Interview with Michael Boll, Host of Autism Podcast
I listen to this podcast everytime it is posted in my iTunes, and as I posted the site last week, this is the interview with the host, Michael Boll. Enjoy, and go listen!
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My name is Michael Boll and I host a podcast (Internet Radio Show) about autism. I have a seven-year old son on the spectrum and this podcast is my way of learning more about autism and sharing it with others. You can listen to the show and learn how to subscribe (don’t worry it is free) by heading to www.autismpodcast.org
If you are new to podcasting, it may comfort you to know that it is pretty much the same thing as a radio show, yet distributed differently. Instead of playing on a local radio station, a podcast is pushed out via a website and/or an MP3 player such as an Apple iPod. Listeners may choose to subscribe to the podcast and have each new show automatically downloaded or simply click on the link to listen to a show on the website.
· Most of us that publicly discuss our ‘autism situations’ do so through blogs or other ‘written’ media/communication tools? What made you think of podcasting, and all the technical aspects of it?
I have always been a bit of computer geek and I had been interested in putting together a podcast for a while. For some strange reason I could not figure out what to podcast about. Then it hit me (Duh!), why not do a podcast about autism! It has really worked out for the best too. I have been able to interview all kinds of parents, therapists, doctors, etc. It has allowed me, and the audience, to explore the huge variety of therapies out there and the feelings of parents with kids on the spectrum.
· I believe I read that you were a former teacher, so you aren’t a technical studio guy by training, right? Do you have help putting these together? How often do these podcasts take place?
I am ABSOLUTELY, not a professional studio person. Really, this whole podcasting thing is super easy and rather cheap. People have told me that the show has good production value, but I only use a $70 microphone, Skype, and some free open-source software.
The podcasts generally take place on a weekly basis. I try to keep a couple of weeks ahead so I can have some flex time and take a week off now and then.
· What’s your response/feedback been? Is listenership good? Growing? Do you find certain subjects, like say, nutrition, draw a bigger audience than, like say, dealing with your HMO?
The feedback about the podcast itself has been really positive. Once in a while the guest might offend somebody though. This is particularly true if someone talks about a cure for autism. The adults with autism, and some others, can be really offended by that term.
Generally, though, I try to present a balanced set of programs and allow the guest to fully communicate their views. I want the listener to make up his or her own mind.
Listenership has been on a nice steady increase. This seems to be a result of some of the more popular guests linking to the site and sending traffic our way.
· If your son is verbal, and able to participate, have you ever thought of including him on the show?
My son is verbal, but not to the degree that we could have a conversation. That would be a blast to have him on the show; perhaps someday! I have had some adults with autism on the show and that has been a lot of fun.
· What do you want this to be when it grows up? Get some sponsorship dollars? Possibly move over to mainstream media?
I like the way the show has evolved: slowly and easily. My listenership has gone from 30 downloads a show in the early days to upwards of 2,000 downloads for the most popular shows. The idea of making money on the show would be nice, but I like where it is now.
I do it for free, am able to book most anybody I ask, and don’t have the pressure pleasing a set of sponsors. I would like the show to become more popular, but will likely never go after sponsors. As I see it, I am getting a million dollars worth of free advice every week!
· What are you learning? The more I talk to people, the more I realize there are those out there that will forget more about specific parts of autism than I will ever remember. Do you get a lot of ‘Ah-Has’ hosting this show?
I get an “ah-ha” about every show. Or, more often now, I get an “Oh shoot, I need to do that again” moment. Seriously though, there is a ton to learn out there and I am always ready to try something new after each show. I wish there was less to learn and that just one therapy would fit all, but autism seems to be very individualized when it comes to which therapy(s) works best.
· With our son, we’ve overall had a pretty average (ups and downs) experience in his first two years in the county’s school system. Being a former teacher, and probably going through this, what’s your experience with the school district where you live?
Actually I live in Colorado. My school district, Cherry Creek Schools, has been a mostly positive experience. We have had our moments with a teacher, but are satisfied overall. I think it helps that my wife and I are both teachers and can relate to our son’s instructors.
We have worked very collaboratively via our half-day home program and half-day school program. I feel comfortable telling my son’s teachers that I had a less than successful day with him and then seeking their advice. I hope they feel the same way. As teachers, we know that things do not go well all the time and we want our son’s teachers to feel that they can tell us when something did not go well and we won’t freak out.
· Do you, professionally and personally, feel that school districts are doing a good job integrating spectrum kids into the classrooms? If not, what do you think they could be doing better?
At my son’s school they seem to do a very nice job integrating him into the classroom.
The same goes for the other kids on the spectrum too. Having an autistic kiddo in a classroom seems almost more normal than NOT having one. I can’t speak authoritatively for other school districts, but I do hear lots of horror stories from the parents I talk with. Money is the main issue and the better-funded districts simply do a better job of complying with the law.
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Thanks again, Michael. And folks, once again, the URL is www.autismpodcast.org.
