At Podcasters Portal, we come from an editorial background.  We’re not techno-geeks although we have loads of respect for them and all they can do.  We’re interested in podcasting content from an editorial perspective.   

Hence the Podcasters Portal.  It’s for podcasters who are interested in editorial content.  We assume you've got your microphone and plugged it into your PC.  And we also assume you realize it's just the beginning of your journey to creating and producing great content. 

And we're guessing you want to learn more about how to make yours a sensational show.  But for many, the podcasting conversation is along the lines of, “hey, all you need is a microphone and computer and you can have your own radio show.”

We cringe when we hear comments like that.  And of course so do the listeners who have to hear the person waffling on for half an hour about nothing.  Interestingly, we've encountered that in radio production. 

Most of the Talkshow Communication team at Podcasters Portal have pulled shifts on radio stations in different countries.  And most of us have taught radio and web production at some of the world's major broadcasting organizations. 

And often the first thing a novice says walking into a radio studio is, "just show me how to use the microphone.  I can do the rest because I'm good at talking.  All my friends love me so I'm gonna be great." 

Eventually they find out it's not just about talking.  It's considerably more complex.  So we want to help the podcasting conversation evolve from "give me a microphone so I can talk for half an hour." to “how can we use podcasting as an important communication medium?”  And, "what makes sensational audio content?"

We train and coach podcasters

We train and coach a lot of professional journalists and broadcasters around the globe in audio and video podcasting.  In the last two months alone, we’ve worked with more 200 journalists from one of Britain’s leading broadsheet newspapers.

We also work with executives who want to use podcasting as one of their communication strategies.  We help them sound great, and show them how to package their message so it works for audio.

That’s our motivation.  So we're sharing our thoughts about podcasting, in these online articles to help you be a better podcaster.  Our advice and opinion is based on our experience as new media practitioners from a broadcast background.

Free Content

So you’re asking, why are we putting all this free content up on the Web?  We’re motivated to help people make better podcasts.  Shouldn’t we be holding back and forcing you to pay for this?

Well our business is training and coaching.  And at the end of the day, it’s usually a workshop, master class or coaching session where you really see powerful improvement.  This comes from practice and expert feedback.

The other reason we have loads of free content for you is that podcasting is so new that we think the more people talking about it, what it can do and how to make exciting content, the better.

We do have some books and online learning packages in the pipeline for 2007 which we'll be selling.  They will take what we offer on this site to a deeper level.

However, if you ever find yourself in a position where you've read our articles and understand what makes a good podcast, but really need some expert coaching or training,  we hope that we’ll have built a web relationship with you through this site so you feel you can call us for help. 

We have specialists in Europe, Asia and the United States who can help you.

Who are we?

Most of this site has been written by Jonathan Halls.  Jonathan is both an experienced media practitioner and a qualified adult educator. 

Jonathan ran the BBC’s Production Training department in London where he was in charge of the BBC’s television, radio and web production training.

The BBC’s training department is one of the most respected media training institutions in the world.  Being BBC trained is considered in the industry a badge of honor.

Jonathan left the BBC to form Talkshow Communication Ltd.  It’s a communication company that trains people to be better communicators in business, everyday and public life. 

It also offers extensive media training around the globe.  Jonathan has brought on board a range of associates as trainers and coaches to ensure clients get the very best. 

All Talkshow associates are current practitioners and have worked for companies like the BBC.  They’ve made programs as well as taught others how to make them.  Many worked for BBC Training.

Jonathan and his team are more than just enthusiasts.  They’re media professionals.  And they’re people who know how to teach and turn an interest into expertise.

Contact us

Talkshow Communication has its headquarters in London but provides training all over Europe, Asia and the United States. 

If we can help you with your podcasting, provide coaches or trainers, or speak at a conference, contact us at the address below.

We also have a number of other sites that may interest you.  They all include free content to help you be a better communicator or add more creativity to your work.