AS2208

RADIO PRODUCTION 2

The podcast listener is isolated, both geographically and temporally. Headphone listening is a
solipsistic experience that takes the listener away from others, allowing them to create "their own
customized sound world wherever they go" as "sound converts public space into private property"
(Bull and Back 2003: 9).

The Sound and Voice of Podcasting

Podcasting is an orphaned media form that is supplied asynchronously and consumed independently.
Load a podcast and hit play, and you'll be immersed in an experience that is unique to you at that
time.

Becoming a Podcaster
Who can (and should) become a podcaster? Here's the quick and easy answer. is that anyone can
start a podcast and make it successful in the long run. Anyone with a core message, opinions, content,
or information they want to share can become a successful podcaster. It doesn't take much money,
and you only need the most basic equipment.

People of all ages, from all walks of life, all over the world, working in many different fields, and with
many different interests have become successful podcasters. You could be next! That is if you can
come up with a unique idea for your podcast that will attract listeners, if you're willing to put in the time
it takes to make a good podcast, and if you're creative and smart enough to deal with the problems
podcasters face when making and promoting their podcasts.

Message, Knowledge, Thoughts, Talents, and Expertise

After choosing to become a podcaster, the next step is to decide what your podcast will concentrate
on and what program structure you will use. Consider what topic matter you're competent to make a
podcast on based on your professional expertise and skill set, personal interests, passions, abilities,
and hobbies.

In general, podcasters create material that is likely to appeal to a small number of people. Podcasts
begin with a concept, something about which you have a strong passion and knowledge, real or
imagined. Add a dash of determination, do-it-yourself-ness, and an unwillingness to accept no for an
answer. The objective is to say what you want to say to people who are interested in hearing it.

Podcasts may be about anything and are loved by almost everyone. It is not necessary for the things
discussed to be earth-shattering or life-changing. They might be about DIY projects, audio tours of
areas you've visited, or even your favorite board games. In practice, a few rules and principles are
typical, although you may need to bend the rules at times.

Some of the most successful podcasts are made by regular folks who sit down in front of their
computers a few times a week and just express their thoughts, hearts, and souls. Some are focused
on certain issues, while others are more general.

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 1 of 2
 AS2208

Creating a Podcast
Here are the basic steps in creating a podcast.

1. Think of content.
2. Record audio or video and convert it to a download-friendly format.
3. Write a description of what it is that you just created as a blog post.
4. Upload everything to a host server

Things you need to start

Before you start your first podcast, you'll need a few items, many of which you presumably already
have on your computer. For these first phases, we will concentrate on audio. Here are some things
to keep an eye on:

• A microphone: Look at your computer. Currently, your computer probably has a built-in
microphone or a USB connection for connecting a microphone, whether you have a laptop or
a desktop, Windows or Macintosh. Yes, your phone has a microphone as well; otherwise, it
wouldn't be a phone. Even some earbuds include a microphone.

• Recording software: Consider using the PC's built-in recording program. Most likely, you have
audio recording software like Voice Recorder (PC) or GarageBand installed on your computer
(which comes pre-installed with new Macs). You may also download any audio recording
software (i.e. Audacity).

• An audio interface: Unless your computer already has a built-in microphone, be sure it has the
hardware and software required to allow audio recording.

Recording your Podcast

It's time to start recording if you already have a subject in mind, your computer is set up, and your
microphone is functional. Take a deep breath, then do the following:

1. Jot down a few notes on what you want to talk about.

2. Click the Record button in your recording software and go for as long as it takes for you to get
through your notes.
3. Give a nice little sign-off (like “Take care of yourselves! See you next time.”) and click the Stop
button.
4. Save your file and edit it afterward.

References:
Maxwell, L. (2020). Podcasting with youth: A quick guide for librarians and educators. ABC-CLIO.
Morris, T., Tomasi, C., & Terra, E. (2008). Podcasting for dummies. For Dummies.
Spinelli, M., & Dann, L. (2019). Podcasting: The audio media revolution. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
The Staff of Entrepreneur Media, & Rich, J. R. (2021). undefined. Entrepreneur Press.
Weldon, G. (2021). NPR's podcast start up guide: Create, launch, and grow a podcast on any budget. Ten Speed Press

04 Handout 2 *Property of STI

 student.feedback@sti.edu Page 2 of 2