THE EPISODE

In this episode, Will, Anastasia and Matilda explore what it’s like to take a leap of faith. Growing up is all about firsts. Sometimes they can be exciting and fun, but it can also come with a lot of fear and anxiety. It’s not always easy that’s for sure. Doing this studio project allowed us to explore engaging storytelling techniques as well as hone our audio skills.

Matilda recounts her struggles with learning to drive. Follow her as she explains getting back behind the wheel after a near miss with a road train on a South Australia highway.

Anastasia brings us into the struggles and expectations of university life. Between work, class and partying, it can be easy to forget about looking after yourself. Hear about the significant journey of learning to look after your mental and physical health.

Will tells us about the first time he did stand up comedy and the courage it took leading up to walking out onto the stage.

 

THE PROCESS

Matilda

I have always loved storytelling. From writing songs to journalling to recounting funny experiences with my friends, I live to make the most out of life’s various moments. So naturally, I have become increasingly drawn toward podcasts. Going into this task, I wanted to capture the aspects I like most about the series I listen to. Two of my favourite genres are fictional ‘radio-play’ centric stories and conversational podcasts. Hence, I combined layered and intentional sound-scaping to shape and propel the narrative forward with colloquial language reminiscent of chat-based podcasts. I began by drafting my script several times. This allowed me to ensure that the story was strong enough to stand alone without the safety net of engaging music. I then spent a lot of time collecting appropriate samples to build my soundscape. This allowed me to find the best-suited audio clips rather than rushing to find ones that felt okay. When recording my voice, I experimented with different vocal plugins like EQ and compression to make the narration pop. Eventually, I put all my layers together and added fades, effects and the final touches. By showing my story to friends and family, I used advice to make the piece concise, clear and engaging. Some challenges that I had to overcome included refining the script and allowing for enough space within the soundscape. I throw too many ideas into one place when, in reality, silence and space can have the most significant impact of all.

William

Before I even started this course, I really wanted to tell this story. I wanted to keep a colloquial and casual tone. So I first wrote out my telling of it, through my experience and in my own words more importantly, to maintain a sense of my personality in my work. After editing my script to make it concise and clear, I recorded my voice over and began to find some sounds to accompany my story. I was lucky enough to be allowed by the comedy bar “Dirty Secrets” to record some ambience of audience laughter and applause as well as general murmur of the public space, to enhance my story. Finally I put all my sounds together and cut even more of my story via peer feedback. This was in order to make my piece more clear, neat and concise. By doing this piece, it made me reflect on who and what I wanted to be when I started my career. I made choices in editing and recording in the field that I wouldn’t normally make. I learnt that if I am passionate enough about something I will push through to get it. I hope you enjoy this story. It was very fun to make. Thank you

 

Anastasia

Trigger Warning: This story mentions eating disorders and medical scenes.

Living alone is hard. Taking care of oneself is hard, to get yourself places, to cook, to clean and finish assignments. Combine that with a whole new city with a fanatical party culture, it’s easy to get sucked into the anxiety of it all. This story details my own past battles with nurturing my health while living with an eating disorder. How I pulled myself out of that hole and took the leap of faith to start to look after my body. What consequences I faced and the mental struggle as well as guilt that came with it. This piece was difficult to write as I had to recall events from a hard time in my life. To write about something so sensitive is also tedious in trying to word it correctly. What I got out of creating this piece is that sometimes it’s important to speak on these topics and bring light to things that others may not speak on.