Lo! Christmas is nigh. And thus I bring a bit of October back with a podcast glorifying all things dark, including a quilted pumpkin project. To everyone driving for the holiday season, stay safe!
Back in October, I was invited by HorrorAddicts.net to be a guest on their podcast’s season finale. I was super excited to be a part of the project and thankful that I could help out. This marked the fourth time I’ve appeared on a podcast or broadcast, but the first time I’ve been able to see the podcaster at work. Previously, I was a guest on Unreliable Narrators via Skype, did a live reading of “Leaving the #9” at SF in SF, appeared on FCC Free Radio (FFR) alongside Tales for the Camp Fire: A Charity Anthology editor Loren Rhoads.
But of course, anxiety decided to rear its ugly head.
Participating in the HorrorAddicts.net podcast episode as it was being recorded was a very insightful experience. I got to see the podcaster (Emerian Rich) at work directing, narrating, planning, troubleshooting, stabbing repeatedly at a craft pumpkin, sound checking, checking on her crew between takes, etc. The number of moving pieces was way more than I had ever expected, and I only saw one part of a very large beast … mind blown. Mad respect to all the podcasters out there!
The number one thing that stood out to me about podcasting is how forgiving it seemed to be. Stumble on a word? Say something you wish had not left your pie hole? No problem: re-record and edit. There had been no such accommodation on the live radio show, which was also a great experience, but different (I now have the cutest lucha libre rubber duck courtesy of FFR’s host)!
The other difference with podcasting was being able to see the questions ahead of time, although even then my mind blanked. While talking about favorite cursed places with Emerian and crew, I forgot to mention one of my favorite YouTubers who explores abandoned places: Exploring with Josh. It’s like knowing what books you want and forgetting them all the moment you step into the bookstore!
During the podcast, we talked horror movies, gothic music, and upcoming dark literature releases, and that was just in the segment I was part of! Afterward, we somehow wandered into the topic of hats, and I learned something new about my friend: she makes tea hats. The Craft(ing) is strong with Emerian. Not so much with me. Need a button or patch sown? I gotcha. Need that hemline raised? That’s what safety pins and staples are for 🙃.
To date, my quilted pumpkin remains unfinished, its iridescent green bottom naked for all to see. Mind you, it’s not for lack of supplies, as my friend was kind enough to send me away with the necessary accoutrements. One day, Little Pumpkin, I will finishing driving pins into your artificial flesh. One day.
Safe travels and best wishes to everyone, during this holiday season and always.
Until next we meet,
EMM
Check out podcast Episode 176 and how to make your own quilted pumpkin.
