Podcasting for Beginners

Want to launch your own podcast but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you've already started one but would like to improve it or develop it further? If either applies, this is the workshop for you! Podcaster and radio maker Karla Marie Sweet (Arts Emergency, Radio 1, 1Xtra, Radio 4, BBC Asian Network) will guide you through a three hour crash course that will leave you with all the confidence and know how you need to get going. And feel free to come thirsty... the lovely folk at Drink, Shop & Do will be providing a alcoholic or soft drink of your choice for all participants.

You will learn:

Testimonials

"Our students found the class engaging and incredibly helpful. Karla was full of practical advice and professional insight which encouraged the students to take their work to the next level. A few have decided to become regular podcasters and found the workshop invaluable. I would highly recommend Karla’s workshop for anyone thinking about making podcasts or anyone looking to improve their practice."

-  Nana Fani-Kayode (Radio Production Tutor at The Working Men’s College)

- Christine Bacon (Artistic Director of Ice&Fire)

Karla has over eight years of storytelling experience through her work at the BBC, Sony Pictures Entertainment and various indies. While at the BBC, she worked as a Producer and an Assistant Producer across Radio 4, Radio 1, 1Xtra, 6 Music and BBC Asian Network.

She's worked with a whole horde of presenters including Trevor Nelson, Annie Mac, Mistajam, B. Traits, Bobby Friction, David Rodigan, Huw Stephens and DJ Target. She's also produced several editions of popular Radio 4 Arts show Front Row.

As a voiceover artist, Karla can be heard on the idents for Trevor Nelson's R&B Hour, as part of 1Xtra's station branding. She also spent a year working as a continuity announcer for Channel 4.

In 2015, Karla was commissioned to produce and present a podcast for social change organisation Arts Emergency. The charity helps young people from low income backgrounds gain access to the arts and humanities and forge careers in the creative industries. The success of the podcast lead to it being commissioned for a second year in 2016. 

In August 2017, Karla's play Rupture completed a full run at Underbelly as part of Edinburgh Fringe Festival. "This play works perfectly", said Broadway Baby, awarding the show four stars. Another four star review came from The Theatre Guide, who said Rupture's "insightful narrative" provided a "frightfully macabre and realistic view into the future." Karla wrote, produced and starred in the show which also previewed at London's Theatre503.

She started her journey into writing whilst working as an Assistant Script Editor on long running BBC series Casualty. Shortly after, she won the Grin Theatre Young Playwrights Award for her debut play, The Blue Touch. 

Since then, Karla has worked on TV drama development commissions for Lime Pictures, ITV Studios and Big Deal Films. She is currently represented by Sam Greenwood and Nish Panchal at Curtis Brown.

In recent years, Karla has been a part of panel discussions and delivered talks and workshops for the Tate, Somerset House, Actors for Human Rights, the Trade Union Congress, One Degree, Camden College and, of course, Arts Emergency.