*Music swells as he walks up to the stage, shaking hands and hugging people as he goes*

“Wow. This is… this is such an honour. Not to mention a surprise! This represents such a validation of what we’ve been trying to do, that it means so much more. The Coiled Spring is not just a podcast, but a labour of love, an outlet, a valve, a forum, a mouthpiece, a soapbox. One could say it has a lot of potential!

“Seriously though. I want to thank the makers of the free and open source software that makes the creation process so smooth and enjoyable, the guests for agreeing to be grist for my little independent mill, but most of all, the listeners. You are the people who make this all possible, and worthwhile.

“There are so many independently-produced podcasts out there. The big commercial podcasts, with their high budgets and production values, professional presenters, merry-go-round of big-name guests, sponsored by credit cards and DRM-infested audiobooks, they provide entertainment, yes. But for hand-crafted personally-inspired listening, you can’t go wrong with an indie.”

*Music starts playing over speech, as usher approaches to encourage him off*

“So I’d just like to say thank you to my wonderful wife Cassie, who’s been so supportive and indulgent of this project, and finally to my beautiful children, Edith and Arthur. You are my world and my life, and it’s past your bedtime! Thank you!”