AN INTERVIEW WITH BRAD JOST OF THE JURASSIC PARK PODCAST

"The Jurassic Park Podcast is your source for Jurassic Park Trilogy / Jurassic World news and discussion with host Brad Jost. Journey to the island with us as you hear the sounds of John Williams, Don Davis & Michael Giacchino and discuss the sights of Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow & Joe Johnston."  ​

We interviewed Brad Jost of the Jurassic Park Podcast to learn more about how the Jurassic Park Podcast came to be.

How long have you been podcasting? Can you tell us a little bit about your podcast and why you got started?

The Jurassic Park Podcast was started back in May of 2015, just before the opening of Jurassic World in theaters. For years, I've followed many film podcasts and felt like joining in on the fun with the Jurassic Park franchise. I originally started podcasting back in 2008, with a short lived music show. Back then it was much harder to produce and we were attempting to broadcast live online.

​I think the technology wasn't fully formed for live online broadcasting back then, so we called it quits after a handful of episodes. I figured 2015 was as good a time as any to get back into the game. 

​Where do you draw inspiration for your podcast?
​
I built my podcast off a fellow podcaster's show. The Indycast is a bi-weekly Indiana Jones podcast and I absolutely love the format the host, Ed Dolista, put together for that show. I wanted to build off his format as best I could. I think that style helps the podcast to feel "in-world" with the film series. I also love looking to the fans of the film series to see what we should do next and how we should tweak the show. I think it's great to build the show off their feedback. 

What’s your recording set-up look like? Is there a special mic, piece of equipment or software that you can’t do without? Any recommendations?

I record everything, just like so many people into podcasting, in the basement of my house (haha). I've set up a studio with all my recording equipment, collectible toys (Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Disney & more), posters, and instruments (drums, guitars, keyboard). It's basically my own little geek den to showcase everything I love from pop-culture. 

After recording for a while and trying to find the best software to run the show, I came across Audio Hijack. It's a program I really don't think I could live without at this point. Audio Hijack helps to filter in all the audio from my system into a single track, so I can pipe in music, sound clips, Skype calls, Youtube videos, and more into my recordings. It's been immensely helpful!

​What’s been your greatest challenge with podcasting?
​
Some would think "coming up with topics for a movie that is over 20 years old" may be the toughest part... but it isn't. The hardest part for me is honestly procrastination. I upload my shows for a Monday release, but on Sunday I typically find myself working on the show all day and all night long. I script out the show, record a lot of the show on my own, edit everything, write the articles for our website, and post everything at the last possible minute. It's my own fault of course. One of these days I'll figure out that I need to start scripting and editing earlier in the week. Maybe this is the push I needed (haha). 

​How have you seen your podcast grow?

I've enjoyed watching the community grow nearly every day. I do a lot of work for the podcast on Twitter and our friends over there have been amazing. There is a core group of people who interact with each other on a daily basis and it's been a blast to see people interact because of the podcast. I think seeing people become friends due to a fandom is an amazing experience. The podcast grows every week because of all the amazing people that are involved and interact. I'm really grateful to have them around. ​

In what ways has Podomatic helped you as a podcaster?

For me, Podomatic has been a great part of the podcast community. The ability to share ideas and get down to the bottom of what makes the best podcasting certainly helps. I think it's integral to have a good basis for your podcast and Podomatic has really given me that foundation. 

What kind of podcasts do you listen to? Any favorites?

I listen to an insane amount of podcasts... probably more than any person should listen to on a daily basis. I have a carousel of film podcasts, theme park shows, comedy chats, science discussions and more in my ear at any given time. Like I said before, I really enjoy The Indycast, but also The /Filmcast, Rebel Force Radio, the Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast, Retro Disney World Podcast, Rebel Grrrl, Ten Minute Podcast, and all the other Jurassic fan podcasts. I feel bad not naming them all, but like I said, there's way too many on my list. I'd say that's a good thing. ​

Where do you see the podcast industry 10 years from now?

Hopefully in 10 years, even more people are listening to podcasts. It's still a niche market and really appeals to a certain type of person. I think podcasts will become more mainstream and easier for people to listen to on their devices, cars, and at home. Even today, people still don't know what a podcast is or how to find it. There is so much good content out there for free, that it's a shame more people aren't exposed to it. Hopefully we find ways to fix that. 

​When you’re not podcasting, what do you like to do for fun?

Sometimes the podcasting schedule and obviously just the schedule of life can be exhausting, so honestly, I just like to relax. Obviously I'm hugely into movies, so film and an assortment of amazing television shows really occupy my time. Of course any time i get to travel is a welcoming experience as well!

​Any advice or tips for someone just getting their podcast off the ground?

I would say to just find a topic that is interesting to you and do it. I can easily talk about Jurassic Park to anyone, at any time, so find a topic that is easy for you to discuss and just start. Sometimes you need a little kick, as I did, to start. If something comes natural to you, talk about it and don't let anyone tell you it's boring or unnecessary. Someone will listen and enjoy the topics you put out into the world. 

​What was the last costume you wore?

Every Halloween, we put on a big Halloween party at my house with friends and family, so this is an easy one. This year I dressed up as Negan from The Walking Dead. He is probably one of the most hated characters on television, for reasons I probably shouldn't explain, but let's just say he's done bad things to good people. I loved bringing the character to life by slicking back my hair, throwing on a black leather jacket and red scarf, and bloodying up his blunt weapon. Negan is a fun character to saunter around as and pretend to crack a few skulls... for one night at least. ​



Check out the Jurassic Park Podcast:  
www.jurassicparkpodcast.com
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