PODCAST STRATEGY & PRODUCTION
If you’re on a mission to create positive change in the world or in your community, I want to amplify your work. I’m obsessed with audio and its potential to captivate, educate, and inspire. There’s nothing like a well told story to foster connection and understanding – and to move people into action. And a story with purpose? That’s my jam.
Who I WORK WITH
PURPOSE-DRIVEN ORGANIZATIONS
Purpose-driven organizations dedicated to creating positive change in the world
FOUNDATIONS & VC FUNDS
Foundations and VC funds that invest in social impact organizations with inspiring stories to tell
Small Businesses
Small businesses on a mission to make a big community impact and amplify their work with audio
How we’ll work together
For new podcasts, I and my production partners work with you in three phases:
Phase 1:
Show Development & Pre-Production
This is my favorite part; a blank page and an idea.
With a creative’s eye (ahem… ear) for inspiration and a marketer’s knack for what moves an audience to action, my team and I will ask you questions about your brand, your goals, and the people you want to inspire. Together, we’ll paint a clear picture of what we’re making – and a roadmap for how to get there.
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This phase begins with three collaborative sessions with you and your team…
- Kickoff and initial brainstorming session (90 minutes)
- Show concept presentation and discussion (60 minutes)
- Final show treatment review and discussion (60 minutes)
…and wraps up with delivery of a show treatment outlining a clear vision of the show.
Show treatments include:
- Show title, episode length, and release cadence
- Show format, number of episodes, and show structure
- Show description, tone, segments, and audience outcomes
- Episode topics and guest suggestions
We also provide expert guidance on…
- Recording equipment/setup, podcast hosting platform, and podcast website design
- Best practices for remote recording and optimizing audio quality
- Collection of guest releases and identification of any third-party material (such as music), and any other necessary documentation
Phase 2:
Initial Production, Show Setup & Launch Strategy
With a roadmap in hand, it’s time to build the foundation of your storytelling machine.
In this phase, we let our creation take shape. Yes, there will be adjustments and pivots along the way, but that’s part of the fun. We’re here to guide you through it all with a big picture view and keen attention to every detail.
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This phase includes:
- Production of show trailer and first 2-3 episodes (including project management)
- Show set up and distribution on an agreed upon hosting platform
- Submission of show to podcast directories (eg, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts… all the places)
- Creation of show artwork
- Recommendations for promotion, marketing, and show launch strategy, including templates for show notes and social media (if needed)
Phase 3:
Ongoing Production, Distribution & Promotion Strategy
We launched your show – yay!
Now it’s time to keep things going. We’ll produce the rest of your first season and as many future episodes as you like. Our goal is to be your long-term audio storytelling partner.
We’ll even help you think through ongoing promotion plans for the show. Because we want the world to hear your stories.
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This phase includes…
- Full production support for additional episodes, including transcription, post-production, editing, sound design, mixing, and distribution. Depending on show format, this might also include pre-interview support, episode treatments, and scripting
- Project management of full production process
- Ongoing recommendations for how to promote your show and get it into more of the right ears
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take?
It takes about 3-4 months from start to finish to develop and launch a new show (Phases 1 and 2 above). For existing shows, we ask for 2-3 months to take over full service production.
What is the investment?
Show budgets vary widely depending on show format and structure. I do my best to produce high quality content that makes your show stand out, while managing costs and paying my team of audio professionals fairly for their expertise and work. Trust me: Adding yet another amateur-sounding podcast to the millions that popped up during the pandemic does you, your brand, and your listeners no good.
Here’s what to expect:
- Flat fee for Show Development & Pre-Production (starts at $3,500)
- Hourly rate for show setup and full production and distribution of trailer and first three episodes (rate varies based on show format)
- Per episode flat rate for production and distribution of remaining episodes (and for ongoing production of future episodes). This rate is based on the work involved in producing the first three episodes.
Who will work on my podcast?
I develop, executive produce, and handle promotion and distribution strategy for every project. I also work on scripting and story editing, depending on the project. But producing great podcasts is a team sport – just listen to the credits at the end of your favorite shows!
One of my super powers is collecting great people and building strong teams. I have relationships with amazing audio producers at all levels –– people who’ve worked at or contributed to shows from NPR, BBC, CNN, Gimlet, iHeart Radio, and many others –– and I hand pick them based on the needs of the client (that’s you) and of the specific project.
What they all share is a commitment to great story, great sound, and great client experience. I can’t wait for you to meet them!
Shows I’ve Produced
A few podcasts that I and my production partners have produced (or currently produce). Sound on!
She Knows the Way
A show about deciding what’s next when doing what’s expected no longer feels right. Through conversations with women at all stages of life and career, we explore when and how we forge our own path.
Created and hosted by Lara Dalch. Produced by Lara Dalch and Jennifer McCord. Edited by Jennifer McCord.
Black Her Stories
Through conversations with leading Black women artists, explore what is possible when creativity meets history – when we tap into our creative power to unlock our purpose.
Created and hosted by Michaela Ayers. Produced by Michaela Ayers and Lara Dalch. Edited by Jennifer McCord. Original music by Chris Sims.
Female Firebrands
Hosted by Founder/CEO and HR professional Mikaela Kiner based on her book Female Firebrands: Stories and Techniques to Ignite Change, Take Control, and Succeed in the Workplace. Honest stories and solutions from women in the workplace for dealing with situations women know all too well.
Produced by Mikaela Kiner and Lara Dalch. Edited by Lens Group Media.
I’m ready when you are! Your inspiring podcast is right around the corner.