Creating a Podcast - Lessons Learned

The intermission between seasons comes at a time where a retrospective seems appropriately placed.  This episode focuses on creating a podcast and some of the key steps I take to get that task done.  I decided to skip a technical laundry list and instead provide helpful hints.  My goal is to provide content that will help you get your podcast off the ground.

A Quiet Environment

It may seem obvious to recommend a quiet environment.  However, a checklist may help you with this.  I have learned from experience that it is easy to forget things that cause interruptions.  Here is an example from my environment.

• Shut the office doors.
• Put the phone on vibrate and place it away from the desk and microphone.
• Mute the laptop and computer warning noises (volume to zero).
• Do a sound check and listen for undesired sounds (fans, machine sounds, etc.).
• Adjust volume/sensitivity to suit the desired levels fo the recording.

Your environment may vary, and the time of day you record may be a factor.  It can be annoying to work around construction or yard workers during the day and kids or pets at any time.

Writing or Recording First

One choice to make in creating a podcast is whether to write an episode and roughly read from that.  On the other hand, one can record and then build a post around the recording.  Of course, you do not have to create a full post for each episode.  However, that is something I have found valuable in providing an easy-to-search approach to audio content.

I have tried both of these approaches and prefer the record-first approach.  Nevertheless, your tastes may differ, and I recommend trying both.  Your comfort level with the content and presenting ideas can make one of these options a better match to your needs.

Build In A Buffer

None of us do our best work when we hurry.  We also want to produce podcast episodes on a steady schedule.  These two can combine to a choice among bad options.  The better approach is to record and prep episodes significantly in advance of a due date.  This recommendation may feel like avoiding cramming the night before a test.  It is.  There are too many ways to cut corners and reduce quality when you get in a pinch.  The best way to avoid those quality hits is to give yourself enough time to do the job right.  You are spending time creating content.  Therefore, you should make something you are proud of.

If you want some example podcasts to spawn ideas, here is an article to help you.