Well how do we best round off a series then to get the host interviewed instead - it was a suggestion by a business associate and long time friend Tom Southerton based in Japan. There was next to no preparation as I knew the format which I gave Tom, it resulted in a flowing interview and because I had many episodes under my belt it was my best answers!

You can find out more by going to ancast.co.uk or linkedin.com/company/ancast

or co-host Tom Southerton at tomsoutherton.com/home/

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/cLunyvH1taW

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this final bonus episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

I have been working at the 'hard end' of broadcast independently for many years, if there's a major transformation or project needing a specialist - this is where I shine. A big fan of cloud, DevOps and agile methods - I like having enough technical grounding and balance it with communicating with people - of all levels. 

It all started working in production and editing videos on a laptop to now helping deliver huge complex broadcast projects where I can turn up and not be phased by any of it - let me work with the team and get on with delivering it without supervision. You will see from my track record all of this and when you meet me I like to build up trust and demonstrate this by attention to detail, honesty and big picture mentality.

In my spare time I love culture, like to travel and explore where I can improve my photography hobby - also like to get involved in charity fundraising. If you want to reach out feel free to send me a connection here and we can talk.

Specialities - project management, business analyst, media solutions engineering, workflow specialist, technical consultant, agile, facilitation, training

It was a friend of a friend who suggested the connection, I reached out to my academic circles but instead of getting the lecturer I was introduced to Julian who was a media trainer and series producer - perfect fit! What's great about the episode is Julian's producing experience (and great stories to go with it) but most of all his passion for getting newcomers onto the TV ladder and like me paying it forwards.

You can find out more by going to directproductions.co.uk or @directproductionsuk

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/cnHwl2txRmF

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

As well as making award winning factual TV programmes, Julian runs online and in-person training courses for Direct Productions, the company he founded in 2005. Julian has travelled the world directing hit programmes for BBC1, Netflix, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Discovery US, National Geographic and Animal Planet amongst others, and specialises in wildlife, documentary and current affairs programmes.

Julian leads the Direct Productions team of web video producers and training experts. He has been training TV production and web video presenting skills for over 20 years. As well as conducting workshops in camera skills, research skills, editing skills and presenting skills, Julian has a strong track record helping people get their first break in TV - and then excelling in their careers once they are in.

Julian is also experienced in helping academics, lawyers and business professionals improve their web video and webinar skills. He enjoys helping people come across well on platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, skills which have become essential in the post-Covid era.

Whilst looking for new guests and reaching out to people I don't know I messaged Georgina on LinkedIn as I saw her varied background and  recent solid broadcast experience so perhaps she was a newcomer to the industry. So after a few messages and chats we arranged the interview, this story involved a little bit of luck knowing a connection to get you started. 

You can find out more by going to instagram.com/singgeorgie or soundcloud.com/georginaparren

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/aoR7vgAv5b1

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

Some more info on our guest Georgina:

A highly experienced, multi-skilled floor manager with 11 years freelancing in the television broadcast industry. With a strong background in performing arts, communicating clearly and effectively and providing a professional but personable welcome to guests onto set, customer facing roles are no problem. Well developed knowledge of technical equipment in broadcast studios, as well as balancing time management and team work to ensure a smooth output.

Jim was one of the first responders to my podcast guest request, I was interested in the long history in broadcast journalism stretching back decades, I did have to confirm what a 'stringer' meant and of course - freelance journalist!

As Jim explains he is not a technical geek so when we got the podcast interview going he concentrated on the substance of being an independent journalist getting a news story and how he has found this new medium in podcasting.

You can find out more by going to anchor.fm/james-herlihy or free-ebooks.net/crime-mystery-audiobooks/Dirty-Money

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/FANC4DpZLFA

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

More info on our guest Jim:

I was in the banking business and had three assignments in Ecuador, Chile and Mexico over 7 years. My business career gave me great entrée to local business, government and cultural circles that played well for my journalist sideline.

Mostly print media - Business Latin America, The Economist and The Times. But also did local reporting for the BBC in Ecuador and Chile.

Back Stateside, I used to co-host a current affairs TV show on San Francisco cable called News Europe during the 1990s.

My debut novel Deceit and Dirty Money is available in print and electronic form on Amazon.com.  An audio dramatized version entitled Dirty Money is available/downloadable from Free-ebooks.net.

Podcasting is the perfect marriage of the written and spoken word.

Politics, especially in SF and California is another side passion. I was on the State Central Cttee of the California Democratic Party for a few years. My podcast encompasses a host of subjects apart from politics but I would summarize the 98 episodes as current affairs rather than exclusively politics with a SF and California slant.

It is not a partisan podcast. I stick to factual, researched posts and I am light on opinion/editorializing. There’s enough of that all around us. My market niche is independent minded listeners who want to hear both sides of the argument with a good dose of verifiable facts. I always cite my sources at the end of the podcast.

So I needed a guest to help finish off the series and although I'd told Anastasija previously of my plans I didn't ask her directly, but it turns out she was a big fan of the episodes and was happy to come on the show. We had to fit it all around her new baby arrival but in the new year we found the time and as she had listened to many episodes knew the interview format well!

You can find out more by going to linkedin.com/in/anastasija-tatham-saprygina-15567926

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/kjFpas4h07t

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

More info on our guest Anastasija:

Project Manager and Producer

Encompass Digital Media: 

Project Manager

Modern Times Group:

Operations Manager

Marketing Manager

Production Manager

We kept missing each other on messages but eventually we got a slot booked, I was keen to talk to a writer in the broadcast media industry and the process behind it - we had to make special arrangements on a weekend and to take into consideration the far east timezone, glad it worked.

It was a great insight into productions in Taiwan and how involved Todd is with it all, Taiwan for fortunate not to be massively affected by the pandemic but we go through what drives success, how he deals with changes in production and therefore the script.

You can find out more about Todd by going to facebook.com/Tsierus2020 or instagram.com/denevius

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/mMrYmp11Rk5

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this bonus episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

Another contact through LinkedIn, it was hard to first to get something scheduled but after a quick call we got the show in the diary - Steve had just come off a 7 day 12 hour shift run so very happy he was up for it, he has accomplished much over his broadcast career which we talk through.

Before we spoke I did wonder where he was from and its the north east, his story of starting his career in an indoor market in Sunderland was a good opener, the sheer diversity of work he has been involved with is facinating to hear as his advice for new comers.

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/zDEXMIGMrug

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

More info on our guest Stephen:

Highly capable Broadcast and Production manager with worldwide experience in 42 languages. Extensive knowledge of signals transmission including video over IP. Worked as one of the pioneers in the video over IP field (remote production)for a US client, involving events in Asia, Europe and the US in multiple languages with several million viewing on a wide variety of platforms.

Recent career highlights include broadcast management of all aspects of the BBC 2016 referendum coverage and also include engineering work on the G8 and G 20 government summits also in London.

Fibre engineer and technical manager for League of legends Europe and Asia events stadium and studio events between 2014-2016

On the PUBG 2018 Berlin Final I worked as the production manager, encompassing 60 million concurrent viewers in 4K in multiple languages and streams.All delivered on time and in budget.

Prince 2 qualified( + PMI trained) and also qualified fibre engineer and system designer with extensive Europe and Asia knowledge. DBS cleared.

Specialties: Broadcast,Corporate,Projects,Consultancy, fibre management , live events, Live broadcast,Live events, management of broadcast facilities and staff, E-Sports specialist, Multi lingual and Host/Event Broadcast.

Brad was one of my replies on LinkedIn, posted in a group for media professionals and figured lighting is another area that I'd like to talk about, after a few emails he was booked for a show, we was trying to include a demonstration but as it's more visual we had to skip it - but we talked for ages anyway.

The main thing that struck me was being in the same trade and the same company for 37 years, its inspiring to hear from people who have committed themselves that long - and all the developments of software, LED's and production shoot experiences was great.

You can find out more about Brad by going to lightingvideo.tv

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/f2h0qjBVhox

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

For more info on our guest Brad:

It wasn't until many episodes in thinking I need someone who works in broadcast projects on the show and then the eureka moment I thought I wonder if Melissa would be up for this - and with a quick call to set it up she was in the studio talking about projects.

Time again hearing how people started off in the industry, in this case loading floppy discs! But although I knew Melissa had done project work in broadcast who knew she was head of business analysis, six sigma, programme manager and runs her own consultancy - great stories to hear.

You can find out more about Melissa by going to consultingcube.co.uk

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/VnB2599Kl6P

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

For more info on our guest Melissa

Melissa Carr from Consulting Cube, a consultancy & programme management business, specializing in broadcast & media.

I am a business transformation leader, passionate about driving real business change and delivering results. If you are looking for a few days of advice or full-time delivery support on your change programme, I can help you. Check out my website www.consultingcube.co.uk and contact me for a discussion on your business change and programme delivery needs.

If your interested to find out about:

Analysis and consultancy

Programme design and delivery

Management

So when thinking of broadcast then radio is in mix too and so was a nice surprise when Richard was the first to comment in one of the Facebook groups I was posting in, he was genuinely interested about what the show as about and before long he was booked in.

The standout theme was Richard got in without formal qualifications, it was this talking point that recurs throughout, it was also great to hear from somebody from radio background and just how it is being the talent broadcasting on the airwaves.

You can find out more about Richard by going to Richardmidson.com or CanIMakeAHitPodcast.com

Sneak preview Audiogram: https://share.descript.com/view/S4kkDzsMO78

During the episode we go through some talking points:

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for series 2 now to keep tuned in!

For more information about the host and additional offerings head over to ancast.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Ben

For more info on our guest Richard:

Richard Midson is a former news anchor, editor and journalist on UK radio. He’s also a YouTuber who made a show which gained 1.6 million views across it’s episodes. He’s a podcaster and makes a show called “Can I Make a Hit Podcast” and he also used to help prepare the leader of the third largest political group in the European Parliament for media interviews. But Richard’s greatest passion is helping others get heard. He’s always believed that not enough people are getting their stories across in the media. He wants to help everyone ask great questions and answer them too as guests, in order to help them share their stories with the world.