Guest Information – Pour Decisions

Thank you for being a guest on Pour Decisions! We are thrilled to have you on the show. Below is some information to make your experience as efficient and enjoyable as possible.

All Guests

Attire: Dress comfortably! This is not a formal show! That said, because we have a video element, be prepared to be recorded. Bright colors, stripes, etc, don’t tend to work well on video. But, most importantly be comfortable!
Speak Clearly: One of the biggest gripes about podcasts is audio quality. We are using modern mics and sound gear and our studio is designed to produce good sound. But we can only do so much! Please come in with the mindset that you need to speak loud enough for someone to hear you from a few feet away.
About our Audience: We cater to industry professionals and folks interested in learning more about craft beverages and the culture behind their creation. We are totally into technical talk and insider jargon. Brian will work to ensure highly technical and jargon is defined for the audience.
Language: The show is technically considered “explicit.” You are welcome to use some colorful language but only if it helps make your point. Keep in mind many peers in industry and potential employers very well may be in the audience.
Transcription: We use AI to transcript all shows into text, which is then published in the show notes. We do not generally review these transcriptions for accuracy.

In Studio Information

Location: Please check in at the main Fenn Valley Tasting Room located at 6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appearance on Pour Decisions. You will be given a brief tour of the Fenn Valley facility if desired before heading to the studio, which is located adjacent to the crush/press facility.
Microphones: We provide high quality studio microphones for all guests. However, if you have a preferred studio microphone, you are more than welcome to bring your own. Please ensure it can connect via XLR. Our recording board is able to provide phantom power if needed.
Headphones: While generally not necessary, some guests prefer to wear headphones during recording. If your show includes the addition of an off-site guest (rare, but possible) then headphones are very useful in order to hear them. Should you bring headphones, just ensure they can plug into a mini (3.5mm) jack.
Beverage(s): Please bring your craft beverage to sample at the appropriate temperature. We will provide glassware, dump buckets, and a corkscrew if necessary. You may also wish to bring water or soda to drink while recording.

Remote (generally Zoom) Information

Location: Pick a spot without too many distractions. While we run the show in a very casual way, a constantly barking dog or screaming child is going to detract from the guest experience. It is helpful if the spot has sufficient lighting (ideally from the front so as to not create shadows). From a sound perspective it is best to pick a room with limited echos. Smaller rooms with lots of soft furniture, pictures on the wall, etc tend to produce the best sound.
Time: We will start the video conference at your assigned time. The first few minutes will be dedicated to testing the audio levels and video.
Technology: We generally conduct remote interviews using Zoom. Any device with a camera (or connected to a web cam) and external microphone should work. Mac or PC computers tend to be best, followed by modern smartphones or tablets. If you have any concerns about your technology setup, please reach out to us before the show and we will be happy to run some tests.
Microphones: Any microphone you currently use for video calls should work just fine. Avoid the use of the speakerphone option as it may create distracting feedback. The bottom line is the higher the quality microphone, the better you are going to sound.
Beverages(s): Please plan to ship or drop off the beverage to sample prior to the show. You can mail it to Fenn Valley at 6130 122nd Ave, Fennville, MI 49408. It generally works best if you have the same beverage on your end to taste through along with those in studio. You may also wish to bring water or soda to drink while recording.