CougCenter Podcast: Episode 1

by Jeff Nusser on Aug 20, 2009 5:00 PM PDT in CougCenter Podcasts

Just remember, you asked for it!

Here's our first attempt at a podcast, and I gotta say -- I think it actually turned out reasonably well, despite being about twice as long as we anticipated (about 24 minutes). Grady, Craig and I discuss the quarterback situation, whether Paul Wulff is actually on the hot seat, and other things -- including whether the Huskies can actually realistically get to six wins.

How you want to listen is up to you. There's an embedded player below, and you can also download the file by using right-click/save on this link. (If you've got QuickTime installed, you should also be able to listen to it by just clicking on the link).

We've also submitted it to iTunes for their podcast directory, but it's not showing up yet, so if you want to add the subscription in iTunes you'll have to do it manually by adding this feed: http://recordings.talkshoe.com/rss61020.xml (Here's a good tutorial on how to do that; long, but thorough.)

After you listen, we're really interested in your feedback. Is it too long? Just right? Interesting? Boring? Give us suggestions for improvement -- just be gentle ... it's our first time.

Two things we already know

The sound quality isn't great, because the software we're using basically functions like a conference call. Easy to record and distribute, which is what's important for now. We might try to do better in the future, but that's the way it's going to stay for now with the three of us spread across the country.
I know I mispronounced Lobbestael's name about 10 times. Thanks for not pointing that one out anymore. (I guess I have to go easy on the guys at FSN for a while now.)

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Podcast

Nice start you guys. Drop the percentage of happening qualifier. Your opinions stand up tall without that rather overdone aspect being added on.

Lew Wright

Lew Wright
Washington State Cougars Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-784-Washington-State-Cougars-Examiner

by Lew Wright on Aug 20, 2009 5:50 PM PDT reply actions

Great work, as always, guys

All the fun and insight of the written word, without the tedious act of reading! That’s my kind of analysis!

by GoCougs on Aug 20, 2009 8:02 PM PDT reply actions

Trust me, that cuts both ways

We didn’t have to write, either.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Aug 20, 2009 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks everyone

I’m happy with how it turned out overall, especially with Jeff having the difficult task of directing traffic between the three of us. He did great.

Considering that we planned it to be a 10 minute show, it ran long. Perhaps less topics, or we could me more succinct with our opinions on each topic. I’m torn between whether it is more beneficial to keep it short, or if we could go the Bill Simmons route and make mammoth, 45-minute, extremely wide ranging podcasts.

One thing for sure: we definitely need some kind of opening theme music/intro. Anyone here talented with web audio stuff?

by Grady Clapp on Aug 20, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions

I could probably do it

It shouldn’t be too hard. You could just get the Fight song and fade out as Nuss says"Welcome" at the beginning and fade in to the song at the end of the show.

by GoCougs on Aug 20, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's an example

It’s not that hard, it took me like 15 minutes using a free editor called Audacity (about 5 minutes was to just get reacquainted with how the editor works.) You guys could probably do something like this on your own.

by GoCougs on Aug 20, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I didn't even think of that

I use Audacity all the time to make ringtones for my phone. (I’m sure that’s what the designers envisioned when they wrote the program.) That wouldn’t be too difficult at all.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Aug 21, 2009 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions

I do love Simmons Podcasts

But what I really like is when he does a bit of a “table of contents” at the beginning, even if it’s written. That way, if I get bored with a topic I know a minute mark to fast forward to so I can hear what I’m interested in. So if you go long, that might be an idea. But good work overall.

by 02Coug on Aug 23, 2009 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I like it

To be honest I didn’t know how this would pan out but It was darn good for a first podcast. It was like a cougar sports talk radio show with a little PTI thrown in. One question though, how do I call in? : )

by peaty411s on Aug 20, 2009 11:20 PM PDT reply actions

Adding skype calls

Would be really cool too. Just post on the site the day before something like, “Recording the Podcast tomorrow. Call in at 1:15” And field 2-3 questions per show.

by DrayCox on Aug 20, 2009 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions

You could also have the writer from the SBN blog of the opposing team call in

I don’t know how close you guys are to them, but it would be cool to get some insight on the team the Cougs will be facing that weekend.

by GoCougs on Aug 21, 2009 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Definitely like it

This is something I could see myself getting very into and looking forward to once a week (or however often you post). I listen to a lot of podcasts so I’ll give you my thoughts.

I think the length is perfect, for this type of podcast I would shoot for 20-30 minutes. 10 minutes is just way too short, but you don’t want to go much longer than 30.

The audio quality is pretty bad, but I don’t think anyone expects too much so that really isnt too big of a deal for me. As long as I can understand what your saying.

I thought the content was very good, as you guys obviously have a ton of knowledge about Cougar sports, and sports in general. I thought the presentation style could be improved though. In my opinion my favorite podcasts have a much more conversational feeling to them. It should feel like three guys just sitting in a room (I know you’re not, which does it make it harder) chatting about the Cougs and we get to listen to it. I would have a general list of topics you want to cover, but shoot more for a free flowing conversation.

All in all though it was a great first effort, and I am impressed. Keep pumping these out, and I will be sure to listen to them. I don’t know what your anticipated level of commitment it, but once a week would be perfect. You could even get guests, or do interviews, and really make these things awesome.

Thanks guys for doing that. I appreciate all the hard work you put into this site.

by DrayCox on Aug 20, 2009 11:55 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome

I really enjoyed listening to you guys. This is a great addition to the site.

The Skype call in with rival SBN writers would be an interesting addition. Don’t worry too much about the length, I think 20-30 minutes is better than 10 anyway.

Thank you for investing your time into making this the best Coug blog out there!

by Displaced_Spokanite on Aug 21, 2009 9:02 AM PDT reply actions

Great Job

Very entertaining. You guys know your stuff and I’m glad to see that you guys are completely realistic (even though the truth hurts sometimes). Thanks guys, I’ll be watching for the next episode

by Bleezz on Aug 22, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions