Want to host a podcast? Then you’ll need some equipment – and learn how to use it!
If you are looking at the cosmical range of podcasting equipment and feeling confused, or maybe just keen not to waste money, I totally get it… I’ve been there done that.
That’s why I am going to share with you the podcasting equipment I use and why I bought it.
PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
What I have purchased to record and publish my own podcast and why…
No doubt about it, podcasts are the superstar publishing tool and marketing medium of this decade.
And whether you want to host your own podcast, or become a regular guest on other various podcasts, it pays to have some quality equipment at your fingertips to amplify your message and attract the right audience.
I use a range of equipment and software that makes recording, editing and publishing your own podcasts a breeze.
For recordings: I use Riverside Fm, which allows me to collaborate with team members using the screen sharing feature, share the live recording session with anyone, and livestream to Facebook, Youtube, Twitch, LinkedIn.
Microphone equipment: I have purchased the Rode Studio Kit which features an ultra-low-noise XLR input and a discreet, high-power headphone amplifier for studio-quality recording, monitoring and mixdown.
Production console: Highly recommend the Rodecaster Pro, which is so easy to use and connects seamlessly to my laptop offering powerful audio processing at the touch of a button and also the option use pre-recorded sounds during the podcast.
Boom / Arm: I use the Rode Professional Studio Boom, which allows me to easily adjust the the angle of the mic depending on requirements.
Lighting: When it comes to lighting, it is so important to ensure you have ample lighting. I use Elgato Key Light, and enjoy its low heat (despite its massive 2800-lumen output), and a colour temperature range of 2900 to 7000 K which produces hues from arctic blue through to sunset amber.
HOSTING PLATFORMS
Once you have your podcast recorded you will need somewhere to host it.
Some super easy to use hosting platforms are:
5 TIPS FOR BETTER PODCASTS
Now that I’ve recorded my first podcast series, and been a guest on many more, I have learned some tips and tricks for better podcasting. Here are my top 5 tips:
1. Think about what you want to say
Seems obvious right? But what is the message you really want to get across?
Really think about the audience you are speaking to (listen to previous episodes if you are a guest on a podcast). Don't be afraid to be yourself, share your story, and provide actionable takeaways that listeners can adopt.
A good tip is to jot down some notes beforehand – just some “talking points” or major topic headings so that you can be prepared and ready to go when on air.
2. Plan content in advance
If it’s your podcast, then you can drive the discussion and plan out in advance the questions you want to ask the guest.
If you are a guest on a podcast, request a copy of the questions from the host, that they plan to ask you. This will help you nail point 1 above!
3. Have your bio and website links ready
Most podcasts end with an opportunity to share your social links and website etc. So draft up a simple bio that just states, who you are, what you do, and where people can find you or how they can contact you.
4. Consider clothing
Yes, even for a podcast which is a non-visual medium, check that you’re not wearing jewellery that might make a noise, or that your shirt isn’t going to rub against any equipment you’re wearing.
Also consider your location. find the least noisiest room in the house and try to avoid people popping in and out of the room you're recording in.
5. Don’t forget to tell people about the podcast!
Promote your podcast - otherwise how else will people know about it? Share the podcast link and intro blurb everywhere – on socials, in newsletters, on your website, in your email signature etc.
I hope these tips have helped boost your confidence and helped get you all excited to start recording. Being a guest on a podcast, or hosting your own, is a great opportunity. Not only does it give you an opportunity to potentially expand your audience, but it's also a ton of fun!
If you can make the experience better for you, the host, and the audience, you’ll have much more success, and the efforts will be more than worth it.