Thread by @aebridgeman

Want to start a podcast?

I'd love to help, it's easier and cheaper than you think, and I think podcasts are a fantastic way to advance your career.

Here's a thread on the equipment you'll need, software and services I use, and some general tips for running a podcast.

Starting off with equipment. You'll obviously need a microphone, I use the ATR2100.

They're easy to use, sound great, and are durable. I put both of mine in the washing machine after my first episode and I've continued to use them ever since.

They are the Honda Civics of mics.

For recording you have two basic options. Direct cable from your mic to your laptop OR cable to a mobile recorder.

I use a mobile recorder with XLR cables as the quality is slightly higher and I don't have to be distracted by a laptop if I record in-person.

My mobile recorder of choice is the Zoom H4n Pro with a 32gb SD card. Like the mics, it is very simple to use and they are tons of YouTube tutorials for using them.

Pro tip: Get the power cable for it so you never have to buy batteries.

Those are the two main pieces of equipment, your mic and recorder. Other ancillary equipment includes:

XLR cables
Mic stand
SD card
Mic windscreen
Micro-usb cable to connect your mic to your laptop for Zoom audio.
Mobile recorder power cable

Moving to software/services, I initially did all the audio editing myself through Audacity - a free and simple audio editing software, nothing fancy.

But it takes 5-6 hours per hour of recorded time to edit and produce an episode. This was incredibly time consuming initially.

Eventually I wisened up and hired @MathewPassy to handle my audio editing and he does a fantastic job. Not only does he take editing off my plate, but he does it 10x better than I ever did.

Should have done this sooner, but thankful to have him today!

I also produce episode transcripts with a few audiences in mind:

1) Folks who love CTRL-F
2) Folks who prefer reading vs listening
3) Those with hearing disabilities who can't listen to audio

I use Rev .com for my transcripts and they're great and reasonably priced. ($1.25/min)

You also need a place to host your podcast. I use Libsyn and have loved them so far. Old interface, but gets the job done. I pay $15/mo to upload 250mb of new episodes each month. (episodes are 30-60mb)

Some hosts are free, but you're not the customer. I want to be the customer.

Rounding out software and services, my cousin @vidbrid through his new studio Pink Robot Studios handles all my web design and email work for the podcast.

He does a great job and has helped me scale my time incredibly. I highly recommend him!

Ok, that includes equipment, software, and services. Altogether each episode costs between $250-300 to produce. If you chose to do all the work yourself (don't recommend), the cost is nearly $0.

But I love hiring great people to help me produce a better show.

Onto some tips and tricks!

1) I send an email ahead of time to guests with my closing questions and how they should prepare equipment-wise on their end.

Phones today have surprisingly good microphones...

...so I ask them to put their's on a stack of books next to them, turn off WiFi, enable airplane mode, and open Voice Memos to record their audio.

After the recording, they upload the file to Google Drive or Dropbox and email me a link.

Keeps it simple and high quality!

2) It's not live, don't feel bad messing up or stumbling over a question. I do it all the time. Make a note and try again.

Also let the guest know this. Folks are more comfortable talking into a microphone if they know things are edited and can but cut later if need be.

Which leads to 3)

Give your guest a copy of the episode prior to release to get their final sign off. This builds trust and gives them a chance to verify what is about to be published about them publicly.

I want guests excited for publishing and giving them the first look helps

I also want each episode to be a great profile of the guest that they are excited for and proud to release. This only happens imo if they can check the episode beforehand and have the opportunity to ask for changes.

I love podcasting and helping others launch shows. If you have a show you're thinking of putting together, let me know as I'd be excited to help.

Podcasting is really fun and can jumpstart your career in an incredible way, plus it's pretty inexpensive.

Happy podcasting!