Preparing for Your Interview
You said yes. Here is everything you need to know before we record — and nothing you don't.
What the conversation is like
This is a long-form interview, usually 60 to 90 minutes. Vance will have read your work before you sit down. Expect tough, curious, good-faith questions about the subjects you know better than almost anyone — and the time to actually answer them. There is no script to stick to and no talking points to hit. The best episodes happen when guests think out loud, disagree freely, and follow ideas where they lead.
One thing to know going in: this is not a promotional interview. Mentioning your book or company in context is natural and welcome; the conversation just won't be built around it.
Two ways to record
In the studio (preferred)
Same room, professional lighting and microphones. In-person conversations have a different energy — this episode with author Devon Eriksen shows what the studio format looks like.
Online via StreamYard
Can't make it to St. Louis? We record remotely on StreamYard — you click a link in your browser, no account or software needed. This episode with Chris Williamson shows how good remote can look with a solid setup.
If you're coming to the studio
Articulate Ventures Studio
1034 S Brentwood Blvd, Suite 1680
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Free parking is available at the building. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early; we'll get you settled, check audio, and start when you're comfortable.
- Wear whatever you're comfortable in — solid colors read better on camera than fine patterns.
- Water is provided. Bring notes if you want them, but you won't need a prepared statement.
If you're recording online
- You'll receive a StreamYard link by email. It opens in your browser — Chrome or Edge work best. No download, no account.
- Use a wired or well-charged laptop, not a phone, and headphones if you have them.
- Camera at eye level, a window or lamp lighting your face (not behind you), and a quiet room make a bigger difference than expensive gear.
- An external microphone is a plus, but a quiet room matters more.
After the episode airs
Your episode gets its own permanent page with a full transcript — speaker-labeled and timestamped. That means your ideas from the conversation are quotable, citable, and readable by both people and AI systems, not locked inside an audio file. We'll send you the link. Many guests add it to their website or press page; we encourage it, and we're glad to send a short blurb or embed code that makes it easy.
Questions?
Email vance@articulate.ventures and we'll get you sorted.