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Emily Miller's avatar

You'll notice I changed the headline on this post since I sent out the email because I listened to podcasts all day to try to learn and realized I had made a podcast! I thought it needed to have the editing to make it REAL but mine just has the unedited me. I'll progress to professional and get an editor to take out the ums, uhs and make the audio louder. I'm laughing at myself that I thought this was "audio version" and that is the same as podcast.

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Tim Davis's avatar

You did very well! I still like to read info from you. I would keep it short to the point as you did here. Thanks Emily! Tim

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Kennedy's avatar

This is cool for me, as a security guard I can listen and still pay attention at work :)

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Emily Miller's avatar

Perfect! I'm so glad. That is exactly why I thought this option would work.

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Ross Pollack's avatar

I like it! You have a very conversational, easy-going tone and the audio allows us to hear which words and phrases you emphasize. You also employ some pauses very skillfully, which helps keep the listener's attention. And if the ums and uhs are in there, I don't think it makes that much of a difference. If anything, it comes across as more genuine!

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Emily Miller's avatar

thank you so much for all this feedback. I'm relieved that it's okay to do just like this and I can figure out the editing stuff once I get more under my belt. Great!

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PAUL's avatar

I enjoyed the free flow of your audio version. It feels conversational which is so much better than a polished podcast format.

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Emily Miller's avatar

That is such interesting feedback. So I don't have to worry about getting it edited so much (that's why the podcasts sound smooth- the editors take out the "ums" "uhs" etc). So glad I can just be real. Thank you.

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James Heimer's avatar

I listen to podcasts on iHeart Radio, so I don't know if you can post it there or not. I really prefer to read material, rather than listen, since I can either read in detail or browse through the material to the salient points. I find I rarely have time to sit down and listen to 45 minutes of someone talking (I make an exception for Victor Davis Hanson). If a podcast is 15 minutes or less, I am more inclined to listen to it.

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Emily Miller's avatar

Thank you for the feedback. I definitely won't stop writing- that is my strength and passion. But I know some people don't have time to read my longer posts so I hoped it would be helpful for them to have me read it aloud so they can listen at work, driving etc. The audio is 20 min. I will stick to that time frame.

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WitchDoktor's avatar

Love. Seriously. I can see this perhaps being a way to go into more/different detail about what you've written, kind of like a commentary track on a DVD.

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Emily Miller's avatar

You made me smile! I am relieved you like it and think this is a good added feature. And I love that concept - the commentary track to the DVD. I can be myself more in a podcast than in writing.

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Shawn Hoyle's avatar

Hi Emily! I have been a fan since you began your Emily Gets Her Gun series @ WT. My son's picture is also in your book. I mostly follow your 2A coverage, but being suspicious of the government, I've been really interested in your coverage of the Rona. The podcast was great! It wasn't perfect, but listening/watching people trying to be perfect on radio/TV hurts. You're easy to understand and follow and the little ums & ahhs make it real. I can tell you really care about your readers (listeners). Empathy is our greatest lack in America right now and the Federal government is the primary cause. I hope you podcast all of your stories.

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Emily Miller's avatar

You're so so kind! I love to know your son is in my book. That's so cool. And I never thought I would be this interested in science/health, but, like you said, it's the government overreach into our individual rights that is so similar to why I originally got interested in getting a gun in DC. Thanks for sticking with me through the different topics. I'll always go back to 2A because I know more about it than anything else.

You could hear how I've been agonizing over writing about COVID but also worry about my readers who are older or have underlying conditions. I want everyone to stay healthy. I will stick to this podcast thing now.

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Randy's avatar

Yes, I do like it. I think it should be an occasional thing, I know it takes extra time, but it really is a nice alternative. The sound is perfect, and of course as I would expect from you, it is very clear and easy to understand. As John pointed out, the picture was a nice feature as well.

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Emily Miller's avatar

Thank you so much for this feedback. Actually it really only took the 20 minutes that is recorded. Substack makes it really easy so just hit record and that's it! BUT it took six months of worrying about it and then 2 weeks of figuring out how to use a microphone and record on my computer. ha! But now I've got it down so I can do them quickly.

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John Derek Ginsberg's avatar

I gave it a partial listen. The audio comes through nicely. From what I heard, your reading tone is clear, and your voice comes through very well with the words enunciated well. BTW, my CVS COVID 19 swab came in negative. BWH tomorrow morning for cross check. And also, the picture attached to this post is very nicely done. Looking very lovely.

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Emily Miller's avatar

WHEW. Thank you for telling me. Very relieved. Let me know about tomorrow. Do you prefer reading instead of podcast?

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John Derek Ginsberg's avatar

Thank you Ms Emily. Reading for me is quick. I'm trained to read fast. However, audio does have uses.

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John Derek Ginsberg's avatar

BWH swab 30 Aug 2021... negative for COVID 19. Still have to provide samples as directed until study tells me to halt. Samples done from home. Not quarantined

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Michael's avatar

Thank you Emily. Very informative! The Agency lost a gem in you.

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Arun Sudama's avatar

I just listened, my first thought is I’m listening to a well versed friend. Someone who’s insights I trust. Your podcast is relatable and very easy to follow along. The sidebars were not too many. The pacing is good and I would not worry about the ‘Ahs’ and ‘ums’. I believe it’s inline with other public speakers who are speaking extemporaneously. Lastly, it’s good to encourage people to research on their own, draw their own conclusions. The 20ish minutes went quickly.

The one concern is your intended audience. I’d image that your base readership is made of like minded folks, people who seek the I intelligence you provide ( remember, for me, it’s not just your writing, but you also provide sources and data). We already believe in the value of your work. ( Speaking of your work, I just finished’Emily Gets Her Gun’… loved it!!)

How does the podcast capture the scared vaccinated or learned helpless people?

I say again ‘thank you’ I often vindicated in knowing my natural inclinations are inline with you and so many of my fellow subscribers.

-Arun.

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Emily Miller's avatar

I've read this over a few times. I appreciate every aspect of your feedback and encouragement! I think that the way to capture the audience of people who disagree with me -- which is challenging because people tend to only listen or read from those they agree with to get more facts, not opposing views - but I would figure out the technology to invite on guests to offer counter views from mine.

I'm so glad you liked my book! Isn't it amazing that all the gun control facts and stats and battles are exactly the same ten years later? I dont know any other public issue that just keeps going round and round like it.

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