SegCast: a Segway Podcast

[Neelix]

Hey everyone,

I was thinking while riding my Segway this weekend, and realized, hey, I don't know of any Segway podcasts! So, I did a search, and couldn't find any. This surprised me; I thought that there would have been at least one considering the tech-ish nature of the Segway community. Since there aren't, to my knowledge, any Segway podcasts yet, I decided to make my own.

And here it is. The main page for SegCast is at http://segcast.blogspot.com .

The podcast feed is http://feeds.feedburner.com/Segcast and you can use that to subscribe in your podcatching software of choice.

If you would like to subscribe in iTunes, the link to subscribe in iTunes directly is Subscribe via iTunes (itpc://feeds.feedburner.com/Segcast)

Of course, you can always listen by clicking in the link in the blog post on SegCast's site (http://segcast.blogspot.com) , if you don't want to subscribe or don't use podcatching software.

I hope you enjoy!

[wwhopper]

I have recently been listening to podcasts, and a Segway podcast would be great. I know that Jared from Segway of Ohio, did one with Dean Kamen, not sure where it is to access it.

I am hoping we can do one about SegwayfesT 2006 Long Beach

[pipercub]

Well Done!!!

Its wonderful!!

I hope it will last for many years!

Happy gliding!

Juan

[Stewbonz]

What a great job Neelix.
Great voice for radio too.

The South China Morning Post did an interview and podcast a while ago about my Thailand Segway Tour .
Michael Logan, the Tech writer was a regular tour customer of mine.
Never listened though.

[Neelix]

I have recently been listening to podcasts, and a Segway podcast would be great. I know that Jared from Segway of Ohio, did one with Dean Kamen, not sure where it is to access it.

I am hoping we can do one about SegwayfesT 2006 Long Beach

Will, if people enjoy SegCast and want more (I don't want this to be a waste of time for me, with no listeners), I will definently be covering Segway Fest.

[yosgof]

Neelix,

Very nice initiative!

What stuff are you going to focus on?

[SegwayUtah]

What a cool idea.

Downloading SegCast...

Chris

[SegwayUtah]

Update: okay, I just downloaded the SegCast. Chris--you did a good job as a commentator. I'm looking forward to the next episode!

[SegwayDan]

Chris, very well done on your first SegCast!

You have a great radio voice. Just curious, twenties? thirties?

Love the logo. Nice touch.

Seg sound effects are good, as is the music. And the overall sound quality is good. Good volume and clear.

I think a Segway podcast is a great idea as it complements what's already out there: Segway, Inc. site, SegwayChat, RedKey, SegAmerica, SegFest, etc. A podcast is a great new medium with its own qualities and features. It's valuable to hear a live person put across not only information, but his or her own emotions about the subject matter they're talking about.

A few points of constructive criticism:

Lip smack. It happens several times throughout. You may want to practice not doing it, or at least edit it out.

Background music. I think it would be good to have it at the beginning and end, but fade it out for the body of your show.

Reading from a prompter or script? Though this may smooth out with practice, I like it when the announcer just talks. That's not good, either, when they then ramble on, but I think your show would be even better once you somehow relax more--either read more fluidly, or perhaps rehearse a little beforehand. Right now, you're coming across a little tense or forced.

How about telephone or studio interviews with people? I think it's great, for example, to get a better perception of who we (Segway gliders) all are. And to hear people's voices would greatly aid in that. It was interesting, to hear--and see--Jonathan Gleich on his recent TV news feature. Of course, Segway celebrities such as Dean Kamen and other Segway, Inc staff would be great to hear from, too. I should think that many of them would be willing to be interviewed over the phone, perhaps in coordination with their PR/Marketing depts.

Covering SegFest for those of us who can't attend would be wonderful, too.

Perhaps, to at least somewhat cover your costs, you could get a sponsor or two, too. Maybe start out cheap to encourage a couple to get on the band wagon. I'd personally just like to hear how the various dealerships are doing: what kinds of promotional actions they're doing, noteable customers such as corporate, law enforcement, individuals with or without mobility situations, etc.

Make your podcast a channel for their press realeases, too.

I'd also like to hear about group glides and other activities Seg owners have or a telephone or studio interview with plomoh about his trek down the California coast.

Hey, lot's of possibities, huh? Carry on! You're doing great!

[florin]

Hi Chris,

It's a great podcast, definetly for a first try.

I sended you a e-mail to see the possibilities to help out (when I will have my apple).

[Neelix]

Chris, very well done on your first SegCast!

You have a great radio voice. Just curious, twenties? thirties?

Neither. I'm 17.5

Love the logo. Nice touch.

I love the logo too. Thanks again go to Derek Hugger for providing that for me.

A few points of constructive criticism:

Lip smack. It happens several times throughout. You may want to practice not doing it, or at least edit it out.

Yeah, I actually edited a whole lot out. My problem is that my previous podcast experience (I did a weekly show for my school when we were in session) has been hosting with other people, and you can think about what you're going to say while someone else is talking. When you're on your own, your little "I'm thinking" habits come out, like lip smacking, uhhs, and whatnot.

Background music. I think it would be good to have it at the beginning and end, but fade it out for the body of your show.

I think that this one is more of a personal preference thing. I've done shows with no music in the background before, and I feel that they lose a bit of professionalism without music.

Reading from a prompter or script? Though this may smooth out with practice, I like it when the announcer just talks. That's not good, either, when they then ramble on, but I think your show would be even better once you somehow relax more--either read more fluidly, or perhaps rehearse a little beforehand. Right now, you're coming across a little tense or forced.

Yes, like I said, it was really my first time podcasting alone. I was running off of a rough outline and was trying to hit all the points that I had put down. I'll practice.

How about telephone or studio interviews with people? I think it's great, for example, to get a better perception of who we (Segway gliders) all are. And to hear people's voices would greatly aid in that. It was interesting, to hear--and see--Jonathan Gleich on his recent TV news feature. Of course, Segway celebrities such as Dean Kamen and other Segway, Inc staff would be great to hear from, too. I should think that many of them would be willing to be interviewed over the phone, perhaps in coordination with their PR/Marketing depts.

Covering SegFest for those of us who can't attend would be wonderful, too.

Both of these are definitely, 100% planned, from the very beginning.

Perhaps, to at least somewhat cover your costs, you could get a sponsor or two, too. Maybe start out cheap to encourage a couple to get on the band wagon. I'd personally just like to hear how the various dealerships are doing: what kinds of promotional actions they're doing, noteable customers such as corporate, law enforcement, individuals with or without mobility situations, etc.

Make your podcast a channel for their press realeases, too.

This is a possibility but wasn't part of the plan. It would only really be a good idea if I have large listenership, which I obviously hope to have but time will tell.

I'd also like to hear about group glides and other activities Seg owners have or a telephone or studio interview with plomoh about his trek down the California coast.

Absolutely. This is another thing that I wanted to do from the first second I thought of the idea. The first episode here was basically just to get the groundwork laid for a bigger project, and much more content is on the way.

Hey, lot's of possibities, huh? Carry on! You're doing great!

Thanks a lot for all the feedback!

[JaredHT]

As Will mentioned, Dean was kind enough to talk with me for a podcast a while back. However, with my second store running full-tilt, I didn't have time to dedicate to SegCast. However, the site, and that interview is now in hands of someone who will be able to see it through to completion...and I think he'll do a great job.

[Neelix]

SegCast has just gotten added to iTunes' podcast directory. Here's a link to the page where you can subscribe, write a review, and see all of the episode's within the iTunes interface.
SegCast's page on iTunes (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=160937420)

[mondaylover]

Hello Neelix

Just listened to your podcast and thought it was great. I agree - great radio voice! I hope we all start using this and leaving stories, tips, ideas and news, etc. Well done sir!

Dean

[wwhopper]

Nelix - What a great addition to the community!

Keep up the good work!

[skydiver]

Great job on the podcast!

[Stewbonz]

"Neither. I'm 17.5"

Only 17.5 Neelix?
I met you 3 years ago, you were 6'4" and 220. And you were only 15?
You must be bigger than Hulk Hogan by now!

I forgot to mention, great face for radio too.

[macgeek]

Good job, I love that theme music AND I got a good laugh at the shutdown at the end, you need to set up skype interviews with segway personalities, get a news from the factory going, man, alot of things we segchatters would love to hear!!

Here are some show suggestions;

Segamerica - Segfest update
Segamerica - live from a conferance call
meet the segway personality; the people behind chat
fireside chat with pam / frank / john grohol?? the people behind the curtain
meet chris johnson - behind the red key
who are these pimp guys anyway? ;)

interviews with stan, joanne, itsi (???!?)

Jonathan

[fredkap]

Chris, everyone is correct that you have a great radio voice and you put together a great program. You are the official podcaster to SegwayFest Long Beach!!!

-Fred

[KSagal]

Great Job, Chris!

Kudos!

[Neelix]

"Neither. I'm 17.5"

Only 17.5 Neelix?
I met you 3 years ago, you were 6'4" and 220. And you were only 15?
You must be bigger than Hulk Hogan by now!

I forgot to mention, great face for radio too.
Why thank you! I always knew that one day my attractive appearance would be put to good use. It wouldn't even matter if my content sucked, people'd still listen just for handsome visage! ;-)

[SegwayDan]

I think that this one is more of a personal preference thing. I've done shows with no music in the background before, and I feel that they lose a bit of professionalism without music.

Your love for the craft is most apparent, and I'm sure you've learned much already from doing your weekly show at school. But as much a role personal preference plays in what you do and how you do it, so does COMMUNICATING with your audience. That's the proverbial two-way street.

Art is nothing without two-way communication. Professionalism is not only presenting yourself well, it's also considering carefully what the audience expects, and what they need and want. They most likely want to hear what you have to say, but if that message doesn't come through clearly, or if there are distractions--if EVERY part of your presentation doesn't fit together and contribute to that communication, then you're detracting from that professionalism, despite your best intentions.

I'm just casting my vote as one of your audience for less background music. In this first SegCast, at least, I found it distracting. But having said that, you might do well to survey your audience in order find out just what is the majority opinion. I may very well be in the minority.

Maintain that two-way communication with your audience at all costs, and you'll be a raving success. You'll have a huge audience, advertisers beating down your door, and your work will not only sustain you, it'll be some of the best fun you'll ever have.

[Desert_Seg]

I'm just casting my vote as one of your audience for less background music. In this first SegCast, at least, I found it distracting. But having said that, you might do well to survey your audience in order find out just what is the majority opinion. I may very well be in the minority.

The music did not bother me in the least and I was paying close attention to it as I had read SegwayDan's post before I listened to the PodCast.

My vote....the music is great background noise but do what you think is best.

How's that for a non-vote?

Steven

[florin]

I fully agree with Steven. It didn't bothered me at all.

[Neelix]

I shall try the next one without music, and see what people like better.

[Gihgehls]

I shall try the next one without music, and see what people like better.

Good job on the first show, Neelix! I am in the 'less background music' camp. I feel keeping the music going on in the background makes it feel less like a real show, and more like a syndicated clip that you might here in another show. I'm reminded of short quips on NPR where they would leave the music on, vs a commercial show such as Rush Limbaugh. Starting with music is great, but when you get to the meat of the show the music needs to die down, else it feels as if the whole show is just a really drawn out, long introduction.

[Kramer]

Great job Neelix - looking forward to listening to episode 0002!
Background music is perfect.

Cheers
Kramer

[Timezkware Tim]

Great job, Neelix. Really enjoyed it. The music's OK too.

Tim

[zzcarolyn]

Awesome job, Chris! Looking forward to future episodes. Love the music, but I think I'd like it better as just the intro and at the end.

Carolyn

[Sal]

Chris that's great! Now I have one more Podcast to catch up on! LOL

I also subscribed to your XML feed so please do keep your blog updated as well!

-Sal

[slide4less]

Give me a call thanks Steve Steinberg Segway Of oakland 510 414-8429

[skydiver]

It was fun Gliding while listening to Segcast #2.
:D

[Neelix]

Hey everyone, just wanted to let you all know that Episode 3 is live and online!

So head on over to http://segcast.blogspot.com to listen, if you're not subscribed!

[Stewbonz]

Neelix.
I'm not just being a "sweet mouth".
You sound like a real Pro.

[SegwayDan]

Thanks a lot, Chris, for taking out the background music. As you did episodes 2 and 3, they sound MUCH more professional, and I really like your sound effects at beginning, end, and between segments.

More of your personality is coming out now that you're more relaxed. You definitely have a professional-quality voice. Hell, you could be the Paul Harvey of gliding!! Break a leg!

[florin]

Hi Chris,

Can you share the audio parts with us, I would like to use them on my mobile phone as ringtone and alert sounds.

[Neelix]

Neelix.
I'm not just being a "sweet mouth".
You sound like a real Pro.

Thanks a lot, Chris, for taking out the background music. As you did episodes 2 and 3, they sound MUCH more professional, and I really like your sound effects at beginning, end, and between segments.

More of your personality is coming out now that you're more relaxed. You definitely have a professional-quality voice. Hell, you could be the Paul Harvey of gliding!! Break a leg!


Thank you very much, I truly appreciate the kind words and kind critiques. Even though I have no idea who Paul Harvey is. *grin*

I really do want to go into television/radio broadcasting, and every bit of feedback I get will help me accomplish that dream. I used to think that I wanted to go into science and engineering, but as I've explored various options and followed what people have encouraged me in I've come to love the whole experience of content creation.

[Neelix]

Hi Chris,

Can you share the audio parts with us, I would like to use them on my mobile phone as ringtone and alert sounds.

I'm going to have to get back to you on that one as the theme has been graciously provided by Derek Hugger and Dan Holbrook, so I have to check with them first.

Be sure to check out their fantastic video featuring the song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWEnK12Yeis&search=harmonic%20balance

[Neelix]

Hey everyone!

I've got a new episode of SegCast out today.

Check it out at http://segcast.blogspot.com/2006/07/segcast-episode-004.html

Enjoy!

[GyroGo]

Hey everyone!

I've got a new episode of SegCast out today.

Check it out at http://segcast.blogspot.com/2006/07/segcast-episode-004.html

Enjoy!
I just finally listened to the first 3 yesterday!

Nice job, Chris (and a reputation click too)

[GyroGo]

(and a reputation click too)

And I just bumped you ahead of me in rep pts. Oooops, darn... errr, I mean, good job, well deserved. :D

[polo_pro]

I haven't seen much activity in the podcasts lately. Are some planned for segfest? I'm not sure if Chris is coming down to Long Beach this weekend or not.

[florin]

Hi Plomoh,

I don't know if Chris is coming to Long Beach. I'm having plans to make a small website at my own domain where everyone can see my stories/picture/videos/etc.

I will place another post here when it's online.

[pam]

Chris is here, but it will be great to have more than one "caster" -
Pam

[Neelix]

Hey, Pam, how come I haven't seen you yet?!

[florin]

Don't worry Chris, Your not the only one that haven't seen Pam yet :(

[pam]

You didn't see me because you were busy talking to Richard Griffin in the parking lot!!! :) I'm sure I'll see you all today! Maybe even some at breakfast in a few minutes.

Pam

[florin]

For those who are interrested, check out: http://www.florin-webdesign.nl/segwayfest06/Welcome.html