These 3 rules changed everything. They cut my editing time 50% while improving quality.
As a Podcast, Dialog editor and foley artist, I used to work weekends just to catch up. Podcast clients + film revisions + Upwork gigs = chaos.
1. SAME AUDIO TYPE, SAME SESSION (2x Focus)
The worst productivity killer? Context and Tools switching.
This technique is talked about most of productivity experts/content creators. It’s all about BATCHING TASKS, this method is super efficient for most of our tasks, either professional or personal and in this context it is Critical and time efficient.
Before: 9AM podcasts → 11AM film dialogue → 1PM voiceovers
Result: Scattered focus, sloppy edits, 6h days became 9h
Now: One audio type per 2h block only
- 9-11AM: Podcasts (Reaper + Scarlett Solo + Headphones)
- 11AM-1PM: Film dialogue (Pro Tools cleanup)
- 3-5PM: Voiceovers (batch noise reduction)
Why it works: Your brain needs 23 minutes to refocus after switching tasks. Audio editing = high cognitive load. Same-type blocks = surgical precision. Also, if you keep changing Tools, either digital or physical ones, you get your workspace cluttered and that also makes your mind less likely to focus on the important tasks.
2. LOCK YOUR HARDWARE and SOFTWARE (No Rabbit Holes)
Mid-session “let me test this new plugin” = 45 minutes gone.
This is also related to the point I made earlier. There are times to do all the learning and searching that we want, but to keep on task we have to let that go in the moments to keep the focus momentum. (Use a small notebook to right all the questions and notes for checking that later in another Batch Session)
My locked setup:
DAW: Reaper (lightweight, zero crashes)
Interface: Scarlet solo
Microphone: Rode NT1
Headphones:Sony Headphones (closed-back)
The rule: Zero experimentation during client blocks. New gear testing = separate 1h weekly slot.
Pro tip: Scarlett Solo + Reaper + Sony Headphones = 90% of my work setup. Reliable, portable, handles -16 LUFS normalization perfectly.
5-POINT HARD STOP CHECKLIST (Never Lose Work)
“How many times have you exported the wrong file version?”
My checklist (Notion automates 80%):
✅ Exported ( session + WAV backup)
✅ Backed up (2 locations: External + Cloud)
✅ Client sent (named correctly: ClientName_Episode_Final_v2)
✅ Invoice created (tracked in Notion) → Free template
✅ Calendar cleared (next episode scheduled)
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