The Podcaster's Guide to a Visible Voice

Mary Chan, Organized Sound Productions, Made in Canada

How do you, as a podcaster, make an emotional connection with your listeners to create a place where they feel like they belong? This podcast about podcasting for underrepresented podcasters doing good in the world, who want to build a community of belonging. You'll discover what it takes to be a powerful podcaster and support your listeners to feel like they belong. Go on your podcasting journey to reclaim and redefine what a successful podcast means to you, by thriving on your own terms, with Mary Chan as your host. As a Voice-Over Artist and former radio producer for almost 20 years, she'll share with you what she's learned from creating, recording, and editing, hundreds of thousands of voices; from newbie clients who had to read their very first script to seasoned professionals voicing the very same commercials you hear on the radio and TV. They all have one thing in common with you – they made an emotional connection to a listener, not by the words they use, but by how they use their voice. Now as a Podcast Strategist and founder of Organized Sound Productions, you'll gain the insights to keep you podcasting and have fun while you're at it! How do you want your listener to feel? Learn all the secrets at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com and to work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca.

  1. How to Create Transcripts That Benefit Accessibility and SEO with Jess Schmidt

    14H AGO

    How to Create Transcripts That Benefit Accessibility and SEO with Jess Schmidt

    How are you creating impactful transcripts for your show? You've probably seen a bad podcast transcript. Maybe the creator was lazy in their transcription, maybe the AI was flummoxed by the proper nouns, punctuation, or audio labels—whatever the reason, such sub-par writing begs the question: is there even a point to having transcripts if they aren't very good? That's one of the queries Mary poses to podcast producer and consultant Jess Schmidt. It turns out Jess isn't just an expert in the industry, she's also a font of historical transcript knowledge, thanks in part to her past career generating closed captions for live television. Jess and Mary get into the importance of timestamps, SEO, and accessibility. They tackle the many issues facing platforms and creators alike as automated transcripts take centre stage and the continued importance of human eyes when it comes to rendering written versions of human speech. If you're not already a transcript nerd, you will be after this episode! Learn about the future of transcripts from the industry's storied past: The limitations of and issues with AI-generated transcripts on hosting platforms; How closed captioning is similar and different from transcripts; The fascinating history of YouTube's AI-generated "craptions"; Jess's hopeful daydream for the future of podcast transcription. Links worth mentioning from the episode: Read Jess's op-ed, "Podcasting's Money Problem": https://podthenorth.substack.com/p/op-ed-podcastings-money-problem WIRED, "The Problem with YouTube's Terrible Closed 'Craptions'": https://www.wired.com/story/problem-with-youtubes-terrible-closed-craptions/ The origin of automatic captioning on YouTube: https://research.google/blog/automatic-captioning-in-youtube/ Episode 69, "Intangible Values of a Podcast": https://www.organizedsound.ca/intangible-values-of-a-podcast-what-it-means-for-stats-metrics-and-monetization-episode-69/ Episode 88, "Accessibility in Podcasting for Hard-of-Hearing Listeners with Kellina Powell": https://www.organizedsound.ca/accessibility-in-podcasting-for-hard-of-hearing-listeners-with-kellina-powell-episode-88/ Episode 106, "Accessibility and Ethics in Podcasting with Meg Wilcox":  https://www.organizedsound.ca/accessibility-and-ethics-in-podcasting-with-meg-wilcox-episode-106 Engage with Jess Schmidt: Learn more about her work: https://www.jessdoespodcasting.com/ Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessschmidt/  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.

    52 min
  2. Pause, Plan, Publish: A Podcaster's Blueprint for Slowing Down

    FEB 9

    Pause, Plan, Publish: A Podcaster's Blueprint for Slowing Down

    How do you make your podcasting hours really count? You know the feeling—you plan to sit down and record your episode, and before you know it, that day has completely gotten away from you. There's a plan to make, research to conduct, and stretch breaks to squeeze in. It usually takes longer than expected to record, and afterwards, there's editing, marketing, design…if you don't have a robust team behind you, it's one heck of a job! Inspired by the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, full of intense energy and rapid transformation, Mary welcomes 2026 with a call to action for every podcaster: Slow down! Sure, you can create a podcast episode quickly—you can use the ever-transforming generative AI to write, record, and edit. You can blurt out whatever pops into your head as it comes. But a show that really lands with the target audience needs to be intentional. This year, take the time to pause, strategize, and make meaningful decisions. The likely result? A rock-star show worthy of all the fiery passion you put into it. Slow down and consider what you want out of your podcast: How new technologies and breakthroughs are changing and challenging the industry; Why you should time your whole podcast procedure; The difference between a quick episode and a short episode. Links worth mentioning from the episode: Subscribe to the Culture Study newsletter: https://annehelen.substack.com/ Follow the Culture Study podcast: https://culturestudypod.substack.com/ Listen to episode 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.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.

    23 min
  3. Reduce Impostor Syndrome By Listening Back to Your Voice

    12/15/2025

    Reduce Impostor Syndrome By Listening Back to Your Voice

    When's the last time you replayed your old episodes and really listened? It's the end of another year of podcasting, and that means looking back on how far you've come and planning the next steps. Whether you're taking some time off for the holiday or plugging away between the eggnog and the family time, Mary has one non-negotiable for you: you need to start listening back to your old episodes—and not just at 2X speed. For a medium that celebrates the voice, podcasters are way too lax about auditing their primary instrument. Yes, it's awkward, and chances are you'll sound weird to yourself. You might even get a hint of that imposter syndrome you thought you quashed. But trust Mary: give yourself the gift of perspective and growth this year by running some personal airchecks. It really does get easier the more you do it, and you'll unlock so much potential for your show in 2026 and beyond. Put aside the mic and queue up some past episodes. Discover: How focusing on feelings helps you develop a discerning ear; Efficiency hacks for reducing the cringe factor of listening to your own voice; Reflection questions to consider as you review old episodes. Links worth mentioning from the episode: Try Smitten Kitchen's Brownie Roll-Out Cookies: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/04/brownie-roll-out-cookies/  Listen to Episode 15, Identifying Your Audience for Podcast Growth: https://www.organizedsound.ca/identifying-your-audience-for-podcast-growth-episode-15/  Listen to Episode 50, Stop Thinking About Yourself: https://www.organizedsound.ca/stop-thinking-about-yourself-episode-50/ Listen to Episode 105, 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.

    21 min
  4. Accessibility and Ethics in Podcasting with Meg Wilcox

    12/01/2025

    Accessibility and Ethics in Podcasting with Meg Wilcox

    What assumptions are holding you back from creating a more accessible show? If you knew more about your listener's accessibility needs, how would that change your show? Podcasting borrows so much of its policy and practice from more traditional forms of media, and while that's given us a great place to start, it's also slowed down innovation in this unique medium. Meg Wilcox is a journalist and professor at Mount Royal University. Her research focuses on where podcasting could improve in terms of accessibility and ethics. In this episode, she shares how her experience producing an audio memoir for a woman with vision impairment prompted her to reconsider how we approach everything from recording and publishing to promoting our shows. You'll learn about the ethics of copyright ownership, the slow adoption of accessibility tools, and the ongoing barriers that, if dismantled, would give anyone with a podcasting dream the tools to make it come true. Reframe how you think about your show's accessibility and availability: The power of accessibility upgrades to make podcasting better for everyone; The importance of understanding your audience and what they need; What's still missing in the wider world of media accessibility; Our flawed expectations around what's "professional" in audio.  Links worth mentioning from the episode: USC Annenberg, "Inequality in Popular Podcasts? An Examination of Gender & Race/Ethnicity": https://assets.uscannenberg.org/docs/aii-inequality-Podcasts-2025-11-06.pdf PodNews, "25 Podcasts Announced as Eligible for Golden Globes": https://podnews.net/press-release/golden-globes-eligible-podcasts-26 Episode 99, "Canadian Identity in the Indie Podcasting Ecosystem with Kattie Laur": https://www.organizedsound.ca/canadian-identity-in-the-indie-podcasting-ecosystem-with-kattie-laur-episode-99/   Engage with Meg Wilcox: Listen to Static: A Party Girl's Memoir: https://www.megwilcox.com/2024/11/08/static-a-party-girls-memoir/ Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megwilcox/ Learn more about Meg's work: https://www.megwilcox.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.

    48 min
  5. Simplify Your Podcast Production with a Show Map

    11/17/2025

    Simplify Your Podcast Production with a Show Map

    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.

    17 min
  6. The Perks of Being (or Having) a Co-Host with Darren Dukes and Jamie Weiss

    11/03/2025

    The Perks of Being (or Having) a Co-Host with Darren Dukes and Jamie Weiss

    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.

    44 min
  7. How to Handle Listener Feedback

    10/20/2025

    How to Handle Listener Feedback

    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.

    17 min
  8. How to Keep Fear From Overpowering Your Voice with Kat Stewart and Kevin Ribble

    10/06/2025

    How to Keep Fear From Overpowering Your Voice with Kat Stewart and Kevin Ribble

    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.

    38 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

How do you, as a podcaster, make an emotional connection with your listeners to create a place where they feel like they belong? This podcast about podcasting for underrepresented podcasters doing good in the world, who want to build a community of belonging. You'll discover what it takes to be a powerful podcaster and support your listeners to feel like they belong. Go on your podcasting journey to reclaim and redefine what a successful podcast means to you, by thriving on your own terms, with Mary Chan as your host. As a Voice-Over Artist and former radio producer for almost 20 years, she'll share with you what she's learned from creating, recording, and editing, hundreds of thousands of voices; from newbie clients who had to read their very first script to seasoned professionals voicing the very same commercials you hear on the radio and TV. They all have one thing in common with you – they made an emotional connection to a listener, not by the words they use, but by how they use their voice. Now as a Podcast Strategist and founder of Organized Sound Productions, you'll gain the insights to keep you podcasting and have fun while you're at it! How do you want your listener to feel? Learn all the secrets at http://www.visiblevoicepodcast.com and to work with Mary, check out https://www.organizedsound.ca.