Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Conversations Network?

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit online publisher of recordings of spoken-word events such as conferences, lectures and meetings. The curated portion of the network is made up of channels, which are listed on the left. Our grassroots production team is called PodCorps.org. For more details, read about our mission.

How do I find programs to listen to?

Just click on Find Programs in the menu bar above. There you'll find a variety of ways to discover programs. For example, select By Topic and you'll see a list of keywords. Or select Search Text or Audio to access our free-form search.

Do I have to be a member in order to listen?

Absolutely not! Our programs are free for all to hear.

So why should I register?

Guest membership is free. If we know who you are, we can give you personalized benefits such as access to your Personal Playlist, where you can keep organize the new programs you want to hear. You'll also be able to manage your Personal Profile to control many aspects of your interaction with The Conversations Network.

Why should I become a paid member?

This first reason is to help us keep listener-supported audio on the 'Net free. Like public radio here in the U.S., a substantial portion of our operating budget comes from membership dues and donations. For a complete list of membership categories and benefits, visit our Membership Info page.

How do I listen to programs?

The simplest way to listen is just to click on the Play button shown next to all of our programs.

How do I download programs to my computer's hard disk?

If you're on our home page, click the "details..." link for the program you want to download. On each program page you'll see a "Download" button. Right-click (Windows) or control-click (Mac) on that button, then select "Save Link As..." or the equivalent in your browser's pop-up window. Select the filename and directory where you want to save the audio file.

How do I subscribe to The Conversations Network programs?

Click on the RSS/Subscribe button in the menu above. You'll see the options for the the channel or series. The RSS/Subscribe button is context-sensitive, so you can navigate to other channels or series to subscribe to their programs.

What's a Podcast?

Podcasting is how we send out our programs so that you can subscribe to them. You can receive them automatically (and for free) using podcatcher software or a free online service. (more Podcast help)

How do I register to become a member of The Conversations Network?

Here's our Registration Page. Registered listeners can use our special personalized features such as Personal Playlists. When you register you will also have the option of subscribing to our free email newsletters, which will bring you the latest news and developments from The Conversations Network or your favorite channels. Remember, registration is free!

Are my dues tax deductible?

The Conversations Network is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation and a section 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to which are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Can we advertise on The Conversations Network?

If you would like to be an underwriter for a period of time (one month minimum) or underwrite a particular event or other series, please send email to underwriting@conversationsnetwork.org. We will send you our latest Media Kit.

How can we get The Conversations Network to publish the audio from our event?

Here's a separate FAQ for Event Producers.

Can I submit my audio to The Conversations Network?

We do occasionally accept unsolicited recordings. You'll find the requirements and recommendations in our Audio Submission Guidelines.

What is The Conversations Network's privacy policy?

It's all here.

Does The Conversations Network comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act?

Our DMCA policies are available here.