Why I Created A Podcast On Substack & YouTube
For Years As A Writer, I Crafted Ideas Through The Written Word. As A Screenwriter, I Finally Realized The Unique Power Of The Spoken Word & Visuals
Show Don’t Tell.
It’s a most basic rule of screenwriting. Give your audience a sense of purpose, action and clear meaning through visuals and character action - not strictly through dialogue. Of course we as Hollywood professionals and movie going, loving audiences got past silent films a long, long time ago. Dialogue can also be truly powerful.
Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn. - Gone With The Wind
My name is Bond, James Bond. - Dr. No
I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore! - Network
As a movie fan and writer, I could easily list a few more dozen famous movie lines, but you get the idea. And if you simply read those lines on a page, cell, laptop or Kindle screen, it certainly moves you. To experience actors such as Clark Gable, Sean Connery or Peter Finch express those thoughts through speech, with bold emphasis and with human verbal magic is the definition of next level interaction.
Obviously I’d never compare most podcast hosts to these beloved and often iconic performers, but the potential to express whatever ideas or stories you choose in both an entertaining, informative way is within our grasp. It’s all about how we employ the fantastic tech toys now at our disposal. It also revolves around a level of commitment and quality of a podcast production intended and achieved.
Titanic Tech Toybox
‘Where does he get those wonderful toys?’ - Joker - Batman 1989
Just think of a short few years ago when a serious podcast had to be produced professionally - through a high priced production facility. Now, in the comfort of our homes, courtesy of delicious digital delight, we can offer up shows to compete with much of what is on traditional media channels.
Big legacy media stars such as Joe Rogan, Conan O'Brien, Tucker Carlson, Piers Morgan, Dave Ramsey, Dan Rather, Trevor Noah, Don Lemon and Megyn Kelly are now producing their own independent podcasts on YouTube, Spotify or here on Substack. Yes, Rogan, Kelly and others still partner with big media, but we all know at any time they can part ways and be more than fine on their own.
Change It Up Buddy
Change can be hard. Change can also be the very best thing for a creative.
Almost daily we hear of another big traditional media name who’s either been let go from a big channel or who’s sizable salary as been reduced by millions of dollars. This is the age of the classic media industry coming to grips with the power of the citizen journalist and home brewed podcaster. Competition is fierce now and it will only increase.
Power to the podcasting people. Howard Beale would be absolutely thrilled.
I’ve been professionally allied with enormous media companies. I’ve written for some of the biggest names in the industry, for Hollywood studios, newspapers, magazines, and household name websites. I’m an author. I’ve written books. I enjoyed every minute of it and learned so much. And I still love to write a long form article, however, producing my own podcast for YouTube and Substack now gives me both the creative freedom and a feeling of liberation like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.
Considering starting your own podcast? Go for it. Stretch your idea wings and express yourself differently to connect with a new, vibrant audience. You may not like it as much as I have, but you’ll never know unless you turn on that microphone or camera and give it a go. Good luck!