It feels like I'm back in school, but actually enjoying it this time around. 馃槀 No - maybe a better description is an after-school club, because there you have all these people surrounding you that actually LOVE what they're doing. They're brave and they're ready to jump into that hobby/talent - and the energy is carrying everyone along. THAT is what this NaPodPoMo FIRST WEEK has been like for me!
I've been a writer for a long time, and so I've grown comfortable with it. I love it, and I still grow with it - and push myself, but it is so familiar! It's a relaxing sort of flow, nice and easy, exciting too - but it's in my wheelhouse.
BUT THIS?
I've always been intimidated by the thought of it. I've always pictured big voices like stars and celebrities - people that you'd actually be star-struck to see in real life. Who in the world would want to listen to a podcast of me??? and WHY?
That's the thing, though - isn't it? We all really do have a story to tell. Sometimes, multiple stories that can impact people. My journey this month is all about our family's victory with autism, and my podcast is called:
Click on the image to visit the podcast & follow our story 鉂わ笍
The highlight of this week's episodes have all been about the beginning of our journey with autism - which in a lot of ways was the scariest part since there was so much that was unknown, and therefore, so much to fear! (or so I thought!) But looking back, each episode has been this amazing acknowledgement for how far we have come, and just how hard we have all fought. It's been a very sweet week for me, and a real celebration! Especially since one of the amazing things that has come out of this journey - is my son's musical talent. And the episodes feature his music as the background sounds. I love this! So far, it's been really special for me to be able to reach out and connect with people in the comment section and in DM - and so it's already a great success for me! The rest is just icing on the cake!
TIPS that I've learned this week that might help you!
Start with the programs you know! For me, it might be an extra step (I'm not sure) but using the video apps that I'm familiar with has been GREAT! I know exactly how to add music and images there, do sound effects, use fading and trimming, splitting, editing... i just start there and when I'm done - I upload my podcast to YouTube (for making it public later), and publish to Anchor. Thankfully,
@aureal is set to automatically take my podcast from Anchor and publish it to Hive. easy, peesy, 1-2-3sy! And Anchor automatically loads my podcast to Spotify too!
I like the sound quality of my high -end mic, but.... honestly? my Moto has pretty sweet sound too!! And it's easier also! So, don't feel like you need to go pro at this stage. YOU DON'T. Just get started with what you have! You'll see that it's more than enough!
but one day I DID use my high end mic, and it picked up EVERY sound, including those annoying mouth sounds. lol THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE was a great tutorial on how to get rid of mouth sounds, like pops,clicks and s-sounds! I followed it, step by step - and it worked like a charm! If you have those sounds too - use this and you'll see a great improvement!
HAVE FUN WITH IT. If you hate design, don't worry so much about your cover art. Start with the templates on CANVA.com - and just add your own title and your own pic! If you love design, have a blast and make it your own!! Do this with ALL the aspects of this challenge. Don't get so focused on the things that are sucking your joy away. Spend as much time as you can with the parts you love - you'll be happier throughout!
NEXT WEEK - YOU CAN DO IT
It's only November 4! You haven't missed out on a lot! If you're wondering whether you should join or not - TAKE THE LEAP! hehe You have even more people to ask for help now! We're ready to bring you in!! See you next week!
Thanks to 
Images used:
Schoolgirl
Artwork for my podcast designed by me, using Canva elements