For the final mock up design I went with a combination of the 1st and 3rd original mock ups. the feedback i received told me that people would be interested in a site with a slightly older look, so I'm going to implement a sidebar menu, which aren't used as often as they used to. this will be an interactive element as its how people will navigate the site. another interactive element will be directly in the logo, I've made it so that when you hover your cursor over the logo, the two eyes in the middle blink. I think its a unique approach that will amuse people as well as keep them engaged with the website. I'm going to take inspiration from the bear brook website and have a "listen now" kind of thing on the home page, since most people checking out the website probably already listened, and if they haven't, they should. right beneath them will be social media buttons so that the audience can keep up to date. on the more I can add information about each episode - so just the one - and provide visuals and context that wouldn't be available from listening to then podcast alone. 
on the about page ill add a drawing of the creator and add additional information, as well as an email and other important contact information.