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In addition to spending much of my time writing, editing and producing podcasts, I try to listen to as many new podcasts as I can every week. That’s the best way to understand what works, and what does not work.

I rarely use this space to promote a podcast that I enjoy, but today I want to do just that.

Grammar Girl’s Quick & Dirty Tips For Better Writing is a simple, short, niche-oriented podcast that delivers valuable information in a fun way. The two big reasons this podcast works are that it is tightly focused, and fun. It’s exactly the kind of thing that can’t survive in today’s commercial radio environment, and it’s also exactly the kind of thing that should do well in a podcast.

The creators of the show say that they’ve delivered one million downloads since July. Listening to the show, I can believe it.

So if you’re looking for guidance on how to create a meaningful and succssful podcast, look no further than Grammar Girl.

And Grammar Girl, if you’re reading, I hope I didn’t make too many mistakes in this post!

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Hat tip to Podcasting News.

Popularity: 23% [?]

As an old radio guy, I think it’s appropriate to remember radio, and the part it played in leading us into the promised land of podcasting. Accordingly, once in a while, I’ll recall some old radio facts.

This week in radio history…

Nov 28, 1925
The Grand Ole Opry debuts on WSM, Nashville - most young people think of the Grand Ole Opry as a television show, but it started as a radio show and has had a radio component since 1925.

Nov 29, 1929
NBC begins use of the chimes - you know, ding - ding - dong? And yes it was NBC radio, not television, where the chimes made their debut.

Dec 1, 1995
FCC eliminates Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit requirement to operate a broadcast station - yes this is a big one folks. In comes the era of the post-card DJ. So named because prior to 1995, in order to sit behind the board of a licensed radio station in the USA, you needed a license. That required a test and all the fun things that go with testing done by the federal government. Now all you need to do is send in a post card and you’re legal.

Doug Kaye and I got into a fun riff at PodcampWest about this, comparing notes on our “Third Class Tickets” as we used to call them. Doug even found his and wrote about it on his blog.

(NOTE: Just so you’re not confused, Doug also received a First Class Ticket which means he is exactly 1.5 million times smarter than me.)

Popularity: 14% [?]

Yesterday, I gave you a visual reference to the difference between a processed and unprocessed voice file. Today I’ll let you hear the difference.

And what better voice to use to illustrate this than that of Leo Laporte? My pal Leo (who I share the mic with on MacBreakWeekly, and a new upcoming show called GearMediaTech) has one of the best voices in the business - period. His voice is silky smooth, natural, has great presence, and resonates with almost everyone. Now it helps that Leo’s delivery is perfect in every way. That can only come with decades of experience. But even Leo’s voice, as perfect as it is, needs a little post processing. And trust me, if Leo needs it, you need it.

Recently, Leo asked me to create a preset for him using the Ozone Plug-in. Using compression, EQ, loudness maximization and an exciter, I was able to create a bigger sound for Leo.

Download the unprocessed clip, listen to it, (use headphones if you really want to hear the difference) and then compare it with the processed clip. I think you’ll agree that post-processing is worth the time and effort.

Popularity: 18% [?]

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Popularity: 18% [?]

If you’re a visual person, and you’re having trouble understanding the value of post-processing your audio for podcast, this picture might help.

The top track is shown before compressing, normalizing, and maximizing the audio. The bottom track is the same audio after post processing. Notice how the wave form is expanded? This means it has more gain, more presence and more impact.

So if you’ve been avoiding simple post-processing to your audio, seeing, might be believing.

On Tuesday, I’ll let you HEAR the difference.

Popularity: 17% [?]