To give a little background, Let's Talk Trains does not originate from a studio.
Each host calls a telphone number that sets up a switchboard through Blog Talk Radio on their computer to run the show. There is no mechanism for the host to contol the audio and each host is responsible for their own show. Some hosts have worked around that by adding a mixing board to their phone system to give tham better control over the audio.

For us, that is not possible at this time. We work around that to the best of our ability by using multiple phones when we originate the show from our house. As stated, at the moment, it is the best we can do. The problem arises when we take the show "on the road". Saturday's broadcast originated from the home of Ken Shattock. Taking the show to Ken meant we had to use one cell phone and our laptop. So, we had three people talking into one phone instead of us using multiple phones and having the guest call in from wherever they happen to be. Under those circumstances, the audio deteriorates considerably.

Finally, the telephone number that the hosts use to reach Blog Talk Radio as well as the call in number for the guest and/or callers is not a toll free number. It can result in considerable expense to both the host and the guest for the length of the show for those people who don't have some sort of unlimited long distance plan or unlimited calling on their cell phones.

Hope this answers the question.

Bob and Elizabeth Alkire