How can I listen to the podcast?
Based on a True Story is available on all podcast apps, just search for it by name. If you notice it missing from your favorite app, let me know.
You can find links to all platforms here: basedonatruestorypodcast.com/follow
Having trouble? Let me know, and I'll walk you through subscribing to the podcast on your favorite podcast app!
How often do new episodes come out?
New episodes are released as they're produced. Based on a True Story is produced around my full-time job, so if there hasn't been an episode released in a while that just means my day job has gotten busy.
Who is behind Based on a True Story?
Based on a True Story is created by one person: Dan LeFebvre.
Over the years, I've hired my closest friends and family to help from time to time so you might see other names or pictures pop up here and there. They're amazing people who I still turn to for advice and creative input even if they've got their own jobs and don't always have time to help with the podcast. Let me introduce you to them!
- Kyleigh is my daughter who recently graduated with a degree in biology, but before that she helped behind the scenes, primarily with audio and video editing.
- McKenzie is one of my best friends who has helped with editing behind the scenes in the past as well as modeling for many of the photos that I use for the website and elsewhere. For example, you'll see a photo that I took of her for the Producers page.
- Elise is another of my closest friends who has helped pose for my camera for additional photos that you might see on the website and elsewhere. For example, you'll see a photo that I took of her at a local park on the Podcast Recommendations page.
- Caleb is a long-time friend of mine and incredibly talented musician who was naturally my first pick to compose the Based on a True Story theme song.
- Last, but certainly not least, I have to mention the pets who have been my editing companions and might've made their way into some recordings over the years. Sadly, the dogs aren't with me anymore, but when my cat isn't sleeping next to me while I'm editing, he's busy doing silly cat things.
How can I support the podcast?
Thank you for your considering supporting my work! You can learn all about that here: basedonatruestorypodcast.com/producers.
Can I submit ideas for future episodes?
Of course! Just use the tab on the right side of the website to automatically add your idea to my backlog. Alternatively, you can use the contact form or just email me.
To set expectations: There are thousands of movies and TV shows in there now, so while I make every attempt to get the most popular requests done as quickly as possible, unfortunately I can't guarantee your request will be done anytime soon. What I can guarantee is I won't know about your request unless you make it, so please send it along!
How can I become a guest on the show?
I'm always on the lookout for great guests, so if that's you: Let me know!
When contacting me, please include the movie or TV show you'd like to cover the historical accuracy of, as well as a little bit about you and why you think you'd be a great guest.
If you're not sure what it takes to be a great guest, check out a few of the previous guests. Here are a few recommended episodes to start:
I'm a podcaster, too. Can we do a promo swap?
As an indie podcaster myself, I love helping to promote other fantastic indie shows out there. All promo swap requests are screened to ensure they're something my audience will actually enjoy. After all, Based on a True Story is a history/movie podcast so a business podcast isn't a great fit for my audience.
If you're interested in a swap, fill out this form.
Do you have a mailing list or newsletter?
Yes, but I'm not great at releasing it regularly. As you might imagine as a one-person production creating the actual episodes is a priority so updating the newsletter often falls to the wayside.
When I do, though, I try to make them worth your while with behind the scenes tidbits and updates on the show.
You can sign up for it here.
Are there ad-free episodes available?
When you become a Based on a True Story Producer, you'll get all instant access to all past episodes free of ads along with new ad-free episodes as they're released.
What equipment do you use to record the podcast?
My setup has changed a lot over the years. Currently, it is a Shure 55SH Series II microphone plugged into a Cloudlifter and RØDE Rodecaster Pro. To monitor the audio while recording, I use Sony MDR7506 headphones. For video, I use a Panasonic Lumix G9 with a G Series 14-140mm f/3.5 lens hooked into an Atomos Ninja Flame recorder. Editing is done in a mixture of Adobe Creative Cloud (Audition, Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop), along with iZotope RX. For remote interviews, I'm currently using StreamYard and sometimes, even, a good old fashion phone call. *insert gasp here*
As any podcaster knows, recording the podcast isn't the only thing you need to put it all together.
To create all the graphics, website, etc. in addition to the previously mentioned software, to create podcast graphics I use a combination of Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, Illustrator, Affinity Photo, Luminar Neo, Topaz Labs Photo AI. The website is built on WordPress with Elementor, and I also use Obsidian, and TextMate for coding.
Based on a True Story's RSS feed is currently hosted on Megaphone, and True Native Media helps me find new sponsors.
Want to know anything else? Let me know!