Hey, everyone! SOS15 here to blog about the many mysteries of the Star Wars Galaxies. This week, like last week, we'll be looking at fans; more specifically: Fan Audio.

I'm not really the one who should be writing this blog; Nathan Butler should be. However, since he's far too humble to, I will. Let's start with this question: What is Fan Audio, exactly? Well, it's a bunch of fans recording discussions; yes, it's really simple. It's just like fan fiction or fan art, but in audio form. Many "podcasts," or radio shows, are news round-ups and discussions. This would include EUCast, The Force-Cast, and SW Action News.

Why should you listen to a bunch of fans report news and discuss topics? Well, that's just it: They're fans, just like you and me. To be honest, before I started co-hosting EUCast in October of last year I knew very little about podcasting or the Fan Audio Genre in general. It really is amazing though; not only to be able to host, but to listen to others as well.

Because the hosts are fans, podcasts are not just your run-of-the-mill radio show; the hosts, for the most part, know what they are talking about and truly like it. If not, they research it anyway. Listening to a podcast is a lot like sitting a talking with your best friend; they like what you do, understand you, and it's always funny and up beat. If you are interested in starting out in the Fan Audio genre, I highly recommend Star Wars Fanworks; they have most of the fan audio productions since they began.

So, what is it like actually hosting a podcast?

It's one of the best feelings a SW fan could get! I never once though I'd be able to talk to Chris Trevas; to Drew Karpyshyn, John Jackson Miller, and to hopefully many others. I was so glad to to be able to share that with the listeners, and I really hope they enjoy that. And those are just live shows!

Regular shows are a lot of fun as well. We, of course, have show notes but, to paraphrase some crazy pirate, those are more of a guideline anyway. If we said it, you hear it. EUCast and many other shows even do bloopers at the end the show. We feel that news and discussion of the EU should be given comically and comfortable, just the way it's written. (Most of the time.)

Recording is just like sitting around the campfire and talking with your friends at a Boy Scout camping trip. Even though we are not in the same place, it feels like we're right there, discussing our favorite saga-hopefully with the listeners right there as well. It is scary at times, but well worth it to conquer your fears. Shows are not scripted, so it's kinda intimidating for people wanting to start off podcasting, but don't know if they should; trust me, with good co-host, you'll learn not to worry about it.

My time has a host hasn't been very long, and I'm certainly not the best there ever was, or is on EUCast, but it has taught me this: If you're a fan, don't be afraid; you're a fan, no matter what anyone says. When I tell people I host a podcast half of them look at me like I'm from Dantooine. Sometimes I care, but I soon realize that it's something I like, not them; let them think what they want.

If this blog has done anything, I hope it has made you want to enter the wide world of fan audio and also show you some insight on the feelings and thoughts of a podcast host. As I said, I'm not the one who should be writing this blog, as there are many more talented and creative host out there, but this is sort of something to generalize the feelings of a SW podcast host.

Until next week, fans and bloggers,

SOS15- Signing Off!

PS: Check out Aush, Merryman-Lyon and I each week on EUCast-The Official Podcast of EU Cantina.net

Season 2 is coming next week, and here's a trailer for you to enjoy.