The New Corner Office: Why and how to start a podcast

A fun way to build your reputation and network

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
Good morning. This is Laura. Welcome to the New Corner Office.
Today's tip is to consider starting your own podcast. If
you have something you'd like to share with the world.
This is a great way to do it, and it's
easier than you may think. Today's tip comes from my
producer Lowell Brelanti, who wrote up these tips for me.

(00:28):
Here's what he had to say. If you've ever considered
starting your own podcast, now is a great time. Not
only is it a fun hobby and learning experience, it's
an enjoyable way to connect with people. First, plan what
your podcast will be about. Pick a subject that you're
knowledgeable about or very interested in so you won't become

(00:51):
bored easily. If your show has no niche and it's
just friends chatting, it will be easier to make but
harder to grow. Manage your expectations. Do it for fun
and don't worry about making money or earning fame, but
do put some time and effort into making it decent quality.

(01:12):
Play on the structure of your show. Will there be
an intro? How long should an episode last? Will it
be broken up into segments or free flowing? Decide how
often you'd like to release episodes and try to stick
to that schedule. You'll want some basic equipment to get started.
Decide how many people will be on it and if

(01:33):
everyone will be in the same place or if they'll
be remote. Answering these questions will help you determine what
equipment you need. You don't need to spend a lot
to get started. A single seventy dollar USB Mike will
do a good job for one person. For shows with
more than one person in the same location, you'll want

(01:56):
an audio interface. These can be purchased for just over
a hundred dollars. In this case, you'll want XLR Mix.
Check out podcast Age on YouTube for equipment reviews and tests.
You can get an expensive cover art on graphic River
or Fiber. If you want to include music, use a

(02:16):
stock music website like audio Jungle. Never use copyrighted work.
If you are recording hosts or guests remotely, try to
avoid Skype or Zoom. There are services that are built
specifically for podcasting, such as zen Caster or clean Feed.
You'll need software to edit. Audacity is free for Windows,

(02:38):
and garage Band is free for a Mac. Watch a
few tutorials on YouTube. You can learn these programs in
a few hours. Do a test recording before your first
episode to see how it sounds. Be mindful of your surroundings.
You want a quiet place to record. Look up mic
technique to avoid things like plosives and sibilants. When editing

(03:02):
your first episode, make sure everyone is at the same volume. Lastly,
you'll need a host to publish your podcast. This host
will distribute your show to places like I Heart Radio,
Apple Podcasts, and Spotify so everyone can find them. The
most common hosts are Podbean, Anchor, Spreaker, Libson, and buzzsper.

(03:27):
Most have free and low cost options. Once you've launched,
don't be discouraged by low download numbers. It takes some
time to grow. Focus on making interesting, useful content that
provides entertainment and value. Get feedback from everyone you can
on ways to improve. Seek out online communities that would

(03:49):
benefit from your show and share it with them. Be
on your friends shows and invite them on yours. Most
of all, have fun. It's a way to spend your time.
So that's Lowell's advice. Now this is Laura again. I
just have one thing to add, which is that podcasting
can be a ludicrously efficient way to network ask whoever

(04:12):
you want to be a guest on your show. You'll
get a chance to have a conversation with someone amazing,
and it seems so much more purposeful than just asking
to pick someone's brain. So, if you're looking for a
new project and a way to meet more people, podcasting
is a great option. And hey, you never know, maybe

(04:34):
you'll decide to make it part of your new career.
In the meantime, this is Laura, thanks for listening, and
here's the succeeding in the New Corner Office. The New
Corner Office is a production of I Heart Radio. For
more podcasts, visit the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

(04:56):
or wherever you get your favorite shows. H