I’m an award-winning podcast producer and editor with 15 years of experience in public radio, branded audio and digital content. I’ve supported and led the development of documentary-style series from pitch through post-production, bringing a strong foundation in structuring narratives, guest chase, script writing, field and studio recording, and story editing. With experience in both independent journalism and commercial storytelling, I thrive in fast-paced environments and love crafting both educational and emotionally resonant narratives.…

David Swanson

PRO

I’m an award-winning podcast producer and editor with 15 years of experience in public radio, branded audio and digital content. I’ve supported and led the development of documentary-style series from pitch through post-production, bringing a strong foundation in structuring narratives, guest chase, script writing, field and studio recording, and story editing. With experience in both independent journalism and commercial storytelling, I thrive in fast-paced environments and love crafting both educational and emotionally resonant narratives.…

Available to hire

I’m an award-winning podcast producer and editor with 15 years of experience in public radio, branded audio and digital content. I’ve supported and led the development of documentary-style series from pitch through post-production, bringing a strong foundation in structuring narratives, guest chase, script writing, field and studio recording, and story editing. With experience in both independent journalism and commercial storytelling, I thrive in fast-paced environments and love crafting both educational and emotionally resonant narratives.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Showrunner and Business Strategist at Pilgrim Content
October 14, 2024 - May 12, 2025
I led production and client communication as the showrunner for several podcast series, managing projects from concept through final delivery. I guided clients—often new to podcasting—through the creative process, from audience strategy and story development to technical setup and distribution. My work spanned editorial, audio, video, and written content, often within integrated campaigns. I collaborated closely with hosts, talent, and freelancers, developed editorial calendars and story arcs, and helped shape each show’s unique voice. Additionally, I provided narrative coaching through “Story Doctor” workshops and supported both studio and remote recording sessions to ensure top-tier audio quality.
Senior Showrunner & Podcast Producer at Pacific Content
October 15, 2016 - June 9, 2024
I created and produced original podcasts for global brands like Dell, McAfee, Mozilla, Audible, and Charles Schwab, leading projects from pitch to final delivery. I developed episode formats, refined story arcs, and collaborated with sound designers to shape compelling narrative and interview-driven shows. As the main client contact, I guided stakeholders through podcast best practices and aligned creative direction with brand goals. My hands-on production work included guest booking, interviews, scripting, editing, and fact-checking. I also mentored junior producers, led internal training sessions, and supported remote, field, and studio recordings to ensure smooth execution and strong audio quality.
Associate Producer at CBC Radio
March 13, 2016 - September 16, 2016
I contributed to several CBC Radio programs including The Early Edition, BC Almanac, and On The Coast, supporting daily current affairs coverage. I pitched both local and national story ideas, conducted guest research, and wrote Q-lines to support live broadcasts. My responsibilities included booking guests, conducting pre-interviews, and scripting segments on tight deadlines. I also logged and edited field tape and streeters into polished, broadcast-ready clips. Throughout, I maintained editorial accuracy and clarity across scripts and audio edits.
Podcast Producer & Sound Designer at Interesting Vancouver Speaker Series
January 1, 2017 - September 15, 2025
Conceptualized and produced the Interesting Vancouver podcast. Curated and interviewed a diverse lineup of podcast guests to support the show’s themes. Edited and mixed podcast audio—including dialogue, music, and natural sound—for clarity, pacing, and emotional impact across narrative series. Wrote scripts and provided host narration to guide listeners. Designed the soundscape for every episode, including music selection and sound effects.
Freelance Documentary Producer at BBC Radio
January 1, 2019 - September 15, 2025
Produced multiple radio documentaries for the BBC broadcast globally. Conducted in-depth interviews and captured immersive field recordings to enrich narratives. Designed the sonic landscape of each episode with careful music and sound effects. Wrote detailed scripts tailored for BBC hosts, aligning voice and structure with editorial standards.
Program Director at CJSF 90.1 FM, Burnaby BC
January 1, 2016 - September 15, 2025
Held creative and managerial oversight for the station’s 24-hour broadcast schedule. Trained over 150 volunteers responsible for producing and hosting more than 80 radio programs. Led programmer evaluations, skill-building workshops, and training material development. Recruited new on-air talent and directed station-wide marketing assets. Curated and produced themed, day-long broadcasts and produced original talk and music content, scheduling live guests and conducting interviews. Wrote, recorded, and sound-designed broadcast-ready audio advertisements.
Campaigns, Outreach & Production Coordinator at Vancouver Co-op Radio, 100.5 FM
April 1, 2012 - September 14, 2012
Spearheaded community engagement projects, trained volunteers and led the imaging department. Recorded and produced radio commercials, station IDs, and on-air interviews. Coordinated community engagement projects and trained volunteers. Supported live broadcasts and technical operations during major programming changes.
Show & Audience Development Strategist at Podcast Monkey
June 29, 2025 - Present
I help brands launch podcasts from strategy to pilot, blending creative consulting with hands-on production. Spearheaded client workshops to define podcast goals, brand voice, audience profiles, and success metrics.

Education

BA - Joint Major in Business & Communication (Marketing) at Simon Fraser University
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025
Certificate - Media & Radio Broadcasting at British Columbia Institute of Technology
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education
    paper Documentary Production - CBC - The Darkest Part of the Cave

    Ray Perman has been diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer. Having legally obtained the medication required, Ray is now deciding if he’ll end his own life, or let his cancer overcome him. It’s an extremely difficult position to be in, but Ray is determined to go on as long as he can and contribute as much as he can in the time he has left.

    This story was produced by David Swanson and Dominic Girard with sound design by Shawn Cole and aired on CBC.

    paper Podcast Production - Tell Me What Happened

    Tell Me What Happened is a multiple award-winning podcast chronicling true and inspiring stories about people stepping up to help save a stranger in a moment of crisis. This podcast was featured on the front page of Apple US, Canada, UK and Australia.

    paper Podcast Production - Everyday Bravery

    This podcast series celebrates and salutes the unsung heroes-next-door who practice acts of bravery every day.

    paper Podcast Production - Choiceology

    Choiceology with host Katy Milkman explores the lessons of behavioural economics using real stories to expose the psychological traps that impact people’s decisions.

    paper Podcast Production - Relate

    Relate from Zendesk is a podcast about how we connect, how we work together, and how we understand one another.

    paper Documentary Production - BBC - Pinball Wizard

    In 2016, a 28-year-old Canadian man named Robert Gagno won the world pinball championship. Robert has autism so taking part in the sport has been a way for him to build independence.

    This radio documentary aired internationally on BBC’s Outlook in March 2017.