Episodios

  • Simplify Your Podcast Production with a Show Map - EP 105
    Nov 17 2025

    How can a solid structure make your podcast process easier? Your podcast starts with a great idea—a topic that fires you up, that you can passionately go on about at length. That's a great place to begin a show, but without some structure, producing episode after episode can become tedious and stressful. That's why Mary advocates for building a show map. Think of it as Google Maps directions that help guide both you and your listener on a journey that's just predictable enough to make it feel comfortable and familiar.

    If the thought of "structure" makes you think of strict rules for every episode, think again! Mary explains how to create a show map that guides you from intro to outro with lots of wiggle room and just enough direction to prevent decision fatigue. You'll keep your options open and speak with confidence because you know just where you need to go. With tips for identifying your existing structure and drawing on the expertise (or mistakes) of other shows, this episode is a must-listen for new and established podcast hosts alike.

    Map out your show to simplify your process:

    • Find your flow by setting some gentle boundaries for your podcast;
    • Use the structure you already have to fine-tune your show map;
    • Experiment to discover new components that keep it entertaining, for you and your listener.

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Episode 104, "The Perks of Being (or Having) a Co-Host with Darren Dukes and Jamie Weiss" - https://www.organizedsound.ca/the-perks-of-being-or-having-a-co-host-with-darren-dukes-and-jamie-weiss-episode-104/
    • Episode 60, "Planning, Structure, and Mindset Before You Hit Record: a Sample Workflow for Recording Your Episodes" - https://www.organizedsound.ca/planning-structure-and-mindset-before-you-hit-record-a-sample-workflow-for-recording-your-episodes-episode-60/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
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    17 m
  • The Perks of Being (or Having) a Co-Host with Darren Dukes and Jamie Weiss - EP 104
    Nov 3 2025

    How do you find the perfect podcast host to share airtime with? If a podcast is your passion project but you don't have a technical background, an audio-savvy partner could help make your dream a reality. That's what Darren Dukes, a Vancouver Island physiotherapist and running enthusiast, discovered when he convinced fellow runner and former radio broadcaster Jamie Weiss to be his co-host. Darren's vision and Jamie's recording prowess have resulted in a podcast that's drawing in avid runners and jogging-curious listeners alike.

    Darren and Jamie chat with Mary about podcast partnerships, the importance of strong show structure, and the challenges and skill-building opportunities they've already encountered as they forge a new touchpoint for the vibrant West Coast running community.

    Keep your show—and your motivation—running smoothly:

    • The benefits of a local focus: a strong start without limiting your potential for growth;
    • Maintaining positive momentum through feedback;
    • The unexpected wins of shared airtime;
    • How strong audio cues and a consistent structure help your audience keep up.

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Listen to Island Miles Episode 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4jFuseQLPK5ia5KM9jhg4t

    Engage with Jamie and Darren:

    • Follow Island Miles on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandmilespodcast/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
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    44 m
  • How to Handle Listener Feedback - EP 103
    Oct 20 2025

    What's the worst piece of feedback you've received about your podcast? We all have one—that cringe-inducing review or comment that fires up our impostor syndrome. The one that makes us question our hosting skills, our topic selection, and our whole show. And yet, feedback, even the negative kind, doesn't have to get you down.

    In this episode, Mary takes on trolls and seasoned listeners alike to suggest a very different relationship between host and reviewer: one of thoughtful collaboration. Find out how to filter and process your feedback in a way that improves its production value and boosts your confidence—in your show and your unique voice.

    Convert your podcast comments into actionable intel:

    • The track-and-tag system that helps you make the most of your feedback;
    • Why email feedback is the cream of the crop;
    • The real impact of platform reviews and ratings;
    • Why new shows shouldn't ask for reviews.

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Episode 102, How to Keep Fear From Overpowering Your Voice with Kat Stewart and Kevin Ribble: https://www.organizedsound.ca/how-to-keep-fear-from-overpowering-your-voice-with-kat-stewart-and-kevin-ribble-episode-102/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
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    17 m
  • How to Keep Fear From Overpowering Your Voice with Kat Stewart and Kevin Ribble - EP 102
    Oct 6 2025

    What are you afraid of when you're recording your podcast? Training your voice doesn't start with what comes out of your mouth—it starts with what's going on in your head. Mary learned this 25 years ago from her radio school instructors, Kat Stewart and Kevin Ribble. In this episode, her former teachers take the mic to talk about finding your charisma and confidence as a podcaster and the vocal impact of fear and judgment.

    Kat and Kevin want to make the world a better place, one confident, impactful podcast host at a time. Their insights stem from decades of experience and will have you reflecting on your podcast's ability to inspire change.

    It's time to go back to school and learn:

    • Why dealing with your fear of death is an essential foundation of voice work;
    • The impact of tension and the nervous system on how you sound;
    • Why you should channel your bestie when you're recording;
    • The power of podcasting to make a difference in the world.

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Episode 50, Stop Thinking About Yourself: https://www.organizedsound.ca/stop-thinking-about-yourself-episode-50/

    Engage with Kat and Kevin:

    • Listen to Ignite My Voice; Becoming Unstoppable at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ignite-my-voice-becoming-unstoppable/id1827041495
    • Connect with Kat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-stewart-77155316/
    • Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-ribble/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
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    38 m
  • Voice Prep for a Personality-Driven Podcast That Pops - EP 101
    Sep 22 2025

    How do you make your personality shine through as soon as you hit record? The podcast world is always evolving—that's what happens when a baby industry grows up! For better or worse, audio-first media is changing constantly, and the latest shift involves Amazon's decision to shut down the Wondery podcast studio. This kicks off a move away from those shows heavy on the music, sound effects, and research, toward more personality-driven podcasts. Like yours!

    This is great news, because that special kind of pod that people tune in to for the host (which recent research shows is the listener's favourite part) will get more space on their app. It also means you'll have to work even harder to make sure your on-air personality is unique and your show stands out from the crowd. With that in mind, Mary shares three tips for getting your voice ready to resonate.

    Get your #1 instrument prepped to steal the show:

    • Why you need to settle into your current state of mind before you start;
    • What your warmup should include, beyond lip trills and humming.
    • The memory trick that'll let you hit record with confidence.

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Read Sounds Profitable's The Podcast Landscape 2025 report: https://soundsprofitable.com/article/maturity-growth-next/
    • Learn more about PodSummit 2025 YYC: https://www.podsummit.com/
    • Listen to Episode 100, Finding Joy in the Serious Work of Podcasting: https://www.organizedsound.ca/finding-joy-in-the-serious-work-of-podcasting-episode-100/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.
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    12 m
  • Finding Joy in the Serious Work of Podcasting - EP 100
    Jun 30 2025
    How can reflecting on your podcast journey spark delight in your success? The process of podcasting is serious business. You have to be laser-focused on all the pieces of the spiral—from brainstorming topics to marketing the published episode to starting the next one—and sometimes the subject matter gets dark, especially in the daunting uncertainty of our modern world. But at the end of the day, if you don't enjoy what you're creating, the overwhelm that will come up eventually is going to keep you from coming back. That's why Mary is dedicating her 100th episode (woo-hoo!) to reflecting on the genuine joy of podcasting and inspiring you to do the same. It's time, once again, to check in with that big, overarching Why. Turn up the gratitude for all the opportunities your show has afforded you, the connections you've cultivated, and the support of the people who listen in. Let this episode be your reminder to take the time—look back, laugh out loud, and bask a bit in the joy of your creation. Consider the journey so far with storytelling and reflection prompts: Where to look for joy when you're tempted to back-burner your showThe benefits and unexpected bonus points of having a podcastA guided walk down memory lane to see how far you've come Links worth mentioning from the episode: Episode 69, Intangible Values of a Podcast: What It Means For Stats, Metrics, and Monetization: https://www.organizedsound.ca/intangible-values-of-a-podcast-what-it-means-for-stats-metrics-and-monetization-episode-69Episode 95, Generative AI: Understanding the Future of Podcasting with Amanda Cupido: https://www.organizedsound.ca/generative-ai-understanding-the-future-of-podcasting-with-amanda-cupido-episode-95/ Connect with Mary! Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.comGet the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.comRead up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletterTo learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.caLink up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions Show Credits: Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound ProductionsShow notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words StudioPost-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VAPodcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. Transcript with Audio Description: [MUSIC IN - GHOSTHOOD FEATURING SARA AZRIEL "LET'S GO" BEGINS] MARY: Podcasting is serious work. Sure, most of the time we're just having a conversation with someone or hearing stories, and yet when it comes to the making of podcasts, you know, the tasks that take you from an idea to actually publishing the episode, right, the recording, the editing, and then the promoting when it's all done, it's not always rainbows and unicorns. And even in some cases where podcasts are talking about very serious topics, I've worked on episodes that talk about food insecurity, war torn countries, child abuse, trauma, relationship issues, there still can be joy, when you're talking about serious issues and creating your show. The light and the joy that actually comes from sometimes being in these really dark spaces can brighten even more. I mean, to the lack of a whole cliche thing, you really need to be in the dark and to be in that seriousness, to really enjoy and know what it means to be appreciative of being in that light. So, podcasting is serious work. But like I always say, podcasting is meant to be fun. So as we celebrate 100 episodes of this very show, I want us both to reflect on how much work podcasting really is. Through the struggle to complete and publish episodes. That struggle is real, and yet how there's actually so much joy that it can bring. Podcasting is serious work, yes, but it's also fun. So, this is episode number 100, oh yeah! On the Podcaster's Guide to a Visible Voice. << WOMAN SINGS: So so so so let's go >> Here we are, episode number 100. This is where you throw that, bah bah bah bah [HORN NOISE MADE WITH VOICE], celebrating horns confetti, right? [MUSIC ENDS] I don't know. I'm not usually that type of a person. And numbers are just numbers. I mean, yes, 100 is a milestone, but I decided for this episode that I just want to be very grateful. Grateful that I've created this many episodes for this particular show, but that you are here with me today and finding a bit of joy in whatever you've been up to so far and also by choosing to listen to this episode. So, first of all, thank you. Thank you for being here. [MUSIC IN] As I said on the top of the show, creating a podcast is not easy. And if you have a detailed checklist like I do, you can also see how much work it actually takes to get from idea to publish and even more ...
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    22 m
  • Canadian Identity in the Indie Podcasting Ecosystem with Kattie Laur - EP 99
    Jun 16 2025

    What differentiates Canadian podcasters from their American counterparts, eh? If you think about the first podcast that comes to mind, there's a pretty good chance it's American. That's because podcasting tends to feel—and in many ways actually is—pretty U.S.-centric. But that certainly doesn't mean there aren't a ton of fantastic, groundbreaking Canadian podcasters in the industry.

    From the struggle to identify Canada-specific resources to the future of marketing metrics, join Mary for a must-listen episode for every podcaster seeking to set their show apart. Listen to fellow Canuck Kattie Laur as they dig into all things Canadiana and pods. Kattie is an award-winning podcast producer and the editor of Pod the North, a popular newsletter that keeps subscribers in the know about everything happening in our country's podcast ecosystem.

    Kattie takes a refreshingly optimistic perspective on creating and marketing shows in Canada. She and Mary explore the unique Canadian culture built around celebrating difference and how traits like this truly set them apart from American showmakers.

    Make your podcast stand out, in Canada and beyond. Find out:

    • What makes Canadian podcasters unique
    • Why it's so hard to make a living as a podcast creator in this country
    • How to share the Canadian perspective in our podcasts without overdoing it
    • How to facilitate community interaction as an indie podcaster

    Links worth mentioning from the episode:

    • Bumper: "Spotify Plays are One More Nail in the Download's Coffin" - https://wearebumper.com/blog/spotify-plays-are-one-more-nail-in-the-downloads-coffin
    • Hear more about the podcast monetizing landscape in Episode 97, Embrace Curiosity to Grow a Vibrant Podcast Community with Chidinma Azubuike - https://www.organizedsound.ca/embrace-curiosity-to-grow-a-vibrant-podcast-community-with-chidinma-azubuike-episode-97/
    • Meet Mary at PodSummit YYC 2025 - https://www.podsummit.com/speakers25

    Engage with Kattie:

    • Learn more about her projects and services - https://www.kattielaur.com/
    • Listen to the Canardian podcast - https://www.kattielaur.com/canardian
    • Subscribe to the Pod the North newsletter - https://podthenorth.substack.com/

    Connect with Mary!

    • Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.com
    • Get the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com
    • Read up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletter
    • To learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca
    • Link up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
    • Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions

    Show Credits:

    • Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions
    • Show notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words Studio
    • Post-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VA
    • Podcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co.

    Transcript with Audio Description:


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    47 m
  • Improve Your Interviews With Open-Ended Questions - EP 98
    Jun 2 2025
    What kinds of questions do you ask your podcast guests? The most engaging podcast episodes—the ones that make for the best conversations and the best listening—are the ones that contain great stories. As the host, you're always aiming to draw all those details and deep disclosures from your guest. So why does getting the full picture sometimes feel like pulling teeth? Mary recently taught her nine-year-old daughter how asking more specific questions will get her the answers she wants, and that conversation prompted this episode's exploration. An open-ended question—the kind that requires a more thorough answer than "yes," "no," or some other short word or phrase—is always going to elicit a stronger response. In return, you as the host don't have to work as hard; your guest's fascinating story, the whole reason they're chatting with you, stands a much better chance of tumbling out of them with the passion every podcaster (and podcast listener) is looking for. Ask yourself these impactful interview-question questions: What are the best W5 question prompts to ask in your interview?How can you utilize storytelling statements to deliver more engaging episodes?What should you look for in past episodes to start asking better questions in the future? Links worth mentioning from the episode: Episode 32, "Bad Interviewing Habits" - https://www.organizedsound.ca/bad-interviewing-habits-episode-32/ Connect with Mary! Leave a voice note with your feedback at https://www.speakpipe.com/VisibleVoice or email visiblevoicepodcast@gmail.comGet the full transcript of the episode at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.comRead up on more secrets with the Visible Voice Insights Newsletter https://www.organizedsound.ca/newsletterTo learn more or work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.caLink up on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/Engage on Instagram @OrganizedSoundProductions https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions Show Credits: Podcast audio design, engineering, and editing by Mary Chan of Organized Sound ProductionsShow notes written by Shannon Kirk of Right Words StudioPost-production support by Kristalee Forre of Forre You VAPodcast cover art by Emily Johnston of Artio Design Co. Transcript with Audio Description: [MUSIC IN - GHOSTHOOD FEATURING SARA AZRIEL "LET'S GO" BEGINS] MARY: How do you ask questions? I guess specifically on your podcast, maybe when you do interviews, how are those questions being asked? I know it's still quite a broad question, but have you ever gone back to your episodes, listen to them again to review how you have been asking questions? And if you want to get even more specific, I'm actually talking about open ended questions versus close ended questions. So today I'm going to explore those types of questions with you and show you how open ended questions can make your interviews and your podcast more enjoyable. Not just for you as a host, but maybe as a guest as well if you're on someone else's show, but more importantly for your listener. This episode actually stemmed from my conversation with my daughter. So, you know, lots of real life experience can come onto the podcast as well. And this idea of what it's like to pull stories from someone by asking them the different types of questions. So, how does your curiosity with these open ended questions play a significant role in your interviews? So there you go. The next generation of podcasters, through my daughter, is already teaching me about something that I can share with you on this very podcast. This is episode number 98 on the Podcaster's Guide to a Visible Voice. << WOMAN SINGS: So so so so let's go >> MARY: Hey, welcome to the show. And yeah, things in real life this happens in radio all the time. It's just called show prep. [MUSIC ENDS] What's happening in your life as you go about your day that can help impact what you do on air. So in this case behind the mic on your podcast. And there are some real life situations that go on in my life that go behind the scenes on this podcast which you might not always know about, but this one I'm gonna share very much all the details of how I realized that this conversation that I had with my daughter is, I'm going to translate here on this episode today about open ended questions for you to ask during an interview with your guest. And in fact I talked a lot about bad interviewing habits actually, that was episode 32 if you have not listened to that one. So definitely go back to that episode. It is a great companion to this one. Lots of details there on episode 32, bad interviewing habits. But briefly for this episode, a close ended question essentially closes the conversation very quickly. This type of question will either get a yes or no type of answer and if you don't want to elaborate more, you don't have to. It's really quite the conversation killer. But I know, when people come on a podcast, they're actually here to ...
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    16 m