Podcast Spotlight: An Interview with The Countdown's Paul Przytula

The Countdown: Movie and TV Reviews podcast is a weekly comedic look at film and TV as the hosts, Paul and Wayne, count down lists regarding both. Each week they feature a Top 10 list of some description, review a new released film or completed television season, and/or feature a number of different segments to keep things fresh and fast-paced. The hosts pride themselves on offering genuine reviews that don’t pander to the masses, so if something is bad, they call it out. But at the same time, if something is good, they love to be with lavish with their praise. But ultimately, they just want people to be entertained and get a bit of a laugh out of their banter, which at times, does get a little heated … The guys also feature Listener feedback and suggestions - making for a more inclusive podcast – which have now become key parts of the show.

We spoke with The Countdown's Paul Przytula to pick his brain on the podcasting world.

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

Wayne and I began the podcast in March 2015 and have so far racked up 74 episodes (73 regulars with one bonus one thrown in there, just to keep the listeners on their toes).
​
We’re a couple of best friends who have known each other for a quarter of a century (yep, we’re old), and are film-lovers who had our shot at making a few student films (one of which was feature length!) So we found ourselves talking film and TV whenever we caught up – which wasn’t regular enough once I helped create life – and after one alcohol fuelled gathering led to us recording our Top 10 films of the year, I came up with the idea of formalizing that into a podcast. We spent a bit of time going back and forth over the format for the show, and eventually settled on the idea of making it all about the Top 10. I managed to get permission (from my girlfriend) to get out of the house weekly to record the show despite having a small child, and that was enough for me: I was set and determined to make it work!

Where do you draw inspiration for your podcast?

Our inspiration comes from some of the heavy hitters in the game like Kevin Smith with his message of anybody with a mic and an idea can podcast. One of the biggest podcasts in Australia, Hamish and Andy, features two best mates who constantly take the piss out of each other (that’s Australian for “make fun of one another” btw), and that’s been another source of inspiration, especially for myself. Then I have to credit a little, independent podcast called Cinereelists, who are much more serious than we are, but have a good chemistry and also review films while doing Top 10s. Our show has gone in a very different direction, but I still listen to them and learn from what they’re doing.

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?

We set up a small “studio” in Wayne’s house (aka his study) which initially consisted of one Blue Yeti mic and Audacity on his PC. And we thought we were awesome! Hahahaha! Over time, as the podcast grew, we felt justified enough to purchase Audio Technica ATR2100 mics, some noise cancelling headphones, and a mixing board – all of which have combined for a sound we’re far happier with. We even got a third mic so when we have guest hosts in studio with us, we all sound as good as one another. We’re still using Audacity though. Apparently that means we’re in the dark ages, but I’m not sure I can go through the pain of learning a whole new editing system.

What’s been your greatest challenge with podcasting?

You mean, aside from the girlfriend getting upset that the show went beyond the 12 episodes she gave it? No, it’s probably the most clichéd answer ever, but growing our audience has definitely been our biggest challenge. It took a long time to grow beyond the 100 listener mark for us, so long in fact, that it took us until about Episode 45 to hit 5000 downloads. But then people started to catch on. It took about 25 more episodes to get the next 5000, and then only about 13 to get the next 5000 after that. We’re still very small compared to the big names on Podomatic, but it’s been awesome to know there are more listeners just about every week.

In what ways have you seen your podcast grow?

We initially relied on word of mouth and Facebook. The former got us to that 100 listener mark; the latter delivered very little. But then I decided to embrace Twitter and as our followers there grew, so did our listener base. We also became involved with #PodernFamily on Twitter, which isn’t a formal network, but a group of like-minded, independent podcasts that came together with the idea of getting to know one another and supporting each other’s shows. Out of this, I’ve made some amazing contacts and one or two legitimate friends – at which point I have to give a shoutout to Nick from the Epic Film Guys podcast.​

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

I’m all about the talk based podcasts, and then mostly those to do with film and geek culture as a wider whole. The aforementioned Epic Film Guys is top of my list, and a couple of other fantastic #PodernFamily shows are the So Wizard podcast and Comic Confidential podcast (who also happen to be fellow Aussies). On Podomatic, my definite fave is the hugely popular Skip to the End podcast, and then there’s the Cinereelists podcast and Horror News Radio.

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

Not sure I’m qualified to offer an opinion after only being in the game for 17 months, but I like to think podcasting could effectively take over and pass radio in terms of popularity. Why settle for pre-programmed entertainment when you can literally listen to anything that interests you whenever you want!?

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

I watch films and television of course, and enjoy spending time with my family. But I’m also a long-distance runner, so you can usually find me out running with my headphones in, listening to the latest episode of one of my favourite shows. I also read a fair amount and review books for www.horrorafterdark.com. Then there’s the occasional session of gaming, friends to catch up with, fantasy football teams to organise … Wow, I sound way busier than it feels I am ☺


Lastly, any advice or tips for someone just getting their podcast off the ground?

Maybe stay away from film themed podcasts that countdown lists... More seriously, I'd encourage podcasters to back themselves in if they are serious about it and up the sound quality as soon as possible. It's no coincidence that our biggest surge in listeners occurred from the moment we bought new equipment and improved how we sound. Audiences will come for the content but they won't stay if it sounds terrible.

What advice would you give to your 21 year old self?
​
Buy shares in Apple NOW, dump Sam and don’t sweat not meeting anyone else, as once you turn 30, the odds suddenly turn and you’re going to have to find a decent sized stick to find off all interested parties :-p

Be sure to check out The Countdown's podcast below: