In this podcast resource guide is a list of the equipment, software and processes we use to create our podcast. We have purposefully kept this simple without too many options to prevent beginners becoming overwhelmed with all the choices available.
Recommended Show Format
We prefer the interview format for podcasts. They make it easy to plan and produce. As long as you can find guests you’ll never be stuck for a show to record.
Finding Podcast Guests
Go to Amazon and look at up coming or new book releases related to your show topic. Many authors will be eager to promote their new book and will be more than happy to come on the show. They are usually easy to reach either via email, their own website or on social media.
If they agree to come on the show use Calendly to offer interview dates.
Ensure you buy and read their book, this will form the basis of your interview questions.
Send your guest a list of questions a few days before the show for them to review and agree.
Recording the Show
We’ve found Skype the most reliable way to record our shows and most people will already be using it.
Recording streaming audio from one source and your audio at the same time can be an issue, and there are many ways you can achieve this. Multi-track recording is also useful when interviewing via Skype as it allows you to adjust sound levels for each source.
The simplest we’ve found isn’t free but does work on both Windows and Mac, it will also save you hours in time trying to configure multiple pieces of software to achieve the same result. We use a program called Hindenberg Journalist Pro. You can buy the software outright or rent it on a 3, 6 or 12 monthly basis. There is also a 30 day free trial.
Hardware
We prefer the Blue Yeti USB mic, with the headphone jack of the mic connected to a Zoom H4n Pro to record on to SD card as a backup in case there is an issue with hard drive. Believe me it happens!
Whilst recording listen to the audio through the headphone jack on the Zoom to ensure both tracks are clear and captured.
Editing the Audio
If you need to edit the show then Audacity, an open source audio editing software, is the choice of professionals and amateurs.
Hosting your Show
You can’t host your podcast audio on the same platform as your website, it needs specialist hosting. Whilst there are some free options out there with prices starting at $5 a month Libsyn is one of the longest standing podcast hosting platforms with many options and integrations.
