If you’ve ever wanted to start a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the many questions on how to get started, this blog post (and podcast mini-series) is for you.
Podcasting can be one of the most powerful and most intimate ways to connect with people.
Consider this: you are LITERALLY in someone’s ear. We are LUCKY if you we can get someone to watch 3 seconds of our Instagram or Tik Tok videos, but with podcast, on average – someone will listen to 90% of an episode (even if that episode is an hour long).
THAT IS IMPACT. There is simply no better way to get your message out.
Read on for helpful tips, top questions asked, and some next steps to GET STARTED.
Get the PDF worksheet to help you get started NOW…
Part 1: If you want to START A PODCAST, then START HERE
In part 1 of this mini series (episode 81 of Everyday Badassery Podcast) Ted Cragg of Quick Edit Podcasts and I talk about STARTING.
Key Takeaways
1. Start with the Idea
The first step is to clarify your idea and objective. What do you want to achieve with your podcast, and what do you want your audience to gain from it? Ted emphasizes that your idea will evolve, but starting with a clear purpose is crucial.
2. Know Your Audience
Define who your audience is. This can be as specific as creating an avatar to visualize who you’re speaking to. This helps in making your content relatable and engaging.
3. Action Items for Your Audience
Consider what actions you want your audience to take after listening. Whether it’s subscribing to your newsletter, visiting your website, or joining a community, having a clear call to action is essential.
4. Podcasting Gear
Don’t get overwhelmed by the gear. Your ability to tell a story or ability to interview is where you should focus ALL your time, effort and energy.
At a bare minimum, get a microphone. It doesn’t have to be crazy. My first lapel microphone was $9.99 (no joke, I still own it, too).
Have I upgraded my microphone over the years? Sort of, but not by much I either use the DJI wireless mics (when on the go) or a Rode mic (if I’m in my office).
You can checkout the gear I suggest (keep it simple!!) in the curated Amazon list below or by clicking here.
KEY GEAR
- Must have item: Microphone
- Less needed, but possibly helpful items: headphones, mixing board
If you are interviewing people, suggested recording platforms:
- Streamyard (Get $10 free with my referral link by clicking here!)
- Riverside
- Zoom
Editing – keep it simple. I use Final Cut Pro or Cap Cut Pro (get a free 7 day trial by clicking here), but consider NOT editing at all or having someone else do it! Check out Ted’s service with Quick Edit Podcasts (he’ll do it for you!).
Learn more about GETTING STARTED in part 1 of the podcasting mini series with Ted below or by clicking here.
Part 2: How to think about EDITING YOUR PODCAST
In this episode, we’re breaking down the editing process to help you overcome your fears and get started.
One thing to consider: like your actual podcast show will evolve over time, so will the editing process.
When I first started, editing each episode took me hours. Now, it only takes minutes. Over time, I’ve become more comfortable and clear with my message, which has significantly streamlined my process.
Key Takeaways
Editing Techniques: Ted Cragg shared different levels of editing, from minimal cleanup to detailed content editing. The goal is to balance maintaining a natural flow with ensuring a pleasant listening experience.
Here are the various ways you can approach editing your podcast:
Option 1: Edit with minimal cleanup
- Basic Trimming: This involves cutting out the start and end chit-chat and any major distractions, like long pauses or background noise.
- Volume Adjustments: Ensuring the audio levels are consistent throughout the episode so listeners don’t have to constantly adjust their volume.
- Removing Major Distractions: Editing out loud noises, coughs, or other significant interruptions that detract from the listener’s experience.
Option 2: Edit with standard cleanup
- Removing Filler Words: Cutting out excessive “ums,” “ahs,” and other filler words to make the conversation smoother.
- Noise Reduction: Using software tools to minimize background noise and ensure a cleaner sound.
- Balancing Audio Tracks: Ensuring that all speakers are at similar volume levels and sound balanced.
Option 3: Edit with advanced cleanup
- Content Editing: Restructuring sentences for clarity, correcting grammar, and making sure the conversation flows logically.
- Detailed Noise Removal: Using advanced tools to eliminate background noises like air conditioning hums or distant traffic sounds.
- Sound Design: Adding music, sound effects, and transitions to enhance the overall listening experience.
Editing Software to Consider
- Final Cut Pro
- Cap Cut Pro (get a free 7 day trial by clicking here)
- Descript
By understanding these various editing techniques, you can choose the approach that best suits your needs and skill level. Remember, the key is to start simple and gradually incorporate more advanced techniques as you become more comfortable with the process.
One thing to consider: outsource it!
Have Ted and his team do it for you. Check out Quick Edit Podcasts and the services they provide!
Learn more about EDITING in part 2 of the podcasting mini series with Ted below or by clicking here.
Part 3: Top MISCONCEPTIONS that PREVENT people from STARTING their podcast
If you want to start a podcast, but you’re overthinking it, these are the TOP misconceptions people have about starting. These top mistakes people in how to think about a podcast often PREVENT people from ever starting.
Key Takeaways
Remember, even a small audience can be highly engaged and impactful.
Many people never start their podcast because they spend too much time thinking and planning. JUST START! A bit of planning is good, but the real learning happens when you start recording and publishing.
Your podcast setup doesn’t have to be crazy
Affordable Setup: Podcasting doesn’t have to be expensive. Use a $12 mic or the earbuds that came with your phone, and explore free hosting options like Spotify for Podcasters or Podbean’s entry-level package.
Minimal Gear Needed: Beyond a basic microphone, you don’t need much else. Focus on recording in a space with good acoustics to ensure quality sound.
Editing doesn’t have to be a time consuming or difficult process
Simplify Editing: Editing can be straightforward. Record on separate tracks, note timestamps during recording, and make simple edits to improve the listening experience.
People WILL listen and finding guests is NOT hard
Value Over Numbers: Don’t worry if your audience is small at first. Focus on delivering valuable content to your niche audience, and the numbers will grow over time.
Finding Guests: It’s easier than you think. Reach out to people within your network or use guest-matching services to find relevant guests.
Practice Being Natural: Build confidence by practicing with voice memos or video messages. Prepare but avoid over-scripting to maintain authenticity.
Learn more about TOP MISCONCEPTIONS in part 3 of the podcasting mini series with Ted below or by clicking here.
Part 4: YOUR story can change lives, why podcasting is POWERFUL
In a time in which attention spans are getting shorter and 15 second (or less) vertical video is EVERYWHERE, podcasting feels like a breath of fresh air.
It offers a unique, intimate connection with your audience.
When it’s just audio, you can close your eyes and be fully immersed in the moment, with the person’s voice right in your ears. This kind of connection is unmatched and allows for deep, meaningful engagement with your listeners.
I had the opportunity to meet and travel with Ted at Camp Indie (an “unconference” for travelers and digital nomads at an adult summer camp near NYC). You can learn more about it here and join us at the next Camp Indie!
Bottom Line
About the podcast
Everyday Badassery Podcast is a set of inspirational stories to help you be just 1% more badass than you were yesterday. Our BIG badass moments in life are made possible by the the culmination of our SMALL badass moments.
This set of episodes is part of the CREATOR SERIES – helping you in your small business or as a creator to be just 1% more badass.
I wanted to thank you for this very good read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it. Ive got you saved as a favorite to check out new things you postÖ
Thanks so much I appreciate it!