This series is all about showcasing Libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Dale Tafoya from Athletics Talk Now
When did you start podcasting?
My first podcast was on August 24, 2010 and my first guest was celebrated A’s GM Billy Beane. I’ve hosted 125 shows since then.
Why did you start podcasting?
I was briefly in radio in 1998 and was disheartened by a lot of politics in the industry. I wrote a nationally published book, Bash Brothers (Potomac Books) in 2008 and accrued a great deal of contacts in the world of baseball.
Since I became an Oakland A’s fan in 1981, I decided to combine my knowledge of the team with my career in journalism. So I independently launched my podcast and it started attracting listeners.
What’s your show about?
Our theme is to celebrate the past and embrace the future of Oakland A’s baseball. My niche, though, is A’s history.
I interview former A’s players to discuss memorable eras of the franchise. The A’s franchise is my canvas. It has so much rich history and that’s why I believe our show will always be relevant.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
I use Skype to interview and record, GarageBand (Mac) to edit and Libsyn to host.
How have you promoted your podcast?
We use our Twitter accounts @DaleTafoya and @AsTalkNow to promote upcoming shows and provide links directly to our site, AthleticsTalkNow.com. We also have a vibrant Facebook page, Athletics Talk Now. We’re also a big hit on iTunes and you can just search “Athletics Talk Now” to listen. Social media was our first avenue to introduce our podcast to the A’s fan base.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Speed is the enemy of quality.
I apply that statement in my writing, too. As much as we want to release a new episode, it’s important to realize that how quick we release our show is irrelevant to our listeners.
They know it’s a podcast. They want an easy listen and our listeners deserve a quality product.
Take your time and your quality of work will speak for itself. Also, prepare, prepare, prepare. Line up your questions and topics before you begin your show. This may take hours, but it’s worth it.
Do it. You’ll also have more confidence when you start your show.
Creating and identifying a niche for your podcast is also paramount. And that may take time. You need to narrow a niche down in a way that you’re the go-to resource for a particular subject.
If you are an A’s fan, this is the podcast for you. Go ahead and subscribe. You won’t regret it 🙂
Are you passionate about a sports team? Do you have something to add that you don’t feel is out there? Podcast! We’re ready to host your media when you are!
