The Off-Topic Podcast

Two Syracuse High School friends put their random conversations into action

BY HAGEN COOK

Kevin Morales had always been into creating things, from drawings in art class to any sort of content creation. As long as he was letting his mind take an idea and run with it, he was happy. After countless, random conversations he’d had with his friends, he finally acted.

should start a podcast.”

This is a phrase I’m sure many of us have heard during hilarious conversations with our friends. It never actually happens though… unless it does. Kevin Morales has always been into creating things, from drawings in art class to any sort of content creation. As long as he was letting his mind take an idea and run with it, he was happy. After countless, random conversations he’d had with his friends, he finally acted.

The beginning is always the hardest part, but Kevin knew that he could really do something with these conversations, he knew he was adept with technology and that he knew he wanted to see if he had what it took to turn this idea into reality. Spoiler alert: he did!

Two months of preparation came before an episode was released. In this time, Kevin taught himself how to use software to mix audio to make his podcast sound professional and created a stylish logo. Through trial-and-error or practice-makes-perfect, he got it done. After this preparation, the last piece missing was someone to accompany him in those funny and entertaining conversations to come. He chose the first person that came to mind, a friend of over five years, Hallie Murdock. And so, The Off Topic Podcast was born. It didn’t take long to realize that Kevin had successfully turned a dream into reality, but he kept pushing and made sure that The Off Topic Podcast was delivering quality content every episode, “We wanted to provide something that would set us apart from an average to a professional standard.”

Kevin never lost sight of this even when he was finishing up high school. Every episode he edits the recorded audio to ensure his and Hallie’s voices sound full and rich. He also records videos of the episodes which he spends time colorcorrecting and editing for those that want to watch. But the professionalism of the podcast is only half the battle, it also needs entertaining content.

Hallie believes finding their podcast’s personality came easy. “We just match each other’s energy and build off each other’s thoughts to have really awesome, and pretty random, conversations.”

I found this to be true after listening to Kevin take Hallie’s idea about handling insults to something about eating popcorn with a spoon. Together they create such an entertaining chemistry that makes you feel included as a listener. While providing a professional product, they simultaneously deliver a fun and energetic listen that I enjoyed. Since Kevin and Hallie were finishing up high school and gearing up for their futures, The Off Topic Podcast had to take a backseat. After this brief hiatus, Kevin says, “I’m certain that we will be back very soon.” If you enjoy podcasts, go give this one a listen as you’ll find yourself engaged in whatever Kevin and Hallie might talk about next.

Listen Now

You can find the first three episodes of The Off Topic podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify

MADE FOR YOU MENU PLAN AND RECIPES. MAKE A MASTER SHOPPING LIST AND PRINT OR SEND TO YOUR PHONE FOR EASY MEAL AND GROCERY SHOPPING. Menu plan curated by Deidre Roush

AUGUST

What to Eat 4 Dinner

Ideas Your Whole Family Will Love!

Pork Chops w/ Spicy Peach Salsa, sides of Corn on the Cob & Roasted Potato

Garlic Basil Barramundi Skillet w/ Tomato Butter

Sauce, Served with Crusty Bread

Sheet Pan White

Pesto Lasagna served w/ side

Salad & Garlic Bread

Cinnamon French Toast

FREEZER MEAL

Honey Sesame

Chicken served with rice and a side salad

Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket

Bachelor's Delight Leftover Night

FREEZER MEAL Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Veggies served with Rice

Low Carb Chicken Club Sandwich

BBQ Chicken Salad

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet Eggs Benedict Wrap

Baked Berry and Cream Cheese

Croissant French Toast

FREEZER MEAL Swedish Meatballs over Rice