Thanks for speaking up, Neil. I too have been experiencing this audio issue, Nick. It's not every episode—and I think more often than not it's been the videos—but several have been so quiet I've had to turn up the minivan stereo "to 11" only to be overpowered by the mighty roar of NPR upon switching back to radio after enjoying your latest musing. But curiously, I just went back through every episode from June on, and I can't find one that has this issue. Maybe it was on Substack's end, and they've already corrected the issue? Cheers
I recently read through your most recent book, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play (available wherever fine books are sold). Throughout your book and others you recommend (Aldo Leopold, Wendell Berry, etc.), there is a common theme about the tradeoff related to the human development of natural spaces for recreation.
As an example, creating a paved trail is, by definition, not natural but may be necessary to prevent excessive erosion from human foot traffic. A paved trail may allow someone with a limitation or disability to experience a breathtaking view that would be otherwise unavailable to them. But, the same trail makes it easy for tourists to crowd together obscuring an otherwise beautiful waterfall, tree, or gorge.
Where do you think we should draw the line on making nature accessible to humans versus leaving the wilderness to be wild?
I have the same issue, particularly when I listen to Donkey Thoughts via the Google Podcasts app on my iPhone. The problem is less pronounced when using the Substack app. Maybe Substack has automatic gain/volume control, while Google just streams the raw audio. An example of a really quiet episode is “Nature Boy.” It sounds ok on Substack.
Compared to all the other podcasts I listen this fine one is lower in volume. That being said I can still hear and understand it in my headphones and the car.
Oh hello again... thank you kindly for addressing my very first world problems of having difficulty hearing things through my mobile phone. I thoroughly enjoyed your ramblings and I also appreciate your appreciation for my trade.
I have noticed that one of your listeners mentioned that Google Podcasts might be the issue and that is indeed what I use for listening, so I'll do a little experimenting with different podcast platforms and see how I get on.
You're correct, getting to Lagavulin would be a fairly long journey from Bushmills by normal means, I could make provision for a small boat for you if you ever make it this direction and fancy the trip..I'd say a couple hours should see you there.
In my estimation, the recorded sound on the video clips has been better, but the audio only quality isn't really all that bad. How about a flask of Black Bush for the pocket to soothe any rough waters you might encounter on the ferry to Islay?
Thanks for speaking up, Neil. I too have been experiencing this audio issue, Nick. It's not every episode—and I think more often than not it's been the videos—but several have been so quiet I've had to turn up the minivan stereo "to 11" only to be overpowered by the mighty roar of NPR upon switching back to radio after enjoying your latest musing. But curiously, I just went back through every episode from June on, and I can't find one that has this issue. Maybe it was on Substack's end, and they've already corrected the issue? Cheers
Sound clips and video have been good for me so far!
I laughed at the "losing the ability to hear Americans" --- and I thought maybe he was having difficulty hearing because he's so far away? :)
Jessie
No problems on my end. So, I’ll put down the hammer and pick up the harp. Raise a toast my friends! Slainte!
(From Madison, WI)
Hey Nick,
I recently read through your most recent book, Where the Deer and the Antelope Play (available wherever fine books are sold). Throughout your book and others you recommend (Aldo Leopold, Wendell Berry, etc.), there is a common theme about the tradeoff related to the human development of natural spaces for recreation.
As an example, creating a paved trail is, by definition, not natural but may be necessary to prevent excessive erosion from human foot traffic. A paved trail may allow someone with a limitation or disability to experience a breathtaking view that would be otherwise unavailable to them. But, the same trail makes it easy for tourists to crowd together obscuring an otherwise beautiful waterfall, tree, or gorge.
Where do you think we should draw the line on making nature accessible to humans versus leaving the wilderness to be wild?
Hearing you loud and clear on my iPhone speakers and through my earbudzzzz... 🤷🏻♂️
Bob the IT guy here. You can right click on Google maps and select measure distance. Have fun!
I have the same issue, particularly when I listen to Donkey Thoughts via the Google Podcasts app on my iPhone. The problem is less pronounced when using the Substack app. Maybe Substack has automatic gain/volume control, while Google just streams the raw audio. An example of a really quiet episode is “Nature Boy.” It sounds ok on Substack.
Compared to all the other podcasts I listen this fine one is lower in volume. That being said I can still hear and understand it in my headphones and the car.
Oh hello again... thank you kindly for addressing my very first world problems of having difficulty hearing things through my mobile phone. I thoroughly enjoyed your ramblings and I also appreciate your appreciation for my trade.
I have noticed that one of your listeners mentioned that Google Podcasts might be the issue and that is indeed what I use for listening, so I'll do a little experimenting with different podcast platforms and see how I get on.
You're correct, getting to Lagavulin would be a fairly long journey from Bushmills by normal means, I could make provision for a small boat for you if you ever make it this direction and fancy the trip..I'd say a couple hours should see you there.
Kindest Regards,
Neil Freeburn
In my estimation, the recorded sound on the video clips has been better, but the audio only quality isn't really all that bad. How about a flask of Black Bush for the pocket to soothe any rough waters you might encounter on the ferry to Islay?
I too have had issues with the volume on the podcast being very low and requiring me to crank the volume on my phone to the max to hear.