I've decided to keep this Libsyn account for podcasts because, frankly, moving the feeds was more hassle than it was worth. Libsyn is only $5 per month, and even if I only post a few podcasts per year, that is a small price for the ease of use.

I was going to use PodPress on my WordPress site to consolidate podcasts and blogs onto one site, but after some real frustrations with trying to find the .xml file to edit for my iTunes subscribers, I gave up. (Even my wife, who does not understand why I'm spending time blogging and podcasting, agreed that the $5 per month is not a big deal.)

I may still experiment with cross-posting a podcast on this site and my blog site. I need to get comfortable with PodPress.

Anyway, I'll soon be posting an interview that I conducted with a licensed counselor and school psychologist on the topic, "How parents' expectations impact their children."

 

During a much-needed and unplanned sabbatical from podcasting and blogging, I thought about my plans for this site. CommaKazi Speek began as an extension of my desire to delve into the world of social media. First, I blogged. Then I created podcasts.

Both ventures provided me with practical experience and a better perspective of this portion of the social media space. They helped me to connect with other bloggers and podcasters. They let me stretch my professional skill set while having fun.

Like a lot of people, I have plans for my life--both professionally and personally. Those plans change at times, due to circumstances or opportunities. I wondered whether my blog and podcast could help me launch into a different phase of my career. They didn't. They remain a hobby without reward, other than personal satisfaction.

That only goes so far, when I have to balance other commitments and responsibilities. It has been several months since I've posted a new podcast--even though I have two nice interviews recorded, waiting editing. Frankly, I'm tired of feeling the pull to edit those recordings and get them published, when it would require me to give up time and energy that I want to invest elsewhere.

So with that realization, I'm planning to shut down this site as soon as I ready my CommaKazi Speek blog to handle podcasts. Why pay Libsyn to store my old shows, when I can't be sure when I will have new content ready to post?

Thank you to everyone who has listened to my podcasts and commented to me about them.

CommaKazi Speek Podcast Show 17
Aug. 4, 2007
An interview with Kem Meyer, communications director at Granger Community Church, Granger, Indiana, USA

I interviewed Kem Meyer of Granger Community Church just after she had led a day-long communication workshop for church communicators. I also got reactions from some of my fellow workshop participants.

We discussed the similarities and differences between communications produced by a church, by other not-for-profit organizations, and the corporate world.

How does Granger Church manage to be edgy in the often staid world of organized religion? Listen to this 20-minute podcast to get some real insights into what is driving the success of this church as it reaches its community through a different kind of mind-set.

00:00  Interview excerpt and show intro
01:15  Differences between church communications and corporations
02:30  Are church communicators in a rut?
03:50  Communication "Re-Directors"
05:00  When leaders "don't get it"
06:20  Stow the style guide!
08:40  Getting centered during a media frenzy
09:45  Why not survey DURING worship?
10:50  Conference participants react:
          Matthew Peters, Fortville Christian Church, Fortville, IN
          Matt McConnell, Park Chapel, Greenfield, IN
          Colt Melrose, Bethel Church, Crown Point, IN
          Amanda Pelser, Southbrook Church, Weddington, NC

Other links:
Workshops at Granger
wiredchurches.com

Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe

Communications that change the world for the better. A conversation with Bill Ryerson, president of Population Media Center.

Listen to a success story that shows how lives have been changed across the globe from an unusual force for good in social change: melodramas (soap operas).

00:00  Introduce Bill Ryerson, president, Population Media Center
02:00  The global problems being addressed: population, environment, health
03:11  Information itself is not enough to change behavior
04:07  An innovative approach--melodramas
07:40  Literacy positively impacted in Mexico
09:20  Family planning & reproductive health programs
10:40  Tanzania radio show creates huge behavior changes
12:00  Ryerson takes methodology worldwide
12:30  Ethiopia program reaches half of the country's population!
13:30  Local culture, language experts write content
16:50  Amazing success statistics
18:00  Touching letters
20:00  10-year goal: expand from 15 countries to 50
21:30  Looking to launch US trial program

Show theme, "Rollin'" by Barry McCabe  is available from the PodSafe Music Network.

Population Media Center: 145 Pine Haven Shores Road,
Suite 2011, P.O. Box 547, Shelburne, VT 05482-0547 USA
Phone: 1-802-985-8156
Fax: 1-802-985-8119
Website: wwwDOTpopulationmediaDOTorg

Technorati tags: 

tom keefe  commakazi speek  iabc  podcast bill+ryerson population population+media+center soap+operas melodramas

 

An interview of Ned Lundquist, ABC, of JOTW fame

CommaKazi Speek Show 15
Monday, July 9, 2007

This 12-minute podcast features an interview of Ned Lundquist, conducted on June 27, 2007 as we awaited our delayed flight to Chicago. Ned and I discuss the 2007 IABC International Conference in New Orleans and some observations about New Orleans, Ned's Job-of-the-Week (JOTW) email newsletter and website, and the current job market for communicators.

One correction to my recorded introduction of Ned: He now is with Alion Science and Technology.

Show theme, "Rollin'"; by Barry McCabe and the closing song, "It's Over," by Al Stravinsky of Doncaster UK, both are available from the PodSafe Music Network.

Fifth in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom visits Confederate Memorial Hall, the oldest operating museum in Louisiana. It was erected to house records, artifacts, reports and memorabilia of the Civil War.

Did the North really win the war? What killed more soldiers in this conflict than actual battle? Listen to find out.

Confederate Memorial Hall
929 Camp Street
New Orleans  504-523-4522
www.confederatemuseum.com

 

Fourth in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom reads a poignant essay written by the 5th grade class from St. Paul's Episcopal School which was impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and what they believe should be done to protect the community from a repeat.

This picture shows Jeremiah Gardner, his friend, Michael, and Isiah Gardner, all from McComb, Miss. posing in front of a display at the Louisiana Children's Museum, where Tom found the elementary school essay. The parents, Darin and Carol Gardner, gave permission for the kids to be photographed.

The Louisiana Children's Museum is located at 420 Julia Street in New Orleans. Visit their website: www.lcm.org or call 504-523-1357. 

Another episode of "Quick 'n Dirty New Orleans."

I spotted a special fundraising event that is being held from 8-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Contemporary Arts Center.

Bourbon and Burlesque--it will offer everything that you want out of an event: bourbon and specialty cocktails, a cigar bar, strolling models, food (cuisine by Bourbon House), a burlesque review and a musical performance by the Troy Sawyer Trio jazz. Best yet: it's a fundraiser for the CAC, so most of the ticket probably is tax deductible!

I interviewed CAC Marketing and Public Relations Director Melissa Weber, who talked about this event, and the types of exhibits and events that are more typically held at CAC.

Contemprary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street
New Orleans
504-528-3805
www.cacno.org

 

 

Second in a series of unedited podcasts centered around New Orleans and the IABC International Conference held there June 24-27.

In this podcast, Tom explores part of New Orleans--mostly as he tries to find his way back to his hotel--all of this while completely sober! Along the way, he finds a couple of tips to share with other tourists.