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We are proud to announce that we recently joined the NVIDIA Inception Program, which will help to speed up our deep learning development process and therefore offer the best possible audio processing tools to our users.

What is NVIDIA Inception

NVIDIA is a global leader in hardware and software for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Their NVIDIA Inception Program will enable us to leverage NVIDIA's cutting-edge technology by accessing more diverse cloud and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) product offerings, which are used in most Machine Learning and Deep Learning model training instances worldwide. This will allow us to streamline AI development and deployment and train bigger machine-learning models to test and evaluate algorithms faster. The program will also offer us the opportunity to collaborate with industry-leading experts and other AI-driven organizations, among other things.

Our Deep Learning Development Process

For our development process, more GPU capacity means a great saving of time and therewith of course a saving of costs. As an example, one training cycle of our dynamic denoiser model takes almost a week trained with GPUs, however the same training cycle trained with CPUs would take several months.

To illustrate, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be compared to a race car, which is very fast but can only transfer a small number of packages, while a GPU in this comparison is a big truck, which can transfer a huge number of packages more slowly. Deep learning algorithms require for training very large datasets consisting of thousands of files, therefore our 'trucks', the GPUs, are the best hardware to choose processing multiple computations simultaneously.

The more GPU capacity we can use, the faster we get results for our tested algorithms, and the faster we know which way we should follow to offer our users the best possible audio processing tools.
Unfortunately, the world is right in the middle of a Global Chip Shortage, so the latest GPUs are very hard to get and super expensive to purchase – unless you have a partnership with a GPU manufacturer.

Conclusion

We are happy to join such a renowned program and look forward to the updates to our product that we will be able to implement and potentially a greater industry transformation.

You can read our full press release here: AuphonicNVIDIAInceptionPressRelease (pdf)

To start a new decade of automatic audio post production with Auphonic, we are happy to launch a few updates:

New Website Design

Opening the new homepage today, you might have noticed that our website looked different from what you had been used to before. Keeping our customers’ feedback from last year in mind, we designed a new vision for Auphonic.

Our new website features a refreshed look with an improved, more engaging, and functional user experience. Moreover, a more straightforward, intuitive, and accessible navigation will give you a seamless workflow and a comfortable exploration of Auphonic’s features.
We hope it will be easier to explore the diversity of applications that Auphonic has. In the end, however, as before, you will have the same full functionality of Auphonic available to you and some extra features if you are using our paid packages or subscriptions.

Take a look yourself: New Auphonic Landing Page

Free Access to our Advanced and Beta Algorithms

In the past, only paying Auphonic users had access to the advanced algorithm parameters, to multitrack advanced audio algorithms, and to our Dynamic Denoising and AutoEQ beta models.

We now enabled all advanced algorithms for free users, and you can use them for 2 hours of audio free each month!

Using the Dynamic Denoiser, you can define whether Auphonic should remove only static or also fast-changing noises and if we should keep or eliminate music. For even greater speech intelligibility control, it is possible to manually adjust the amount of denoising to strike the perfect balance between clarity and ambiance.

The AutoEQ automatically analyzes and optimizes the frequency spectrum of a voice recording to remove sibilance (De-Esser) and to create a clear, warm, and pleasant sound.
The equalization of multi-speaker audio can be complex and time-consuming, as each voice requires its own unique frequency spectrum equalization. Our AutoEQ simplifies this process by creating separate, time-dependent EQ profiles for each speaker, ensuring a consistent and pleasant sound output despite any changes in the voices during the recording.

Our advanced algorithm parameters help you to meet all common audio specifications of platforms like Netflix, Audible, podcasts, broadcasters (EBU R128, ATSC A/85, radio and mobile, commercials) in one click. You can define a set of target parameters (integrated loudness, true peak level, dialog normalization, MaxLRA, MaxM, MaxS), like -16 LUFS for podcasts, and we will produce the audio accordingly.
In addition, they offer more control for multitrack productions and for the Adaptive Leveler.

We would like to give away free hours for new Auphonic users, to try out our free advanced algorithms. Please use this URL to register your new Auphonic account. the code is valid till end of March 2023 and will give you 5 extra production hours for the next month. Happy content creation!

More Audio Examples

There is no better way to experience Auphonic than hearing the difference our post production tool makes when applied to different types of audio and content.
We are happy to share that our new features page now contains some new audio examples you can listen to explore our web tool, and we will add even more examples in the next weeks.

We've listened to your feedback and are excited to announce the introduction of metadata variables in Auphonic for more advanced use of our Basic and Extended Metadata.
This new feature allows you to use metadata fields from your input files to automate workflows. You can easily reference any field by using { curly brackets } and typing the field name, such as {title}, {artist}, {album}, {track}, and more.
To get started, take a look at our Formatting Examples and the Table of all Variables to see all the available options.

Whether you are using the Auphonic Web Service or our API, metadata variables can be applied whenever metadata values are set. They are particularly helpful when working with Presets, Batch Productions, or Watch Folders!

For instance, consider the left column of the following table as input ending up in the metadata as shown in the right column:

Note:
Please mind that fields can not refer to each other in cycles (e.g., if {title} refers to {album}, {album} may not refer to {title}). While the input form will not show any errors, the metadata will most likely not be correct and the production will generate a warning.

Formatting Examples

With metadata variables you can automatically generate your output file basename based on the input filename and podcast metadata, like album, track, and title.
If you have, for example, a podcast preset or input file with the album name "The Placeholder Podcast", you can automatically name your episode title like your input filename. By combining the metadata variables "album" name and your generated episode "title" with any text patterns, like "denoised" in this case, you can create your individual output file basename:

The next example shows how you can create truly unique output file basenames with timestamps. Here, a track number is, together with the input file basename, added up as episode title. So, your unique output file basename could be a combination of this generated episode title with the time and date, when your Auphonic production was started:

See example 3 for more time formatting examples, and this table for the full list of symbols that can be used for formatting dates.

The following time and date example outputs would be possible for a production created at 7:05 pm on Saturday, January 30th in 1999:

See this table for the full list of symbols that can be used for formatting dates.

For the list fields "tags", "chapters", "outputfiles", and multitrack "input_filename/basename", you need to reference every value separately by adding .N to your variable – Where N stands for ascending ordinal numbers starting from 0.
Combined with the .N you can refer to the format, bitrate, suffix, and ending of every selected output file, for example {outputfiles.0.format} refers to the format of the first output file in your list of outputfiles:

• Output File 1 – format: WAV 16-bit PCM, bitrate: optimal, suffix: lossless, ending: wav
• Output File 2 – format: MP3, bitrate: 112 kbps, suffix: lossy, ending: mp3

For all available options, please see the Table of List Variables.

All Metadata Variables

The following variables are available:

For detailed use, please see Formatting Examples.

Conclusion

Metadata Variables are a powerful tool for organizing your productions whenever metadata values are set. Those field references are very convenient when distinguishing between different files at a glance, particularly when working with Presets, Batch Productions, or Watch Folders.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or feedback!

We're thrilled to introduce our Automatic Shownotes and Chapters feature. This AI-powered tool effortlessly generates concise summaries, intuitive chapter timestamps and relevant keywords for your podcasts, audio and video files.
See our Examples and the How To section below for details.

Why do I need Shownotes and Chapters?

In addition to links and other information, shownotes contain short summaries of the main topics of your episode, and inserted chapter marks allow you to timestamp sections with different topics of a podcast or video. This makes your content more accessible and user-friendly, enabeling listeners to quickly navigate to specific sections of the episode or find a previous episode to brush up on a particular topic.

Shownotes are also very likely to boost your show's Search Engine Optimization and eventually its popularity, leading to an increase in listeners.

However, especially structuring the content and finding useful positions for chapter marks is a very time-consuming process, that can be fully automated with our new feature.

Besides the obvious use of creating shownotes and chapters for podcasts, you can also use our new feature to easily generate an abstract of your lecture recording, take the summary of your show as the starting point for a social media post, or choose your favourite chapter title as the podcast name.

What happens behind the Scenes?

When the Automatic Shownotes and Chapters feature is selected, the first step is speech transcription by either our internal Auphonic Whisper ASR or any integrated External ASR Service of your choice.

Some open source tools and ChatGPT will then summarize the ASR resulting text in different levels of detail, analyze the content to identify sections with the different topics discussed, and finally complete each section with timestamps for easy navigation.
Beginning with the generation of a Long Summary, the number of characters is further reduced for a Brief Summary and from the brief summary a Subtitle and some Keywords for the main topics are extracted.

Depending on the duration of the input audio or video file, the level of detail of the thematic sections is also slightly adjusted, resulting in a reasonable number of chapters for very short 5-minute audio files as well as for long 180-minute audio files.

How to automatically generate Shownotes and Chapters in Auphonic

If you are a paying or beta user, you can automatically generate shownotes and chapters by checking the Automatic Shownotes and Chapters Checkbox in the Auphonic singletrack or multitrack Production Form with any of our ASR Services enabled.
Once your production is done, the generated data will show up in your transcript result files and in the well-known Auphonic Transcript Editor above the speech recognition transcript section.
By clicking on a chapter title in the Chapters section of the transcript editor, you can jump directly to that chapter in your transcript to review and edit that section.

Unless you have manually entered content before, the generated data will also be automatically stored in your audio files' metadata as follows:

• Generated Long Summary stored in metadata field Summary.
• Generated Subtitle stored in metadata field Subtitle.
• Generated Keywords stored in metadata field Tags.
• Generated Timestamps for thematic sections stored as Start Time of Chapters Marks.
• Generated Headlines for thematic sections stored as Chapter Title of Chapters Marks.

Please note that not all of our supported Output File Formats are designed to use metadata.
For details see our previous blog posts: ID3 Tags Metadata (used in MP3 output files), Vorbis Comment Metadata (used in FLAC, Opus and Ogg Vorbis output files) and MPEG-4 iTunes-style Metadata (used in AAC, M4A/M4B/MP4 and ALAC output files).

Example

As a real-life example, we automatically generated shownotes and chapters for the Lex Fridman Podcast #367: "Sam Altman: OpenAI CEO on GPT-4, ChatGPT, and the Future of AI".

Check out our transcript and generated shownotes:
LexFridmanPodcast367-transcript.html

Conclusion

The automatic generation of shownotes and chapters is a huge time-saver for podcasters and video creators, as it speeds up the tedious process of manually structuring and summarizing your content.

For now it is available for all paying or beta users. If you would like to become a beta user, or have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us!

We all know the problem: the content is perfectly prepared, and everything is in place, but the moment you hit the record button, your brain freezes, and what pops out of your mouth is a rain of “ums”, “uhs”, and “mhs” that no listener would enjoy.
Cleaning up a record like that by manually cutting out every single filler word is a painstaking task.

So we heard your requests to automate the filler word removing task, started implementing it, and are now very happy to release our new Automatic Filler Cutter feature. See our Audio Examples and Usage Instructions below.

What is removed?

While the definition of filler words is not the same, depending on who you ask, some words can be used as filler as well as content. For example, “like”, “well”, “you know”, etc. cannot be removed without the risk of removing also content and destroying sentences, even if those words are used as filler words in some cases.

Therefore, we decided to focus on the removal of the obvious fillers, namely any kind of “ums”, “uhs”, “mhs”, German “ähm”, “äh”, “öh”, French “euh”, “euhm” and similar.

Audio Examples

1. English Male Speaker

The first audio example is an excerpt from the interview “From Racing Failure to Red Bull Champion: The Untold Christian Horner Story”. Our algorithm found and removed a remarkable ten filler words in this 45-second snippet:

Screenshot of the Auphonic Audio Inspector: each pale red shaded area corresponds to a cut-out filler word.

2. Austrian-German Female Speaker

The following example is an interview with the Austrian Ex-Foreign Minister, Karin Kneissl, who uses seven filler words within 26 seconds:

Usage Instructions

To use the Auphonic Automatic Filler Cutter feature, you just have to create a production or preset as you are used to and select “Cut Fillers” for “Automatic Cutting” in the section “Audio Algorithms”:

When your production is done, all cut-out filler words will appear as pale red shaded areas in the Auphonic Audio Inspector on the production status page, as you can see in the upper screenshot of the Audio Inspector.

If you want to remove silent segments from your audio as well, please also enable our Automatic Silence Cutting feature.

NOTE: Our Automatic Cutting features (for filler and silence) are not available for video files!

Behind the Scenes

For the training of our Automatic Filler Cutter AI-Algorithm, we created datasets that contain manually labeled audio files, collected from 'real world' audio data. So far, we have labeled, trained, and tested the system with English, German, Spanish, and French data.

However, in the Auphonic Web Service, you can activate and test the Automatic Filler Word Cutter for all languages. We would be very happy to hear how the filler removal works out for completely different-sounding languages from, e.g., the Asian, African, or Slavic language families.

Please send us feedback on any problems or error patterns you discover! This will help us generate specific data for the training to improve the algorithm and eliminate your problems.

Conclusion

Automatic filler word cutting is a powerful tool for podcasters looking to enhance the quality of their content. It boosts clarity and professionalism, all while making your editing process more efficient. Some users, however, see a touch of authenticity in filler words within podcasts. So, we leave it up to you to enable or disable the Automatic Filler Cutter feature for your next Auphonic production, depending on your desired style.

We are currently working on filler word cutting optimizations for more languages, so watch our channels to get all the news on our upgrades!

If you have any feedback for us – how the filler cutter is working in your language, what you do or don't like, what you miss, what else you would want to remove from your audio besides silence and filler words, etc. – you are welcome to contact us via email or directly comment on our production interface!

For those of you who like to be in control of every applied cut, we are introducing an update for our Automatic Silence and Filler Word Cutting Algorithms today: The export of Cut Lists allows you to import cuts into your favorite audio/video editor to check and apply the cuts to your files manually.
Thanks to your great feedback, we were able to update our “Filler Word Cutting” algorithm as well.

Cut Lists Export

We now provide the export of various formats of “Cut Lists” in the Auphonic Web Service.
You can use these formats to modify and apply cuts in your post production audio or video editing program:

Screenshot of the Reaper DAW with imported “ReaperRegions.csv”: pale red regions display filler words and pale gray regions mark silence.

To generate the cut lists, choose “Cut List (Filler and Silence)” in the “Output Files” section. By selecting the correct “Ending” you can export the cut lists to a format that is suitable for your post production audio or video editor:

We support regions and EDL (edit decision list) formats:

• Region formats (“AudacityRegions.txt”, “AuditionRegions.csv” and “ReaperRegions.csv”) list filler and silence cut regions with their respective start and end timestamps.
  You can import those cut region lists into your existing Audacity, Audition, or Reaper projects. There you can edit the cut positions to your liking by deleting, moving, or adding individual cut positions. After that, you may apply the cuts manually.
• EDL (edit decision list) formats, “SamplitudeReaper.edl”, “FinalCutProLegacy.xml”, “FinalCutProX.xml” and “DaVinciResolve.edl” (also known as “cmx3600” format and compatible with various editors), can be imported in your software to automatically apply cuts from the EDL file. Depending on the software you use, you may also edit individual cuts manually before applying them. Be aware though that in some editors it may not be possible to add them to an existing project. If this is the case, simply open a new project with the EDL file instead.

Please just let us know if we do not yet provide a cut list format for your favorite audio or video editing program!

Export Uncut Audio

To only detect fillers/silence but NOT cut them, choose the “Export Uncut Audio” mode for “Automatic Cutting” in “Audio Algorithms”. Then you can query cutting times via our API or select your favorite Cut List format as “Output File” to only export cut times for later editing, but without applying cuts during the Auphonic audio post production.

Using the option “Export Uncut Audio”, it is also possible to use our cutting algorithms for video productions. In this case, we will just detect and report cuts, and you can import and apply them in your favorite video editing program afterwards.

Filler Word Cutting Updates

Thanks to your great feedback, we've been able to further optimize our Automatic Filler Word Cutting algorithm.
By now you probably know that our filler word cutter removes all types of “uhm”, “uh”, “mh”, “ähm”, “euh”, “eh” and similar sounds. If you haven't heard about it yet, our release blog post might be a good starting point.

• Enhanced Fade Curves
  We noticed that due to reverb or background noise in input files, some filler cuts did not sound as smooth as they should have. To prevent such rough cuts, we trained our filler detection models with more diverse speech data and compared different fade curve approaches. Now the filler detection is much more robust against noise. Additionally, we developed an asymmetrical fade solution, which, in our opinion, makes the cuts almost inaudible.

  We nonetheless recommend, though, that you use filler cutting in combination with our Dynamic Denoising or Speech Isolation algorithms. These algorithms remove heavy reverb or noise and thus prevent noise artifacts during cutting.

• Handling of Affirmative Sounds
  Some of you were bothered by the fact that affirmative sounds, like “mhm”, “aha”, and “yeah” were cut along with filler words. Driven by your feedback, we tweaked our filler detection algorithm in a way that will remove considerably fewer of these sounds.

• Multitrack Filler Silencing
  We also received requests to optimize filler cutting for crosstalk in Multitrack productions.
  Let's assume that two speech tracks are simultaneously active and one of the two tracks contains a filler word. In this case, we can not cut the filler word in one track without destroying parts of the speech in the other track.
  Our original solution was to skip such a filler. Now, however, we replace it with silence instead. This removes the filler words while preserving all the speech content.

Feedback

If you want to provide us feedback on how you like the updated filler cutting algorithm or about any other features that are missing, you are very welcome to contact us. You can also leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your concrete production.

No matter how good your technical equipment might be, it is almost impossible to avoid capturing unwanted in-/exhaling sounds and mouth noises during voice recordings. After some users asked for an automatic removal of such sounds to improve the audio quality, we got to work and are now proud to present a major upgrade to our Denoiser, including the automatic removal of mouth noises and a new “Remove Breathings” option!
Check out our Audio Examples and the Getting Started Guide below.

What is new?

• Remove Breathings: When the new “Remove Breathings” option is enabled, all the inhalation and exhalation sounds will be muted like all the other noises.
• Eliminate Mouth Noises and Eating Sounds: With our upgrade to the Denoiser, we have integrated the elimination of all types of mouth noises, such as smacking, chewing and clicking. These sounds are set to silence in your output file.

NOTE:
By default, mouth noises and breathing segments are muted but not cut. If you want to cut out all silent segments, just add the “Cut Silence” option for “Automatic Cutting” in the audio algorithms.

Audio Examples

1. Example: Breathing Removal

In our first audio example (Freak Show 136), a speaker breathes directly into the microphone, creating a Darth Vader-like effect. This heavy breathing is removed using the “Remove Breathings” algorithm and the Dynamic Denoiser:

2. Example: Mouth Noise and Eating Sounds Elimination

The following example is an excerpt from the Joe Rogan Experience #2054 where Elon Musk and Joe Rogan are eating pizza and talking about how terrible it is for the sound. Listen to how the chewing and smacking sounds are removed after processing with the new Dynamic Denoiser:

Getting Started Guide

For the Auphonic Web Service:

To remove breathing sounds in the Auphonic Web Service, simply create a production or preset as usual and check the “Remove Breathings” checkbox for “Noise Reduction” in the “Audio Algorithms” section.
“Remove Breathings” is only available for Speech Isolation and the Dynamic Denoiser, but NOT for the Static Denoiser.

For the removal of mouth noises, no special settings are required. Just enable the Speech Isolation or the Dynamic Denoise method for Noise Reduction.

For API Use:

To use “Remove Breathings” with the API, set the "denoisemethod" to dynamic or speech_isolation and the "debreath" flag to true, as in these two examples:

"algorithms": {
    "denoisemethod": dynamic, "denoiseamount": 100, "debreathamount": 100,
}

"algorithms": {
    "denoisemethod": speech_isolation, "denoiseamount": 12, "debreathamount": 100,
}

For more information about the API, please visit our API help page, where you will also find all other API Audio Algorithm Settings.

Conclusion

Breath and mouth noise removal is essential for podcasters, as it enhances audio clarity and ensures a more professional, polished presentation. By removing distracting sounds, you can maintain listener engagement and provide a seamless listening experience.

Anyway, we hope you enjoy the new features!
If you have any feedback for us on how the breath and mouth noise elimination is working for you, please feel free to contact us via email or directly comment in our production interface!

We're excited to roll out an upgraded version of our Transcript Editor, focusing on enhancing your transcription workflow and making it more intuitive, especially for mobile users. This overhaul introduces several key improvements and features designed to streamline the transcription process.

Click here for a Live Demo

What's new?

Line by Line Editing

Your transcript is being rendered line by line. This allows for precise editing of every single timestamp. Depending on the speech recognition engine editing can be done on word or phrase level.
For optimal results, we suggest utilizing our Auphonic Whisper ASR engine.

A paragraph with 9 lines, every line represents a "subtitle line" (.vtt, .srt).

You can split or combine paragraphs and lines using the Enter and Backspace keys. Our new Playback Slider enables seamless scrolling through the text, while we highlight the currently selected word as you go. With the switchable Play on Click function you can start your playback from anywhere in the transcript.

Automatic Shownotes and Chapters

If you enable Automatic Shownotes and Chapters in the Production form, we include AI generated shownotes and chapters directly into the Transcript Editor. You can edit Chapter Times and Text directly within the Transcript Editor. Once you click Save (top right), any modifications made within the shownotes and chapters will also be saved back to the production.

Screenshot of Automatic Shownotes and Chapters withing the Transcript Editor.

You are also able to edit chapter times directly within the transcript editor. Please note that this only works within the Transcript section of the editor to ensure precise placement of chapters.

Screenshot of Edit Chapter Time.

Local History: Undo and Redo

Our Local History feature offers convenient undo and redo functionality. This means you can effortlessly revert changes or redo them as needed, providing you with greater control and flexibility during the editing process.

Edit Speakers

Our revamped Transcript Editor automatically assigns speakers in Multitrack Productions. You can use the Track Identifier in our production form to assign speakers and easily edit, remove, or add new ones within the Transcript Editor. So it's clear who says what at any time!

Screenshot of Edit Speaker.

Confidence Highlighting

Within the transcription areas of low confidence are highlighted with our Highlight Low Confidence feature. So you can check up on the AI and edit words it is not entirely confident about! It also shows you how confident the AI is about the specific area if you hover over it.

Offline Mode

This feature enables you to download and share the Transcript Editor for offline editing. This means you can share the *.html file with someone else for editing purposes. Simply use the Download Editor action to obtain an offline version of the Transcript Editor.

Export Transcript

You can export your transcript in all currently relevant formats (.srt, .vtt, .txt, .html, .pdf) and include them in your publishing process or video editing software.

Screenshot of Export Transcript.

Responsive Design

We want to make podcasting as easy as possible. The responsive design of our Transcript Editor allows for fast editing on mobile devices - so you can edit what you're saying anywhere, anytime!

Screenshot of Transcript Editor on a mobile device.

Why use it?

Apple Podcasts paved the way for all podcasts to feature transcripts, so users can read through what you are saying and look for specific parts of your talk they're interested in revisiting. That could be book recommendations, advertisements or one of your ideas you want to share with the world.

We're trying to make the transcription process as automated and easy for you as possible. Especially when using Multitrack Productions we strive to take all the work off of you and let the AI do its magic.

Additionally, we aim to simplify manual corrections wherever automated processes encounter challenges, ensuring that even these adjustments are as effortless as possible.

Try it now on auphonic.com!

Feedback

If you have feature requests or feedback for our new Transcript Editor, please let us know! You can also leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your specific production.
We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Responding to your feedback, we are now proud to present new separate parameters for noise, reverb, and breath reduction to give you more flexible control for your individual, best output results.
Find all the new parameters below and listen to the Audio Examples to get a closer impression of the upgrade.

What's the update about?

Before

Previously, you could only set the Denoising Method and one reduction amount, that was used for all elements.
Depending on the selected method, you were already able to decide whether music, static, or changing noises should be removed, but there was no setting to keep the typewriter sound effects while removing the reverb, for example.

Now

With our latest upgrade, you can now set the reduction amounts separately for noise, reverb, and breathing sounds.
For example, you could completely remove the background noise while reducing the reverb just a little to enhance speech intelligibility but keep the atmosphere. Like we did in Audio Example 1.
Many of you have also asked about the possibility of slightly reducing breath sounds rather than eliminating them completely. In Audio Example 2 we demonstrate how you can prevent your audio from sounding strange and unnatural by reducing instead of eliminating all breathing sounds.

To all of you who are happy with the results and don't want anything to change, relax:
If you don't change the default settings, the noise reduction algorithms work exactly the same as before.

Note: As the 'Static Denoiser' removes only stationary noise, there are no 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' parameters available for this denoising method.

New Parameters

Screenshot of the new Noise Reduction Parameters in the production form.

In order to use the new noise reduction features, you may separately set the following parameters:

• Denoising Method: (unchanged) Select what kind of noise you want to remove.
  [Dynamic Denoiser (default), Speech Isolation, Static Denoiser]
  Note that the parameters 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' are NOT available for Static Denoiser!
• Remove Noise: Select the amount of noise you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Denoise, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Reverb: Select the amount of reverb you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Deverb, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Breathings: Select the amount of breathings you want to remove.
  [Off (default), 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]

Feel free to experiment with all the options to find your preferred parameter settings! Editing and reprocessing existing productions does not cost any additional credits as long as you don't change the input file.

Listen to the results:

1. Reverb reduction with full noise elimination

For the first audio example by conduitministries.com we set the 'Remove Noise' amount to 100 dB (full) and varied the 'Remove Reverb' amount starting from 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full). Listen to how first the noise is gone and then step by step the reverb is lower:

2. Breathing sound reduction

In the breathing reduction audio example by LibriVox.org we used the 'Remove Breathing' amounts increasing from the original audio with 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full) reduction.
In the result files you can hear, that the 100 dB (full) elimination leads to weird, unnatural-sounding pauses, that can be prevented by just reducing the breathing sounds:

Try it now on auphonic.com!

Feedback

We hope you like our upgraded version of the Noise Reduction Algorithms with new parameters for more control.
If you have more feature requests or feedback for us, please let us know! You can also leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your specific production. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

A new foray into the world of video: Auphonic is proud to announce support for intro and outro videos! With our most recent update you can now seamlessly integrate video intros and outros into your productions, providing a richer and more engaging experience for your audience.

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

What's new?

For a long time Auphonic has supported video files as the main files of productions. Until recently, intros and outros were limited to audio-only though.

Our new feature now allows you to add video intros and outros to your productions. This means your content can now begin and end with video clips, adding a professional touch and increasing viewer engagement. Whether you're working on podcasts, audiobooks, or any other type of multimedia content: providing your content both in audio form and in video form is now way easier!

Mixing Audio and Video

A key aspect of this feature is the ability to mix audio and video files effortlessly. If your main production file is a video but your intro is an audio file, Auphonic will automatically generate a video for the intro using a standing image from the main video. This ensures a seamless and visually coherent transition between different media types, maintaining the overall quality and flow of your production.

It works the same way for outros as well. When your main production file is a video file but your outro is audio-only we will generate an outro video from a standing image of the main video.

Overlap

We also support overlap for video intros and outros. This means you can have your intros and outros start or end slightly before the main content, creating a smoother transition. However, you should know that overlapping intro and outro videos requires us to place a cut in your video intro and outro. Only this way the the audio will stay in sync with the video.

How to add Intro and Outro Videos

Using our new feature is incredibly simple. You can add video intros and outros the same way you would add audio intros and outros in the production form.

A screenshot of the production form where a video intro and a video outro where selected.

Use Cases

There are many different use cases for our new feature! If you, as an example, regularly release episodes of your podcast both as audio and as video, you can now automatically add a recurring video intro and outro without needing to manually edit your videos.

Or, if you're an audio engineer, you may have a large number of recordings of, let's say, a conference. Instead of having to edit each individual conference recording by hand you now can add a common intro and outro to each conference recording automatically using a batch production.

Supported Video Formats

The world of video is a limitless one, with a sheer endless amount of video codecs, resolutions or frame rates to offer. Naturally, this means we are not able to support every arbitrary video format there is. However, we made sure to support the most commonly used video containers and codecs to make sure that at least 99.5% of all video productions will be possible.

Currently we support the 3 most common video containers: MP4, MKV and MOV. For these containers the following codecs are supported:

• h264: MP4, MKV, MOV
• mpeg4: MP4, MKV, MOV
• mpeg2video: MP4, MKV, MOV
• prores: Only MKV and MOV
• msmpeg4v3: Only MKV and MOV

Any video intro or outro which uses these containers and codecs can be processed by us. Additionally, we make sure that your output video uses a common format. Therefore, if your video intro or outro uses a different codec or container than your main video we will encode the video intro or outro to the setting of the main video.

Given that video demands significantly more computational ressources than audio the video intros and outros may be 1 minute long at max in order to be processed.

Conclusion

The new intro and outro videos feature on Auphonic is designed to give you more creative control and to help you produce professional, engaging content effortlessly. By supporting a variety of codecs and allowing for the mixing of audio and video we aim to support every possible workflow. We invite you to explore this new feature and see how it can enhance your multimedia productions!

Feedback

Would you like us to support another video format? Did you stumble across an issue with your video file(s)? Let us know! Simply drop us a message in our contact form or leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your specific production.
We're looking forward to hearing from you!

We're excited to announce the release of our new speaker diarization feature! With our latest update, we can now detect individual speakers within a single audio recording, allowing users to see precisely who said what and when. This information is then reflected in the transcript.
Previously, this feature was only available in Multitrack Productions.

What is Speaker Diarization?

Speaker diarization is the process of identifying different speakers and segmenting an audio file accordingly, making it easier to accurately determine who said what. This is particularly useful in scenarios like meeting recordings, interviews, and podcasts involving multiple speakers.

What's New

Until now, Auphonic users had to use our Multitrack Production Workflow to gain access to speaker identification. With our recent update, this feature is now also accessible for single track productions, thereby further simplifying our workflow.

How It Works

When selecting Auphonic Whisper ASR as your speech recognition engine on our production page, the option to use “Speaker Detection” appears. You can select the number of speakers in the recording yourself, or have the AI identify and label them automatically.

Select "speaker detection" in the speech recognition menu

The identified speakers will then be shown next to what they said in the captions of our audio player and within the generated transcript. We know exactly who is saying what at any given time.

If you need to change speakers' names, you can edit them in our Transcript Editor. By changing the name of the speaker, the changes will be applied automatically within the whole transcript.

Click here for an example transcript to play around with!

The transcript editor also lets you edit the generated transcript's content and correct any mistakes. This gives our users the final say in quality control.

For more information on how to use our transcript editor, click here!

Conclusion

With our newly released speaker detection feature for single track productions, we simplified the automatic transcription process even further. You can drop a single audio file into our algorithms, the AI automatically detects and transcribes its contents and attributes speakers correctly. And if the model should unexpectedly be wrong at any time, you can correct it in our Transcript Editor.

Feedback

We're looking forward to having you utilize our new speaker diarization feature!
Please, feel free to send us feedback through our Contact Form or submit it directly in the status page of your production.
Happy detecting!

The new Auphonic team accounts streamline billing for companies, teams, or groups and are available to business users. A team account's owner can invite team members and admins, all of whom share the team account's credits for their productions.

The team account feature only impacts billing. Team members cannot access each other’s productions, presets, etc.
If you're interested in switching to a team account, please contact us!

What are Auphonic Teams?

A team consists of an Owner with Members and optional Admins. The Owner and Admins can add and remove team members as well as change their roles in the team. Every added account can use Auphonic as usual, but only the account Owner's credits are used for billing productions.

This simplifies the invoicing process for teams using multiple Auphonic accounts.
One Owner provides the credits, and all of the team can use them.

Overview of the team accounts section in the account settings.

Inviting Users

After gaining access to the team account feature, you can invite new team members via the team account section on the account settings page. Invited team members can be:

• Existing Auphonic users
• New users who do not yet have an account

Managing Team Account Members

The team account Owner and Admins can remove members and change roles within the team.

Editing roles

Roles and Permissions

Within the team, there are three roles: Owner, Admin and Member. Each role has specific permissions:

All roles and permissions.

Billing

The Owner of the team account is responsible for purchasing credits. Productions made by team members will use the team account's credits. As a team account member, you will see the team account owner's credit balance instead of your own.

If you wish to access your personal credits, you can leave the team at any time.

Conclusion

With the introduction of team accounts, we provide a solution to simplify the production process for teams. One account is responsible for providing the credits and all team members can use them collectively!

Contact us if you are a business user and interested in using our new feature.

Feedback

We are always happy to receive feedback on our features!
If you have thoughts, ideas or recommendations, drop us a line using our contact form or email us directly.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Just imagine, you’ve launched a brand-new online store filled with products that you know are just perfect for your target audience. You’re excited and ready to make those sales, but there’s one piece of the puzzle missing – high-quality product images. And then it hits you: “How much is this going to cost me?”

No doubt, we all appreciate visually stunning product photos when shopping online. Have you ever considered what goes into producing those eye-catching product images? Or how their quality can dramatically impact your sales?

The truth is, professional-looking visuals can significantly influence purchasing decisions – upping conversion rates while fostering trust with customers. Yet finding an experienced product photographer within budget who also understands your vision isn’t always straightforward.

Let us help you.

Understanding Product Photography Pricing

Navigating the realm of product photography pricing can be like trekking through a jungle without a map. You’ll find rates that range from surprisingly affordable to astonishingly high-end, making it tough for businesses to get their bearings.

The cost of product photography is dependent on a variety of elements,

Wave riders and shutterbugs alike, gather around. Mastering surf photography is a bit like surfing itself—it’s all about balance, timing, and having the right gear. I remember when I first waded into the ocean with my camera; each breaking wave was an invitation to capture something epic.

We’ll dive into picking cameras that won’t buckle under the saltwater spray and lenses that bring distant surfers up close. Think high-speed chases—you need a fast shutter speed for those action-packed moments where every droplet counts.

You’re set to discover composition tips that make viewers feel they’re riding along and advanced techniques for shots so sharp they cut through your viewer’s attention span. By the end of our journey together, you’ll be snapping surf photos worthy of magazine covers or at least some serious bragging rights.

Choosing the Right Camera and Lens for Surf Photography

If you’re looking to capture the raw power of a barreling wave or the finesse of a surfer shot, having top-notch gear is key. So, let’s talk about surf photography equipment.

Cropped Sensor vs. Full Frame Cameras

For starters,

Picture this. You’re hosting the event of a lifetime, and you want every magical moment captured perfectly. It’s no surprise that finding the right photographer is high on your list. But how do you navigate through event photography pricing?

You might assume that requesting a quote is as straightforward as dialing the number…but be prepared to be surprised! The cost can be influenced by factors like experience level or type of event – there’s more to consider than meets the eye. You can also use this guide as a new photographer to figure out how much you should charge for different types of events.

In this guide, we’ll delve into everything from understanding why photographers charge what they do, to examining costs associated with different types of events such as weddings or corporate gatherings. We’ll also take an exciting journey exploring common pricing structures used by photographers and breaking down additional services and costs that may sneak up on you when hiring an event photographer.

Understanding Event Photography Pricing

If you’ve ever wondered how event photography pricing works, this section will shed some light on it.

There’s a dance of light and shadow you can’t quite grasp until you’ve seen a lighthouse cut through the fog. Mastering lighthouse photography means capturing that silent symphony between nature and human ingenuity, each photo telling its own epic tale.

I remember setting up my tripod on rocky shores, waiting for that perfect moment when the sun dips low enough to paint everything in gold. You’ll get why timing is crucial, how early morning or late afternoon gives your shots character with just the right color wash over stunning structures.

This journey will equip you with gear know-how—like picking out wide-angle lenses for grand scenes or telephoto ones for details—and dive into camera settings so those beams look as majestic in photos as they do slicing through ocean mist.

Capturing the Romance of Lighthouses Through Photography

Lighthouse photography captures more than just a structure; it seizes the tales of human ingenuity and nature’s raw beauty. These coastal sentinels have long stood against time, their beams slicing through fog and darkness, guiding sailors home.

The Allure of Coastal Sentinels

There’s something inherently romantic about lighthouses.

Imagine a photograph where time and space seem to bend and warp, creating surreal, elongated images that defy reality.  This is the world of slit scan photography, a fascinating technique that has captivated artists, filmmakers, and scientists for decades.

Slit scan photography is a unique method that captures motion over time, resulting in images that appear stretched or distorted. This technique first gained prominence in the nineteen sixties, most notably in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film two thousand and one A Space Odyssey.  The mesmerizing Stargate sequence in that film was created using slit scan photography, introducing audiences to its mind-bending visual effects.

Slit scan photography is a captivating and unconventional technique that produces striking, abstract images that defy traditional photography. This method involves capturing a scene or subject through a narrow slit, which moves across the image sensor or film, creating a unique, distorted representation of reality.

​

History

Slit scan photography has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century, with roots in early scientific and astronomical photography. From its humble beginnings to its modern applications,

Bokeh. Have you heard this term used in conversations while looking at a photo, listened while someone proclaimed that the bokeh in a photo was good or bad, but you’ve been too embarrassed to ask just what it is? Its something every photographer should understand because it affects your image. And whether you know it or not, you’ve probably evaluated the bokeh in your own photos.

Well hide your shame no longer. After reading this article, you will be able to hold your head high and raise your nose as you talk about the bokeh in your next photo.

Table Of Contents:

• What is Bokeh?
• Camera Lens Factors
• Camera Type Factors
• Interplay Between Lens and Camera
• Examples of Bokeh
• Common Mistakes When Trying to Achieve Good Bokeh
• Causes of Bad Bokeh in a Lens
• Fixing Bad Bokeh
• Using Bad Bokeh Creatively
• I’m on a budget. Can I still achieve good bokeh with cheaper lenses?

Words and tools are powerful, but are they our only way of making a mark? *Pause for emphasis* Stephan Moccio doesn’t think so. An artist, composer, and producer, he’s the name behind some of the most well-known songs and soundtracks on the planet. But surprisingly enough, all that success with sound has come through silence. In this podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss how strategic refrain and thought can benefit creative power. Creativity as a Muscle Skill can come naturally, but people rarely get to the top through their natural-born talents alone. Even 6’9″ LeBron James wouldn’t be where he is as a basketball player without putting in the unseen hours of success. Whether physical or mental, training effectively determines performance. “I’ve learned that to get great things and to achieve great things requires a lot of work behind the curtain…” Creative practice isn’t different from other forms of training in that making a habit out of it is hard. We all have lives outside of our passions, and those passions aren’t always fully funded. Many of us work day jobs while pursuing creative endeavors. Stephan has had to balance paying bills, raising a...

The post Stephan Moccio: The Power of Pauses in Life (and Music) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Stephan Moccio: The Power of Pauses in Life (and Music) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from interviewing hundreds of high-performers and change-makers on the Chase Jarvis LIVE show, it’s that the most successful entrepreneurs and creators share a unique trait: they view challenges not as barriers but as incredible opportunities for growth and innovation. Unlike many of us who might view problems as burdensome obstacles, they tend to see them as opportunities to learn, to grow, to improve, and to adapt in ways that leave them better positioned than they were before. This perspective isn’t just about maintaining a positive attitude—it’s about harnessing the power of each setback to propel oneself forward.  Why Problems Are Your Launchpad for Innovation Problems are inevitable, no matter what we do in life, but as creators and entrepreneurs we can get more than our fair share. It’s par for the course when it comes to breaking new ground and pushing boundaries. But here’s the kicker: when you start to view these problems as crucial growth opportunities, they suddenly become less daunting – more like puzzles waiting to be solved rather than monsters lurking in the dark. This mindset not only reduces the stress associated with challenges but also opens up your creative process...

The post How to Find Opportunity in Everything first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How to Find Opportunity in Everything appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Change is a scary word. So when we hear it non-stop in conversations about AI, it’s no surprise that many people feel a sense of unease. But what if AI could actually be used for good? Imagine a world where technology is not just about profits and efficiency, but also about improving education and learning opportunities for all. Sal Khan believes that future is possible. If his name sounds familiar, that’s probably because you’ve picked up a skill or two through his widely-used learning platform, Khan Academy. And if that’s the case, you wouldn’t be alone. Some 170 million people around the world currently use its educational resources on subjects ranging from Algebra 1 to Chemistry. A lot of this help is video-based, but they’ve begun introducing adaptive software with interactive exercises more recently as well. Looking at the big picture, Sal hopes to build Khan Academy into a fully-fledged digital tutor capable of both teaching lessons and providing personalized learning experiences to users. Does AI Enable Cheating In Schools? The widespread popularization of AI has garnered some serious questions about cheating in schools. Teachers and parents are voicing concern that kids will use the technology to cut corners, or...

The post AI Is About to Change Education Forever (Again) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post AI Is About to Change Education Forever (Again) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

It’s incredibly easy to settle into the comfort of the familiar—the same routines, the usual habits, and the paths well-trodden. But somewhere in the back of your mind, isn’t there a small voice urging you to shake things up, to take a risk, to venture into uncharted territory?  Maybe you’ve experienced this feeling while watching someone fully immerse themselves in their craft on stage—whether through music, dance, or a bold stand-up routine. Isn’t it absolutely thrilling? I’ve always been captivated by those moments. There’s something magnetic about witnessing someone throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into their passion. It’s like watching a rockstar being born right in front of your eyes. This bravery, this unfiltered expression of self, isn’t just reserved for the few. It’s something we all possess. But it demands that we stop playing it so damn safe. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone The truth is, comfort zones are often padded with fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. Yet, every major breakthrough in creativity and personal growth sprouts from stepping beyond these boundaries. Jon Batiste, a maestro of emotion and authenticity, once expressed the dual reality of embracing potential failure with unwavering...

The post Playing It Safe? How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Playing It Safe? How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Entrepreneurs are a different breed of people. Where others squirm at the thought of making self-managed business endeavors a sole source of income, we see an opportunity for uncapped riches and prosperity. It takes a certain mind to be willing to ignore what society says about breaking the mold and pursue big ideas against difficult odds. Yet folks like John Mackey prove that a defiant spirit can indeed lead to abundant success. I’m excited to have the 44-year CEO of Whole Foods back on the podcast once again. In this episode, our discussion focuses on the spiritual journey of entrepreneurs – that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it should – and explores his first-hand experience traveling it as the founder of one of America’s most iconic grocery chains. Incorporating Personal Values Into Work John’s personal values were deeply influential in shaping the development of Whole Foods Market from its early days. He believed strongly in the importance of staying true to one’s principles and letting them guide decision-making and actions as an entrepreneur. It’s a smart strategy – you aren’t going to get very far with a business idea unless you genuinely believe in it and are...

The post The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurs (that Nobody Talks About) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurs (that Nobody Talks About) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In the midst of a creative marathon, the sprint towards the finish line can feel all-consuming. For me, that’s been the reality as I hammer out the final chapters of my next book. Picture it: weeks of rewrites, a direction that felt “off” until it was nearly scrapped and started anew. It’s a doozy of a process, one that demands the lion’s share of my attention and energy as I push to wrap things up for my publisher. Yet, amid this whirlwind of deadlines and word counts, I’ve stumbled upon a not-so-secret secret to maintaining not just my sanity, but also my creative spark: Play. Yes, play. Those moments of uninhibited, carefree joy that seem diametrically opposed to the seriousness of looming deadlines. But here’s the thing—integrating brief, playful breaks into your work routine can be incredibly rejuvenating and is often the overlooked ingredient in making great stuff. Harnessing the Power of Play During this intense writing phase, I’ve found solace in a few key activities, which, while they might seem like diversions, are actually vital to my process. For starters, music has been a cornerstone of my creative life, notably during the early days of the Chase Jarvis LIVE...

The post Surprising Secret to Boosting Productivity first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Surprising Secret to Boosting Productivity appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, endlessly waiting for that burst of motivation to strike? You’re not alone. The fear of wasted potential and the desire for meaningful progress haunt creators and entrepreneurs alike. But here’s the hard truth: motivation is unreliable. It’s fleeting. It can vanish as quickly as it appears. If you’re tired of waiting for that perfect moment to take action, it’s time to shift your focus. What if I told you that momentum, not motivation, is the true driver of success? A Whisper of Intuition You know my story. From a young age, I betrayed my true passions, suppressing my creativity in favor of playing it safe. It wasn’t until my grandfather’s sudden passing left me with his cameras that I listened to that inner voice. It was a nudge, barely louder than the noise around me, but I took the leap. Following my gut instead of my conditioned safety net changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Just like that Chinese proverb: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. This isn’t just true for me; it’s true for all...

The post 5 Proven Ways to Get Things Done (No Motivation Required) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post 5 Proven Ways to Get Things Done (No Motivation Required) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and its relevance to contemporary challenges. A frequent guest and renowned author, Ryan discusses his latest book, “Right Thing. Right Now.: The Necessity of Doing What’s Right – Even When It Isn’t Easy,” the third installment in his Stoic Virtue series. Emphasizing justice as the cornerstone of courage, wisdom, and self-discipline, Ryan draws on historical examples from Marcus Aurelius to Gandhi to illustrate the transformative power of ethical living. Some highlights we explore: How to make a meaningful impact by focusing your efforts on specific problems. The development of the Stoic Virtue series and its modern relevance. Practical advice for navigating ethical decisions in complex situations. How to make stoic principles more relatable. How one balances speed and quality in the creative process. And much more! Enjoy! FOLLOW RYAN HOLIDAY: instagram | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post Ryan Holiday: Stoic Values to Change Your Life first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Ryan Holiday: Stoic Values to Change Your Life appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Imagine you’re gazing out at the vast expanse of possibility before you. On one side lies the safety of the familiar, and on the other, the allure of growth and the uncertainty that comes with chasing your dreams. What would you choose—honestly? It’s a decision we’re faced with every day, in both big and small ways. Do we play it safe, sticking to the well-trodden path, or do we venture into uncharted territory, risking failure in pursuit of something greater? This choice will define who you are and who you eventually become. Because here’s the truth: growth demands courage. It asks you to stretch beyond your limits, to face your fears head-on, and to embrace discomfort over and over again. But while growth can be bumpy sometimes, choosing growth over safety comes with its own kind of power that you can’t find anywhere else. This is when we feel the most alive. The Illusion of the Comfort Zone Let’s talk about the comfort zone. It’s that cozy little bubble where everything feels safe and predictable. You know the drill, you have your routines, and there’s little risk involved. But here’s the kicker—the comfort zone is an illusion. It gives you...

The post Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Cal Newport shares his revolutionary approach to productivity from his new book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. Cal, a computer science professor at Georgetown and author of Deep Workand Digital Minimalism, explores how principles from historical figures like Newton, Galileo, and Jane Austen can help us thrive in today’s fast-paced world. We discuss his ‘lost art’ approach, debunk the myth of multitasking, and examine how technology impacts our focus and mental well-being. Some highlights we explore: How Newton’s work habits can be integrated into modern productivity practices. Why focusing on single tasks is more effective than multitasking. Advice on reducing social media’s impact to regain focus. Techniques from Cal’s new book to accomplish more without burning out. And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW CAL NEWPORT: twitter | youtube | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post Cal Newport on The Dark Side of Modern Productivity first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Cal Newport on The Dark Side of Modern Productivity appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Payam Zamani’s journey from refugee to tech mogul is a masterclass in resilience and innovation for creators and entrepreneurs. At 16, Payam fled religious persecution in Iran, arriving in the U.S. with just $75 in his pocket. Within 11 years, he had founded AutoWeb, a company he would later take public for over a billion dollars. His story is not just about success against the odds, but about transforming challenges into catalysts for growth and innovation.For creators and entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s, Payam’s experiences offer valuable insights on how to leverage adversity. Here are seven ways you can turn challenges into your greatest business assets: 1. Embrace Difficult Journeys as Opportunities for Growth Payam’s harrowing escape from Iran taught him to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. In business, this mindset can help you navigate market volatility and emerge stronger from crises. Action Step: When faced with a setback, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can this experience make me and my business stronger?” 2. Cultivate Hope as a Driving Force Despite facing extreme adversity, Payam maintained hope for a better future. This hope became a powerful motivator, driving him to pursue opportunities and...

The post 7 Ways to Turn Adversity into Your Greatest Business Asset first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post 7 Ways to Turn Adversity into Your Greatest Business Asset appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Let’s talk about something we’ve all faced – that dreaded creative slump. You know the feeling – ideas just aren’t flowing, everything feels stale, and you’re wondering if you’ve lost your mojo. I’ve been there, and I want to share how I broke through and reclaimed my creative fire. Even better, I’ll give you 8 actionable boosters you can start using today. 1. Master Your Craft (But Don’t Stop There) First things first – there’s no substitute for honing your skills. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, musician, or any other type of creator, dedicating time to improve your technical abilities is crucial. But here’s the kicker – don’t let that be your only focus. Try: Set aside 30 minutes each day to work on a specific aspect of your craft. Maybe it’s lighting techniques, chord progressions, or narrative structure. Track your progress over a month and see how it impacts your overall work. 2. Cross-Train Your Creativity This is a game-changer, folks. Just like athletes cross-train to become more well-rounded, we creators need to flex different creative muscles. If you’re a photographer, try your hand at writing. Musicians, pick up a paintbrush. Try: The 30-Day Creative Cross-Training Challenge Week 1:...

The post How I Reclaimed My Creative Spark (Try these 8 boosters) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How I Reclaimed My Creative Spark (Try these 8 boosters) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

We often think of creativity and meditation as separate practices – one active and expressive, the other quiet and introspective. But what if these two seemingly different pursuits are actually deeply interconnected, each enhancing and amplifying the other? This fascinating relationship between creativity and meditation was at the heart of my recent conversation with Henry Shukman, an award-winning poet, author, and Zen master. Henry’s unique background bridges the worlds of artistic expression and contemplative practice, giving him profound insights into how meditation can unlock our creative potential. The Creative Benefits of a Quiet Mind One of the core benefits of meditation is learning to quiet the constant chatter of our minds. As Henry explained, this mental stillness creates space for new ideas and inspirations to emerge: “When we meditate regularly, we’re training our minds to be less caught up in the constant stream of thoughts and worries. And in that spaciousness, creativity has room to flourish. Novel connections and insights can bubble up from our subconscious.” This aligns with what many great artists and innovators have reported – that their best ideas often come during moments of mental quiet and relaxation. By cultivating a meditation practice, we’re essentially preparing fertile...

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve poured countless hours into creating something amazing—perhaps a product, website, artwork, or work presentation. With anticipation, you release it to the world, sharing it with your intended audience. Then… silence. No response, no engagement. It’s as if no one cares. Frustrated, you might find yourself enviously eyeing other creators, wondering how they manage to gain traction while your equally impressive work struggles for attention. You review your process, searching for mistakes, but find none. After all, you followed advice from experts, books, and industry gurus. You meticulously planned, designed, and executed your strategy. Moreover, you promoted extensively, creating accounts on every social platform and using all the right hashtags—yet still, crickets. So what’s the missing piece? Why are others succeeding where you’re not?While it’s tempting to blame factors like bigger budgets or larger teams, these aren’t the real culprits. Although such resources can be helpful, the true key to gaining traction is simpler: building an audience.Fortunately, I’m here to help. Let’s explore five crucial steps to effectively build and grow your audience: 1. Balance Creation and Promotion As creators, we often focus solely on producing content. However, to make a real impact, it’s essential...

The post Build Your Audience with These 5 Key Strategies first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Build Your Audience with These 5 Key Strategies appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Finding meaningful work is a complex journey that requires self-reflection, authentic connections, and emotional resilience. Dr. Tessa West provides valuable insights and practical steps to help you navigate this challenging path and achieve long-term career fulfillment.

The post Finding Meaningful Work is Harder Than You Think first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Finding Meaningful Work is Harder Than You Think appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Why $5 million in revenue didn't mean success. Redefine what winning means in the startup world.

The post Redefining Success: I Made $5 Million in Revenue and Still “Failed” first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Redefining Success: I Made $5 Million in Revenue and Still “Failed” appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Finnian Kelly shares insights from his new book Intentionality: A Groundbreaking Guide to Breath Consciousness and Radical Self Transformation. Finnian debunks the myth that “people don’t change” and explores the power of instantaneous transformation with vivid examples from his life. We go into the significance of self-trust, childhood experiences, and overcoming fear through intentional breathwork. Finnian shares personal stories of financial loss, identity crises, and the profound effects of breathwork on managing fear and enhancing creativity. Some highlights we explore: Energy interventions like breathwork, cold exposure, and sensory deprivation. The importance of creating space for creativity and high performance. The role of childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior. Techniques to leverage energy over time for productivity. And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW FINNIAN KELLY: instagram | facebook | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post You’re Underestimating the Power of Breath first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post You’re Underestimating the Power of Breath appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, I sit down with Prentis Hemphill to explore the real meaning of healing—not as a destination, but as an ongoing process of restoring safety, belonging, and dignity in our lives. We dive into the importance of community, especially post-pandemic, and how reconnecting with our bodies through mindful practices can lead to true transformation. Prentis shares their journey, the questions that drive their work, and practical tips to help us all heal in a world that often feels disconnected. Some highlights we explore: Healing as an ongoing process, not a final destination The power of community and connection in healing Practical ways to integrate mindful moments into your daily life And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW PRENTIS HEMPHILL: instagram | patreon | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post What Happens When You Add Mindful Moments to Your Day? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post What Happens When You Add Mindful Moments to Your Day? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Playing it safe may feel secure, but it can hold you back from true growth. Explore why taking risks is essential for success and creativity.

The post Why Success Demands You Never Play It Safe first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Why Success Demands You Never Play It Safe appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Stanford behavioral scientist Dr. Jamil Zaki unpacks the power of trust and the dangers of cynicism. We dive into how our beliefs shape our reality, with trust leading to incredible social and economic gains, while mistrust spirals into cynicism. Dr. Zaki shares insights on empathy, the post-pandemic rise in disconnection, and practical ways to break free from negativity, emphasizing the importance of real-life connections over media-driven cynicism. This conversation is packed with actionable advice on how to foster trust and spread optimism in our daily lives. Some highlights we explore: The ripple effects of trust and mistrust. Practical strategies to challenge and overcome cynicism. The role of media in shaping our perceptions and how to stay grounded. And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW DR. JAMIL ZAKI: instagram | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post Simple Trick to Build Trust in Your Creative Collaborations first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Simple Trick to Build Trust in Your Creative Collaborations appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Learn why a "creative pause" after major achievements is essential for growth. Simone Biles shows us how to embrace rest and reflection over constant pressure.

The post The Creative Pause: Why We Need to Stop Asking “What’s Next?” first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Creative Pause: Why We Need to Stop Asking “What’s Next?” appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Reeves to dive into his powerful book “Of Boys and Men,” where we unpack why men are struggling in today’s world. From mental health to the evolving roles of fatherhood, we dig into the tough questions. Richard brings in some eye-opening data on education, employment, and how society’s expectations of men have shifted. This isn’t just about men vs. women — it’s about understanding the bigger picture and making space for real change. Some highlights we explore: Why men are falling behind in education and mental health The changing role of fatherhood in modern society The rise of men’s groups and their impact Enjoy! FOLLOW RICHARD REEVES: facebook | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post Gender Equality Isn’t What You Think (Here’s Why) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Gender Equality Isn’t What You Think (Here’s Why) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Feeling uninspired and exhausted? Discover how to overcome creative burnout with these 4 actionable strategies to reignite your passion.

The post Creative Burnout Destroying Your Passion? (Try These 4 Quick Strategies) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Creative Burnout Destroying Your Passion? (Try These 4 Quick Strategies) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Is AI replacing creativity or elevating it? Discover how artists can use AI to enhance their creative process while keeping human emotion at the core.

The post Is AI the End of Creativity or Just the Beginning? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Is AI the End of Creativity or Just the Beginning? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Time management isn’t the answer—discover how to expand your time, get into flow, and live more creatively by rethinking your approach.

The post Time Management Is Dead—Here’s What Actually Works first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Time Management Is Dead—Here’s What Actually Works appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Learn 6 unconventional strategies to break out of the herd, embrace bold risks, and reignite your creativity for real growth.

The post 6 Unexpected Ways to Break Free from the Herd first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post 6 Unexpected Ways to Break Free from the Herd appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Creativity doesn’t expire. Chase Jarvis explains how to keep your creative spark alive, no matter your age or life stage.

The post The Secret to Lifelong Creativity (Hint: It Doesn’t End After Your 20s) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Secret to Lifelong Creativity (Hint: It Doesn’t End After Your 20s) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Is your hard work leading to success or fool's gold? Learn how to spot progress, push through mental barriers, and strike your own gold.

The post How to Tell if Your Hard Work Is Leading to Gold first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How to Tell if Your Hard Work Is Leading to Gold appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Playing it safe nearly cost me everything. Don’t settle—learn how to break free from self-betrayal and follow your true path.

The post How ‘Playing It Safe’ Almost Cost Me Everything (Don’t Settle!) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How ‘Playing It Safe’ Almost Cost Me Everything (Don’t Settle!) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Oliver Burkeman gets real with me about the power of embracing limits to unlock a richer, more productive life. We talk about his book, Meditations for Mortals, and unpack why so much of traditional time management is flawed. Instead of chasing perfection, Oliver shows how small, intentional steps and accepting our constraints can actually lead to more freedom and fulfillment. His take on “imperfectionism” and the value of presence offers a fresh way to tackle life’s demands. Some highlights we explore: Shifting from private doubts to taking small, meaningful actions Using “imperfectionism” to overcome perfectionism’s trap Letting go of control to reduce stress and gain momentum Enjoy! FOLLOW OLIVER BURKEMAN: twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe

The post The Dark Side of Productivity Myths Exposed first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Dark Side of Productivity Myths Exposed appeared first on Chase Jarvis.