In the world of podcast post-production and audio editing, Fina Charleson's name is becoming synonymous with innovation and quality. But how did she carve out a niche in this competitive field? We had the chance to chat to her and explore her inspiring journey, from university radio host to becoming a successful digital nomad and now a settled Podcast professional running her own company with her partner in Sweden - already for more than 5 years.
What inspired you to start working in podcast post-production and audio editing?
Fina's fascination with audio editing began during her university years, where she was involved in student radio. "I learned editing back then and absolutely loved it," she recalls. Despite her initial interest in marketing, the challenging job market and a subsequent period of travel led her to re-evaluate her career path. Upon returning to the UK in 2017, Fina decided to dive directly into the world of podcast production, drawn by the opportunity to work with content creators and the flexibility of being her own boss. This move allowed her to continue traveling, embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and enjoying the outdoors, while growing her business.
Can you tell us a bit more about the journey? And life as a radio producer?
Fina: ‘My journey as a radio producer was anything but a linear clear line. I really wanted to work in Radio and I had a clear end goal, but when I finally had that job, I figured out it wasn't really for me. I wanted more control over my time and a shift in what was important to me.’ This shift led her to appreciate the teamwork and passion involved in podcast production, but also the freedom to steer her career in the direction that best suited her evolving interests.
‘It sounds a bit cliche, but I realized after traveling that I was shifting my energy. I realized at five in the morning, going to the studio was not something I wanted to do any longer.”
What was the most challenging skill or piece of knowledge you had to learn in podcast production?
Fina: ‘There are a few ones, a more soft skill and a more technical skill. The technical skill is when AI entered the scene. I realized AI is really something you want to work with, but you just need to find the best way for your business.’ I discovered how AI could help me in my work, improving sound quality and helping with tasks like creating YouTube shorts and writing copy.’ ‘Despite AI's capabilities, it’s not yet perfect for optimization, emphasizing the continued need for human touch and expertise’, Fina continues. Understanding and managing client relationships was another crucial skill she had to learn.
Can you tell us more about the very first podcast you worked on? What was that experience like?
Fina: ‘My first podcast project, found through Upwork, taught me valuable lessons about setting boundaries, pricing, and turnaround times. These early experiences shaped my approach to client management, making me more consultative and proactive in improving projects.’
How can podcasts help businesses grow their communities, and do you have any success stories to share?
Fina firmly believes in the potential of podcasts to grow communities and boost businesses. She cites several success stories, like the "Retirement Answers" podcast, which has effectively seen a large community grow on YouTube, and a leadership podcast that repurposed content to see a 25% growth in engagement. According to Fina, consistency is key—most podcasts she works with start to see significant growth after around 10 episodes.
What are your go-to tools and software for podcast production?
Fina: ‘Experimentation with various tools has been a cornerstone of my success. I rely heavily on Adobe for audio editing and use Descript for both audio and video editing. For promotional clips and animations, I recommend Veed, especially for beginners. As AI technology advances, I continue to integrate more AI software into my workflow.’
What are some of the most recent podcast trends you are very excited about?
One trend that excites Fina is the increasing integration of video into podcasts. The competition between platforms like Spotify and Apple is driving innovations in algorithms and user engagement, making it a thrilling time for content creators. Fina also highlights the return of in-person recordings, facilitated by platforms like Riverside.
What does a typical day look like for you in the world of podcast post-production?
Fina’s typical day is a blend of managing urgent communications, team building, and hands-on editing. She edits around 15 shows a week, balancing this with potential client leads and ensuring projects stay on track. Her structured yet flexible routine exemplifies the balance she sought in her career.
What are your own personal favorites - to listen to in your free time?
Fina: ‘In my personal time, I enjoy true crime podcasts and historical documentaries. I dream of producing my own documentary podcast, exploring the journeys of musicians and uncovering the stories of forgotten voices in the industry.’
If you could produce a podcast for any person or brand, who would it be and why? (Do you have a dream guest?)
For Fina, producing a documentary podcast would be a dream come true. She envisions creating a series that delves into the lives of musicians, particularly those whose stories have been overlooked. "I love music: different types and find the artists' journeys super interesting," she says, highlighting her passion for uncovering unheard voices.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their podcast journey?
For those starting their podcast journey, Fina’s advice is simple yet profound: be consistent, allow your show to evolve over time, and make sure you hit record. "It's not for everyone—do what's right for you. You always have people who comment, but let the show evolve over time," she advises.
Where do you see the podcast industry heading in the next few years?
Fina: ‘Looking ahead, I see the podcast industry evolving into a more comprehensive content creation platform. I believe podcasts will become central resources for content creators, with a greater emphasis on on-demand listening and adapting to listener behavior.’
What exciting projects or initiatives do you have coming up in the near future?
Fina is excited about delving deeper into documentary podcasting. She is currently seeking fundraisers and partnerships to carve out time for these creative projects, which she hopes will bring new and compelling stories to her audience. "It's challenging to put client work aside, but it's a path I want to carve," she says.
Fina’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, passion, and the pursuit of one’s true interests. From student radio to a thriving podcast production business, she continues to inspire and innovate in the world of audio editing and production.
Comments