By now, you’ve probably consumed a few podcasts, in this class or on your own time. Now it’s time to learn how to produce on of your own!
What is a Podcast?
A podcast is a digital audio program or series that can be downloaded or streamed over the internet. It is typically produced in a series format and can cover a wide range of topics, including news, politics, education, entertainment and more.
Podcasts are usually distributed through podcast platforms or apps, such as Spotify or Soundcloud. They are usually free to access, and listeners can subscribe to the show to automatically receive new episodes as they are released.
Podcasts can be produced by individuals, organizations or companies, and they can range in quality from amateur to professional. They can be produced in a variety of formats, including interviews, discussions, narratives and storytelling.
Podcasts have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide a convenient and easily accessible way to consume content while multitasking or on the go. They also allow for more in-depth coverage of a topic compared to traditional media formats like radio or television.
Resources
22 Podcast Tools to Get You Started with Podcasting
Types of Podcasts
- Conversations
- Interviews
- Editorialization/Opinion
- Reported News
- Storytelling
Purpose of Podcasts
- Entertain
- Educate and inform
- Spark dialogue and debate
How to Make a Podcast
- Listen to a number of different types of podcasts and note what you really enjoy, and what you don’t like. This will help you develop your own style.
- Think about sound effects and music for your podcast. Will you include it? Where can you get it legally?
- Think of the main points you want to discuss or questions you want to ask before hand, but don’t feel you have to stick with them, if the story or conversation takes an interesting turn.
- Find the materials you need to produce a podcast, such as a phone or microphone and a quiet space to record. Be sure to test your equipment and the space before you record.
- Make sure you have enough battery life and computer/card space for downloading. Take it from us.
- Make sure you have selected a good story or good interview subjects, and prepared any guests by explaining your podcast format and focus. You don’t have to provide specific questions in advance. Many good journalists don’t in order to get more authentic answers.
- Double – wait, triple – check that you are recording when you are recording. We should know.
- Record a few moments of silence. This matters if/when you edit your audio and need to differentiate background noise you want to eliminate from the background noise you want to keep. AI can only do so much without direction!
- Edit your podcast to eliminate unnecessary conversation, focus the points trying to be made, erase hesitations (ums and ahs or coughs) and distracting background noises via a sound editing software. Sound complicated? It is a bit, but learning is possible and often free thanks to online guides, especially tutorials featured on YouTube or through your chosen software provider. (We recommend Mike Russell if you’re using Adobe products.)
- Publish and publicize your podcast on a streaming service such as Spotify or Soundcloud to ensure you have an audience that will appreciate your efforts!
- Fun bonus fact: Podcast recording/editing is very similar to ghost hunting. Long story, but true.