Podcast Starter Pack

     Want to start a podcast?  Not sure quite how to get yourself set up?  Here's a quick guide to getting yourself set up with the basic necessities!



1.  Idea

     This is the most important thing, absolutely 100%, and I'll tell you why; without a good idea, the rest of it doesn't matter.  You can have the best recording and editing equipment in the world, but if what you produce isn't fully thought out and you aren't passionate about it, no one's going to want to listen.

     In fact, passion for the idea is more important than it even being well thought-out or logical or easy to follow, etc., etc., because if you're passionate about it, the rest will come--someone will be interested in your work if you're passionate enough, because people are attracted to passion.  Don't half-ass something generically cool, guys, whole-ass something you really really care about.

2.  Audacity

     If you're looking for a cheap high-quality in-compute recording studio, look no further than audacity (downloadable here).  Audacity is free to download and use, it allows you to record, mix, match, sync, add effects, and even synthesize some simple tones.  With an easy-to-find guide or a little experimenting, you can do all kinds of cool stuff with your audio, and it's really easy to add music or sound effects off other aud. tracks or MP3s.  Plus, provided you have the right installments, you can easily export your work as MP3 tracks as well.

      Basically, if recording studios were stores, Audacity would be Walmart.

3.  Recording Device

     Also extremely important; the podcast just doesn't happen if there's no way to get your audio onto the internet.  You can record with a simple mic plug-in, your iPhone, probably (I don't own one, so I've just taken to assuming that smart phones can do everything), a mic headset, etc, but if you're looking to do this right, and for the long-term, I recommend investing in a nice standing mic and a pop filter.

     I use a Snowball myself, and I'm super happy with it; it was much cheaper than most recording devices of like quality, and it fits my needs perfectly, with a range of hearing that allows you to record at a distance, without having to worry about picking up your next-door neighbor shuffling across their floor.

  4.  Soundcloud

     There are other podcasting stations you can use for free, of course, but I think soundcloud is an easy place to start--it's free to sign up, simple to use, simple to stream, simple to download.  Definitely look into other online venues too, but Soundcloud is always a safe place to start.

5.  Logo

     A logo is important--whether it's a photo with writing on it, a drawing you made yourself, something you commissioned from an artist friend, a stock photo or a collection of clipart, your logo is the first way that people will judge your podcast.  Make sure it fits the tone and theme of your work, and has something to do with what your podcast is going to be about.

     Maybe don't use a picture of the sky if it's about dogs, for example.


     Have all that together?  Have a script ready, if it's scripted, or friends together if it's a talk show, etc, etc?  Then you're ready to leap into the wonderful world of podcasting!

     Go, my friends!  Go forth and create.