RADIO SHOW PREP

Please welcome guest blogger Rachel Hagey.

Rachel is a Special Education Paraeducator. Rachel is providing some GREAT insight on how important it is to BE yourself....


Apparently Trying To Be Cool Isn’t Actually Cool

As I get older I attempt, in my own way ( a great deal of emphasis placed here), to stay relevant. It’s becoming harder, though. For multiple reasons really. For starters, it was much easier to be cool when we used words like ‘awesome’, which actually lives up to its definition. But now I’m having to figure out if being ‘salty’ is good or bad. And what about ‘savage’? It sounds so bad (and by bad I don’t actually mean good.) But I think ‘savage’ is actually a compliment. And did you know that ‘scrubbing’ has nothing at all to do with cleaning?! Who can keep up.

And to make matters worse, my kids don’t want me to attempt to be either relevant or cool. I mean, they want me to be cool as in “My mom always lets me borrow the car” or “Sure, I can have 10 friends spend the night, my mom is cool.” But they don’t actually want me to be cool.

For example, I’m reminded daily that I shouldn’t  shout out “skiiirrrt!” when I have to stop really fast in the car. They don’t want me to sing that one J. Cole song (although, granted, my version comes out sounding like Howard Cosell somehow.) And truthfully, I know that a 43-year-old mother with three teenagers has no place trying to dab. Honestly, I just do it to be funny and ironic. But my kids think I’m trying to be cool. And there’s the true irony (Alanis, if you’re listening) that they misinterpret my attempt at irony.

I have no place trying to be cool, I’m painfully aware of this. (Thank you, fruit of my womb for daily reminding me of this.) I was never a cool kid. I was quite the opposite of cool. No, I wasn’t goth. I could only wish. I was a nerd of the tallest order. The kind with a huge gap in my front teeth and over-sized glasses that were the same blonde color as my hair. And yes, at one point (in high school no less) I had to wear tape on those blonde glasses. I kid you not. My attempts at being cool included wearing a cheap brand of acid washed jeans that slowly turned a putrid shade of yellow. And yes, I fluffed my bangs as high as they would go and wore banana clips in my hair that I stored in my purple Caboodle along with my blue eyeliner. I really tried to be cool. Oh, but I was such a nerd.

Someone told me once that my 40’s were going to be this time of the great self discovery and self acceptance. There are very few things I like about aging but I will say that you truly do gain a lot of perspective on the things that really matter.  I’ve spent so much of my life wanting to fit in with the cool kids. What a waste of time. Even the cool kids have a lot of insecurities and self-doubt, they just don’t get to vocalize it like us common folk do. Maybe it’s just easier to be a nerd.

So, I’ll have to break it to my kids that I intend to continue pretending that I know all the words to that one Drake song. And I may or may not learn how  to do the whip. I will continue to use outdated phrases and words I don’t quite know the meaning of. And probably pretty often. I mean, the struggle is real. But I’m ok with it. Because I finally figured out that the best way to be cool is to

–JUST BE YOURSELF

For more of Rachel's blog check out rubberhitstheroad.me/

Please welcome Guest Blogger Jessica Rhodes 

Jessica Rhodes is the founder of InterviewConnections.com, the premier source for booking outstanding podcast guests. Jessica is a sought after speaker on the power of podcasting and is available for interviews to talk about how to find and book guests for your podcasts and get booked as a guest expert on podcasts. To learn more, visit www.jessicarhodes.biz/


What is the Difference Between a Podcast and an Internet Radio Show? Show?

One of my most frequently asked questions is: What is the difference between a podcast and an internet radio show?  Even with the popularity of podcasts on the rise, the difference between these mediums isn’t always clear.  Here are 4 main differences between a podcast an internet radio show.

1. Podcasts are pre-recorded.  Internet radio shows air live on a specific day and time, while podcasts are pre-recorded.  This allows for podcasts to be edited, while the content on internet radio shows is raw and live as it happens.

2. Podcasts can be played on demand. Listeners can download and tune into a podcast according to their own schedules.  Unless an internet radio show decides to publish a recording of their show as a podcast, their listeners will potentially miss out if they aren’t able to tune with when the show is live.

3. Podcasts can go live at any time.  Because podcast are pre-recorded, you have control over when your content will go live.  If you want to record your podcast a 10am on a Tuesday and have the episode go live at 3pm on a Thursday, you are absolutely able to!  Since you are not on a live schedule, you can determine the best schedule to release your episodes, according to the needs and wants of your audience.

4. Podcasts are published by an RSS feed.  A podcast by its very definition is published by an RSS feed.  RSS feeds have become the go-to way for users to track and engage with your content as it’s published.

If you’re ready to make the jump into podcasting or just want to take your podcast to the next level with amazing guests, connect with me at my team at Interview Connections!

Jessica Rhodes founder of InterviewConnections.com
​www.jessicarhodes.biz

Please welcome guest blogger Matt Cundill

Matt has 25 years of radio experience programming and as on the air performer, he provides branding solutions for radio stations and online media. His goal is to maximize all your branding opportunities by aligning on-air talent, station imaging, and on air content. Matt is also an accomplished Voice Over Creationist for clients like Cabelas Canada and the Nova Scotia Liberals. 

The Importance of Responding to your Listeners

My first day in radio was a Sunday morning in a 50,000 person market. I was nervous but excited to get on the air and crank out those Sunday morning non-hits on FM radio. (You need to live in Ottawa or Quebec or be over 45 to know what "non-hits" are. Seriously, that's a blog for another time) On weekends, and after hours, it was our job to answer the station's main switchboard, along with two contest lines we carried. By 9:00am, the station had shifted into Foreground programming and I went next door to the AM country station and asked, "Is it like this every Sunday?" (See, I did it again with Foreground programming)

Every third call was to ask what the 6/49 numbers were, if Bingo was still on, or to vent about the afternoon announcer. I had a lot of fun on my first shift, but the phone left me a little exhausted. I mean, if you wanted the 6/49 numbers it's in the newscasts which run at the top and bottom of the hour, and in your paper which has arrived or will arrive. 

Over the years, I grew to know, love and understand that people had this immense connection with the station because it's alive. I met everyone and listened to people tell stories about themselves. I have made at least 5 valuable friendships through the radio station phone that continue today.

With the devasting news of Gord Downie's diagnosis, people are sharing their Tragically Hip stories. Today, I was tagged in a post on Instagram: It recounts that other age old struggle of lining up to buy concert ticket.

This marks the only time I have been called a legend outside of the program director who said I was, "a legend your own spare time." 

I remember that it defied convention that someone could be first in line at a local mall and wind up in the second tier. If only we could fast forward two decades and see how much better it is now. (Yes that was sarcasm) It turns out that this was the future. 

Today, it's a more (emotionally) disconnected world. People e-mail more, phone less and get their bitching done in 140 characters or less. They also put up with way more bullshit than 20 years ago. Imagine if it were 1995 and your land line "lost connectivity" as much as your cell phone does today. You would be hitting "0" and telling the operator to get it together. 

Calling people out of the blue basically freaks people out now. When I read about someone's plight on Facebook and called to ask them how I could help, they asked me two questions: "How did you get this number?" and "How did you hear the story?" The answers were, "the phonebook" and "you posted it on Facebook". And yes, to my surprise, yesterday an actual phonebook arrived at my door.

Sadly, I didn't make the cut and am not listed. 
Go ahead.
Freak people out.
Call them.
Put them on the air.
Get them to tell their story. 

​And if you really want to know what foreground programming is and what non-hits are all about just call me at 204-414-5541. And yes - I'll call you back. 
Originally Published May 26, 2016

To read the complete blog visit  www.mattcundill.com/

Please welcome Guest Blogger,  Travis Kendal who is a Political Scientist, Professional Educator. Travis has a political background and keeps on top of the political scene locally and globally. 
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A 'no' To Referendums  
       
 It is now twelve hours since the results of the Brexit vote began to come in. Even early one it seemed clear that despite polling numbers, and a great deal of coaxing (and threatening) from political leaders and experts in many fields, the British people were going to make the decision to leave the European Union. In the end the vote was roughly 52% in favour of leaving the EU compared to 48% in favour of staying (although it has to be noted that several regions, including Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the City of London all voted strongly for the 'remain' side).
           
The consequences of the vote to leave the EU are already being felt only a few hours after the results were made official. The Pound is losing a great deal of its value, independence parties in Northern Ireland and Scotland are already talking about future independence votes, and world markets are plunging.
           
The Brexit vote leads to some uncomfortable, but necessary questions. Are referendums useful when deciding very complicated issues and can citizens be trusted to make what are sometimes binding decisions on these issues? As I sit watching the Brexit results, the answer seems to be no.
           
First, please do not take that last paragraph to mean that I am calling people untrustworthy or stupid. It is simply that referendums often involve vast and complex pieces of public policy, such as the EU and its role, or to use a Canadian example the Charlottetown Accord in 1992, that even experts have trouble fully understanding. In the case of the European Union, I doubt that there are many people who can fully understand everything that the organization does (immigration, agriculture, trade, etc) and the direct/indirect impacts that it has on peoples lives. Without understanding the whole picture, people sometimes become single issue voters, fixating on one or a few areas (i.e.: immigration) rather than the whole. In a complex world, I firmly believe that there are issues that are simply too big and intricate to be left to a referendum.
           
It is also the case that referendums can quickly become quite emotional and polarizing which in turn can lead to votes based on anger, resentment, or simply a desire to "stick it to the man", rather than on the substance of the issue. As eminent political scientist Rand Dyck noted, during the Charlottetown Referendum, a significant number of voters seemed less interested in the substance of the accord than in their anger with the Canadian political establishment. Whether it is a proposition on gay marriage in California or continued EU membership for the UK, political issues are often personal and deeply emotional. If logic and thoughtful analysis, as opposed to slogans and name calling, are what you want when public policy is made, than the use of referendums needs to be very limited.
           
The use of referendums as a decision making tool also seems to ignore the fact that we already have decision making bodies called governments, (most of which are  capable and accountable, despite what you might hear). Governments exist for a good reason. In the democratic world we have elected officials, a civil service, and a judiciary, professional people we expect to make thoughtful and sober decisions based on their expertise in areas of policy.  Of course this is not always the case. The political establishment seems to create more problems than it solves; however I believe that there is a need to have some faith in our officials and institutions (of course, not too much). Governments are in place to make to decisions for all citizens, and in most cases they do.
           
The ability to vote, to have your say, is a great feeling. I have always felt a great deal of engagement when I am standing in the polling booth; however when the issues are emotional, divisive, high stakes, and often beyond the comprehension of the majority of the voting public, public referendums are often counterproductive. On the use of referendums to solve major policy issues, I vote no.
 
Travis Kendal Political Scientist, Professional Educator 

​When I was working full time in Radio I always made sure I conducted myself professionally wherever I went. I set certain boundaries and I stuck to them. Like everyone in the media industry you need to keep up with social media. I make sure I tweet, and blog and update my Facebook.
Even though I have two Facebook accounts, one for professional (for listeners and clients) and a personal, I never post anything negative about work or former employers on either account. I admit, like 90% of social media users I have posted my share of “rants” on my personal Facebook, but I never singled out a person or specific organization.

Several twitter accounts come with the disclaimer “All tweets are my own and do not reflect on my employer” Even though I’m currently a “Freelance Content Provider” I still like my tweets to reflect on me and my company or future employers. Even with a disclaimer, our on line presence STILL reflects who we are and who we work for.

Statistics say people are now turning to social media by vocalizing their “complaints” to the world rather than complain directly to the company.

I get people have a right to post whatever we want on our private Facebook pages, but is posting a negative review really going to further ourselves?

It’s the same for employment. I’m still amazed at the amount of unprofessionalism that people still post on line….not just social media. 

​The internet has become a way people use to “have the last word” or “make their point” It can be therapeutic to write down how you are feeling or how you have been misunderstood or how you have been treated badly. I have written letters to myself on my current situation how I need to improve it. It was hung up on my bulletin board and left for me to read, not posted all over social media and my webpages. There is a fine line between being vindictive and moving on.
Bottom line, what post ANYWHERE reflects who we truly are and once it’s out there, it’s out there.

As a kid I had a couple teachers who always sent a “thank you note” to let students know their tasks were appreciated.

When I was a paper carrier my parents made sure I sent “thank you” notes to my customers who left me tips/gifts at Christmas Time.

Those simple acts of appreciation taught me to respond to e mails. 

I have carried that philosophy with my side business.

With the amount messaging apps and e mail platforms there are multiple ways of receiving correspondence which means we can often overlook an important message. As a customer and business owner there is nothing more frustrating than having an important e mail overlooked or not responded to.

Having said that it can be difficult at certain periods…for example: if you have a job posting, or running a promotion, that sort of thing.

​There are a few ways you can make sure e mails get a response:

1. Set up a specific e mail accounts only for hiring, inquiries and personal.
2. Set aside a time during the day to respond client’s e mails or any questions from potential clients/individuals. This includes e mails/tweets/Facebook/LinkedIn.
3. Larger companies can have an individual who answers inquires with all e mail platforms as part of their duties. (Make use of interns)
4. Prioritize! Sure you can get those “junk mail” correspondence and they don’t need to be responded to right away. (I still try and give a polite thanks even if the nature of the inquiry doesn’t fit with what I’m doing)
5. Make use of an auto response if you know you are going to get a high volume of mail. To me some sort of response is better than no response.

​Even though our day can get busy it’s important for any correspondence to be acknowledged. If someone take the time out of their day to e mail me I give them the cutesy of a reply. It’s something simple, but it does a lot.