The podcast is recorded on a web-based platform called Riverside, which captures high-quality audio and video files.

If you plan to join the recording session from your laptop or computer, you do not need any special equipment.

If you plan to record on your phone, be sure to download the Riverside app in advance. (Search: Riverside.fm in your app store and look for the black box with the white squiggly line). 

If you have a microphone or headphones, you’re welcome to use them, but you don’t have to buy any special equipment.

Once we confirm the date and time for your recording session, you’ll receive a calendar invite with a link to the recording room. At the scheduled time, click on the link and follow the prompts to enter the recording studio. 

Prior to the session, you’ll receive contact information you can use day-of if you run into technical issues.  Once you're logged into the recording room, we’ll do a tech check and provide an orientation to the platform.

Although the average podcast run time is 30-40 minutes, the recording session can run up to 75 minutes. This ensures we have adequate time for the tech check, to answer any final questions you may have before we begin recording, to allow time for extra conversation, and to debrief at the end. 

The podcast is recorded in one take, but there's no pressure to be perfect. We edit the podcast for brevity, to enhance the storyline, to cut out technical glitches or editorial direction, and to correct any instances where a speaker gets tongue-tied or does something funny (like blowing your nose) on camera.

We aim to have a free-flowing format, so significant preparation is not required.

Be sure to ensure your audio and video are in good working order and that you have sufficient lighting on your face (not back-lit).

To the extent possible, find a quiet place to record that eliminates or minimizes distractions or sources of excess background noise (like people, pets, and your phone).

We’ll also ask you to provide a bio and headshot.

And think about how you can succinctly tell your story in just a few minutes.

If it would be helpful, some introductory questions can be provided in advance to help you reflect on your story. But don’t feel like you have to prepare canned answers because the questions may not be asked if they don’t come up naturally during the course of the conversation.

Our goal is to have a free-flowing conversation that helps others currently in the sh#t feel less alone and to offer an ember of hope so they're motivated to keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

There is catharsis in telling our stories, and we hope this podcast will be a source of collective healing.

The general flow is:

• Brief intros

• Defining "through the shit" 

• Sharing of your shit

• Free-flowing conversation 

• Recap/lessons learned

Ideally, by the time we’re done, you’ll forget we’re even recording. And, don’t forget to be yourself! (Cussing is totally ok, too.)

Once we’re done recording, don’t immediately leave the recording room. We’ll do a quick debrief while the video and audio files upload.  This also gives us an opportunity to talk about your initial impressions and review questions.

After the session ends, your episode will be reviewed to confirm fit, recording quality and to determine potential order in the release schedule. If these milestones are met, it will proceed to the editing phase.

Yes, you will have the ability to review the episode before it airs. While your comments are welcome, your feedback may not be incorporated in the final edit.

While you do not have approval authority over the final cut, telling your story should be an enjoyable experience. If something comes up that you are not comfortable with, please notify the host immediately.