Radio Workshop

You've got the tape — now what? Episode 5 dives into the writing and editing process behind a finished audio documentary: outlining with scenes and beats, pacing rules for keeping listeners engaged, and why every good story needs an editor. Naomi and Dhashen pull back the curtain on their scripting process for their Zambia copper mining documentary, Copper Town. 
Listen to Copper Town.
Produced by Radio Workshop in partnership with DW Akademie.
Hosted by Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley.
Filmed and edited by Makhulu Media.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Support the show
We can only do this work because of your support. You can make a donation at radioworkshop.org.

This is the craft at the center of every great audio story: the interview. Naomi shares field-tested techniques for getting powerful, honest tape — from slating and room tone to the follow-up questions that unlock real emotion. This episode will help you learn how to listen, how to know when to sit in silence, and how to know when you've got what you need. 
Listen to Copper Town.
Produced by Radio Workshop in partnership with DW Akademie.
Hosted by Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley.
Filmed and edited by Makhulu Media.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Support the show
We can only do this work because of your support. You can make a donation at radioworkshop.org.

From shoot schedules to spare batteries, this episode covers everything you need before you hit record in the field. Naomi walks you through the real planning documents used for Radio Workshop's Kitwe story, explains how to think in scenes (not just interviews), breaks down essential recording gear, and shares non-negotiable safety practices for reporting in unfamiliar locations. Practical, a little funny, and essential for anyone prepping their first audio documentary shoot. 
Listen to Copper Town.
Produced by Radio Workshop in partnership with DW Akademie.
Hosted by Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley.
Filmed and edited by Makhulu Media.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Support the show
We can only do this work because of your support. You can make a donation at radioworkshop.org.

Great audio documentaries start with great research. In this episode, Naomi and the team show you exactly how they tracked sources, organized themes, and found "good talkers" during pre-production for their Zambia copper mining story. You'll learn the Focus Statement method — a simple formula that keeps your reporting on track when things get messy — plus real examples of how research shaped their audio story before a single interview was recorded. 
Listen to Copper Town.
Produced by Radio Workshop in partnership with DW Akademie.
Hosted by Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley.
Filmed and edited by Makhulu Media.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Support the show
We can only do this work because of your support. You can make a donation at radioworkshop.org.

Want to make a narrative podcast? Start here! In Episode 1 of our six-part series, Radio Workshop producers Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley break down the five essential ingredients of a great audio story — characters, tension, significance, change, and place using Copper Town, a documentary they made in Kitwe, Zambia, as an example. This episode is the foundation for aspiring audio documentarians, journalists, and storytellers across Africa wanting to tell compelling, impactful stories through sound.

Listen to Copper Town.

Produced by Radio Workshop in partnership with DW Akademie.
Hosted by Naomi Grewan and Dhashen Moodley.
Filmed and edited by Makhulu Media.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Support the show
We can only do this work because of your support. You can make a donation at radioworkshop.org.