Preparing for the BMT Podcast

As a guest on The BMT Podcast, we want to ensure that your experience is smooth and enjoyable. This will not only help our listeners gain valuable insights but also make the entire process a pleasant one for both you and the host. To make this possible, please follow the steps outlined below

Send Your Bio

Please send a bio that we can read at the beginning of the podcast. We encourage you to provide as much information as you'd like, but keep in mind that we may need to shorten it to fit our introduction format. A standard bio should include your name, professional background, area of expertise, and any relevant accomplishments. Feel free to add any personal anecdotes or stories that might help our audience connect with you on a personal level.

Suggest Potential Topics

We ask that you come up with potential topics that would be of interest to our listeners, who are parents of kids in the NYC school system. Your topic suggestions should be relevant to education, parenting, and local issues that affect families in New York City. Consider discussing recent news, trends, or research in your field, as well as any personal experiences or insights you have gained through your work. Your topic suggestions don't have to be perfectly worded, but it's a plus if they are. If you provide us with an idea of your interests, we can work together to develop specific podcast topics and names.

Prepare Questions

Optionally, consider compiling a list of common questions that parents ask you or questions you'd like the host to ask you about the topics you're pitching. This will help facilitate a more engaging and informative podcast. Think about the concerns and challenges that NYC parents typically face, and how your expertise can address those issues. By anticipating their questions, you can better prepare your responses and ensure that your conversation is both informative and engaging.

Tech Considerations

While we don't expect studio-quality sound, we do strive to maintain a minimum level of audio quality for our listeners. As such, we have a few requirements:

• No webcam audio.
• You must have a dedicated microphone, preferably with noise-canceling capabilities. This will help to ensure that your voice is clear and free of background noise.
• Earphones or a headset are mandatory to prevent audio feedback. Choose a comfortable pair that won't cause discomfort during the recording session.
• You will need a way to record audio locally, such as using your phone, a digital audio recorder, or recording software on your computer. This ensures that we have a high-quality backup of the audio, should any issues arise with the Zoom recording.

For detailed guidance on setting up your audio, please refer to our separate page: Podcast Audio Setup for The BMT Podcast.

Recording Considerations

In addition to the above steps, we recommend the following recording considerations to ensure a high-quality podcast experience:

• Minimize environmental noise (e.g., TV, music, kitchen sounds, vocal pets or people, traffic). Choose a quiet location for recording, and let those around you know that you'll need silence during the session.
• Ensure a stable Wi-Fi connection or use an Ethernet cable for better reliability. This helps to prevent audio dropouts, stuttering, or other connectivity issues that can disrupt the flow of the conversation.
• Set up a clutter-free, professional-looking background to avoid distractions. Ensure that your recording space looks tidy and organized, as this reflects well on both you and the podcast.
• Optimize lighting by avoiding backlight and using defuse light sources, such as an open window or an LED light panel. Good lighting helps to create a visually appealing video for any accompanying visuals, and also helps to make you look your best on camera.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared for your appearance on The BMT Podcast, and welook forward to having an insightful and engaging conversation with you. Your preparation will not only make the recording process smoother but also ensure that our listeners get the most value from your expertise and experience. Thank you for your collaboration, and we're excited to have you as a guest on The BMT Podcast.