Podcraft | How To Run A Great Podcast

On this episode of Podcraft, we have a special episode swap with our good friend Joe Casabona from Podcast Workflows. Podcast Workflows provides insights into how to improve your podcast systems and workflows — allowing you to create and grow a high quality podcasting by showing you how to best spend your limited time.Here, Joe will help us think about our own podcast workflows by encouraging us to think about what's missing from our existing processes. ---------One of my favorite Disney+ shows is Loki. It’s a truly fascinating look at time travel, predetermined events, and controlling your own destiny.And now I’m going to give you a major (if not very simplified) spoiler, if you haven’t seen it.In the finale, Loki masters the ability to “time slip,” or transport to any time, any place, in any timeline (for all intents and purposes, a timeline is a parallel universe). This also allows him to relive events over and over again.So as all of existence faces eradication, he can take as much “time” as he wants to l

Podcasting has a tonne of strengths, but one of its biggest is its decentralised nature. A podcaster can upload their content to a hosting provider, and it can be consumed and enjoyed by people via many different platforms, apps, and directories.Read the full post: What is Podcasting 2.0, and why should I care?This was all made possible because of RSS, a 25-year-old technology that formed the foundations podcasting was built on.As you can imagine, this “find us anywhere you get your podcasts” approach has benefited the medium. It can’t be owned or controlled by any one company, and it meets listeners on their own terms.But, RSS-based podcast distribution in its traditional form has its challenges, too.For example, if one listening app gives you access to monetisation tools, those tools will only be available on that specific platform. And that might make up a tiny per cent of your overall listenership.Or, if another app has a comments feature, any comments left by listeners will only be visible in that specif

As we'll often tell you, you don’t need to use social media at all for your podcast.But many do. And if you want Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform to be part of your podcasting strategy, then it makes sense to be as smart about it as possible. On this episode, we'll find out more about our Indiepod Legends' experience with social media, what they've learned over the years, and any tips or advice they have for us.We’re also going to learn about running an email list. A few of our podcasters are having brilliant results with email, and this is a great opportunity to get some tactics and takeaways for our own email strategies.Finally, many podcasters run interview shows, and this is another big overlap between content creation and podcast growth. On this episode, you’ll learn about running an impactful interview podcast, as well as how you can still present yourself as a thought leader on your topic, even though your focus is usually on an expert guest.The PodcastsBring Your Product Idea to Life

In this co-hosted episode, Colin and Jeremy Ryan Slate discuss a whole range of AI tools to streamline podcast production workflows, particularly a video podcast, and share insights on fueling podcast growth on YouTube. They delve into the nuances of YouTube algorithms, thumbnail strategies, and tips for increasing viewer engagement. Tune in to learn how leveraging AI technology and optimizing YouTube presence can enhance your podcasting journey.Followup resources mentioned:AI tools for Podcasters ArticleHow to Upload & Grow your show on YouTube

Discover how to build a thriving business around your podcast in this episode of Podcraft. Colin co-hosts this episode with the host of the Always Free podcast - Jason Graystone. They both shares their strategies for crafting a show that resonates with people and how to then monetize that content within a wider business. They discuss a whole range of things, including:If you're early stage, or pre-launch:what a BIG launch strategy looks like, with real tacticshow to make the best of the first 3 months of your showiterating your show to find the best fit for you and your audienceIf you're experienced and ready to build an income from your show:creating a product line that aligns with your unique expertisebreakdown of our own products & services, and how they tie togethercreating your first product in a few days, with real exampleshow to overcome the fear of selling as a creator and feel confident in the value you offerthe value of being open and honest with your ideas, even if it turns some people offOur g

Just like the proverbial tree in the forest, is your brilliant content even brilliant if nobody hears it? On this episode, we're going to pick our Indiepod Legends' brains about all things promotion, growth, and marketing. Obviously, social media can play a big part in this, and we're going to hear about what platforms and strategies have worked well for some of our creators (as well as which ones haven't!). But social media is only one aspect of podcast marketing, and you don't even need to use it at all if you don't want to. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the ultimate low-hanging fruit of podcast growth because it lets your listeners find and come to you in their own time and on their own terms. Creating special or unique content alongside your usual episodes is another growth strategy that's yielded great results for some of our podcasters, and we're going to hear some tips for replicating that, too. Another recurring strategy in this episode is collaboration. Being on or working with other p

We know from previous episodes that consistency leads to podcasting success - but how do you actually become consistent? It’s all well and good to say, “Go out there and create lots of episodes,” when you might be intimidated by the idea of creating just one. So, this time around, we’re going to explore the nuts and bolts of timeframes, workflows, and content creation. Here, you’ll get real-world examples of how long it actually takes to run a successful podcast, and how it can exist alongside other channels, such as blogging, social media, and video. The Podcasts Bring Your Product Idea to Life The Joy of Cruising Wild for Scotland Travel N Sh!t Board Game Design Lab She Well Read Fighting Through Lush Life The One Percent Better Runner The Savvy Social Podcast The Euro Trip I Should Be Writing

Almost all the benefits of podcasting stem from one thing – and that’s consistency. If you publish quality content over a prolonged period of time, you eventually hit a critical mass of episodes you can now call your “back catalogue” – and it’s a powerful tool. On this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to look at the benefits of this published body of work, which includes the ability for new listeners to binge your content, as well as providing you with a tonne of repurposing options, too. Following up on our previous episode, From Doubt to Determination, we’ll also continue to explore the barriers and challenges our Indiepod Legends have faced, as well as how they’ve overcome them. It’s another value-packed programme filled with lessons, takeaways, and motivating anecdotes! The Podcasts Bring Your Product Idea to Life The Joy of Cruising Wild for Scotland Travel N Sh!t Board Game Design Lab She Well Read Fighting Through Lush Life The One Perce

What really makes someone a successful podcaster? Is it a certain number of episodes, downloads, or reviews? Is it whether content creation has become their full-time job? Or could it be because they've been recognised with a prestigious award? In truth, we can gauge success in many ways, but ultimately, there's no certificate and a great degree of subjectivity. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that the best way to get to a position where you or your audience consider your podcast a success is to create quality content, consistently, over a prolonged period of time. If there's one single answer to the "How do I make podcasting work for me?" question, that's it. It's an answer that sounds way too simple and obvious. And yet, actually doing it is much harder than choosing the right mic, the best software, and getting listed in all the major listening platforms. Starting a podcast is relatively easy. Riding the wave of early enthusiasm to publish your first couple of episodes is easy, too. But to

Izabela and Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative return to continue our conversation about the ever-evolving podcast landscape. Gear and tools may have gotten much better, but that doesn't always make them easier to set up and use. We also discuss the role of DAWs like Adobe Audition and Audacity compared to newer (often AI-driven) software. Finally, Mike and Izabela answer some questions about podcast growth, being surprised, and changing their minds.  Music Radio Creative Mike's YouTube Channel Izabela's Audio Unicorn Podcast Mike's AI News Today Podcast Alitu: The Podcast Maker

In this episode, Colin and Matthew engage in a friendly debate about the role of gear in podcasting. While gear and equipment are often seen as important aspects of podcasting success, the hosts question whether they truly make a significant difference. They explore the mindset of successful podcasters and how their focus lies more on content creation, strategy, and promotion rather than the tools they use. The conversation also delves into the dangers of getting too caught up in equipment and workflows, which can lead to wasted time and distractions. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding the right balance and avoiding the pressure to conform to popular gear choices, but rather focusing on what works best for your individual podcast. Thanks to Alitu's AI for writing these shownotes! Also mentioned: 2024 Podcaster Gear Survey Podcast Equipment Guide

As the RSS feed approaches its 25th birthday, so does the word "podcasting" its 20th. But 2024 also sees the tenth anniversary of UKPOD14. On this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by the organisers of this important event, Mike and Izabela. We wanted to catch up on the past decade, talking about what has changed in the medium (as well as what hasn't!). We also touch on what the future might hold, and why simpler is often better when it comes to your recording setup and workflow. 

Here, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your approach to collaborations. Get ready to discover unique methods for teaming up with fellow podcasters, creating compelling content, and even boosting your income through strategic partnerships. Highlights: Explore how episode swapping can bring new listeners to your podcast. Uncover the potential of social media and newsletter collaborations.  Learn how to create engaging live stream events with fellow podcasters. Discover how affiliate marketing can turn collaborations into revenue streams.

Adding a video or live broadcasting element can work well for some podcasters. In this episode, we dig into the tools you'll need if you want to run a successful video series.  Resources Mentioned Ultimate Video Podcasting Guide Best Video Editing Software How to turn live broadcasts into podcasts that don’t suck Why Video can't and won't replace audio in podcasting Alitu – The Podcast Maker Rode Rodecaster II Zoom PodTrak P4 Rode Wireless Pro

In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one might suit you. Of course, podcast recording and editing software is more than just DAWs these days. There are a lot of great call recorders and podcast making apps too. On this episode of Podcraft, we'll talk you through a range of options, as well as discuss our own personal favourites.  Resources Mentioned Alitu: The Podcast Maker App Audacity Hindenburg Journalist Adobe Audition Reaper The Complete Podcast Software Guide Best Podcast Editing Software Best Podcast Making Apps The Minimum Effective Editing Approach Best Tools for Recording a Podcast Online Best Text-Based Editing Options Editing Your Podcast With a Stream Deck Editing Your Podcast With a Video Game Controller

The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic sitting in a cat bed. The bottom line is that creating a pro-sounding home podcast studio is possible, no matter how small your budget or house space. Key Resources How to Create a Silent Podcast Studio Why Record Your Podcast Outdoors What is Reverb? (& How to Fix it!)

Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon. It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their recording device, then link the two together with a cable they’ll spend $5 on. On this episode, we look to better understand all these different ‘Bits & Bobs’ by running through what they are, what they look like, and what they do. Types of Audio Cable & Connection XLR Cables XLR cables and inputs. XLR cables are commonly known as microphone cables. They have a male end and a female end and are used to connect microphones to equipment or to create a link between two pieces of equipment (like a mixer to a recorder). Quarter Inch (1/4”) The 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug looks like a bigger version of the 3.5mm plug. They’re commonly used to connect microphones and other gear to recording equipment such as mixers or preamps. Most mixers and recorders will

Podcast listening isn't exclusive to podcast listeners. Podcasters need to listen to their own audio, too - both whilst it's being recorded and whilst it's being edited. We call this type of creator listening "monitoring", and that's what we'll discuss in this episode of PodCraft. Key Considerations Listen through headphones (even a cheap pair of earbuds) while recording audio to catch any real-time issues. Use headphones or speakers with a flat frequency response. Don't use gear that'll add extra bass that doesn't exist in your source material, for example. Use a headphone splitter to give guests their own headphones whilst recording.  When choosing headphones, consider things like comfort, isolation, sound leakage, as well as cable length and type.  Headphones are great for mixing voice, but switch to speakers to mix in your music if you have that option in your setup.  Gear Mentioned Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Studio Headphones  Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones Beyerdynamic DT770 PRO Stu

You most likely already carry an expensive recording device around with you everywhere you go. We're talking, of course, about your smartphone. In this episode of PodCraft, we take a look at the different gear and options available for turning your phone or tablet into a fully functioning podcast studio. Gear & Resources Are built-in mics any good? Rode AI Micro Rode SmartLav + and SC6 Splitter Shure MV88 Rode Wireless Go Zoom iQ6 Recording apps for iOS Recording apps for Android Recording podcasts with Facebook Messenger Launch Essentials Course  

Mixers and audio interfaces have much in common with the podcast recorders mentioned on our last episode. One crucial difference is that these are less likely to work as standalone devices, and will need other gear to make them work (typically, mics and a computer).  A mixer or audio interface is an excellent tool if you prefer to use podcast recording software.  Our favourite interfaces are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96. On the mixer front, Dev was highly impressed by the Boss Gigcaster 5 and 8 recently, too.  Also Mentioned in This Episode How to set up a Mix-Minus (blast from the past!) Podcast Growth Essentials Course