Frequently Asked Questions
About the Show
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When They Were Making It (WTWMI) is a narrative documentary podcast about classic Hollywood — the silent era through the early 1960s — written, produced, and hosted by Patrick Rankin. Each series follows a single figure or film from beginning to end, telling their story through rigorously researched, non-fiction narration.
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New episodes drop weekly, every Tuesday, with bonus content — including extra full episodes — available on our Patreon, WTWMI: The Backlot.
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When They Were Making It is available everywhere podcasts are found, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Links can be found at the bottom of this page and on our Listen page.
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Yes — WTWMI: The Backlot is our Patreon membership tier, offering mini-episodes, companion audio, monthly bonus episodes, and Q&As. Visit The Backlot on Patreon.
For Listeners
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First of all, thank you! The best ways to support WTWMI are subscribing on your podcast platform of choice, leaving a rating or review, sharing episodes with others who might enjoy it, and, if you are able to, joining WTWMI: The Backlot on Patreon.
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We take accuracy seriously. If you've spotted something you believe is incorrect, or have a source you think we should see, please feel free to email us at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com with details (and, if possible, a source or citation). It's always appreciated!
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Yes! We love hearing these — they shape a lot of what ends up on the calendar. Feel free to send anything you'd like to see (well, hear) directly to me, Patrick, at patrick@whentheyweremakingit.com, and we'll do our best to make it happen.
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Yes! Anyone can send in a question — feel free to send them directly to me either by email at patrick@whentheyweremakingit.com, DM on Instagram or TikTok (we’re @whentheyweremakingit on both), or message on our Patreon — and I'll answer them directly when I can. To hear the rest of the questions I received, the monthly audio Q&A is one of our Patreon perks for WTWMI: The Backlot Studio Insider members.
For Advertisers & Sponsors
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Yes. When They Were Making It offers dynamic ad insertion across our episode catalogue, meaning your message can run across our full back catalogue, not just new releases. Reach out at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com if you’d like to connect.
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We're currently averaging 20,000+ downloads per month, and growing. We've been featured in Apple Podcasts' New & Noteworthy and have hit a top-25 US TV & Film chart ranking. For more information, contact us at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com.
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Listeners drawn to film history, classic Hollywood, and long-form narrative documentary storytelling — an engaged, detail-oriented audience with a strong appetite for cultural and historical content.
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Reach out to whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com with your brand, campaign goals, and timeline, and we'll follow up with our current rates and availability.
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Yes — email us at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com and we'll send our current media kit with download numbers, demographics, and chart history.
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Yes! We're always open to trading promo with other podcasts — whether that's a show swap, an ad swap, or a feed drop. If you think your audience and ours would be a good fit, reach out at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com and let's talk.
For Press & Media
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Yes — please reach out to whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com with your outlet, angle, and timeline.
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Absolutely — press inquiries, review copies of upcoming episodes, and quote requests can be sent to whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com.
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Available on request at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com.
General Contact
For anything not covered above, reach us at whentheyweremakingit@gmail.com.
A century of Marilyn.
June 1, 2026, marks 100 years since Marilyn Monroe was born. To honor her centennial, WTWMI launches with a three-part series tracing her invention, her rise, and the cost of becoming the most famous woman in the world.
Listen to Part One, Part Two, and Part Three now.
A story of strength, ambition, and self-invention — about a girl who shouldn't have had a chance, and the woman she gave everything to become.
WTWMI — listen now, wherever you get your podcasts.