Very close to what I'm looking for, but a few refinements would make it a five-star for me
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“I mentioned this in another stoic podcast review, that Stoic-related podcasts are few and far between — good ones even moreso. I've been on my Stoic journey only a week or so now, and this one was the first that I came upon, starting from the beginning and up to around episode 20 or so. I'd like to comment both on what I like/appreciate and also where I think Simon could improve upon from my experiences/perspective in radio, podcasting, and voiceover work.
What works for me:
• I love the short format — average ten minutes, short and sweet, and I can get a few episodes in on my walk, or just listen to one and spend the rest of my walk thinking on what he talked about and spending time meditating on personal application.
• As much as hearing "quote" "end-quote" gets old for me, I do appreciate all the quotes from Epictetus and Seneca and other philosophers, hearing these concepts from the source. I have found myself on numerous occassions backing up again with the "back 10 seconds" button to listen to the quotes again and even jot them down in my journal.
• I like that your podcast is clearly thought out — you've clearly sat down to write out a script and read from that as opposed to free-forming it like some others (that could clearly benefit from using a script). Your podcast isn't filled with "umms" and "uuhhhs" and other unnecessary filler speech.
• And like your title suggests, it is a practical stoic podcast — the information you present is practical, and I benefit from it and can apply it personally.
A few things that don't really work for me and could help improve your podcast:
• I tell this literally to every podcaster I run across — PLEASE use vocal compression on your audio recording. You have too many highs and lows in your audio, and when I'm driving around in the car or walking next to busy traffic, it becomes difficult to hear the moments when your voice goes soft. Use a moderate amount of compression, but not too much that it starts to sound like Top 40 radio and punchy.
• Please STOP reading the reviews. I'm there for one thing: to listen to someone talk about and teach me Stoic principles. If I want to here/read what other people are saying about your podcast, I'll just read the reviews. I have literally skipped every single review you've read just so I can get to the meat and potatoes of your podcast.
• Maybe continue to refine your reading voice, so that when you read through your script for the episode, it sounds a little less like you're reading — that might involve thinking about natural breaks or pauses in phrasing to let something sink in, or to slow things down to more of a reflective, conversational pace. You're all ready like half way there, I think, and there is certainly room for growth. Reading conversationally isn't easy and few do it well (at least in the podcasting world), but I think envisioning yourself as having an intimate conversation with someone while you read your script will go a long way towards making it feel more natural and less like you're reading.
Good podcast, Simon. I've taken away quite a bit from it and used it to help work things out in my journal and my blog, processing stoicism and how it applies to my life. I hope that you'll see my critiques for what they are, just a "prop up" to help you make it the very best that it can be.
Memento mori”Read full review »
designbymichael via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/28/18
More reviews of The Walled Garden
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“I have been using this podcast to start my days...it makes me appreciate every hour of my day.”
Hiuffvgg via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/14/17
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“So glad I stumbled upon this podcast. Furthered my knowledge and interest in Stoicism. All around great podcast!”
aricawest via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/05/18
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“Simon presents directly applicable stoic advice in a well articulated and pleasant manner. It has been helping me stay focused on principled self improvement, and I am grateful to have discovered the show.”
..austin.. via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/24/18
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