Setting up a podcast
Hosting
Much the same as a website, every podcast needs a host. This is the home of the podcast, where you load up your episodes, cover art, and show notes. The host then sends the podcast out to all the listening platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, etc).
Spotify for Podcasters is the host I recommend and it’s free for up to two hours of audio time uploaded per month.
Recording software
The podcast interviews will all be done online using software called Riverside.
Why not use Zoom, you ask?
Riverside records superior sound quality.
Sound files are saved separately and in a different format (giving more scope in editing).
And, most importantly, all recordings are saved and backed up on the Squadcast platform and on the cloud.
Equipment purchase
Microphone
You’ll need a microphone that:
pulls sound from the front (rather than picking up sound from all around).
attaches to your computer via USB
Here are some links to popular mics and a link* (as of mid-May 2021 to purchase on Australia).
Rode NT-USB Studio Condenser USB Microphone
Audio Technica ATR2100XUSB XLR/USB Microphone
Microphone extras
Along with the mic, you will need a pop filter to stop the clipping “pop” sound with voice recordings. Sponge or mesh varieties are equally effective.
Microphone stand/arm
Having your microphone secure and still and just where you need it is essential to both successful and sustainable recording.
*If links are no longer live, just copy and paste the product name into a search.
Headphones
Both you and your guest will need to wear earphones or headphones. You can plug these directly into your microphone and direct the guest to plug theirs into their computer or mic if they have one.
You’ll be sending some setup instructions to your guest once they’ve confirmed their interview giving the best chance of a smooth interview with no tech issues. I have these instructions ready for you in the next step..
Guest liaison
Inviting a guest onto your show
You have your show concept and are ready to go reaching out to the person you’d love to interview on your podcast. It’s up to you how you reach out to them, initially. It could be an Insta DM, an email, text or ……an old-school phone call (my preference!).
Whatever the method, have a clear pitch ready for them.
I can sort these words for you.
Email me when you’re ready, tell me the method you’re most comfortable reaching your guest with and I’ll put my copywriter hat on and shoot back some wording options.
Interview Scheduling
Booking your guest
I want to make this whole process easy and efficient for you. So, for booking your guest, I suggest using calendar software.
Calendly is simple and very effective.
If you sign up to Calendly, you can give me your login details and I can set up the '“booking your guest” workflow, or here are the steps to DIY (coming soon)