Podcast Producer's Role: Balancing Technical Execution With Host's Vision

Sports Media with Richard Deitsch · January 01, 2026 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title: What's it like to be a sports podcast producer?

TL;DR

Podcast producers primarily focus on recording, editing, and mixing audio content, ensuring the host sounds good rather than dictating editorial direction, which preserves the host's ownership of the show's narrative.
Editing for conversational flow involves retaining some natural verbal tics like "ums" to prevent a robotic sound, balancing polish with human authenticity for listener engagement.
Producing across diverse genres like reality TV and fashion, not just sports, demonstrates adaptability, requiring producers to learn new subject matter and apply consistent workflow principles.
The shift towards video podcasts, while offering greater monetization potential, allows audio-only formats to retain a unique "theater of the mind" appeal, fostering closer listener attention.
Focusing on behind-the-scenes media figures and niche topics, rather than just star athletes, provides unique inside information that can offer listeners deeper insights and a distinct perspective.
A producer's value lies in technical execution and collaborative support, making them vital to a podcast's success by enhancing the host's content and reach.

Deep Dive

A podcast producer's role extends beyond technical execution to actively shaping the listener experience by balancing technical polish with conversational authenticity. This involves a nuanced approach to editing that preserves the natural flow of human speech, even if it means retaining minor imperfections like verbal tics, to avoid sounding overly programmed. The implications are that successful podcast production requires a deep understanding of audience perception, where perceived authenticity can be as critical as technical quality for listener engagement.

The core function of a podcast producer, as exemplified by Patrick Antonetti, is to meticulously record and edit audio content, enhance it with music, and ensure a polished final product. However, the producer's influence is often shaped by their relationship with the host and the podcast's editorial philosophy. In this case, Antonetti emphasizes his role as making the host sound good, rather than dictating content, which fosters a collaborative environment and allows the host's voice to remain central. This approach implies that the producer acts as a technical and aesthetic partner, facilitating the host's vision rather than imposing their own, which can lead to a more genuine and host-centric output.

Furthermore, the podcasting landscape is increasingly shifting towards video, yet an audio-only format retains significant value by fostering a "theater of the mind" experience that encourages closer listening. This approach can also make guests more relaxed, as they are not required to be "camera-ready." The implication here is that while video offers broader monetization and reach, the audio-first strategy can cultivate a more intimate and focused listener connection, particularly for niche content where authenticity is paramount.

The choice of guests and content significantly impacts a podcast's success, with a clear distinction emerging between interviewing high-profile personalities and delving into the intricacies of industry insiders. While celebrity guests can drive downloads, interviews with behind-the-scenes figures or media professionals provide unique insights that offer a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This suggests a strategic trade-off: broad appeal through well-known names versus specialized depth that cultivates a dedicated audience by revealing less-obvious aspects of the industry.

Finally, the discussion on sports media, particularly regarding team management and competitive strategies, highlights the tension between market size and strategic building. The preference for a "Yankee mentality" of acquiring stars versus a more sustainable, prospect-focused approach like that of David Stearns underscores a fundamental difference in philosophy. This implies that while large markets and deep pockets offer advantages, successful team-building hinges on strategic vision and a consistent approach to player development and acquisition, regardless of market size.

Action Items

Audit podcast editing process: Identify 3-5 common verbal tics (e.g., "um," "writ large") and establish a consistent strategy for their removal or retention to maintain conversational flow.
Create runbook template for new podcast genres: Define 5 required sections (e.g., guest profiling, content adaptation, audience engagement) to ensure consistent quality across diverse subject matters.
Measure guest impact on downloads: Track 5-10 high-profile guests versus niche media professionals to quantify audience engagement and inform future booking strategies.
Evaluate guest selection criteria: For 3-5 upcoming interviews, analyze the correlation between guest's industry recognition and listener download numbers to refine booking priorities.

Key Quotes

"I think there's a lot more availability now that you mentioned like college kids then there was was when i was in college i think there's a lot of classes I actually have a friend who who teaches a podcast class in a small college in New York City and um I mean the main thing is is recording so I record the episode and then um I make the edits as we go along walk the edits make the edits add in the music bed mix it up in a nutshell that's basically it"

Patrick Antonetti explains that the core responsibilities of a podcast producer involve recording the episode, making edits, adding music, and mixing the audio. Antonetti notes that there are more educational opportunities available for aspiring podcast producers now than when he was in college, including dedicated classes and online tutorials.

"My job is to make you sound good that's what I feel and I mean there's been other shows that I've worked on that had what I would call like a show producer and I would be like audio producer and they would be like okay here's a transcript everything highlighted please edit it out so their job was to tell me what to edit out and my job was to make the edits and I feel like that's how I work with your show and normally we don't really edit for content you always say what happens what's said and leave it in it's all natural but that's that's my approach"

Patrick Antonetti clarifies his role as an audio producer, emphasizing that his primary function is to ensure the host sounds good rather than dictating content. Antonetti contrasts this with a "show producer" who might direct what content to cut, stating his approach is collaborative and respects the host's final say on their show's content.

"And sometimes it's it's hard you know it's hard to get them all out and it's a natural thing because even when I'm talking to my friends or my neighbors or people I see I catch oh you just said um and in my head I'm like edit that out but it's it's such a natural thing to say that I think most people don't realize it and you have to leave I think some in just to make it sound conversational or humanly because then it's then people sound like a robot and it's like you cut the breath every breath out or you cut all the ums out and it just sounds like it was too like programmed"

Patrick Antonetti discusses the challenge of editing out verbal tics like "um," acknowledging that they are natural and common. Antonetti suggests that removing all such natural speech patterns can make a podcast sound overly programmed or robotic, and that leaving some in helps maintain a conversational and human quality.

"I am a fan of sports so it helps but as everybody knows who listens I also um work with the varsity and john o'rands um but I've worked in podcast which I enjoyed as as someone who's into politics I've worked with and some of the best people I worked with were reality television stars they were great I really enjoyed working"

Patrick Antonetti highlights his diverse production experience beyond sports media, including work with political podcasts and reality television stars. Antonetti expresses that he found reality television stars to be among the best people he has worked with, enjoying the experience of producing their content.

"I like the fact that um it's not video because I think like audio is amazing for sort of theater of the mind and I think it forces you a little bit to sort of listen closer I've also found generally speaking the people that I have on this specific podcast patrick they actually like not having to be camera ready they're a little more relaxed and that stuff"

Richard Deitsch expresses a preference for audio-only podcasts, believing that the "theater of the mind" aspect encourages closer listening. Deitsch also notes that guests on his podcast often seem more relaxed when not required to be camera-ready, contributing to a more comfortable interview environment.

"I like that because you hear you hear the inside information where most of the other the i guess more i don't know a lot of the popular episodes would be like the popular guy and they say it's like they say the same thing all the time like you could interview a well known athlete and he's going to say the same thing somebody else interviews the well known athlete he's going to say the same thing but when you start getting into the weeds and the background stuff that's different and I think people don't realize how important that stuff is because they don't see it"

Patrick Antonetti explains his preference for interviewing media professionals and engaging in roundtables over popular figures, stating that these discussions provide unique "inside information." Antonetti believes that focusing on the background and intricacies of the industry offers valuable insights that audiences may not otherwise encounter.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"The Varsity" by John O'Rands - Mentioned as a podcast Patrick Antonetti works with.

Articles & Papers

"Sports Media Watch" - Mentioned as a podcast hosted by John Lewis.
"Sportico" - Mentioned as a podcast.
"SBJ" - Mentioned as a podcast with Austin Karp.

People

Patrick Antonetti - Producer of the Sports Media Podcast, also works with "The Varsity."
Richard Dutch - Host of the Sports Media Podcast.
John O'Rands - Mentioned as someone Patrick Antonetti works with on "The Varsity."
Trey Wingo - Mentioned as a guest who has been on the podcast before.
Jimmy Traina - Mentioned as someone Patrick Antonetti is a fan of and has good chemistry with.
Andrew Marshawn - Mentioned as a podcast host in the sports media genre.
John Lewis - Host of the "Sports Media Watch" podcast.
Brian Curtis - Mentioned as having a podcast with the Ringer network.
Austin Karp - Mentioned as hosting the "SBJ" podcast.
Jim Nance - Mentioned as a guest that many in the sports media podcast genre try to get.
Charles Barkley - Mentioned as a quotable guest who gives honest opinions and has great stories.
LeBron James - Mentioned as a desired guest to discuss media coverage.
Edwin Diaz - Mentioned in relation to his contract with the Mets.
David Stearns - Mentioned in relation to his approach to building the Mets team.
Ohtani - Mentioned in relation to the Dodgers and game-changing player decisions.
Great Yamamoto - Mentioned as an incredible player the Dodgers made the right decisions on.
Bichette - Mentioned as a player the Blue Jays might acquire.
Tucker - Mentioned as a player the Blue Jays might acquire.
Tiki Barber - Mentioned in a promotional message about planning a safe ride home.

Organizations & Institutions

Bombas - Mentioned for slippers and socks.
DSW - Mentioned for shoes.
Odyssey - Mentioned as the company Patrick Antonetti produces for.
NPR - Mentioned as an example of a podcast that might have more editorial suggestions.
The Daily - Mentioned as an example of a podcast that might have more editorial suggestions.
PFF (Pro Football Focus) - Mentioned as a data source.
NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned in relation to planning safe rides home and as a league.
Mets - Mentioned as a baseball team.
New York Yankees - Mentioned as a team that buys all-stars and as a benchmark for success.
Netflix - Mentioned for buying "The Ringer" and "Barstool" content.
The Ringer - Mentioned as a network that has bought content by Netflix.
Barstool - Mentioned as having content bought by Netflix.
NBC - Mentioned in relation to Olympic coverage.
ESPN - Mentioned as a major sports broadcasting company.
Fox - Mentioned as a major sports broadcasting company.
The Athletic - Mentioned as a publication where comments are not advised.
Sports Illustrated - Mentioned as a publication where comments are not advised.
Bravo - Mentioned as a network with reality television stars.
The Bachelor - Mentioned as a show a contestant was on.
CBS Radio - Mentioned as a previous employer.
LG - Mentioned as a partner for the podcast.
Diageo - Mentioned in a promotional message about responsible drinking.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) - Mentioned in a promotional message about responsible drinking.
Brooklyn Cyclones - Mentioned as the Mets' rookie ball team.
Philadelphia Phillies - Mentioned as an example of a successful team building strategy.
Toronto Blue Jays - Mentioned as a competing team with the Yankees and as having an incredible offseason.
Boston Red Sox - Mentioned as a team that competed with the Yankees.
Los Angeles Dodgers - Mentioned as a team that buys players and as a benchmark for success.
Oakland Athletics - Mentioned in relation to their off-season moves and potential move to Vegas.
LG USA - Mentioned for laptops.

Tools & Software

Pro Tools - Mentioned as a popular audio editing software.
Adobe Audition - Mentioned as an audio editing software used by the podcast.
Windows 10 - Mentioned as a Microsoft operating system.
Windows 11 - Mentioned as a Microsoft operating system.

Websites & Online Resources

bombas.com - Mentioned for purchasing slippers and socks.
dsw.com - Mentioned for purchasing shoes.
takeaminutenow.com - Mentioned for planning a safe ride home.
blueapron.com - Mentioned for meal delivery.
lgusa.com - Mentioned for LG Gram laptops.

Other Resources

Audio Producer - Role discussed in detail.
Podcast Producer - Role discussed in detail.
Sports Media Podcast - The podcast being discussed.
The Varsity Podcast - A podcast Patrick Antonetti works on.
Theater of the Mind - Concept discussed in relation to audio podcasts.
Yankee Mentality - Concept discussed in relation to the Mets' approach.
Luxury Tax - Concept discussed in relation to team budgets.
Rookie Contract - Concept discussed in relation to player value.
International Free Agent - Concept discussed in relation to player scouting.