The Great Beyond - Season 2 | A Different Kind Of Podcast

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Gaspare Bitetto (Pudgy Cat)

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Launching Season 2 of "The Great Beyond" Podcast - a blend of creativity, humor, and light crypto education to attract and engage a diverse audience in the Cardano ecosystem.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All content will be released under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED - Attribution - Non Commercial - Share Alike 4.0 International.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

In Season 2 of "The Great Beyond", we are crafting an immersive storytelling experience that goes beyond the typical crypto narrative, aiming to demonstrate that Cardano is a blockchain of integrity, where honest individuals collaborate to create a positive environment, distinct from other blockchains often marred by scams and short-term gains.

Our podcast explores the multifaceted lives of individuals who have made significant impacts in various fields. From the thoughtful insights of blockchain innovators to the uplifting tales of artists and social influencers, we weave a narrative that celebrates human achievement and resilience. This season will highlight how Cardano's community differentiates itself by focusing on creating a trustworthy and welcoming platform.

We understand that to truly humanize the crypto space, we must connect on a universal level. That’s why our episodes feature segments where we explore the passions and pursuits that drive our guests outside of their professional lives, also delving into the future-forward thinking of our interviewees, inspiring listeners to envision a world of endless possibilities.

Our content is designed to engage not only crypto enthusiasts but also a broader audience seeking rich, multifaceted discussions. With "The Great Beyond," we invite listeners to join a conversation that transcends finance and technology — it's about life's expansive narrative and the connections that bind us.

This approach resonates deeply with Cardano's ethos of fostering a more equitable and accessible future. By broadening our content's scope, we aim to attract, educate, and inspire a diverse audience, contributing significantly to a more inclusive ecosystem within and beyond crypto.

Additionally, we will quantitatively measure the impact of "The Great Beyond" in Season 2. Building on the solid foundation set by Season 1's growing listener base, we aim to not only sustain but accelerate this growth. We'll monitor weekly listener metrics as a key indicator of our reach and influence, proving the podcast's growing impact and its role in onboarding new users to Cardano and fostering a more inclusive and engaged community.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Our project is designed to significantly enhance the appeal and accessibility of the Cardano community, attracting an audience that reaches well beyond the existing crypto-savvy demographic. To robustly assess the impact of Season 2 of "The Great Beyond," we have set specific qualitative and quantitative targets.

Quantitatively, our initial proposal for Project Catalyst Fund 11 aimed for at least a 50% increase in our listener base compared to Season 1. Despite not receiving funding and not producing Season 2 yet, we still achieved a remarkable 130% increase in listener engagement, purely based on the strength of what Season 1 had to offer. We aim to achieve the same result again if funded on Catalyst Fund 12. We will continue to monitor metrics such as episode downloads, unique listeners per episode, and subscriber growth across our distribution platforms, focusing on retaining listeners throughout the season. Notably, the statistics about our listener base are publicly available on the platforms where we publish our content.

Qualitatively, we are committed to enhancing the demographic diversity of our audience. We will analyze listener feedback and engagement data to assess how our content resonates with different demographic groups, including age, gender, and geographical location. Our objective is to engage underrepresented demographics within the crypto community, thereby contributing to a more diverse and inclusive Cardano ecosystem.

We will also measure qualitative impact through the depth and variety of audience engagement. This includes analyzing feedback received via social media, email responses, and listener surveys. Success stories, testimonials, and constructive feedback from our audience will be crucial in understanding the broader influence of our podcast.

Ultimately, by sharing success stories and insights gained from listener feedback across various platforms, we will not only demonstrate the growing awareness of Cardano's offerings but also showcase how our project fosters a more inclusive, engaged, and diverse community. These efforts will be instrumental in illustrating the tangible impact of 'The Great Beyond' on broadening the horizons of the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team's capability and commitment to delivering high-quality content are clearly evidenced by the achievements of Season 1 of "The Great Beyond". Under the leadership of Gaspare Bitetto, a seasoned writer and radio host with years of experience at the Italian National Radio Broadcaster "Radio Rai", we have not only successfully completed the season but also achieved significant milestones that demonstrate our proficiency and potential.

Season 1 of "The Great Beyond" garnered thousands of plays, amounting to hundreds of hours of listening time. This impressive engagement reflects our ability to create content that resonates deeply with our audience. Importantly, the amount of listeners continued to grow even long after the season ended, showing that our content has significant potential for long-term engagement. Our episodes were not just passively consumed; they sparked active participation and interest inside and outside the Cardano ecosystem.

We successfully extended the reach of the Cardano brand into new territories and demographics. Our approach to presenting crypto-related content in an entertaining, accessible format allowed us to penetrate social media groups and platforms traditionally indifferent or even skeptical about cryptocurrencies. By not overtly brandishing the crypto flag, we made the crypto space inviting and intriguing to a broader audience, breaking down barriers of complexity and exclusivity.

Importantly, throughout Season 1, our team strictly adhered to the production schedule, ensuring that there were no delays in either the production or release of each episode. We always initiate the production of each episode well in advance of its release, allowing us to effectively mitigate any potential unforeseen issues and avoid any risks or delays. This meticulous planning underscores our organizational prowess and dedication to consistency. Our punctuality not only demonstrates our professionalism but also signifies our respect for our audience's expectations and our dependability as content creators.

Gaspare Bitetto's extensive experience at "Radio Rai" has endowed him with a profound understanding of audience engagement and high-quality content production, crucial for the success of a project like "The Great Beyond". This strategic approach to content creation and distribution has proven our ability to not only engage with the existing crypto community but also to attract and retain new audiences. Our track record of regular, timely, and impactful episode releases further underscores our commitment and capability to manage this project with trust and accountability. Building on this foundation, Season 2 of "The Great Beyond" is poised to further amplify our impact, making the Cardano ecosystem more relatable and appealing to an even wider audience.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Release a series of promotional short clips starting in August 2024 and continuing through September 2024, serving as trailers and teasers leading up to the launch of Season 2 in October 2024, while concurrently working on the production of the actual episodes.

Launch the first episode of Season 2 in October 2024, followed by a new episode weekly for 10 weeks, each lasting between 10 to 20 minutes. This schedule will culminate in the completion of Season 2 in December 2024.

Compile and release (from December 2024 to January 2025) a collection of the best moments from Season 2 in a Short format on YouTube, following the Season 2 Finale.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

The project's creative vision and direction are spearheaded by Gaspare Bitetto, whose extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry is pivotal to our success. Bitetto's professional journey is marked by significant contributions to various creative and technological fields. His LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gasparebitetto/) provides an overview of his career.

Bitetto's tenure at the Italian National Radio Broadcaster "Radio Rai" as a writer and radio show host honed his skills in captivating diverse audiences. His work involved creating engaging content across various radio programs, showcasing his versatility in both content creation and hosting.

Additionally, Bitetto has been Editor-in-Chief of Mensa Italia's official magazine, where he shaped editorial direction, balancing intellectual depth with broad appeal. His ability to navigate through continuous creative experimentations, from conventional digital content like YouTube videos and podcasts to pioneering Web3 initiatives, is a testament to his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

With his artistic endeavors and technical expertise, Gaspare Bitetto is well-equipped to lead "The Great Beyond" in its mission to present a multifaceted and engaging exploration of the Cardano ecosystem.

Joining him again as speaker is Lourde, the beloved voice of Season 1 and a well-known and respected member of the Cardano community. Together, their blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and professional experience ensures the project's capacity to deliver high-quality, impactful content.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The budget for "The Great Beyond - Season 2" is meticulously planned with the assumption that 1 ADA is worth $0.50, ensuring that each aspect of the project is well-funded. The detailed breakdown is as follows:

• Scriptwriting: 5000 ADA (500 ADA per episode for 10 episodes). The process of writing each episode, from initial research to final proofreading, takes an average of 15 hours, ensuring thorough development and polished content.

• Audio Production: 2000 ADA (200 ADA per episode for 10 episodes). The production process for each episode, encompassing script rehearsal, recording, and audio equalization, averages 5 hours.

• Audio Post-Production: 4500 ADA (450 ADA per episode for 10 episodes). The post-production process for each episode, which includes AI content creation, adding soundtracks and sound effects, audio mixing, and final mastering, takes an average of 25 hours, ensuring a professional audio finish.

• Video Production: 6000 ADA (600 ADA per episode for 10 episodes). The production of a video version for each episode, involving the creation of appealing graphics, audio syncing, and mastering, requires an average of 15 hours to ensure a high-quality visual experience.

• AI Technology Usage: 2700 ADA (450 ADA per month for 6 months), for licensing different AI technologies. This covers Large Language Models like Claude 3, Llama 3, and ChatGPT for checking scripts, Speech Synthesis Software such as ElevenLabs or FakeYou for creating our guests' voices, and Generative AI Music Programs like Suno and Udio for creating original background music and sound effects. We will also use Adobe Podcast AI to improve overall sound quality. All these tools are subscribed to on a monthly basis.

• Marketing / Promotion: 4200 ADA (700 ADA per month for 6 months), including costs for sponsored ads on social media platforms such as X and YouTube.

• Team Compensation: 14400 ADA (2400 ADA per month for 6 months). This includes a flat rate for administrative costs, which covers activities such as planning, coordination, supervision, and overall management, along with other overhead costs essential for the day-to-day running of the project.

This budget allocation aligns with industry standards in Italy for radio/podcast show production costs, ensuring that each phase of the project is effectively resourced for optimal quality and impact.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The budget for "The Great Beyond" Season 2 has been carefully structured to reflect the average wage and freelance rates in Italy's media industry, ensuring that costs are in line with industry standards. However, the true value of this investment goes beyond mere numbers.

Our show is meticulously crafted for an audience not yet familiar with the crypto space, particularly Cardano. We aim to demystify the often complex world of cryptocurrencies and present Cardano in a light that is both engaging and accessible. By associating the Cardano brand with content that is fun, entertaining, and easily digestible, we intend to ignite curiosity and interest among a broader demographic.

This approach is crucial for expanding the community. When people who are new to cryptocurrencies see Cardano related to enjoyable and engaging activities, it not only piques their interest but also encourages them to explore and potentially join the Cardano ecosystem. This expansion of the community represents a significant value for money, as it fosters a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant Cardano ecosystem, ultimately contributing to its growth and sustainability.

In summary, while our project aligns with industry-standard costs, its real value lies in its potential to attract and engage a new audience, thus broadening Cardano's reach and impact in the crypto world.