PODCAST PRODUCTION | CONSULTING | TRAINING
Arcana creates audio that breaks through.
It takes knowledge and skill to create a podcast that stands out.
Founded by two producers with deep experience in the podcasting industry, Arcana Audio is dedicated to the belief that exceptional audio is both an art and a science.
We partner with our clients to navigate the increasingly complex audio landscape, nurture new ideas, and produce audio that connects with its audience.
What We Do
▻ Partner with platforms, media outlets, and production houses to develop and produce new podcasts. ​
â–» Help creators navigate the industry’s complex production, business, and finance worlds.
â–» Advise brands ready to explore the role audio can play in their content strategy.
â–» Lead custom trainings for organizations that want to level up their in-house production capabilities.
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â–» Produce branded podcasts and midroll ad campaigns.
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Services
Consulting
New Show Development
Staffing and Recruitment
Content and Slate Strategy
Host Selection
Creative Direction
Training
Best Practices in Podcasting for Brands
Virtual & In-Person Workshops
Intro to Audio Storytelling
Podcast Production
Executive Production & Showrunning
Production Coordination
Show/Concept Development
Story Editing
Host Coaching
Piloting
Series Production
Trailers & Promotional Assets
Pre/Mid/Postroll Advertisements
Our Team
Frances Harlow, Co-Founder
A deft Executive Producer with over a decade of experience in all forms of audio storytelling, Frances launched Arcana Audio after four years of leading her own podcast studio and consultancy, Harlow & Co. As principal, she oversaw the development and launch of productions in partnership with clients ranging from tech start-ups to legacy publishers. Prior to this, Frances was Gimlet Media’s Deputy Creative Director, where she guided and grew the team that pioneered the network's branded podcasts, including Open for Business, DTR, and the James Beard Award nominated Why We Eat What We Eat. (Her biggest accomplishment, however, was recruiting Abbie to join her.) Frances began her career in public radio, first at WGBH News in Boston, and later at NPR’s Emmy-winning podcast Planet Money. Frances attributes her love of audio to long drives as a kid spent listening to Maine Public Radio in her dad’s pick-up truck. She now lives in Stockholm, Sweden. Learn more about her experience here.​
Abbie Ruzicka, Co-Founder
Abbie has close to 15 years of experience in podcast and radio production. She has developed and produced dozens of new shows over the course of her career for Spotify, Gimlet Media, NPR, WGBH, WBUR, and more. Before she started Arcana, she was an Executive Producer at Spotify, where she led a new show development team for Gimlet. Her launches include Gimlet’s Not Past It, Spotify’s morning show The Get Up, the 2020 Archewell Audio Holiday Special, and Archetypes with Meghan, among many others. Prior to this, she led production for Gimlet Creative, an award-winning custom creative agency, where she worked with Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Gatorade, Adobe, and Chanel to develop new podcasts and audio ad campaigns. At Arcana Audio, Abbie continues to lead clients and production teams in creating impactful audio, working with clients such as Hello Sunshine, iHeart, Spotify, Netflix, and various documentary film companies. Abbie began her career in public radio, producing live, daily news shows first at WGBH and later at WBUR. Her journey in production began as a call-screener for the NPR show Car Talk. She is a graduate of Boston University and lives outside of Boston with her family.
Matt Shilts, Head of Production
Matt is the Head of Production at Arcana Audio, driving production on new projects and helping teams produce their best work. A versatile producer with more than a decade of experience in podcasting and radio, he is skilled at developing innovative formats and managing high-profile talent and commercial clients. Prior to joining Arcana, Matt developed and produced more than a dozen shows for Gimlet Media and Spotify, including Archetypes with Meghan, Stuck with Damon Young, and How to Save a Planet. Prior to Gimlet Media, Matt worked as the news director at North State Public Radio in Chico, California, where he helped launch two new original podcasts. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.