Editing Is a Form of Love
Guitarists tune because they care. Podcasters need to edit the same way.
I have a love-hate relationship with podcast editing.
The excitement of recording has worn off, and the excitement of publishing hasn't kicked in yet. In between, editing is the part where you spin straw into gold. It’s detail-oriented work, which can be tiring. Still, editing mindfully shows your audience that you care enough about them to craft an enjoyable listening experience.
The other night, I listened to one of my favorite sleep podcasts and noticed the volume leveling in the mix was different. The music volume ducked under the introductory dialogue, but not low enough. As a result, the host’s dialogue wasn't as distinct as usual. My sleep podcast experience turned stressful. 😬
I get it: mistakes happen. This podcast has fewer than a dozen episodes, and it feels as though they’re just far enough along on their podcasting journey to become complacent with their editing. It feels like they served me the soup I ordered, but forgot the spoon.🥄 Since I’ve enjoyed their previous episodes, I waited for the music to end and let it go. New audiences might not be as patient.
Like I said earlier, editing pulls me in different directions. I hate editing because all I can hear are the mistakes I’ve made. But I love editing because I learn something new every time. I can take something I’ve made and make it easier for the audience to enjoy. And I can objectively observe my work and learn where I have room for improvement. 🧗
Editing can seem like a chore. You’re alone with your raw audio, listening to all of it; the good, the bad, and the clumsy. In the moment, it can feel unrewarding. But the editing process helps you make your message more enjoyable. Think of it like sharpening a blade, or checking your bike’s tire pressure. When you edit mindfully, you demonstrate to your listeners that you care enough about them and the show’s topic to present your podcast in a way that clarifies your information and inspires your audience.🛠️