Podcasting Lessons
I am new to the game. Podcasts pop up every day about all kinds of things and maybe that is why I thought it would be seamless. Once you get the hang of it, it’s goes well. It is true that people who have a way to record their voice can start a podcast, they may not need to, but they do. I think we live in a culture where we all have a story to tell and we want to share it, what better way to tell your story than to share it across the podcast universe? When I thought about starting a podcast, like most people, I believed I had the responsibility to tell not only my story but allow other people to share their stories, as well. I believe that we all have such rich, beautiful, flawed, and complex lives. Our community is so beautiful and I wanted us to share with each other. I have loved doing the show. I have known everyone that has been a guest but I have learned so much about their plight, their loves, ups and downs, and I have loved every minute of it.
Many folks have contacted me about the show and have shared that they are inspired about starting their own podcast, which is beautiful. Here are some tips I can share. They are as follows:
Many of us podcasters are still recording from home, virtually; and along the way, I have learned that it is important to have a good microphone or headset with a microphone attached (like a gamer headset). Ask your guests to have a headset too. When I first started, the sound was not that great. Once I got a headset, life opened up. When my guests show up with a headset, boom…magic. It is quite possible that someone’s computer has a great microphone but it is better to be safe than sorry, get a headset.
Find the best way for you to record. I started with a program that serves podcasters. It had a delay, the video wasn’t that great and my guests seem to have a problem with it. I chose to use Zoom, which has changed the game when it comes to me meeting with guests. The positive thing is that EVERYONE knows how to use it. I just send a link and that is it.
Editing is important. I do not know a damn thing about editing but luckily for me, my husband takes care of it (He is absolutely amazing and so very patient with me). If editing was up to me, this show would be an absolute mess (thanks babe!) I have an iMac and they come with the program Garage Band. My husband uses Garage Band to add my intro and outro music; he edits as needed and then it is uploaded.
Find a topic that you are passionate about. Your audience will be reflective of what you are talking about and your audience will be people who are interested in what you have to say. Do you like to talk about pop culture with your homegirl? Maybe you want to analyze how great the Celtics are, it is possible you want to talk about puppies… or how to celebrate Black History 365. Just find your interest, your passion and go.
Whatever you choose to talk about, be yourself. If you are not a hard hitting journalist, just stay in your lane down the highway. Maybe you just want to spend 60 minutes roasting something, that is fine, that’s your personality, that is your gift to the world. Now.. I am not saying that you can’t grow in your craft but for now and always, be yourself.
Find a podcast host site. This is where your podcast lives to be distributed to the podcast outlets like Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, etc. Many of them are free.
It is fairly simple to get going. Give it a try, if you want. We need shows that can take us into another space for awhile, whether is thought provoking, completely fun or both. I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!
xoxo,
Chioko