Palo Alto Podcaster Participating in Panel
While I wait for the PA360 podcast *studio* to COOL DOWN, I thought I’d share a little news. Yours truly has been invited to participate in a panel discussion re podcasting. I *KNOW* .. I was surprised, too!
As I discovered recently, a group of Bay Area PR and marketing professionals meet-up on a monthly basis to discuss social media tools, trends and best practices, as well as the practical application of said tools and practices to marketing and communications programs.
Since PODCASTS are becoming an increasingly popular outreach tool, the PR Meet-Up planners decided to devote the July session to all things podcasting.
When I was contacted to join the panel, the invitation said *OUR* show (that’s how I think of it) “would be a great addition because Palo Alto 360 is a community prodcast—instead of being music or tech news, it is more about connecting people” (emphasis added).
Of course I said YES. Not only because I spend most of my time talking about podcasting anyway, but also because the organizers understand that PA360 is about connecting people.
I often have to explain the Palo Alto community podcast for what it’s NOT — it’s not an audio-version of the local paper; it’s not an infomercial about the city (not that there’s anything *wrong* with that).
The show IS an eclectic mix of useful information plus stories and other items of interest for and about the Palo Alto/ Stanford community. In other words, it’s a way to connect people THROUGH a shared place.
Whether listeners are current or former residents, frequent visitors, or just *curious* about the Palo Alto area, my goal is for the PA360 podcast to be engaging, informative and fun. That’s why I try to fill episodes with a blend of current happenings, historical tidbits and, along the way, mention a few names and places that will evoke memories for long-time residents (like myself) without turning-off newcomers.
Although my ideas for the PA360 podcast are constantly evolving, SOMETHING must be working about the current formulation. I don’t know if it’s the community content, the podsafe music, or the fact that the episodes are SHORT (about 10 mins each), but in the past 3 months various episodes of the PA360 podcast have been downloaded or listened to directly on this web site more than ONE THOUSAND times!
The podcasting panel will take place this Thursday evening. I am looking forward to sharing the PA360 story with — and learning from — other podcasters and social media pros.
If you’re interested, click here to find out more about the Bay Area PR Meet-Up concept.