Mitch Downey on the Intersection of Open Source Software, Accessibility, and Podcasting

10/01/23 • 23 min

Ever wondered about the mechanics of making an app accessible to all users? Journey with us as we explore this important topic with Mitch Downey, the co-founder of the Podverse podcast app. He shares his commitment to enhancing the app's accessibility after consultation with an expert. We plunge into the world of open source platforms, underscoring its vital role in fostering inclusion, especially for the visually impaired, and discuss the significant role color contrast plays in designing an accessible app.
Switching gears, we delve into the innovative 'value for value' model and the bounties program of Podverse. Discover how their premium memberships keep the wheels turning and how they've managed to capture interest without extensive advertisement. Mitch expounds on their cost-effective approach that outshines traditional contractors and corporate environments. He acknowledges key figures like Chris Fisher and the Jupiter Broadcasting Network for their support. We also discuss the various ways dedicated listeners can bolster the show's growth and offer insights on how to actively participate in the project. Tune in and take a deep dive into the fascinating intersection of open source software, accessibility, and podcasting!
Links:

Contact Mitch on mastodon: podcastindex.social/@mitch
Contact the Podverse team: podverse.fm/contact
Podverse bounties: github.com/podverse/podverse-ops/tree/master/bounties
Podverse source code: github.com/podverse
Podverse free vs premium: podverse.fm/membership
Volunteer Technologist on Podverse
Jupiter Broadcasting: jupiterbroadcasting.com

Support the show via Buy Me a Coffee
Send a boost with a new podcast app such as Fountain or via conshax.app/support/volunteertechnologist
See all the ways to contribute, and what producing this podcast costs, at volunteertechnologist.com/contribute/
You can find me on Mastodon at podcastindex.social/@volunteertechnologist You can also reach me via volunteertechnologist.com/contact/
Visit volunteertechnologist.com for show notes, transcripts, or more information.

Contact Mitch on mastodon: podcastindex.social/@mitch
Contact the Podverse team: podverse.fm/contact
Podverse bounties: github.com/podverse/podverse-ops/tree/master/bounties
Podverse source code: github.com/podverse
Podverse free vs premium: podverse.fm/membership
Volunteer Technologist on Podverse
Jupiter Broadcasting: jupiterbroadcasting.com

Previous Episode

Bonus: Nostalgia, Fediverse, and Permission to Play with Chris Miller

Are you drawn to the nostalgia of the early web days and the charm of open-source communities? Checkout this bonus episode from my interview with Chris Miller! In this absorbing dialogue, we float into the realms of mastering new coding languages, the appeal of the maker mentality, and the joy found in creating for the sake of creation, not necessarily for profit.
Listen as we unfold the beautiful concept of giving yourself the freedom to learn and recreate projects, the advantages of reimplementing existing projects in new languages, and how vital the spirit of play is in technological innovation. Chris also unravels the impact of volunteering in tech on community organizations, emphasizing the value of creation over profit. This episode is a true homage to the satisfaction derived from building, learning, and contributing to a community.
This bonus episode was the happy byproduct of a tangent during our chat on mentoring in the last episode. It didn't fit the topic there, but was too good not to share. Enjoy!

Next Episode

Banks Glover on 20+ Years of Advancing Faith Through Technology

Our journey from the limited use of technology to the now advanced, multifaceted use of digital tools in the church is indeed a remarkable one. Come share the laughter, challenges, triumphs, and a bit of history with my guest Banks Glover: an invaluable member of my church and a life-long technology enthusiast that has been volunteering his skills for since before the turn of the century. In this candid discussion, Banks shares his fascinating journey of introducing the first computer into Central Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia in 2000 and the transformative implications that followed.
During our conversation, Banks takes us down memory lane from the days of long optical lenses to the current age of digital and streaming technology. He explores the significant contributions of technology to the church, how it has revolutionized our services, and the importance of maintaining a balance with traditional elements.
As we reflect on these strides, we delve into the impact of advanced technology on church services. With the aid of streaming services and cutting-edge software, the church has seen a drastic shift in its technical operations. As Banks points out, our church's output can match any other, barring a few mega-churches.
Before we wrap up the episode, we take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our supportive listeners and discuss how you can contribute to the show. I hope you enjoy this captivating and insightful episode that explores the intersection of technology and faith.
Links:

Central Baptist Church of Newnan, Georgia
Banks's email: [email protected]
Kaypro 2000 Microcomputer
Timeline of web browsers
The Linux I used daily was Pop!_OS - it is awesome!
The streaming software mentioned multiple time is OBS, aka Open Broadcaster Software

Volunteer Technologist - Mitch Downey on the Intersection of Open Source Software, Accessibility, and Podcasting

Transcript

Gene Liverman00:00:05.387

Hello everyone and welcome to the Volunteer Technologist podcast . Here we take a look at the different ways that people who are technically inclined volunteer outside of their primary job . Today I'm joined by Mitch Downey , the co-founder of the Podverse Podcast app . How are you doing , Mitch ?

Mitch Downey00:00:20.940

I'm doing great . How are ?