The show
All views. Just bring it.
Open Pod Talk is built around one idea: the best conversations happen when real people bring real topics — not guests who have already rehearsed their sound bite.
It runs in two formats. The live call-in show pulls callers from a public submission queue and puts them on mic with our hosts. And the panel recordings put two people who lean right and two who lean left at one table with Mark moderating — in person, cameras rolling, no script.
Format
How the show works
Live every week
We broadcast live on YouTube every week. The full episode goes into the podcast feed within 24 hours.
Real callers, not guests
Callers submit a topic, get screened, and come on mic cold. We don't share questions in advance. The exchange is the product.
Panel recordings
We record moderated 2v2 panels in Pittsburgh, closed to the public. Panels are cast from applications to keep both sides even.
Studio-grade recording
Every call is recorded locally via Riverside.fm — per-participant uncompressed audio, regardless of internet quality. The podcast sounds clean even when the debate gets loud.
30-second producer screen
Every caller waits in a lobby. Our producer confirms identity, checks your headphones, and does a mic level check before you're on air. No cold calls go straight to the host.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who can call in?
Anyone 18 or older with a topic, a debate, a story, or a hot take. We read every submission — no topic is too niche or too blunt, as long as you can back it up.
What is the panel series?
A moderated panel recording in Pittsburgh. We set a table with two people who lean right and two who lean left (plus the occasional wildcard), put our moderator Mark at the head of it, and record the argument. Apply at openpodtalk.com/casting — every seat is cast by hand.
Do panelists need debate experience?
No. We're casting for conviction and composure, not credentials. If you can state what you believe and hold your ground for ten minutes of pushback without shouting, you're qualified.
Do panelists get paid?
Yes. $35 an hour for your time on site, which works out to about $105 for a typical recording. Food and drinks are included, and we invite good panelists back. Show up sober — drinks at the table during the recording are fine — and you'll sign a standard appearance release and liability waiver before you sit down.
What do I need to participate remotely?
Chrome or Edge on a desktop or laptop, wired headphones (not AirPods or Bluetooth), a quiet room, and at least 10 Mbps upload. We run on Riverside.fm — no app to download, just a browser link.
How long does it take to hear back?
We review submissions on a rolling basis. If your topic fits an upcoming episode, you'll get a heads-up at least 48 hours in advance with a Riverside studio link and a 10-minute tech check time.
Do I have to be on camera?
Camera is optional for remote callers; audio is required. Panelists are on camera — that's the format. We record both video and audio on our end, locally on your device, so a network hiccup won't kill the quality.
Where can I watch or listen?
We stream live on YouTube, and the edited episode goes up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. Clips go up on social in the days after.
Is this scripted?
No. We have a format but no script. The whole point is the real back-and-forth — we don't edit the argument out of it.
What happens to my recording?
By submitting and appearing on the show, you grant Open Pod Talk a perpetual license to use your voice, likeness, and statements in the episode and clips. Full legal language is on our privacy page.
Can I be anonymous?
Remote callers can ask to use a first name only or a pseudonym on air. We still need your real contact info internally to send you the studio link and manage scheduling. Panelists appear on camera, so anonymity isn't possible for panel recordings.
Ready to be on the show?
Worst case — silence. Best case — you're on mic this week.
Submit your topic →