Dylan Schmidt is the host of Digital Podcaster and the creator of the Podcast Newsletter.

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In this podcast episode, Tom and Dylan Schmidt discuss how to start a podcast and monetize it. They recommend starting with a minimal viable podcast setup, which can be as simple as recording audio with your AirPods or any microphone you have. The next step is to think of your big idea and break it down into smaller ideas that can be used as episode topics. Dylan emphasizes the importance of understanding your listener and being genuinely interested in the topic being discussed. Tom suggests practicing your skills by reaching out to people that have their own shows and offering to host or facilitate their audience's questions. For specific recommendations, they suggest the Samson Q2U microphone for remote interviews and solo shows, which costs around $50. They also recommend hosting your show on platforms like Anchor or Libsyn and monetizing through sponsorships, merchandise, and listener support.

Key Points

• There is no one-size-fits-all approach to starting a podcast, and it can be overwhelming, so start with the basics and build from there.
• Creating content requires a strong mindset, including dealing with anxiety and imposter syndrome.
• Setting achievable goals, even smaller ones like the number of episodes, helps to stay motivated and overcome imposter syndrome.
• Podcasts are a sustainable format for content creation and can attract audiences who prefer evergreen content.
• Don't rely on chance to attract listeners, be shameless in promoting your podcast
• Focus on listener behavior and recommend similar podcasts at the beginning of each episode
• There is a need for tools to help beginner creators market their podcasts.