Each educational video is less than 5 minutes, and provides step-by-step tips for those just getting started on their podcasting journey. It’s easy to follow, entertaining, and actionable. You’ll learn what you need (and what you don’t), improve your interview skills, and more! You can even sign up for the email companion guide. The entire course and signup form with notes can be found here.

Part 1: Should You Start A Podcast? If you’re here – the answer is DEFINITELY!

While the first video in the set is very basic, it also brings in a really simple way to talk about your podcast to ensure you’re able to give that elevator pitch in less than 30 seconds. You are asked to create a “focus statement” which is a lot like a value proposition – but easier to construct.

Part 2: Format, Length, Frequency

There are helpful tips in the 2nd video specifically around how to structure your podcast, and specific recommendations for an interview-based show that can help you commence every show with confidence. 

Part 3: Setting Up Your Home Studio To Record Great Audio

In the third video, you learn to set up your audio studio. They cover the basics of technical tools, getting your “room tone” on your recording, and what microphones to use. For my home studio, I’m still using my first microphone, an Audio Technica 2100. I started with it plugged directly into my computer but have since added a Podtrak P4 to my setup using the DSLR audio cables instead of the USB setup. There has been a DRAMATIC improvement to my audio sound as a result. 

Part 4: Interview Tips For Those Just Getting Started – and Even For PROS!

Having a script, or a few questions can help set the tone for your show, but don’t be afraid to go off script or chase an interesting thought in a new direction. You may end up somewhere beautiful and thought-provoking for your audience as a result.

Part 5: Structuring Your Podcast

If you’ve ever struggled with telling a story in a way that feels natural for you, this video can help you think your structure through. 

Part 6: Editing Audio

Personally, even though I have an adobe subscription (kind of required for those that work in Marketing), I got started with Audacity and found it so intuitive that I’ve never switched to Adobe Audition. Audacity is a free tool and several training videos are available on LInkedIn, and YouTube. 

Part 7:  Publishing and Distributing Your Podcast

Choosing a platform to host your RSS feed can be a complicated subject. This is how it gets slurped up by Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Stitcher or any other listening tool. But the basics are this — each platform, be it Podetize, Libsyn, Buzzsprout — or the dozens of others you see out there — provides an easy way for you to get your show into the ear holes of listeners.

Part 8: How To Reach Your Listeners

This video comes through super fast with all the things you can do to get your podcast in front of more people. It leans heavily into social media and may seem overwhelming at first. Remember to start with the basics. You can always add more later. 

AND don’t forget the power of cross guesting on other shows that reach a similar audience. You can find collaborative opportunities right here in this network of Femcasters!

A Slight Rant… A Piece Of Advice About Being A Good Podcasting Citizen

One of the best pieces of advice I got when I was starting out podcasting was simple — be kind and look to collaborate with others in your unique space. Guest on their shows and invite them to guest on yours. You know they’ll have an audio setup and the technical issues you’ll face will therefore be light (whew!). 

And once you’re established, remember how it felt when you were just getting started. You might find some people aren’t interested in letting you guest on their show — and that’s OK. Keep at it and you’ll find your community. And always, give the little guys a leg up when you can once you’re established. You never know how big they will get, and they’ll remember the love and compassion you showed them! 

And that advice — it was from one of my friends in my local area — Liza Miller. She’s a podcaster extraordinaire who kids in the neighborhood affectionately call “Uncle Liza”. Her show is Motorcycles & Misfits. She’s hosted shows in her garage with as many as 21 different people “live” with individual mics. She’s interviewed top celebrities and was even dubbed the American Motorcycle Association’s Friend Of the Year in 2019, largely due to the attitude she brings forward to build community in the world of motorcycles every day. The notoriety comes from her genuine desire to help. I love her. 

Part 9: Making Money (monetization y’all!)

From sponsorship opportunities to traditional advertising, there are a variety of ways to monetize early on. Most of the strategies in advertising won’t really work for early stage podcasts, and you’ll have to evaluate which options are right for you.