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BTS: Behind the Scenes of the Best Place to Build Podcast | Episode 18

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of the 'Best Place to Build' podcast, we take you inside the making of the show. We discuss the journey of AskIITM, how the podcast came to be, the challenges of podcast production, and the unique stories of various builders featured. Learn about the meticulous process of setting up shots, coordinating with guests, and the efforts taken to maintain the authenticity of content. This episode also sheds light on the personal connections and experiences that shape the builders' journeys. 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 03:21 Origins and Evolution of AskIITM 03:45 Challenges and Insights in Content Creation 06:55 Guest Selection and Scheduling 09:10 Research and Preparation for Episodes 12:16 Episode Release and Audience Engagement 14:07 Behind the Scenes: Setup and Filming 16:11 Travel and Team Bonding 17:38 Reflections and Streamlining the Process

Mar 27, 202518mWatch on YouTube ↗

At a glance

WHAT IT’S REALLY ABOUT

Inside IIT Madras’ “Best Place to Build” podcast-making machine

  1. Amrit and Piyush unpack why the podcast exists: to extend IITM’s earlier counseling tradition into a digital format and to spotlight builders across the IIT Madras ecosystem.
  2. They describe how their content strategy evolved from short-form assumptions to long-form deep dives, prompted by audience data and the need to overcome skepticism about IITM’s cutting-edge work (e.g., Hyperloop).
  3. The episode details practical production realities—guest prioritization, scheduling constraints, research-heavy prep for technical guests, and early-morning shoots at CFI to avoid noise.
  4. They also explain the release workflow across platforms (teasers, full episodes, tailored captions), plus the team rhythms, travel logistics, and how the process has become increasingly streamlined over time.

IDEAS WORTH REMEMBERING

5 ideas

Consistency creates the data that clarifies what audiences truly want.

The team initially assumed viewers wouldn’t watch beyond a minute, but consistent publishing and analytics revealed a real appetite for longer, deeper conversations—especially for complex “build” stories.

The podcast’s job is partly to resolve audience disbelief about IITM’s current capabilities.

They recount a parent accusing them of “lying” about the Hyperloop project—highlighting the gap between IITM’s present-day work and public perception, and why showing credible builders on-camera matters.

Guest selection is less about access and more about sequencing and logistics.

They emphasize there’s no shortage of IITM builders; the real constraint is deciding who comes first and aligning schedules—especially for guests outside Chennai/India given the shoot timings and travel.

Early-morning shooting is a strategic tradeoff to capture a real environment.

They shoot around 7–9 a.m. because CFI gets crowded and noisy later, enabling them to film in an authentic “builder’s lab” without disrupting students or battling sound issues.

Technical depth requires serious pre-interview research and external validation.

For complicated domains, the team studies publications and consults experts so the host can ask coherent questions—balancing curiosity with competence in highly technical episodes.

WORDS WORTH SAVING

5 quotes

Counseling stopped in 2009. 2025 is the fourth year of Ask IITM.

— Amrit (with Piyush in conversation)

When we started… we were like: ‘Nobody watches more than one minute.’ … you start realizing that there are a set of people who are looking at longer stuff, who want to deep dive.

— Amrit

This parent… came up to me and said, ‘Why were you guys lying about this?’

— Amrit

Once you have been a part of this ecosystem, you never actually leave.

— Piyush/Amrit (discussion on IITM ecosystem)

It looks simple on the camera… but… it takes a lot of effort to clean everything up, and then… start setting everything up.

— Mridul

AskIITM origins as digital counseling successorShift from short-form to long-form based on dataShowcasing “builders” and IITM ecosystem identityGuest selection: “problem of plenty”Scheduling constraints and early-morning shootsResearch process for technical credibilityMulti-platform distribution (Instagram/YouTube/LinkedIn)Authenticity vs clickbait in captionsCFI location choice and production setup laborTeam travel cadence and workflow streamlining

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