From my findings, I’ve learned that being an editor for a podcast requires a mixture of technical skills, creativity, and a great deal of patience. To be an editor, you need to be somewhat comfortable using audio software to do a variety of things. You have to use this software knowledge to make recordings sound clear and professional. Another essential skill for editors is having a good ear and paying close attention to detail. They ensure that nothing distracts from the episode and that everything flows smoothly. Editors also need to have creativity when choosing music, adding transitions, and/or sound effects. People listening to podcasts notice these bits of creativity throughout the shows and enjoy the little additions.

One of the biggest challenges in this role is learning how to deal with poor-quality recordings and unexpected background noises. It’s a skill that editors have to navigate through and try to come up with solutions to work around. Editors also face the immense pressure of deadlines, since podcasts usually run on a consistent release schedule. It can be hard for editors to create their best work in such a short amount of time between episode releases.

Overall, podcast editors contribute to the whole by taking unpolished audio clips and transforming them into a well-flowing and engaging episode, which keeps listeners connected and encourages them to return for more.

After listening to Pellegrino Riccardi’s talk, one thing really stuck with me. Culture isn’t just about the simple food, music, or traditions. The true root of Culture is about how we see the world and what we expect from others. Language is how we express that. For example, when I took Spanish in High School, we would learn the polite, textbook version of words and phrases. However, when I visited Mexico, the people spoke more casually, almost in a slang tone. That experience showed me that language shifts with culture, and the way we use it communicates more than just words. It reveals belonging and respect in different ways.

A misperception I’ve noticed about my own culture is that many people feel as though Polish people can come off as cold and unfriendly. This can be related to language because, in Polish, people don’t use small talk in the same way English speakers do. To an outsider looking in, this habit can seem unfriendly and or rude, but in reality, warmth is shown more through actions and hospitality.

Challenges that can arise in cross-cultural interactions are primarily language differences. Language Barriers can lead to misunderstandings and even conflict. For example, when visiting a foreign country with people who all speak a different language from you, key information in conversations can be lost in translation.

I discovered this episode through our class page and found the title “Podcast Pioneers” to be quite interesting and engaging. It feels like it’s going to explain where podcasts come from and who started them.

Miranda Sawyer primarily introduces clips in the format, followed by interviews with various people involved in the early days of podcasting. Creators from programs like Science Vs. and Welcome to Night Vale are featured, along with an interview with Ben Hammersley, who is known for coining the term “podcast.” That part really shocked me. I would never have thought that one person had named the entire thing. The episode opens with slow, calm music and Sawyer’s voice, creating a serious but friendly tone.

The way stories were told in the podcast was interesting. It featured a mix of mini-stories instead of drawn-out, long narratives that can be uninteresting. I appreciated how each voice presented a distinct perspective. some focused on fiction and others on science communication. The rhythm built up, leading to Hammersley’s thoughts on the future of podcasts, was fascinating. It wasn’t dramatic, but it kept me engaged because I really wanted to see how these early shows influenced what we listen to now.

Overall, the podcast connects to bigger media since the guests come from various well-known shows. Although it didn’t focus as much on listener interaction, it made me consider how podcasts are becoming a big part of todays world. The episode was very interesting and quite inspiring, especially for me as someone who is very new to all of this, and just starting off in the world of podcasting.

Recording my audio clip was a new experience for me, as I had never used tools like this before. I had to teach myself how to use the software properly. It was challenging at first, but I learned how minor edits can make a big difference and that practice makes the process smoother. My cultural background has also shaped the way I approach these kinds of projects. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago and coming from a Polish and French family taught me to value hard work, adaptability, and pride in my roots. Those lessons help me push through challenges, stay open to learning new things, and carry my identity with confidence.