My first listen felt like a scene straight out of “Rocky.” After three hours of listening to my \u201csh*tty first draft\u201d with my mentor and then my editor, I could have sworn I heard Tony from “Rocky 3” shout from the corner, \u201cThrow in the towel. Throw in the damn towel.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was my first time experiencing a first listen. As an independent podcaster, the only person who listens first, second and third is me. But like the movie, sitting beside experienced professionals is an exercise to make me better for my true opponent, myself. \u00a0Wednesday, by far, was the toughest day. I was required to cut my tape and then cut it again. By eight o\u2019clock that night, I had fully embraced the phrase, \u201ckill your darlings\u201d and by the next morning, what began as 85 minutes of tape was a lean 2:58.<\/p>\n
This entire process is designed to learn, grow and ask questions in a safe space. Expect your critical thinking skills to be sharpened and to develop a discerning ear. It was intense, but also fun. Really fun. The opportunity to engage and to observe a room full of talented people is priceless. It\u2019s a special kind of magic I wish I could bottle up for everyone to experience.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBehind the scenes! The last few days, I\u2019ve been working with Monica Rivera @youwannadowhat podcaster from NYC who was selected for a NPR reporting mentorship program. She\u2019s a true talent and I\u2019m honored she chose my story and organ donation to be her entry for the competition. She\u2019s been interviewing me for the last few days with her KUOW mentor, Ruby de Luna and it\u2019s been so fun! I\u2019m not sure when the story will be out, but I\u2019ll be sure to share it! #nextgenradio #donatelife #lcnw #lifecenternorthwest<\/a><\/p>\n
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