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The Tech Side of Things is a podcast that explores how technology shapes the media industry and impacts our daily lives. Each episode focuses on a specific technical system that operates behind the scenes of the content we consume, aiming to make complex concepts accessible, engaging, and relevant for a younger audience. The pilot episode focuses on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), explaining how they distribute content efficiently across major streaming platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, why companies rely on them, and the advantages and limitations of this technology. The podcast is aimed at a 16–25-year-old audience, particularly those interested in technology or media careers, and seeks to demystify technical systems by connecting them to real-world applications.
About the Project
This project required me to create a complete podcast pilot that balanced education and engagement. The format combined professional presentation, clear explanations, and an approachable tone to ensure that technical concepts were understandable without being overly simplified. By choosing CDNs as the pilot topic, I connected the content to platforms the audience already interacts with daily, making the subject immediately relevant and compelling. The project was designed for distribution on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, requiring attention to both audio quality and overall listening experience.
My Roles
I was responsible for every aspect of production on this project, including researching and scripting the episode, setting up and operating recording equipment, monitoring audio, and performing post-production editing. I carefully balanced technical execution with content delivery, ensuring that both the sound quality and the clarity of the information met professional standards. This combination of technical and creative responsibilities allowed me to manage the project from concept to final export, demonstrating my ability to handle end-to-end podcast production independently.
Production Process
Pre-production involved extensive planning and research. I developed a full script for the episode, created schedules, risk assessments, and call sheets, and studied existing technology podcasts to identify effective presentation styles. This preparation ensured that the pilot was structured logically, with accurate and accessible explanations. The recording took place in a soundproof TV studio gallery, chosen for its quiet environment that significantly reduced background noise and echo. I tested multiple recording options before settling on the Zoom H6 with an XLR condenser microphone, which provided the highest-quality uncompressed audio. During recording, I carefully positioned the microphone to maintain clear and consistent sound, paying attention to phrasing, pacing, and vocal delivery. Multiple retakes were necessary to ensure clarity and professionalism, and all technical monitoring, including sound levels, was handled simultaneously. Post-production was completed in Adobe Audition, where I edited for clarity, removed mistakes, balanced audio levels through normalisation, and added music and sound effects to enhance engagement without distracting from the content. File management was meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth workflow, and the final export was delivered as a high-quality WAV file suitable for streaming platforms.
Technical Setup & Locations
The pilot episode was recorded in a soundproof TV studio gallery, chosen for its quiet environment that reduced background noise and echoes while providing a controlled space for audio capture. Audio was recorded using a high-quality condenser microphone connected to a Zoom H6 recorder, allowing for uncompressed WAV recording and XLR input for professional clarity. Headphones were used to monitor sound levels and ensure consistent audio quality throughout the session. The studio setup allowed for a stable, seated recording environment with careful attention to microphone positioning and room acoustics. Lighting was minimal, focusing on comfort and visibility rather than cinematic effect, since the primary focus was on audio production. The recording environment, combined with professional equipment, ensured that the final podcast maintained a high standard suitable for streaming platforms.
Reflection
This project taught me the importance of pre-production planning, technical preparation, and adaptability during recording. While the scripted approach ensured accuracy, I identified that future episodes could benefit from a semi-scripted format to achieve a more natural, conversational tone. The experience improved my skills in microphone technique, audio editing, and clear communication of complex technical concepts. It also reinforced the importance of workflow organisation, attention to detail, and iterative problem-solving when managing a project independently.
Client Feedback
The feedback from the client highlighted the professionalism, clarity, and engaging quality of the podcast. They praised the way complex technical concepts were explained in a way that was accessible and relevant to the target audience, noting that the structure, pacing, and audio quality made the episode easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to. The client also appreciated the attention to detail in editing and sound design, which created a polished and professional final product. Overall, they were highly satisfied with how the episode met the brief, effectively educating listeners while maintaining a level of entertainment that encourages continued engagement with the podcast series.
Behind The Scenes
Behind the scenes, production involved careful preparation of the recording space, testing multiple microphones, and adjusting the setup to ensure the best audio quality. I rehearsed delivery, monitored sound in real-time, and made incremental improvements to microphone placement and room acoustics. Throughout the process, I reviewed recordings between takes to make adjustments, ensuring that each element—from vocal clarity to timing, was polished before final editing.
Meet The Team
Bradley Crawt
On this project, I was solely responsible for every aspect of production. I handled research, scripting, presenting, audio recording, and post-production editing. From setting up the recording equipment to monitoring sound quality, refining delivery, and finalising the episode in Adobe Audition, I managed the entire workflow independently. This role required balancing technical expertise with creative decision-making to ensure the podcast was engaging, professional, and suitable for the intended audience.
See the Project in Action
The podcast demonstrates how high-quality audio, professional recording techniques, and clear, structured content come together to engage and educate a target audience. Each element, from microphone placement and sound monitoring to editing and pacing, contributes to an immersive listening experience that makes complex technology accessible and interesting.
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