You want me to start a Podcast? OK

My Spotify podcast, OWL STORIES, becomes available February 17th. I'll be telling my own version of a Native American Indian tale that I call, Little Scarface.

Let's see what happens. So, one of the littles was distressed about having to read for 20 minutes a night for homework. When I asked him why this was troubling him, he told me no one was at home to read him stories at night. Before I could say anything, another little suggested he listen to a Podcast because, "it's a parent reading and that should count - right Mrs. Beck?" I absolutely agreed. Then, the little looked me in the eye and asked me if I would read him a story at night - broke my heart - how could I say no? And that's how the kids came up with the idea for me to start a Podcast telling stories.

Sounds simple right? Sure - until you learn about copy-write laws. That's where I found the loop hole. There are some books so old, that the copy write law has expired, think A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Then, there are stories that belong to the public domain (everyone) - meaning - no one person owns the right to the story - fables.

In my mind I can break down fables into two categories: Aesop and Cultural. Aesop lived in Greece around 600 BCE, and his story The Lion & The Mouse, the story has been told for 2,500 years - so it is something I can manipulate to call my own. Now, I couldn't read Jerry Pinkney's  rendition of story because that would infringe on his creative rights - I would need to have his written permission in advance. Well, that's fair (His book won a Caldecott Medal and it is beautiful).

Cultural fables also fall into the category of public domain for the same reason as Aesop. Think about The Hidden One, retold, written and performed by Aaron Shepard. No one  knows where the story originated - it's a Native American Indian tale that has been told and retold for thousands of years. Within the culture, different tribes put on a different spin each time it has been told. The fable belongs to the public domain - everyone. Aaron knows this and has publicly given permissions to retell a selection of his work called the Gift of Story but only if you read it word-for-word and mention his name (Aaron is a creative genius and every parent and teacher should have his website on speed-click). Now, if I were to read the book The Rough Faced Girl retold and written by Rafe Martin, I would need his permission because I would be reading his words - same reason as Pinkney's book.

But where to start? 

I always listen to Spotify; I went to the website and walked through the steps. To tell the truth, that was so easy. I think Spotify wants you to be successful. It did ask about a logo and I wasn't sure how to do that but AI (listen to me with the tech language) was able to help me out and then, using Canva, I created the logo you see now . 

Then came the work. 

Saying and doing are two different things. One is a want and One is action. Learning how to use the technology necessary to produce a podcast took some time: equipment, learning a new app, recording, editing, more recording more editing - fading music. 

Equipment wise, my very creative daughter went on this adventure and left behind a microphone and headphones when she moved to Georgia. 

Educating myself was a quick Google search letting me know that my MacPro Book has an application called Garage Band. Turns out that it's great for beginner podcasters (me). You Tube has so many professionals willing and waiting to teach you how to use the app while handing out quick tips to make everything sound a little more professional. One such person made everything less scary - thank you Pat Flynn.

Then there was music. Every podcast I listen to uses music as an auditory 'bell' to get your attention. I listen to The Moth, if I hear only that 'feather music' I know there is a story waiting on the other side. Lucky for me, I found royalty free music from Artist.io - and now, my podcast has its own Pavlovian bell.

Feb 17th is next week, Launch Day, and I have no idea how this will be received. Maybe just my little listens, maybe 10 people - it doesn't matter, I made a promise and I intend to keep that promise for as long as possible. I'm currently working on The Lion and The Mouse - in my own words.

I'm having fun and that counts - right?

NOTE: This fable belongs to everyone, the public domain, and is based from the retellings and countless books that I have read during my 25 years of teaching. Now, with that said, I never found a book written with the title Little Scarface.

I think my daughter should start a podcast, Moving to Georgia, Now What? Think I'll talk to her about that ...