This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
I struggled quite a bit with writing a script I liked and then figuring out what assets to use. I still could not come up with a sound effect or an ambient sound to use, so if you have a suggestion, that would be greatly appreciated.
This podcast is called “Chance Encounters” as a reference to the way that Surrealists drew inspiration from the magical feeling of a particularly strange coincidence. As someone who studied both art and philosophy, I have complicated feelings about logic and common sense, and I thought that a podcast where I could talk about anything nonsensical could cover most things I might want to discuss. In general, I wanted a podcast about the ways that people throughout history have responded to and expressed realities that defy explanation. My idea for a first episode, for instance, was on the origins of Dadaism and what it does and doesn’t have in common with Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha humor.
Credits
Menu Music by Serge Quadrado on Freesound. Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
Hi Theo. Overall, I felt curious and interested to learn more about what you had to say. The tone in your voice and music selection paired together made me wonder what was next.
What I found most interesting about the podcast subject was the various types of chance encounters that could be discussed. As I was listening, it made me search my mind for any chance encounters I may have had in my life. The audio was clear and easy to understand. The title is great also.
My one critique was that there was no cover art for the podcast. I only see/hear the audio clip along with the licensing underneath.
Hi Theo! What an interesting idea for a podcast! I’m sure a vast majority of us have experienced a “chance encounter” at least once in our lives. I feel as if this podcast would appeal to those seeking philosophical understanding or community. Your podcast audio was calm in nature, creating a more introspective, serene experience. It was almost meditative, and there were times I thought the sound effect of sound-bowls or chimes would echo in the background—of course, this was before I read through your description on the focus of the podcast. Because chance encounters have to do with discussing the inexplicable, perhaps you should consider leaning into more sci-fi elements. This could also help cast a wider net for listeners, catching the eye of conspiracy theorists or those “spiritually” charged. I did also want to note a few technical issues I encountered with your podcast. Around 0:12 and 0:21, the audio skips a bit, dicing your words. There’s also an abrupt ending to your audio clip, where the clip just ends after your final sentence. I would highly suggest doing more of a fade-out ending, where you finish your intro, and use music to slowly transition out. Also, listeners are drawn to engaging cover art, so the absence of a podcast logo took away from the overall experience.
I really enjoyed the piano keys—they added a thoughtful, almost whimsical touch that fits the theme of exploring the nonsensical. Since you don’t have a cover image yet, you might consider something surreal and dreamlike—maybe a collage of unrelated objects coming together in an unexpected way, like a clock melting over a cityscape or a person with a cloud for a head. Something abstract and slightly chaotic could really capture the spirit of Chance Encounters!