Last time, we discussed how to start on your podcasting journey, including the format, coming up with a name, making a script template, and what the opening and closing of your podcast should consist of.
The next thing to deal with is equipment.
One thing I learned is that a good microphone is essential. The good news is that many high-quality mics are for sale online that don’t cost a fortune. As I’ve gone along my podcasting journey, I continue to up my game in that department and everything having to do with my podcast. Today, I use a Shure MV7 USB microphone. It has great sound, and you can plug your headphones into the back of it. You should also use a pop-screen. If your microphone doesn’t have one (most good ones do), they are cheap to buy. There are a couple of styles: this one, which is universal, and this type, which must fit your microphone.
Headphones are also important. I use AKG over-the-ear, wired headphones. Really, your headphones are a personal preference, but these are comfortable, high-fidelity, and work great.
Plus, I have a Rode PSA 1 Microphone boom. That allows you to avoid using a mic stand. It’s much easier. But if you want to use a mic stand then be careful not to hit the table it’s on, or it will make a lot of noise.
For a while, I recorded my interviews using a site called Zencastr. I’m moving away from that because of some issues they have. I’m trying out some new things now. There are many popular options out there.
In the case of Adult Site Broker Talk, we have other content on the podcast, an introduction, a featured property of the week, a broker tip of the week, and a closing section that includes next week’s guest.
There’s another site called Auphonic. They take care of sound processing.
I record my podcasts on my Mac using GarageBand. It’s a great program, but there are lots of recording and editing programs out there. Do some research and pick what you feel most comfortable with. GarageBand is free and has everything you could possibly need to do the job.
When using GarageBand, we have several templates already setup. One for the opening of the show, one for the closing of the show, and one for the completed show once we have all the pieces to put into it. We also have an interview template.
The way I complete my podcast is this: I do the interview, and then my editor handles the editing and sound processing. I used to do it but found it too time-consuming and really, I didn’t enjoy doing it.
Then, when I produce my podcast, I record my opening and closing portions and run those through Auphonic. When that’s completed, I return to GarageBand and assemble the entire podcast.
Once again, you might decide to do things differently, but it has worked for me.
Next time, we’ll discuss acoustics, intro music, podcast hosting, and promoting your podcast.
If anyone who is reading these articles has any questions about podcasting, I’d be more than happy to help. Contact Us on our website.
