Damian Callinan tells Tony Wilson’s Speakola: How to craft a eulogy

Speakola: terrible name; terrific independent Australian podcast.

Speakola: terrible name; terrific independent Australian podcast. Melbourne-based writer Tony Wilson, a former radio host, launched the show as an extension of his website of the same name.

For years Wilson has made collecting speeches a personal project. Speakola houses hundreds of famous pieces of oration, but also encourages users to upload their own writing to the collection.

While the site includes transcripts and recordings, Wilson found that few users actually had the time or patience to sit through entire speeches. He knew that the real joy was hearing these pieces read aloud.

Thus, the podcast looks under the hood at the construction of speeches, interviewing writers before hearing their work performed.

The first episode features comedian Damian Callinan on the craft of an effective eulogy.

There’s plenty of how-to advice woven into a personal story here. Both elements are strong, but the way Speakola bounces around keeps a lengthy episode engaging.

Wilson’s radio background is clear to hear: he is a good talker, and an empathetic interviewer. There’s a warmth throughout the podcast, and his enthusiasm draws the listener in towards the conversation.

There’s an admirable sense of hustle about the whole project. The production is robust if not particularly elaborate, but that’s besides the point. Wilson knows that the power here is in the voices, and has built the project around the strength of the material he has.

At the end of the first episode, he mentions that his show is looking for a sponsor. By the second, he’s landed one with an Australian avocado business.

Wilson feels that the best speeches are usually “love speeches”, the ones where the connection between speaker and subject is tangible, and powerful.

The same could be said about the host and subject of Speakola. It’s actually quite a good rule of thumb for effective podcasts.

Listen to Speakola on your favourite podcast app.