Before you start a podcast, know your “why.” A clear purpose keeps you going.

1. Why? Do you want to teach, entertain, inspire, or connect?

2. What? What story or message are you sharing?

3. Who? Who’s your audience and what do they care about?

4. Goal? Are you building a brand, growing a business, or doing it for fun?

Bottom line: Podcasting is about purpose. Know your why and your what, and people will listen.

Quick facts:

• First podcast: “Radio Open Source” (2003).

• Most downloaded: The Joe Rogan Experience.

• Fastest growing: True crime.

• Why it matters: Podcasting is still growing, and new voices are welcome.

Formats:

• Solo: You talk.

• Interviews: Guests add value.

• Group: Panel-style chat.

• Storytelling: Real or fictional.

• Mix: Blend styles.

Episode length:

• 15–30 min: Short and quick.

• 30–60 min: Standard, good for interviews.

• 60+ min: Deep dives.
  Pick the length that fits your style and audience.

Brand matters:

• Name: Short, clear, easy to remember.

• Cover art: Simple, high quality, easy to read.

• Tagline: One line that explains your show.

Bottom line: A clear name, clean design, and strong tagline make your podcast stand out and feel professional.

USB vs XLR Mics

• USB: Easy, cheap, plug-and-play. Good for beginners and solo shows. Lower sound quality, less control, not great for multi-mic setups.

• XLR: Pro sound, flexible with mixers, durable. Needs an audio interface, more complex, costs more.

Dynamic vs Condenser Mics

• Dynamic: Tough, blocks background noise, no power needed. Great for podcasting/live use. Less detail, needs more gain.

• Condenser: Detailed, clear, pro sound. Needs phantom power, fragile, picks up room noise. Best in treated studios.

Mic Pickup Patterns

• Cardioid: Picks up from the front, blocks sides/back. Best for podcasting.

• Omni: Picks up all around. Best for groups or ambient sound.

Portable Options

• DJI Mic: Wireless, small, easy. Good for mobile interviews. Sensitive to noise.

• Zoom H6: Records multiple mics, high quality, no computer needed. Bulkier, needs batteries/SD.

Audio Interfaces

• Beginner: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Rode AI-1.

• Advanced: Rodecaster Pro, Zoom PodTrak P8.

Recording Software

• Free: Audacity, GarageBand.

• Pro: Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, Reaper.

• Remote: Riverside.fm, Zencastr.

Room Setup

• Small rooms with carpet, books, furniture = best.

• Avoid empty, echoey rooms.

• DIY fixes: blankets, pillows, rugs, curtains, closets.

• Use pop filters and windscreens for clearer voice.

Gear Suggestions

USB Microphones

• Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica ATR2100x.

XLR Microphones

• Shure SM7dB, SM7B, Rode PodMic.

Lighting

• NEEWER Basics LED Video Light Panel Lighting Kit 2 Pack, NEEWER RGB Light Wand

Audio Interface

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Rode AI-1, Rodecaster Pro, Zoom PodTrak P8

Software

• Audacity, GarageBand (Mac Only), Adobe Audition, Hindenburg, Reaper, Riverside.fm, Zencastr 

MORE GEAR SUGGESTIONS AND STARTER KITS

Pre-Production = Road Map

• Saves time, prevents mistakes, keeps episodes consistent.

• Beginner mistakes: no structure, poor guest research, last-minute recording.

• Goal: build a repeatable workflow.

Polished Podcasts

• Pros: professional, engaging, easier to monetize, accessible, easy to repurpose.

• Cons: time-heavy, less natural, higher cost, risk of sounding fake.

Unstructured Podcasts

• Pros: authentic, flexible, easy to produce, deeper conversations.

• Cons: rambling, less engaging, hard to edit, lower quality.

Which Format Works Best

• Polished → education, narrative, business.

• Unstructured → interviews, casual chats, personality-driven shows.

• Best option: blend both. Structure for clarity, freedom for authenticity.

Why Episode Structure Matters

• Keeps listeners engaged, prevents awkward pauses, saves editing time, allows repurposing.

• Basic format:

  • Intro (1–3 min)

  • Main content (10–40 min)

  • Call-to-action (1–2 min)

  • Outro (1–3 min)

• Break longer episodes into smaller ones for engagement and more content.

Booking Guests

• Find: experts, authors, podcasters, social media, groups, connections.

• Invite: short professional email, clear value, easy scheduling.

• Prepare: research guest, ask open questions, have backups ready.

• Interview tips: listen, don’t interrupt, check tech, tell guests recording is live.

• Cara’s note: set expectations before recording (style, tone, length).

Workflow & Scheduling

• Use a content calendar.

• Benefits: less stress, consistent publishing, better time management.

• Tips: batch record, use Trello/Calendly/Google Calendar for planning.

Key Takeaway
Plan ahead. Balance structure and authenticity. Prepare guests well. Use a calendar to stay consistent and professional.