Reflections from Emergent Generation's Podcast Training Day

Last month, eight Em Genr's took part in a podcast training day hosted by Ben Eagle and Dan Grist from RuralPod Media.

Experience in the group was mixed, ranging from those with no podcasting history to a couple of established hosts (check out Iory Hughes’s podcast, Farm of the Future, if you’d like to listen to an Em Gen'r in action).

The day began with a detailed introduction to podcast production, including insights on how to plan, host, record, produce, and promote a podcast. This included tips on the best equipment to buy, which editing software to use, how to be a good interviewer and interviewee, and even where to source your jingle from!

In the afternoon, everyone put their heads together to come up with ideas for an exciting Em Gen project that will come to life next year, followed by a live podcasting session to give everyone the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test.

It was a fun and fascinating day bringing together Em Genr's from all corners of the farming and food space. Huge thanks to Ben, Dan, and the Em Gen team for putting the event together! - Kate Lofthouse (Participant).

Ben Eagle said:

"The podcast training day at the RAU was a key part of our current Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) funded podcast project with Emergent Generation. The group was fantastic to work with and together we explored all aspects of podcast production - equipping them with the skills to create their own podcasts and be confident in appearing on podcasts as guests.

We also began planning for the podcast documentary which is the other core part of the project. We aim to co-produce a two part podcast documentary with members of Emergent Generation, and the workshop was the opportunity to shape the direction and content of the episodes. Participants were able to experience the 'brainstorming' stage of creating a new podcast, giving shape to the recording work that will continue over the next few months. The final podcast will be available to listen to on the Meet the Farmers Podcast in March 2026."

Thank you FIPL and Cotswolds National Landscape for supporting us!

And finally, Dan wanted to add...

"We went through the entire life cycle of a podcast episode, from planning to publishing, and it was brilliant to have such an engaged group of people that were all eager to learn more about the podcasting process. It was great that all the participants had a variety of different backgrounds, and yet were all passionate about making sure that a diverse range of voices within agriculture are heard. I’m looking forward to seeing how the podcast documentary evolves with support from this brilliant group."