Keep the Flame Alive, the podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics, will be the only independent podcast covering the Olympics and Paralympics with daily shows direct from Paris. Production of a daily podcast from overseas is an expensive endeavor, and the show has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise the needed funds.
Hosted and produced by Jill Jaracz and Norwalk, CT’s Alison Brown, Keep the Flame Alive was awarded media accreditation through the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USPS). Accreditation provides access to the many events of the Games for journalists. It does not, however, provide any financial support. “People think we get housing in the Olympic Village and free meals in the cafeteria,” says Alison. “But we pay for everything ourselves just like any other fan.” In addition to travel and accommodations, production costs include equipment, editing, web hosting, research, and marketing.
Without the backing of a major media company, listeners are the largest source of financial support. The Kickstarter campaign, running now until midnight on December 9, will cover a large portion of their costs. Alison says they prefer it that way. “As independent podcasters, we are able to go deep on off-beat stories. What happens when the cameras stop rolling? What did you not see on TV? That’s what we are able to do better than major broadcasters.”
Supporters of the Kickstarter have several incentives available including an e-book guide to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, a collector’s edition pin, and choosing a mascot for the podcast.
Between now and next summer, Keep the Flame Alive will continue to produce weekly episodes released every Thursday, talking to athletes, coaches, officials, and games makers,
Find Keep the Flame Alive on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all other major podcasting platforms. And until next summer, Keep the Flame Alive!