Guest Portal

Thanks for joining us! This is your official guest portal — everything you need to prepare for your episode, from technical setup to what to expect before, during, and after we record.

Who’s Listening?

Our audience is curious, science-loving, and story-hungry. They value facts, but want them served with personality, wit, and wonder. Get to know some of our target listeners below.

Sierra

The Modern Naturalist

Age 32, Asheville, NC

Loves nature and learning. Finds peace in birdwatching and podcasts that balance science with warmth. Okay, But… Birds offers her insight she can enjoy while hiking or gardening.

Julian

The Cocktail Party Fact Collector

Age 38, Brooklyn, NY

Always wants to know just enough to impress. Looks for clever, digestible facts with cultural relevance. He listens for soundbites to bring up on dates or at dinner parties.

Mo

The Cool Science Teacher

Age 45, Minneapolis, MN

A non-binary educator always hunting for content that’s engaging and accessible for students — and personally enriching. Okay, But… Birds hits the sweet spot between pop culture and pedagogy.

What to expect

1. Prep & Consent

We’ll conduct a 30 minute call with you to align on the episode topic, set the tone, and answer questions. We’ll discuss the technical details and ship you a kit with audio, video, and lighting gear, if needed.

To participate, we need your consent. Please complete the Guest Release Form.

2. Recording Session

The full session will take 45–60 minutes. Your main recorded segments, “Talk Birdy to Me” and “That’s B.S. (Bird Stuff)” run around 14–18 minutes (edited) and is structured as a friendly, curiosity-driven conversation with Scott.

You can pause, reframe, or repeat anything as needed. Our goal is a relaxed, insightful chat — not a quiz.

3. Post-production

We’ll edit and finalize your episode, usually within two weeks. We’ll share an expected release date.

4. Promoting Your Episode

Want to help your episode reach more ears? Here’s how:

  • Repost the teaser clip or artwork we send

  • Tag @okaybutbirds across social media platforms

  • Mention the episode in your other communication channels

  • Share your own behind-the-scenes take — we’ll feature it!

Technology

To help you look and sound your best, we’ll ship you some gear. Follow these instructions to get up and running!

    • Place the microphone stand on your desk or table.

    • Screw the microphone (Shure M7) onto the top of the stand.

    • Plug the microphone into your computer’s USB port.

    • Position the mic about 6 inches from your mouth.

    • Speak into the side with the Shure logo — not the top.

    Sound Tip: Record in a quiet room with soft surfaces (rugs and curtains help). Silence your phone, close windows and doors, and turn off notifications.text goes here

    • Plug the headphones directly into the back of the microphone

    • This gives you real-time monitoring with no delay and allows us to capture your audio separate from the host’s.

  • If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, please use it for much better video quality.

    Option A – iPhone as webcam (Mac only)
    If you’re using a Mac with macOS Ventura or later:

    • Mount your iPhone at eye level using the provided tripod or clamp

    • Unlock your iPhone and keep it nearby

    • Make sure your iPhone and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network

    • When you join the Riverside link (Step 5), select “iPhone Camera” as your video input

    • Use the rear camera if possible for the best quality

    Option B – iPhone using the Riverside mobile app (any device)
    If you’re not on a Mac or can’t use Continuity Camera:

    • Download the Riverside app from the App Store

    • Use the mobile-friendly link we provide

    • Mount your iPhone at eye level using the tripod or clamp

    • Use the rear camera if possible

    • Plug in headphones for the best sound

    • Open the app and follow the prompts to join the session

    Option C – Logitech Brio (if iPhone isn’t available)
    If your iPhone isn’t available, you can use the Brio webcam:

    • Plug the Brio into your computer’s USB port

    • Mount it at eye level (on your monitor or a stack of books)

    Camera Tip: Frame yourself so your head and shoulders are centered, with a little space above your head

  • Power on the light:

    • Press and hold the power button on the side of the Aputure MC Pro until the light turns on.

    Ensure you're in White (CCT) mode:

    • Hold the wheel button to open the mode menu.

    • Use the wheel to select CCT Mode (Correlated Color Temperature).

    • Do not select HSI or FX — these add color effects. CCT mode keeps the light clean and natural.

    Adjust the color temperature:

    • While in CCT mode, turn the right wheel to choose a temperature:

      • 5600K for daylight or cool-toned lighting

      • 3200K for warmer, indoor lighting

    Adjust the brightness:

    • Turn the left wheel to raise or lower brightness.

    • Aim for soft, even light on your face — without harsh shadows or overexposure.

    Mount and position the light:

    • Attach the light to the included stand or use the magnetic back to stick it to a metal surface.

    • Position it so it lights your face from a 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock angle (slightly to your left or right).

    Lighting Tip: If you have access to natural light, feel free to sit near a window — just avoid having a bright window behind you or harsh overhead lighting. Keep your face evenly lit.

  • Open the personalized Riverside.fm link we sent you.

    • Use Google Chrome — other browsers can cause issues. If you are not on a Mac or can’t use Continuity Camera:, using the Riverside.FM mobile app.

    • When prompted in Riverside, select the MV7 for both microphone and speakers

    • Select the camera as you configured in step 2.

    • You’ll be able to see and hear the host before recording begins.