Date and Time
Tue, Feb 10
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Wed, Feb 11
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Price
$65 AFS MEMBER / REGULAR PRICE
Location
Austin Public
1143 Northwestern Ave, Austin, TX 78702
This two-part, six-hour course introduces students to podcasting as both a standalone storytelling medium and a powerful foundation for long-form creative work. Designed for filmmakers, writers, and emerging creators, the class walks participants through the full podcasting process — from developing a strong idea and ethical interview practices to recording, editing, and distributing work on major platforms. Emphasis is placed on working with minimal resources, building listener trust, and creating sustainable projects that can grow over time. By the end of the course, students will leave with a clear podcast concept, a practical production plan, and a roadmap for launching their show responsibly and intentionally.
Topics covered include:
- Developing and evaluating podcast ideas for clarity, audience, and longevity
- Podcast formats, interviewing practices, and guest care
- Recording and production workflows using minimal equipment
- Post-production storytelling, including the responsible use of AI tools
- Distribution strategies, consistency, and early monetization considerations
Required knowledge or suggested classes:
- Studio 3 (not required)
About the Instructor
Matthew Thornton is a Texas-based filmmaker, podcast producer, and educator whose work centers on long-form, research-driven storytelling. With over fifteen years of experience teaching history, English, and film studies, Matthew brings a humanities-informed approach to audio and visual narrative, emphasizing clarity, ethics, and sustainability in creative work. He is the creator and host of multiple podcasts, including Lone Star Lore, an audio documentary series exploring Texas history, and Creative Moonlighting, a podcast focused on helping artists transition into sustainable creative careers. Matthew uses podcasting as both a standalone medium and a foundation for deeper documentary and narrative projects, including a feature documentary currently being prepared for distribution on PBS. His teaching focuses on practical decision-making, responsible interviewing, and helping creators develop ideas they can realistically bring into the world.
