Showmakers: the podcast about how to make better podcasts
Showmakers is your fast track to creating podcasts people actually love. In concise, actionable 10-minute episodes, host Ed Barker unpacks proven strategies for marketers, founders, business leaders, and creatives aiming to launch, scale, or fine-tune their podcast. No fluff, no filler - just expert insights on growth, formats, gear, distribution, monetization, and more. Showmakers is the podcast for ambitious creators who want real results, one idea at a time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 dives into the benefits and drawbacks of scripting your podcast. Learn about the three levels of podcast scripting - fully scripted, bullet points, and off the cuff - and discover when each approach might be best for your show. Ed also discusses how scripting can aid in focus, brand voice consistency, and accessibility, as well as the potential downsides like sounding flat a...
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker, the founder of Studio 1878, discusses the vital aspects of podcast editing. Learn the purposes of editing and the key elements you should cut, including technical issues, verbal clutter, and structural fatigue. Ed also explains the importance of maintaining authenticity by keeping natural pauses, genuine reactions, and the host's personality. Discover how consistent editing shapes your bran...
In this episode of Showmakers, we explore the intricacies of sound design for podcasts. Learn how to use music and sound effects to enhance your storytelling, create a consistent audio identity, and avoid common pitfalls. Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, shares professional tips on selecting and balancing audio elements to keep your audience engaged. Don't miss essential advice on creating a polished and impactful podcast.
00:...
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 shares expert advice on identifying and fixing common audio mistakes in podcasting. Learn how to avoid issues like hisses, hums, and echoes, proper mic techniques, room noise control, and essential recording settings. Ed also covers post-production pitfalls such as over-editing and inconsistent volume. Tune in to enhance your podcast sound from episode one!
00:00 Introduc...
Achieving Studio-Quality Audio in Non-Studio Environments
In this episode of Showmakers, host Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, dives deep into achieving great audio quality outside of professional studios. Barker shares his expertise on selecting the right microphones, optimizing recording spaces, and applying proper mic techniques to ensure clear and professional sound. He also discusses practical tips for remote recordings a...
Essential Guidelines for Success
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, discusses the importance of having a dedicated website for your podcast. Learn when it's essential, what key features to include, and the different ways to build your site. Discover how a podcast website can enhance search visibility, provide a central hub for listener engagement, and convert traffic into subscribers and customers....
Get Your Show Everywhere
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, breaks down the essentials of podcast hosting and distribution. Learn how to choose a podcast host, the process of getting listed on major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and tips for making your content accessible everywhere. Discover hosting options, get insights on uploading audio and video content to YouTube for ma...
How to Determine the Perfect Length for Your Podcast Episodes
Welcome to Show Makers! In this episode, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, addresses the timeless question: how long should a podcast episode be? Barker dissects various formats to help you determine the ideal length for your episodes, emphasizing the importance of delivering value while respecting your audience's time. He explains the necessity of consistency, the i...
Crafting the Perfect Podcast Teaser
In this episode of Show Makers, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, discusses the importance of having a compelling trailer episode for your podcast. He explains why a trailer is essential, likening it to an audio elevator pitch that helps attract new listeners and allows podcast platforms to index your show. Ed outlines five key elements that make a great trailer: introducing your show, speaki...
Mastering Your Podcast Description: How to Hook Listeners
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, discusses the importance of a podcast description. He explains its dual role in positioning and discovery, and offers a five-part structure for crafting an effective description. Key points include starting with a strong hook, defining the value, clarifying the format, injecting personality, and incorporati...
Effective Strategies for Naming Your Podcast
In this episode of Showmakers, host Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, discusses the importance of naming your podcast effectively. He explains how a good podcast name does more than sound clever; it helps with discovery, signals the show's content, and makes it easy to remember and share. Ed outlines two main naming approaches: descriptive and keyword-rich names for better searchabil...
Essential Podcast Gear: What You Really Need to Get Started
In episode four of Showmakers, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, outlines the essential gear you need to launch your podcast, whether on a budget or with a bigger investment. He breaks down the must-haves and nice-to-haves in microphones, headphones, interfaces, and software. Ed provides specific recommendations for budget, mid-range, and pro-level setups, and offers c...
Finding Your Unique Angle in a Crowded Podcast Space
In this episode of Showmakers, Ed Barker from Studio 1878 talks about the importance of identifying and honing a unique angle for your podcast. He addresses the common pitfalls of brand podcasts sounding generic and provides three key questions to help find your distinct voice: Who is your specific audience? What unique viewpoints or insights do you offer? Why is a podcast the...
In this episode of the Showmakers Podcast, Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, discusses different types of podcast formats and how to choose the best podcast format for your show. He emphasizes that there's no one-size-fits-all solution, offering valuable podcasting tips for brands who are considering launching a podcast to help tailor your podcast type to your content and audience needs. Discover how to start a podcast that truly ...
🎙️ Why Start a Brand Podcast?
In the first episode of the Showmakers Podcast, host Ed Barker, founder of Studio 1878, explores the world of podcasting. Ed discusses why launching a podcast can be valuable for businesses or brands, highlighting the deep engagement and lasting connections it fosters. Ed covers the key benefits of podcasting, including building authority, engaging with your audience, owning your platform, and...
🎙️ Welcome to The Showmakers’ Podcast, hosted by Ed Barker. Each short-form episode offers straight-talking advice on podcast strategy, production, and growth. Whether you're launching your first show or scaling an existing one, this series helps you make smarter audio decisions—one episode at a time.
About Your Host
Ed Barker has been producing and recording podcasts since 2009. After a long career as a corporate ...
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