Winter 2026 Torchlight Youth Podcast Lab

Sign up here.

DESCRIPTION

This six-week podcasting lab is designed to give youth media makers space, resources, and support for audio storytelling. Sessions will be a mix of instruction and open studio. Participants in this program can expect idea incubation, tech support, and time to experiment/play with audio–planning a podcast, recording, production, editing software, etc. Come with an idea and some recordings or start from scratch.

DATES & TIMES:

Six-week session

Mondays, February 2–March 16 (no session Feb. 16) 

2:30–4 p.m.

AGES:

12–18 (If you fall outside this range on either side but really want to participate, get in touch!)

COST:

Sliding scale $100–300/student for the entire session, or $40/session drop-in

Fee is on a sliding scale based on what participants can afford. No one turned away for lack of funds. Please contact us at torchlightmaine@gmail.com if you would like to discuss a fee reduction. We really mean it!

STAFF:

Lead Mentor: Chris Battaglia, with TBA drop-in mentors

FAQ:

I want to sign up but I don’t have any audio experience. Is that okay?
Yes! We will offer training/support.

Do I need an audio kit in order to participate?
No–we have kits available to lend.

Do I have to know what kind of podcast I want to make before I sign up?
No–idea incubation and planning are a core part of this program.

Do I have to attend every session?
No—you can make this a drop-in experience.

Let's get creative and help you tell your story!

Torchlight Bean Supper

Tuesday, February 10
5:30–7 p.m.
Free—donations welcome

Bean suppers and community dinners are a long standing tradition in the area. In the similar spirit of bringing people together around food, connecting with neighbors, and building community, Torchlight is hosting a community bean supper on Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m. We'll have delicious beans by locally-celebrated professional cook, Kate Geronemus; share our accomplishments and learnings from the past year, and some of our ambitions and vision for the year to come, and we'll hang out and and chat. We may even have some version of the classic, Maine-take on Bingo: Beano! 

Bring your appetite for food and community and join us. All are welcome, free for all, donations accepted.