“It was such an absolute joy working with you. And you must know that the podcast could not have been possible without your support.

Thank you again for being a rock star editor and always going the extra mile to bring CounterPol to life."

- Ceejay Hayes, podcast creator

counterpol

University of Cambridge | Podcast Series on Global Polarization

🧠 the vision

ceejay Hayes came to us with a big idea: bring the University of Cambridge’s Overcoming Polarization Initiative to life through a podcast that could make complex, world-shaping conversations accessible to the public. With 64 elections scheduled globally in 2024, the timing couldn’t be more urgent.

He had the guests. He had the message.

But he needed help turning it all into something coherent, compelling, and world-class.

⚙️ the challenges

  • Limited timeline — the show needed to launch before ceejay’s fellowship ended

  • International guest list with complex remote scheduling

  • Variable recording quality and speakers, including one interview he feared was “unsalvageable” due to the guest’s manner of speaking

  • No music, no artwork, no workflow (yet)

  • Desire for a legacy-level production that could live on after his departure

the creative process

〰️

the creative process 〰️

✨ the magic ✨

we came in to handle every stage of production — from brand to final export — and gave ceejay a done-for-you system that let him focus on the conversations while we brought the creative and technical pieces to life.

✅ Here’s what we delivered:

  • 🎨 Custom podcast artwork (developed from initial visual metaphors and refined collaboratively)

  • 🎼 Two original theme music options

  • 🎧 full-service audio editing for all 8 episodes: cutting filler, removing stammers/stutters, fixing general mistakes, cleaning up plosives, reverb, comping takes, and reducing and harshness common in remote recording

  • 🧠 Interview prep guidance, mic/interface consulting, and recording platform recommendations (Zoom, Cleanfeed)

  • 📋 Transcripts for all interviews before and after edits so ceejay could easily guide content decisions

  • ✂️ Transformative editing — including one interview CJ thought was unusable, which became his favorite episode post-edit

  • 🖥️ Episode audiograms with guest headshots and animated visuals for YouTube and blog

  • 📝 Full blog posts + scheduling, Captivate embeds, and transcript uploads for the launch

  • 📦 A dedicated client portal with all assets, drafts, and reference materials

  • 🧰 Bonus social post templates, title suggestions, and transcript-based quote pullers for future marketing

🥇 The Results

  • A cohesive, intelligent miniseries that launched under budget and on time

  • Eight world-class guests, made eloquent including authors, academics, and former head of Twitter Trust & Safety

  • High-quality and engaging audio from challenging source material: reducing hard-to-listen 60+ minute recordings to 35 tight, impactful minutes

  • A grateful client and finished product that’s now part of the Overcoming Polarization Initiative’s public legacy

  • worldwide listeners in over 40 countries across the globe

curious how we can elevate your podcast?

click below to see more