Exploring Authentic Podcasting with Michael O'Connell: Insights from a Journalist and Host

Engage your mind with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where host Rob Lee guides the way on an enthralling discussion with Michael O'Connell, a distinguished journalist and field editor affiliated with The Patch in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Renowned as the host and producer of the widely recognized It's All Journalism podcast, he also contributes to the production of the Better News podcast under the American Press Institute. With a rich professional background, Michael has held pivotal roles, including digital editor at Local News Now, senior digital editor at Federal News Network, and managing editor at The Connection Newspapers. His podcasting expertise extends to teaching in the American University School of Communication's Masters in Digital Storytelling program for three years, and he has delivered insightful talks on podcasting at prominent journalism conferences. Michael is also the author of the comprehensive textbook, Turn Up the Volume — A Down and Dirty Guide to Podcasting. Beyond his media contributions, he ventured to Tajikistan in collaboration with the U.S. State Department to educate young journalists about podcasting, showcasing his global impact on the field.

In this episode, we explore:

• The art of sourcing content accurately and staying current in the dynamic world of fast-paced news, as Michael O'Connell unravels the strategies behind journalistic agility.
• Delve into the heart of podcasting success as Michael O'Connell reveals how authenticity and genuine discussions serve as the cornerstone for captivating and relatable content creation.
• Uncover the secrets to effective podcasting through an insightful discussion with Michael O'Connell, where he unveils the vital role of meticulous planning and organizational finesse in achieving podcasting triumph.
• Embark on a journey with Michael O'Connell as he shares the power of embracing individuality and authenticity, shedding light on how these traits can distinguish a podcast in a crowded landscape.
• Join the conversation with Michael O'Connell as he reshapes the narrative around failure, revealing its transformative potential as a catalyst for growth and improvement in the podcasting realm.

Join us and learn from the best! Michael discusses the importance of sourcing content properly and staying up to date in the fast-paced news cycle. Michael shares his experience as a podcast host and offers insights into creating engaging and authentic conversations. He also talks about the process of writing his book, "The Down and Dirty Guide to Podcasting," and the challenges he faced. Michael emphasizes the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and being genuine in podcasting.

Mentioned in this episode
Michael O'Connell's Twitter

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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