This episode is a discussion between Dr. Larry Anderson, host of Think Like A Leader podcast, and Jeff Sewell, audio engineer and owner of Sewell & Associates.

After a general introduction in the previous episode, Larry and Jeff discuss the basics of setting up a podcasting studio. We use as a starting point, some information of choosing a microphone. Then, we talk about other equipment necessary for a beginning podcast studio. We describe settings on our mixer, then talk more in detail about how mixers can impact the quality of the podcast.

Future sessions will delve more in depth with these issues, then get into a broader expanse of what you need in your podcast "gig bag."

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

In this episode, I interview Jeff Sewell, owner of Sewell & Associates -- audio/multimedia engineering firm -- to set the stage for upcoming episodes when we explore various techniques for becoming a better podcaster.

I asked Jeff to give some background on his experiences in sound engineering, so you could learn what talents he brings to the table and how he might be able to help us all. Jeff's experience covers many years of working with professional musicians, artists, and entertainers; thus, he certainly can work with some of us fledgling podcasters.

Listen to his stories about running sound for such groups as: Geoff Moore and the Distance, Petra, Al Denson, Point of Grace, Anthony Burger (Bill Gaither Homecoming), Dino, Bill Cosby, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Charlie Daniels, and many, many more.

In coming episodes, we will discuss such concepts as: how to choose a microphone; how to use a microphone properly; how to choose and use a mixer; how to choose good headphones; tips and strategies on wiring; and general information on setting up a small podcasting studio to get the best results.

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Until next time, Think Like A Leader!!

What one, single word best describes leadership?

In this episode, I report on feedback I received when I asked several people to respond to that question. Recently, I sent out an email message to a few hundred of my contacts, and I asked:

What one word, in your opinion, best describes the notion of leadership? In other words, if you had to boil down leadership into just one word, what would that be?

The responses were intriguing. Here are the first ones I received...and which are reported in this episode:

• integrity; but the more I think about it, the word should be servant -- Carol Anne McGuire, California
• vision -- Lucy Gray, Illinois
• courage, commitment, understanding, direction, shepherd -- Kristen Vassos, New Jersey (these are responses from members of her family)
• communication -- Gayle Berthiaume, Minnesota
• integrity, commitment -- Dr. Otto Benavides, California
• vision -- Joanna Seymour, Iowa
• heart-- Tami Brass, Minnesota
• creativity -- Jeff Hall, Virginia
• relationships -- Robert (Bob) Hudson, Illinois
• experimentation -- Patricia Conlan, New York City

Then, there was one more very special submission by Dr. Pat Horn, an Apple Distinguished Educator from Florida. Pat called the Think Like A Leader hotline (206/984-3136) and left an audio message. The crux of her submission is:

• vision, dedication, caring spirit, persistence ... but she summed up all this by saying a leader must be "a visionary who leads by doing."

I appreciate all the feedback that you sent in. Now, I am putting out a Call for Help on a few issues:

1. Book Reviews -- I promised you some reviews of books on leadership and related topics. A few of them have been included in previous episodes; however, I want to give you a great many more. In order to accomplish this, I need some of you to record a brief audio file in which you give a 1-2 minute synopsis of some book that has meant a great deal to you. Send your files to me at larry@nctp.com.
2. Your Most Admired Leader -- I need you to create a short audio file (30 seconds - 2 minutes) and tell me who your most admired leader is, and why. I would like to play some of these audio submissions on a future episode.
3. Music for Podcast -- Although I have been using music composed by Ted Scalzo in New York, I would like to get some more of you to send some music that I can use as bumpers/clips/jingles for the: opening; transitions; and closing. I know you are great musicians, so please send me your stuff and we'll highlight it on a future episode.

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Until next time, Think Like A Leader!!