As a result of the overwhelming interest we received during the 2019 Queen City PodQuest and 2020 “Podcasting 101” classes, WFAE is excited to announce that we are expanding podcasting opportunities for the Charlotte area community with the newly-formed Queen City PodQuest Academy.

What is the Queen City PodQuest Academy?

The Queen City PodQuest Academy is a free eight-week virtual program designed to educate and inspire 30 students interested in podcasting. Each week, students will learn a different podcast topic via Zoom. Lessons will focus on a variety of podcast topics (including production, editing, legal, marketing, distribution, and sponsorship/revenue), culminating in a “Graduation” showcase where the students will share their fully-realized podcast audio (whether it’s a snippet of audio, a podcast trailer, or even a full episode).

Week 1: Storyboarding

Storyboarding Week 2: Hosting/Scripting/Interviewing

Hosting/Scripting/Interviewing Week 3: Recording/Editing/Sound Design

Recording/Editing/Sound Design Week 4: Legal

Legal Week 5: Marketing/Audience Engagement

Marketing/Audience Engagement Week 6: Uploading/Distributing/Analytics

Uploading/Distributing/Analytics Week 7: Sponsorship/Revenue

Sponsorship/Revenue Week 8: Audio Showcase/”Graduation”

When is it? And what can I expect from the Queen City PodQuest Academy?

The Queen City PodQuest Academy will take place virtually starting August 10 through October 4.

Each week, the PodQuest Academy instructor will hold a two-hour class over Zoom, and the class will be made available as a recording for those unable to attend the assigned class time. The PodQuest Academy instructor will also hold an “office hour” each week to provide personalized podcast support and answer any questions.

Throughout the PodQuest Academy, students will be able to connect with skilled audio professionals, network with local podcasters, and receive expert training to bring their podcast ideas to life.

Why is WFAE doing this?

We believe in the power of podcasting to amplify diverse voices and to build and connect communities. Also, podcasting is on the rise! In 2019, more than half of American households listened to a podcast. With more than 800,000 podcasts available, audiences can listen to a wide-range of stories, perspectives and voices. We want to help Charlotte area residents tap into the power of podcasting to tell their own unique stories.

How do I apply? And who can attend?

The Queen City PodQuest Academy is free, but space is limited to 30 applicants who have previously registered to WFAE’s “Podcasting 101.”

Click here to submit your information to be considered for the inaugural class of the Queen City PodQuest Academy. But hurry! This application period is only open from June 22 – July 6.

Questions:

If you have questions about the Queen City PodQuest Academy and podcast workshop, feel free to email WFAE’s Joni Deutsch (jdeutsch@wfae.org).