Return to First Principles 2: Getting Started & Producing Your Show

Getting Started with Podcasting

  • Choosing a topic and format
  • Setting up a recording space
  • Finding hosts and guests
  • Planning and organising episodes
  1. Choosing a topic and format: The first step in creating a podcast is deciding on a topic and format. The topic should be relevant to your organisation and its mission, and the format should be engaging and easy to listen to. Some popular podcast formats include interviews, roundtable discussions, solo shows, and storytelling.
  2. Setting up a recording space: Once you have chosen a topic and format, you will need to set up a recording space. This can be as simple as a quiet room with good acoustics and a microphone. This microphone can be the one in your phone. Check my current project page to hear a short trailer episode recorded on a phone. The quality is great. You can spend much on a studio but it relly isn’t necessary.
  3. Finding hosts and guests: Finding hosts and guests is an important step in creating a podcast. The hosts should be engaging and knowledgeable about the topic. One of your staff who knows your people would be an obvious starting point. JM Podcasting Services can also act as host. Obvious guests would be your people, clients and staff. Both can bring a lived experience to what they do. Every client has a story, if you dig deeply enough and many staff have compelling stories of how they landed in the sector. 
  4. Planning and organising episodes: Once you have your hosts, guests, and studio setup, you can begin planning and organising your episodes. This includes outlining the content, scheduling recording sessions, and editing the final product. It’s important to have a clear and consistent schedule for publishing episodes to keep listeners engaged.
  5. Promote your Podcast: The final step is to promote your podcast. Share it on your organisation’s website, social media channels, and on podcasting platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts. Reach out to media outlets and influencers in your industry to help get the word out.

Podcasting can be a fun and rewarding way to reach a wider audience, provide valuable resources and information, and increase visibility for your organisation. With the right planning, equipment, and promotion, you can create a successful podcast that resonates with your audience.

Producing and Editing Your Podcast

  • Recording and editing software options
  • Tips for recording a high-quality podcast
  • Editing and post-production process
  1. Recording and editing software options: There are many software options available for recording and editing podcasts. Some popular options include Audacity (free), GarageBand (free for Mac users) and Hindenburg Journalst Pro, my prefered digital audio workstation. They all take skill to use and time to learn them. This is an area where outsourcing to a professional makes sense.
  2. Tips for recording a high-quality podcast: To record a high-quality podcast, it is important to have a quiet environment with good acoustics, use a good microphone, your phone has one of those. It’s important to be consistent in the use of any mic. JM Podcasting Servoices provides a short video on how you can do this.
  3. Editing and post-production process: The editing and post-production process is where you will fine-tune your podcast and make it sound professional. This includes removing background noise, adjusting audio levels and adding any music in the intro and outro. Copyright is a thing and rights holders will enforce their rights through the courts so talk to a professional podcast producer before deciding on what music, if any, to use. It’s important to be consistent with the format, and to make sure the final product is polished and easy to listen to. Again, this is where using a professional makes cost effective sense.
  4. Exporting and publishing: Once you have completed the editing and post-production process, you export your podcast as an MP3 file. You then publish your podcast on a hosting platform. Your producer will make recommendations in line with your budget, aims and ethos.
  5. Promote and distribute: After publishing your podcast, it’s important to promote and distribute it to your audience. Share it on your organisation’s website, social media channels, and on podcasting platforms. Reach out to media outlets and influencers in your industry to help get the word out. Don’t forget your show notes, another area of specialised skill.

By following these steps, the outcome will be a well produced and edited high-quality podcast that engages and informs your audience. Remember, podcasting is an iterative process, so be prepared to make changes and improvements as you go.