For my In-Depth project this year, I will be learning how to podcast. Podcasting is “the collaborative making of audio stories to be made available online” (Paul Bae). There are many different types of podcasts, from interviews to audio documentaries. Different audiences have different preferences on what they find engaging and entertaining. I imagine creating a podcast that appeals to a diverse audience, across age and other demographics. My project will be to develop a fictional storytelling podcast. I intend to write my own stories and learn how to develop them into podcasts. My specific goal for my In-Depth project will be to produce at least one podcast episode, release it to the public, and have at least one listener. 

We are living in challenging times. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in so many different ways. Although school is a struggle, I feel there are other people facing greater challenges due to COVID-19. My grandparents are currently in lockdown in Ontario and I haven’t seen them for so many months. Many seniors have been unable to go out or see loved ones face to face. There have been many efforts within Gleneagle and our community to entertain and connect with each other, but often seniors have trouble joining in. Many seniors do not have a computer or do not have the skills to join a zoom call or watch a Instagram live stream. With this in mind, I looked for an In-Depth project that could help address this need. My intention is to create a podcast that everyone in the community can listen to easily, even on their phone or a tablet.

Podcasts have always been something I’ve been curious about. They are a unique way to convey a message in that they can’t rely on visual images to tell the story. I see my In-Depth project as a blend between learning technical skills, as well as exploring creative ideas. On the technical side, I will learn about production logistics, which includes recording, editing, and uploading recorded material. Podcasts are more accessible for creators as all you need are a microphone and a laptop to get started. I will research the best type of equipment to use, and various podcasting apps. I look forward to learning how to use different editing software to create my podcasts. 

I also chose podcasting for my In-Depth project as podcasting does not have as many limitations due to COVID-19. Last year, my In-Depth project was severely affected when COVID-19 shut schools down. I was required to pivot as I could not sell my product without in-person school. This project I expect to be able to complete at home even if COVID-19 shuts schools down again. My final presentation will be fully online. 

In the fall, I was given the opportunity to improve my creative writing skills by working on a number of short stories and poems. I really enjoyed learning about archetypes and elements of a short story. I chose my In-Depth project as a way to utilize and expand my storytelling skills. Specifically, I hope to learn how to script effective dialogue that tells the story and builds realistic, interesting characters and worlds. I will also develop my artistic ability in building a supporting website. 

My mentor is Mr. Gosselin, my TALONS English and Humanities teacher. Mr. Gosselin has shared many personal stories about his experiences with screenwriting and experience writing  dialogue. I respect his opinions and advice deeply and feel I can learn a lot from working with him. Although Mr. Gosselin does not have podcasting experience, he has offered to play a more story consultant role. I sincerely look forward to working with him. 

Overall, I have broken my project into four overlapping phases. Phase one is mainly research based. I will be listening to a variety of podcasts, researching equipment and technical components, and developing a style and overall theme for my podcasts. I will also be reading a number of podcast scripts, articles on how to podcast, and elements of a story. Phase two will be planning and developing characters, themes, settings, and plot for my podcasts. During this time, I hope to meet with my mentor more than once for feedback and advice. Phase three will include steps such as finalizing my scripts and finding voice actors for various roles. This phase will also involve recording and beginning editing music and sound effects. Finally, during phase four, I will be meeting with my mentor to finalize the podcasts and designing a website before releasing the episodes to the public.