“An intro video needs to let people know, ‘Hey, this is who the show’s for, and this is what you’re about to see, what you’re about to witness.’ And that audio is a huge component of it. It has to really, just, it has to just feel right. There’s really not a way to explain it, even though that’s kind of my job here on a podcast is to explain it. But it has to feel like, ‘Oh, wow, this,’ without saying, ‘Oh, I really love the beat here,’ or ‘I love this guitar solo here.’ It just has to all just blend together, to kind of say, ‘Okay, boom, the show’s about to start. And this is for me.’" -- Chris Stone

In the world of podcasting and live streaming, Chris Stone stands out with over twenty-five years of experience in the music industry. Chris’s journey began with the transformative power of his co-hosted podcasts, which propelled him to help others achieve success in creative, financial, physical, and spiritual aspects. Since then, he’s founded Cast Ahead, a consultancy that empowers entrepreneurs, influencers, thought leaders, and businesses to amplify their stories and extend their reach.

His expertise extends to producing content for prominent speakers, developing and producing podcasts like Sales Influence and The Big Ticket Life, and co-hosting the Amazon Live show Dealcasters alongside Jim Fuhs. This show has become a trusted authority in live video and podcasting, and Chris’s belief that everyone deserves to be heard drives his mission to integrate podcasting and live streaming into business strategies, thereby educating and attracting a broader audience.

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(0:00:00) - Podcast Community and Production Insights

We start the conversation off with a look at Chris’s work on Cast Ahead and simplifying the podcasting process, as well as the secret to an impactful intro video. “Most people,” he says, “they want a podcast, but they just want to be able to show up, turn on their cameras, flip their microphone open and do a show, and that’s what we do for them.” He tells us about his “station identification” approach to intros and why the opening moments of a podcast are critical, and the often-overlooked value of a podcast in networking with guests and the audience. “The most underrated component of podcasting is the ability to network,” Chris explains. “You know, and I think totally a lot of these people, like you said, [who are] smarter than you, smarter than me, [that] I just can’t believe I’ve had on our show.”

(0:10:53) - The Importance of Audio Quality

Chris shares his process for finding the right music for a podcast, and how he incorporates both the host and brand into his decision. “He’s got a belt buckle,” he says about one podcast client, “he drives a truck and, you know, he serves a very particular type of entrepreneur and business leader, and so I’m not going to put something that sounds like Taylor Swift underneath his intro video.” We discuss how bad audio is costing celebrities their listening audience, his advice for boosting sound quality in a home studio environment, and the process of choosing the right recording equipment. “There are some people that it’s all about how it looks,” he explains, “which is fine, but you got to make sure it sounds good too. You can have the prettiest microphone in the world and it could sound like hot garbage.”

(0:24:56) - Importance of Sound Quality in Podcasting

The first half of our interview comes to a close as we talk about the difference headphones make when it comes to sounding your best, and why echo cancellation is no substitute. “I think that’s a good little thing to have on there,” Chris tells us. “It’s like listen if you’re serious about this, you need to have headphones, and if you don’t show up with any, you’re kind of wasting both of our times.”

Episode Summary

• Chris shares his insights on audio branding and live video endeavors in podcasting.
• How understanding the audience and integrating sound design early enhances impact.
• Why sound quality, the right environment, and the right equipment are crucial.

Tune in for part two of my conversation with Chris as we discuss the interview that changed the direction of his podcast, the hidden influence of sound in our everyday lives and shopping habits, and the surprise outcome of one podcast client’s interview with guitarist Bret Michaels.

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