Jamie: leave of absence.

Me in the play Julius Casear!

Hi #Treksters long time no see! I hope your all having a great weekend! I’ve got to admit I’ve been a #naughtytrekkie in terms of breaking my New Year resolution (getting a blog post out every month this year)…as it just hasn't happened.

This is due to a combination of factors in my personal life…including looking for a new job, which has taken up a lot of my time.

Which brings me onto the whole reason why I am writing this blog. As you can tell from my title, I will be going on a Temporary Leave of Absence shortly from the podcast like Simon did towards the end of last year.

I’ve thought about it and spoken to both Simon and Phil who have agreed to give me the time I need to look for a new job without having to focus on the podcast as much. I can also focus on aspects of myself and spend more time with friends and family.

Obviously during this time, I'll still be around on Facebook and Twitter, but I’ll try devoting some time to blog post writing…as I have a few ideas up my sleeve. Of course I’ll still be in all of our episodes.

But just like when Simon went on his break, I’ll be taking a (temporary) step back from any production work (podcast editing), and instead swapping jobs with Phil.

Meaning that he’ll be responsible for editing our episodes, whilst I’ll be in charge of uploading the episodes onto SoundCloud for the first time.

Something which I haven't done before, but I am looking forward to doing it and it'll be a great learning experience!

Me, Simon and Phil at DST3!

I’d just like to take a moment to thank Phil and Simon for all their support during the tough times I've had to face over the past couple of months. I’d also like to say thank you for always being there and helping me, whether that’s just giving me advice or just simply listening to what’s going.

Lastly, I also want to thank you Treksters, our listeners and fellow podcasters for your continued support of our podcast. We really appreciate it!

Anyway I think that's all, except to say I'll be going on my leave on Sunday 17^th April at midnight and will be coming back to the podcast Monday 1^st August at midnight.

Until next time this is Jamie from the Engage Podcast warping off into the unknown. Punch it!

Simon: My Temporary Leave of Absence from the podcast



That picture...again!

Hi #Treksters

As many of you may know (Phil & Jamie in particular) I am very passionate about the podcast. To the length that (at times) I will go above and beyond to make the podcast the best it can, which can manifest itself into a help or a hindrance.




Although most of the time it’s the latter (much to the annoyance of Phil & Jamie), which is why I have decided (after consulting with Phil & Jamie) to take a Temporary Leave of Absence from managing the podcast (between 17^th December 2015-1^st March 2016).

So I am writing this blog post to explain my reasons behind my decision.

Firstly, I’ve got to say that there’s no single reason why…but it’s all centred around the fact that I need to concentrate on sorting myself out. Because that’s something I’ve neglected to do, whilst I’ve been producing content for the podcast.

In my mind I’ve been unable to do both, as I’ve needed to know that (however stupid it sounds) the podcast would be ok without me there.

Now that we’ve been up and running for a year, I think it’s about time for me to take a step back…and for Phil & Jamie to take the burden. Something I’ve solely been responsible for the past three and a half years.

Which is why I want to focus on what’s important to me, my friends & family. As I feel like they’ve lost out (at times) when I’ve put my efforts into the podcast.



Me, Phil & Jamie together at Destination Star Trek London 2012 (DST1)

This has even effected my friendship’s between Phil & Jamie, as they’ve changed since we started (and later launched) the podcast.

In a way my friendships with them have become ‘cursed’ and ‘charmed’, because I obviously get to see them more often…which is fantastic!

But when we’re together, we just talk about the podcast. Which is stopping us concentrating on what started the whole adventure (our friendships), detrimentally causing friction along the way.

As I’m the main cause of all that tension (in one way or another) I’m going to step aside as Executive Producer (for a while) and ‘leave’ the podcast in the quite capable hands of Phil & Jamie!

Like I say this is only a temporary arrangement, as I’ll still be active here on the blog…and over on Twitter & Facebook (and our e-mail).

Meanwhile, backstage I’ll also be acting as an Advisor (or Consultant) to the boys. Who I’m quite sure will want some advice from me concerning the perils of running the podcast on a daily basis.




Me and Phil together

And it also looks like I’ll be taking over one of Phil’s jobs, as I’ll be the one who’ll be uploading our latest episodes up onto SoundCloud (our new home).

As you might expect with this kind of change (however temporary), there is likely to be some ‘teething problems’ while the boys are getting use to ‘running the show’ and everything that entails.

Podcast 'juggling act'

Because I’ve always described it (running the podcast) as being a bit of a 'juggling act'. Due to the fact that you’re desperately trying to keep everything going simultaneously…which is no small feat!

So I just ask that you give them a chance to get use to how much time & effort is needed in order to keep the podcast running smoothly (and on time).  

For more information about this please listen to our Science Fiction Regrets episode!

This comes into effect on Thursday 17^th December 2015 at 00:00am until Tuesday 1^st March 2016 at 00:00am.

This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!

The Engage Podcast's guide to conventions!

Hi guys
With DST3 days away, I thought it was a good idea to write down some useful tips for attending a convention!
Before I start, you maybe wondering "why is Simon in a position to give me advice on attending cons?"

In order to answer your question, I need to make use of The Doctor's TARDIS. Because I'm going to need to use a bit of time travel to explain it!

I think a good place to take the TARDIS back to first...would be between 2003-2005 (ish!).
As around that time, I attended quite a few small conventions with my Mum and Godfather, but they really aren't worth mentioning!

The second place the TARDIS would land, is 2010 where I attended London Film and Comic Con at Earls Court 2. This time I went with Jamie and his Dad...although we only went for a day so I didn't gleam much advice from that event either!

It's not until 2012 where me, Jamie and Phil attended our first Destination Star Trek event. Where my wealth of convention knowledge is formed. As we spend two enjoyable days up there covering the event!

Pop back into the TARDIS for one final trip. To February of this year, where I ventured over to Frankfurt for DSTG on my one man Away Team. This time I was able to envelop myself into the convention whole heartedly, making it possible to attend the convention for the full three days!

OK enough about me! Time for some convention tips!!!

Tip #1-Book early to avoid disappointment!

 

Depending on whether it is a convention abroad or in your home country, make sure you book your convention ticket (and additions) at your earliest opportunity. As this is quite an important part of your convention I would spend a lot of time researching what ticket you want.

Here are something's to think about for your convention ticket: 

• Price-fit your ticket around your budget...you will need money left over to enjoy the convention!
• Perks- does it have extra's you really want like Reserved Priority talk seating and exclusive content!
• 'Happiness'- I know this one sounds bonkers...but buy a ticket that will make you feel happy and comfortable while your at the convention. As if you pick the wrong ticket, you won't enjoy the experience as much!

 

 

This also goes for hotel rooms, as you don't want to be stuck in the expensive position of traveling to and from the convention everyday! 

Just like the convention ticket, I would recommend doing extensive research.

Here are something's to consider while choosing your convention hotel: 

• Distance from convention centre- make sure it's staggering distance away from the convention!
• Price- fit the hotel around your budget...and don't just book the first hotel you see!
• Parking- check the hotel has free parking...as you might be able to leave the car there, without spending money on expensive convention centre parking charges!
• Food- make sure your hotel has a restaurant or café...just encase you get a bit hungry after a busy day wandering around the convention! 

 Tip #2- Plan...but don't plan so you avoid disappointment...again!

 

This is another tip that sounds absolutely bonkers...organise your days at the event 'loosely'. As when your at a convention, you get in the mind-set that you have to see and do everything the convention offers. But in reality, you can't do it!!!

SO don't plan your convention days down to the minute...as trust me it will fall apart within ten minutes of you entering the convention!

My recommendation is to sort the events you want to see into different groups like:

The booked group- which are events you've already paid to see or do.

The quite like to see or do group- events your interesting in seeing or doing...if I get there in time!

 

I would also recommend buying all your (known) autograph/photo-shoot covers and autograph pictures on the day before the convention or if that's not possible the first day. As Then you can just put the picture into the cover straight away without having to worry about it getting damaged!

 

 Tip #3-Budget

Before the convention your going to give yourself a budget to live on in those hectic few days. From experience I would imagine that would be a pretty big sum. Although though my experiences, I've always found that you always spend a lot less than you anticipate.

So I would recommend that you budget high, spend low! This way you will feel a sense of achievement, when you discover you didn't spend the entirety of your budget!!!







 

Tip #4- Be sensible

At the convention your going to do an awful lot of walking, so it is in your best interest to wear sensible footwear! As by the end of day one (whenever that it) your going to feel very tired, and your feet are going hurt...a lot!!!

Like I say they are going to be extremely long days, so make sure you rest every now and then during the convention. As your body won't be able to keep up with everything your 'trying' to do.

Your body will also need plenty of sleep before each day of the convention. Listen to your body when this happens!!! 

Try to make time to do simple obvious things like having something to eat or going to the toilet...as the adrenaline makes you forget all about these important things. If you miss them then you could end up getting dehydrated making you faint. This unfortunately could make it possible for you to miss all the exciting things you want to do!

 

I think that's everything, enjoy the event and I hope you find this advice helpful for your convention expedition!

This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!