You Can Totally Have A Podcast

The First Steps In Creating the Killer Podcast You Keep Talking About Starting

by Cody Warner

YMCA Iredell

​Podcasts are a growing part of the media industry and all the big players are jumping in. Apple is optimizing its devices to recognize voice searches for podcasts while content hosting outlets like SoundCloud and editing platforms such as Audacity grow to become part of the mainstream. What is unique about podcasts is how little it takes to create one relative to other artistic ventures like vlogs. Here are a few steps for those of you with something of substance to say.

​1. Choose a topic
Today’s media market is niche. There are many specialized podcast channels that cater to increasingly growing audience. If you want to have a podcast that people will listen to, you should choose a topic you enjoy and a good name for branding.

2. Explore publishing platforms
Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Tunein are just a few of the channels available for you to publish your podcast. You’ll need to figure out which combination of channels will work best for you. Knowing which channels you plan to use will affect how you go about producing.

3. Choose equipment
To start your podcast, you’ll need a microphone, a computer and audio editing software, along with some time and dedication. Make sure you get a dynamic mic with a USB connection. Many people use LogicPro to edit their audio, but you may also be able to do it with your computer’s internal audio recording software. You should also consider the location of your podcast recordings. Try to avoid unwanted noises that wreak havoc during editing or distractions that take away from the quality of the conversation you’re having.

4. Choose collaborators
This can be optional, as not everyone will want to work with another while producing a podcast. However, more people lead to more ideas, more help and more fun. Maybe you have friends with videography experience and you can add a visual element to your podcast. You could also contact experts or people of interest to add content and perspective to your show.

5. Plan the first three episodes
Planning is a vital step, it will always be your fall back. Even if you don’t stick to the plan completely, planning the first three installations of your podcast will give you something to measure against as your show develops.

6. Test your setup
Make sure your mic is recording, your software is working and that you have ample space for your content to save. If you’re videoing your show, make sure your lighting and angles lend themselves to your editing.

7. Record your first episode
This is the meat of the show, when you get to speak, talk to your friends or perform an interview. Much like giving a presentation, it can be easy to get off track if you plan to have a topical show. Try and keep the talking points somewhere close, even if just to put your mind at ease while recording.
All you’ll have left to do is edit and publish your podcast. This time when your friend asks what you’ve been up to, you can give them a link instead of an excuse. If you want to grow your audience (who doesn’t?) you can use your social media channels to help promote your show.