Episode Ten: How Real Is Too Real?

I find myself laughing at how sterilized radio and television people continue to be inside this world of reality this and Big Brother that. Incredibly entertaining was Game of Thrones getting busted twice this season for not properly clearing the set of modern day water bottles and more. Some have said that was done on purpose because when the masters of the craft make mistakes a lot of free press pushes a show forward.
There are several different shapes and shades of Podcaster’s. Those that take it too serious versus the casual conversationalist that doesn’t mind keeping the studio door open to allow the atmosphere of the moment to pass through the microphone.
In a recent conversation with Conan O’Brian comedian Mark Maron coached the late night host on how to relax and let the show happen. He has no problem inviting the sounds of real life to his mind blowingly successful show. He says the greatest shows are those that you can build.
I totally agree. I’m convinced that Podcast listeners don’t mind being taken somewhere. NPR has been doing it for how many decades? Hell I’ll go hangout at the patio at Panera Bread and do four to seven interviews with garbage trucks marching by. I love the gentle roar of someone else’s conversation in the background.
I did an episode with Dennis Quaid at Panera. He was handwashing dishes while I was stretched out across that hardcore metal table.
I’ve hosted conversations while sitting in the lobby of several different movie theaters. I always want to be ready for any call. Before checking into a movie premiere I’ll be laughing up a storm with Pat Benatar’s husband. I’ve been know to pull of some pretty awesome shows while driving from town to town. Pop the recorder on and start digging in.
Producers on the other side aren’t always warm to the idea of having sound in the background. My response has been gentle and caring. I just say, “Your side of the answers meeting the questions is all out perfect while my side can always been re-recorded in the studio.
Everything I do is left and right handed. Actors, musicians, authors and others are always in the left ear and there I am in the right. At production time I have full control of each side which is a heck of a lot better than dumping the recyclables with the other trash. Only to be forced to separate it on pickup day.
I first got hooked up with this plan and purpose while doing an interview with Yoko Ono. She was calling in at 12 noon. I was to be in my hotel room in Raleigh, NC at the time. I totally screwed up on the journey up there and 2 hours into the drive I had to rush back home to Charlotte. The talk with Yoko totally went off on time. Me sitting in my driveway just talking away about life with John and all things connected to her art shows.
This sort of thinking opens your heart and imagination to reach way way out of the box. Don’t wait for your guest to come to the sterilized studio, take your equipment to them and paint that background like no sound effects library can.
KISS Alive 1 was a huge hit because it was a real crowd whereas Elton John’s Bennie and The Jets was made up to sound live. Be real with the sound and be real to your listeners. Let them know up front where you are. Then get on with the episode because listeners only have so long before they begin to tune out.
If you’ve got to live the perfect life and need all things crystal clear and squeaky clean. You can still take a portable studio outside the normal joint. The front seat of your car is the best soundproof on the planet. One issue and it’s very important to keep in mind. Air conditioning and heater sounds can almost sound like blowing wind into your microphone.
What’s the more of the story? Have fun while keeping a firm grip on quality. You can be anywhere you want to be and bring the atmosphere of the moment to life but be aware of what too much sound can do. Make sure you’ve got great microphones. We’ve come a long way. Adweek has labeled Podcasters the new influencers.
Keep up the good fight