Podcast Reflections from Podfest 2025 | Ep. 363

Posted on by Sara Fade

🎙️ Celebrating 7 Years of Podcasting at Podfest 2025: A Special Episode from Middle Country Public Library

Hello, podcast lovers and Middle Country community members! This week’s episode of the Middle Country Public Library Podcast is a special one, recorded live from Podfest 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Not only are hosts Sal DiVincenzo and Sara Fade reporting back with fresh inspiration and insights from the event, but they’re also marking a major milestone: 7 continuous years of podcasting!

That’s right — the MCPL Podcast is celebrating episode 363 and seven years of bringing engaging, educational, and entertaining content to our listeners.

🎉 From a Closet to a Community Staple: The Podcast Journey

Seven years ago, the idea for the MCPL Podcast was sparked by Sara Fade, who approached Sal with a simple yet ambitious vision: to create a podcast for the library. At first, Sal admits he was skeptical, but the duo forged ahead — recording in a literal closet at the library (which has since been jazzed up a bit). Their commitment? A new episode every single week, no matter the circumstances — including during the pandemic, snowstorms, and everything in between.

“We did seven years through COVID, seven years through snowstorms… every single week.” – Sal DiVincenzo

đź’ˇ Lessons for New Podcasters

Sal and Sara took time during this episode to reflect on what they’ve learned — especially for those looking to start their own podcasts:

  • Start with a Format: Plan how often you’ll record, how long episodes will be, and what the general flow will look like.
  • Content Calendar: Sara recommends keeping a simple spreadsheet or document to track episode ideas, seasonal topics, and library events.
  • Expect Challenges: From editing software to scheduling, the first year can be rocky. But staying organized makes a huge difference.
  • Keep Improving: The podcast has evolved over time, now incorporating video, lighting upgrades, and AI-assisted editing tools.

🚀 The Future of Podcasting (and the MCPL Podcast)

At Podfest 2025, AI and video podcasting were big themes. Sal and Sara shared exciting insights about tools like:

  • Descript – AI-powered editing that simplifies audio and video production.
  • Adobe Podcast – Advanced tools to clean audio, transcribe speech, and edit with ease.
  • 11 Labs – Voice cloning technology (amazing… and a little spooky).

These innovations are making podcasting more accessible than ever — even for those with little to no tech background.

“If you can copy and paste in Microsoft Word, you can edit a podcast now.” – Sal

🎧 Want to Start Your Own Podcast?

The Middle Country Public Library Media Studio in Centereach is a powerful resource for local creators. Patrons can:

  • Reserve the studio for 6 hours per month (3 hours per session)
  • Access professional audio and video equipment
  • Use editing software like Final Cut Pro
  • Record audio-only or video podcasts
  • Attend an orientation session to get started

This service is completely free and open to anyone with a library card. It’s part of MCPL’s mission to empower community voices and support digital literacy.

🎓 Learn the Ropes with “Podcasting 101, 102 & 103”

Last year, the Miller Business Center hosted a three-part workshop series on podcasting. The sessions are available on the Miller Business Center YouTube Channel, covering:

  • Podcasting 101 – Getting started and choosing your tools
  • Podcasting 102 – The art of the interview, featuring guests like Tim Healy and Brian Cohen
  • Podcasting 103 – Advanced techniques and production tips

đź“Ś Links to the series will be available in the episode show notes.

🙌 Thank You for 7 Years

The episode wraps with a heartfelt message of appreciation for listeners — both longtime fans and new friends who may have just stumbled across the channel.

Sal and Sara tease exciting updates and creative expansions for the future of the show, all powered by the latest trends in podcasting tech and storytelling.

đź”— Stay Connected

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — more great content is on the way!

For Sara Fade and Sal DiVincenzo, thanks for listening. See you next time on the Middle Country Public Library Podcast!

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