Borup
- Cast Member
Philip Borup
- Cast Member
Zachary Borup
- Cast Member
Tyler Manning
- Cast Member
We are a family that loves to play Pathfinder
in the Gathering Of The Ages Podcast. We have a lot of fun crafting an awesome story for our listeners to enjoy every week. We have been producing episodes for over two years now.
►Why & how did you start this podcast?
I (Spencer) had the crazy idea to start a podcast over two years ago. I was inspired by another show who also plays Pathfinder
and records themselves doing so. I, as well as my family, love having the opportunity to get together once a week and record an episode or two. My initial goals were very lofty, I wanted to be big time, sponsors, ads, tons of fans, but when I started doing it I realized I didn't really know what I was doing and to this day still don't think I have what it takes to be big time. Now, I just enjoy the time I get to spend with my family, and hearing the responses from those that do listen to us.
►How'd you find the time
and funding to do this podcast?
We release every week. We miss occasionally when life gets too crazy, but we try our hardest to be consistent. We all have full time day jobs, but we all have the weekends off, so that is when we record. Editing is done during the week. I personally fund everything from buying equipment, to hosting, to marketing, to editing. I do this by finding the most affordable options and cutting costs where I can. We hope to launch a Patreon
soon so we can get some help keeping us afloat. I pay about $50-$100 a month to keep us running.
►What do you gain from podcasting?
We would love to get sponsored but have yet to do so.
Like I said in a previous answer, it is just nice to spend time with the family each week. We all have grown closer because of the podcast. Being able to have something this big in our lives in common is such a great feeling.
►How does your podcasting process look like?
►How does your podcasting process look like?
We use a Mackie PROFX12v2 Mixer, and some simpler Berhinger XLR microphones. For editing we use a program called Traktion
which has always been easy to use, very user friendly, and all in all great to work with. We don't really have the format for regular guests, but if we did we would do a behind the scenes type episode
where we would interview them, or have them play a special character for an episode or two, which we have done in the past. I prepare for each episode like any Game Master, reviewing the book, going over rules I know I will use, and drawing maps that we will use at the table. We try our best to visually describe our maps so our listeners know what our characters are doing.
►How do you market your show?
We use social media. I will occasionally boost a post on Facebook.
►What advice would you share with
aspiring (new) podcasters?
It was extremely difficult to get straight answers when we started. Looking into equipment was a nightmare because we didn't understand the jargon used. Learning how to set up a website and get an RSS feed was also another big struggle. I didn't even know what a RSS feed was. Now however there is so much information out there about how to start a podcast. It is so easy to find what you're looking for. It has really changed in the two years since we started. I would also suggest reaching out to podcasts you listen to, see if they'd be willing to give you some tips. Smaller podcasts are easier to get into contact with, so keep that in mind if going this route.
Well that does it for the interview folks! Let us know what you think by responding to this email! We want to close out this newsletter with a couple of questions though.
- Have you ever thought of making your own podcast?
- If you have, what kind of a podcast do you want to do? What topics would be discussed on your show?
If you already have your own show, let us know! We would love to follow you on Social Media and give you a listen!
Stay tuned for December 15th, but for now, see you all later Black Feather Following!
Read our August newsletter here! Is it really someone else's birthday? Can we take a break from the birthdays yet?
Read our July Newsletter! Lot's happening this month, gifts were given, and I think it's someone's birthday.