Q: Where did Let’s Have a Renaissance: The DateKeepers Podcast come from?

• A: One of our favorite things about multidisciplinary residencies like MacDowell is that they create spaces for writers and artists working in different disciplines to come together, share ideas, cross-pollinate, and support one another. We couldn’t find any podcasts where exchanges like that are being curated for public consumption. We decided to create one. 

Q: Who do you interview? 

• A: Traditionally published authors, artists, musicians, composers, performers, etc. ...basically anyone in the arts.

Q: Do you charge guests?

• A: No. 

Q: Do you pay guests? 

• A: No. 

Q: Do you interview authors who’ve published with small indie presses and university presses?

• A: Absolutely! We love supporting small presses and the authors who publish with them. 

Q: Do you interview authors who've published with hybrid or vanity presses?

• A: No. 

Q: Do you interview self-published authors?

• A: Rarely. 

Q: I have a book coming out next year. Can I reach out the week before the book launch to schedule an interview?

• A: No. We'll be happy to promote your book, but we schedule interviews months in advance. We’ll also need time to edit the recording. Please contact us at least six months before the launch date. 

Q: I want to know the exact date that my interview will be published. Can you tell me? 

• A: No. We’re a small team with a long production queue. If you want to schedule around a book launch or other event, we’ll work with you to make that happen, but we can’t make any guarantees. The best way to know when your interview drops is to subscribe to the podcast.  

Q: Can I promote my products or services during my interview?

• A: No. We’re offering you a free opportunity to share your creative work with a new audience, not to market other products or services. 

Q: I have strong political opinions. Can I talk about them during my interview?

• A: No. Our podcast is non-partisan. We're here to talk about art and find common ground, not to advance political agendas. 

Q: I've never been on a podcast before. What’s the best way to prepare?

• A: We recommend listening to a few episodes to get a sense of how we interact with guests. 

Q: Will you send me questions in advance? 

• A: Our interviews are casual, wide-ranging conversations about guests' lives and work. We don’t prepare questions in advance, nor do we expect you to prepare answers. If there are certain topics you’d like to cover, you’re welcome to send us bullet points, and we’ll address those during the conversation.  

Q: I’m not a great public speaker. What if I bomb? 

• A: What matters is that you’ve got something to say. We spend hours editing every episode to make you sound your best, so as long as you communicated something of substance, leave the rest to us. 

Q: How long is the interview?

• A: We schedule for 45 minutes. Please plan to be available for the full duration. 

Q: Do I need to dress up or wear makeup? 

• A: If it makes you feel good, go right ahead, but the camera will be off. Our interviews are audio-only. 

Q: I love what you’re doing and want to support the arts. What can I do to help? 

• A: Everything helps! Especially the following:  

  • Making a one-time donation through our donation form.

  • Purchasing a subscription to our blog (you’ll also get access to premium content).

  • Subscribing to the podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and Amazon. 

  • Liking, commenting on, and sharing your favorite episodes. 

  • Leaving a review on your favorite podcasting platform.

  • Encouraging your friends in the arts to reach out if they’d like to come on the podcast.