Tim Baker is producer and host of the long-running mashup podcast Radio Clash
. An early adopter of podcasting, Tim remains passionate about bringing new and original mixes to his global audience.
When & why did you begin podcasting?
I began podcasting in in November 2004; I’d not heard about it until Ross from the sadly-missed MashupPodcast started his and posted about it, I listened to a few and loved the idea so much I started mine 4 days later (I’m a quick worker!). Inspiration was definitely primarily Ross’s MashupPodcast, but also the shows I was listening to at the time: Yeast Radio, Radio Zoom, Daily Source Code, Dawn and Drew and Insomnia Radio.
What is the most significant thing to happen to you personally as a direct result of producing your podcast?
People recognising me or knowing me purely through the podcast, and meeting new friends. The former doesn’t happen that often; it’s freaky when it does, but I’ve made some lasting friendships via the podcast which alltold given the press or the attention, is the really important thing.
What podcasts, if any, do you regularly listen to or watch?
I listen to quite a few – that would be a massive list, but the ones I never miss are Night Nurse Show, WOBCast, Some Assembly Required, Pods and Blogs (BBC), £50 Note, Skip to the End with Juxtaposeur and Do or DIY (WFMU).
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Until my mother or someone threw it out (I’m still gutted can you tell?) I had a drawing of myself as an artist I did when I was 8. That’s what I wanted to be – and I did it to degree level. Also later an interest in journalism, so that’s probably where the blogging comes from. I also wished I was musically talented; that’s one superpower I wish I had.
What does the future hold for you and your show(s)?
I think new shows and different formats and mediums; Radio Clash will continue but maybe not in the format that people expect or current medium; I’m toying with the idea of doing a video podcast or integrating with YouTube and social media in some way – despite me being as photographic as an old teapot. Also more tie-ins with the Parkade in Second Life (which I co-run with 2 others); be they recorded sets or more interactive cross-promotion. Watch this space (quite literally!).