Podcasts might be the most versatile storytelling medium. Audio has the ability to transport and transform without gimmicky visual recreations (none of those weird docu-drama flashbacks), and there’s much more room for artistic movement with objective subject matter.
Because of this adaptability, your audio library is probably packed with everything from chillingly local true crime like the Teacher’s Pet to This American Life-style themed investigations, news-related content like Jan Fran and Marc Fennell’s new collaboration, the Few Who Do, and painful comedies like My Dad Wrote a Porno. But whatever you fill your ears with, there’s bound to be a talk, live recording or networking opportunity that pricks those little listeners at Audiocraft Podcast Festival.
They’ve lined some of the best in the audio game. Hear from pros like Avery Trufelman, producer of the podcast that unearths life’s curiosities, 99% Invisible; Spotify’s director of planning and operations Natalie Tulloch; and Stephanie Van Schilt, the host of the podcast about women and non-binary creatives, Sisteria.
They’ll be leading masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops, guided listening experiences, and live podcast recordings across three locations over the three-day festival. On Friday, beginner podcasters should head to the home of FBi Radio at Community Media Training Organisation (CMTO) in Redfern. The two-hour sessions led by Hindenburg audio editing expert Chris Mottes and Giordana Caputo from CMTO will give you tips on developing, recording and editing sound.
On Saturday, the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Moore Park will be hosting the full conference day, featuring masterclass, panel discussions, guided listening sessions and networking activities. Your full day ticket gives you access to the lot, plus lunch and snacks.
And on Sunday, pick events from the massive roster of workshops, listening experiences and chats at the Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Each event costs between $22.44 and $47.94. If you often find yourself drowning in hours of unnecessary recordings, let Georgia Moodie from ABC’s RN guide you towards an organised audio life. Or, hear Hey Aunty! host Shantel Wetherall talk about creativity, professional goals and belonging with black women and non-binary creatives. Want to see the future of podcast? Helen Zaltzman (the Allusionist), Mark Pesce (the Next Billion Seconds) and Tamson Pietsch (History Lab) will be recording futuristic versions of their shows.
So, if you’ve got a germ of an idea for your own sound-based adventure, or some burning podcast questions, now’s the time to seek guidance, develop soundscaping skills and leap further into the world of audio.