In this episode, Julie-Anna talks about how to test your equipment before you start recording. Now some of this may seem obvious, but we’ve both been there when a laptop conks out halfway through an interview or the mic records at the wrong level leaving you with rubbish audio.

Step 1: Plug in your lap or make sure it’s fully charged. Recording remotely takes up a lot of power, so having a laptop with plenty of battery power is essential.

Step 2: Check you have all your equipment and it’s all in the correct position.

Step 3: Do a test recording and listen back to it (and do this at the level you’ll be speaking at when in conversation with your guest which is normally louder than when you’re on your own).

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I talk about how I use artificial intelligence (AI) in my podcasting. 

There's been lots of chat recently about using AI in writing but I want to talk to you about using it in podcasting. There's no doubt that if you make a podcast that you'll find lots of parts of the production to be time consuming. That's where AI can help us to streamline. I want to say first of all I am all for the humans here, I think that there's lots (at least at the moment) that AI cannot do as well as us. For me scripting, researching, editing and choosing my clips for audiograms is something I want to do and for my it's the areas where my experiences and expertise can shine. But there are a few jobs that I am more than happy to give away. 

So here is 3 Easy Steps - the AI edition by Suzi. 

1. Transcriptions –Ok so who wants to sit and type out an entire show? Transcription services are good and it can really help you streamline your shownotes so you can repurpose easily for other content like blogs and social media quotes. Word of warning - you'll want to read through first as mistakes do happen (especially if you or your guest have strong accents!)

2. Mastering  audio – When I'm not working with a sound designer or engineer I'll use Auphonic to help me get a more polished and professional sound for my mix down. 

3. Audiograms -I use Headliner – it  transcribes your clips in app and it'll mix them with your image. You can use Headliner to automatically generate audiograms across your social media- it’ll listen to your full episode to suggest clips. Clever but I prefer to do this myself. 

How do you use AI in creating your podcasts? Let me know

RESOURCES

Read more about AI and podcasting here : https://podcastle.ai/blog/ai-in-podcasting/ and here: https://www.makeuseof.com/best-ai-tools-for-podcasters/

Apps I mention in the podcast to create audiograms: https://www.headliner.app/ to master the audio : https://auphonic.com/  and to transcribe your audio: https://otter.ai/

In this episode, Jules looks at how often you should release your podcast. The more often you release your show, the easier it is to build an audience. BUT if you try and put out a podcast every week (particularly when you’re starting out) it can quickly feel relentless.

Further reading: this blog post from Pacific Content highlights the importance of consistency.

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps we start to look at editing. And we've asked one of our talented friends, Micky Curling to share his thoughts. Mickey runs Mix Broadcast and he's an audio engineer and sound designer. He's worked on award winning shows like Fight of the Century and Jamie Cullum's show on BBC Radio 2 and he's got lots and lots of experience putting together documentaries as well and music shows. 

In 'How to edit your podcast (the bigger picture)' Micky talks about more than just where make edits; chopping out speech and gaps. Micky chats through the reason we do it and why how you edit really matters.

In 3 easy steps: 

1. Think of editing as a multistage process. The first edit stage isn't going to be dealing with every erm you encounter. You're going to want to listen to the interview, make notes, mark the recording, what are the outstanding bits, are there obvious cuts. If you cut that section in the middle, does something later in the interview no longer makes sense. It's only after you've made those really big editorial cuts those big editorial decisions that you then want to go back over and tidy it.

2. It's really important that you remember the power you hold in your hands. You can very easily make your guests say something that they didn't. Even innocently changing the structure of an answer for clarity can end up misrepresenting someone, you've got a moral and often a legal responsibility to make sure you're not changing the fundamentals of what your guest is trying to convey.

3. When you're editing, don't lose the essence of the person that you're trying to edit. We're humans and we think, we ponder, we breathe. In podcasts, I think you've got a more intimate relationship with the listener. They've got time, you've got time. So let people breathe. Let them think, let them be human beings. It's about retaining the soul of the person that you're editing.

Resources 

You'll find us @story_publishing or @decibelpodcast

Details of our next masterclass coming soon

Stories have the incredible power to engage your audience in a way straightforward facts and figures can’t. And you can use stories to convey all sorts of information and ideas entertainingly and memorably throughout your podcast.

As this week is National Storytelling Week we’ve teamed up with a storyteller, who spends her time supporting others to share their stories. 

Hilary Salzman- runs 22Stories and is the voice of the brilliant The Everyday Storyteller podcast, which helps women to share their voice and their stories through short daily prompts.

Here are Hilary’s three steps to using your story to connect with your audience.

1. Start by identifying the key message of your story - the one thing you want your audience to take away from your story.

2. Spend the time to figure out your hook; you’ve only got a couple of seconds to make an impact.

3. Use anecdotes and examples to bring your story to life - avoid listing out facts and figures and use real-life examples to show listeners what you mean and how this can help them but keep it concise and easy to follow.

This week Hilary is running a masterclass on how to craft your brand story as part of National Storytelling Week check out her Instagram@22storiesandme or website for more info www.22-stories.com

You can join in with her storytelling challenge here: https://mailchi.mp/22-stories/the-everyday-storyteller-challenge

And you can listen to her podcast, The Everyday Storyteller here: https://podfollow.com/the-everyday-storyteller

In today's episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps We're opening the mailbag and answering three questions we get asked … a lot….

What technology do I need to get started?

What makes a great podcast?

I have an idea for a podcast. Now what?

If you have any other questions or topics you want us to cover drop us a DM - you'll find us @storypublishing or @decibelpodcasts

Whilst we’re big fans of audio-only here at Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps, there’s no escaping that video is one of the most effective ways to build an audience.

So here are three easy steps for including video as part of your podcast from the very beginning.

Links:

Our podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieAnnaPodcasts

Headliner: https://www.headliner.app/

Wavve:  https://wavve.co/

Canva: https://www.canva.com/

Riverside: https://riverside.fm/homepage

***If you want a supportive and encouraging way to start your podcast BOOK NOW for our next course 'Step by Step to Podcast Launch' it starts on 24th January.  https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/store 

The course will consist of one live workshop each Tuesday at 10 am on Zoom and a drop-in Q&A session on Fridays at 12 pm where we’ll take turns to answer your questions. All sessions will be recorded. You’ll also get access to recorded bite-sized audio and video recordings plus downloadable schedules for planning and marketing your show.

But the main thing you’ll get is access to is us! We have decades of experience in podcasting, radio and journalism. Suzi Dale (co-founder of Story Publishing, producer of Helen Perry's #Justbloodypostit podcast) and Julie-Anna Needham (founder of Decibel Podcasts, presenter of Dealcast: the M&A Podcast) are highly experienced (and award-winning!) podcast producers and journalists who met whilst working for Radio 1’s Newsbeat. ***

Once you’ve chosen somewhere to record (listen to the previous episode 11 to help you choose the best recording spot), then you’ll probably need to get it set up to maximise the recording quality.

In this episode, Jules explains how to get a room ready for recording by:

Links:

Buy acoustic paneling from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01I9YFKHG/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A1WU4JBED29LB5&psc=1

Find out more about how to limit echo here:

https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/blog/echo-minimalism-is-not-your-friend

--

If you want a supportive and encouraging way to start your podcast BOOK NOW for our next course 'Step by Step to Podcast Launch' it starts on 24th January.  https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/store and here's an Early Bird Code to get £50 off (UNTIL 10TH JAN) SBSTPL_EARLY

The course will consist of one live workshop each Tuesday at 10 am on Zoom and a drop-in Q&A session on Fridays at 12 pm where we’ll take turns to answer your questions. All sessions will be recorded. You’ll also get access to recorded bite-sized audio and video recordings plus downloadable schedules for planning and marketing your show.

But the main thing you’ll get is access to is us! We have decades of experience in podcasting, radio and journalism. Suzi Dale (co-founder of Story Publishing, producer of Helen Perry's #Justbloodypostit podcast) and Julie-Anna Needham (founder of Decibel Podcasts, presenter of Dealcast: the M&A Podcast) are highly experienced (and award-winning!) podcast producers and journalists who met whilst working for Radio 1’s Newsbeat.

Hey Happy New Year to you! 

In this episode of Podcasting in 3 Easy Steps I'm sharing how to get the confidence to start YOUR podcast this year.

We have helped lots of people to start their own podcasts and one of the things that stands in their way is confidence; in their voice, their opinions and thinking about what other people will think. If this is something you're struggling with BOOK NOW for our next course which starts 24th January- details below.

So 3 easy steps to getting the confidence you need to start your podcast: 

1. Talk about stuff you know. The things you talk about all the time will feel 'comfortable' we tend to get discomfort and unconfident when we are unsure of what we are sharing or things we need to do loads of research about. 

2. If not you now, who and when? We get one life, and if you need a kick up the ass,  read some Brene Brown (link below to a brilliant video) Start sharing now, because if you aren't talking about it someone else will. Confidence is a grower. Surround yourself with positivity and supporters. 

3 Start simple. Keep it easy, that way you'll want to and be able to keep creating. Too complex and you'll stop (and guess what you're confidence will dent)

If you want a supportive and encouraging way to start your podcast BOOK NOW for our next course 'Step by Step to Podcast Launch' it starts on 24th January.  https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/store and here's an Early Bird Code to get £50 off (UNTIL 10TH JAN) SBSTPL_EARLY 

Over six weeks, you’ll learn about the following:

Understanding your niche

Identifying your audience

Simple formats and scripts

Duration and frequency

Choosing a name

Equipment for all budgets

How to record at home

Presenting basics

Remote recording

Editing basics (and where to find affordable support)

Finding royalty-free music

Creating simple artwork

Hosting platforms and how to create one

Uploading your podcast

Getting your podcast on Apple, Spotify & Google

Marketing your show

The course will consist of one live workshop each Tuesday at 10 am on Zoom and a drop-in Q&A session on Fridays at 12 pm where we’ll take turns to answer your questions. All sessions will be recorded. You’ll also get access to recorded bite-sized audio and video recordings plus downloadable schedules for planning and marketing your show.

But the main thing you’ll get is access to is us! We have decades of experience in podcasting, radio and journalism. Suzi Dale (co-founder of Story Publishing, producer of Helen Perry's #Justbloodypostit podcast) and Julie-Anna Needham (founder of Decibel Podcasts, presenter of Dealcast: the M&A Podcast) are highly experienced (and award-winning!) podcast producers and journalists who met whilst working for Radio 1’s Newsbeat.

Resources

Thanks for listening; find us @storypublishing or @decibelpodcasts

*****Our Step by Step to Podcast Launch  begins in January, BOOK NOW https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/store and here's a cheeky Early Bird Code to get £50 off SBSTPL_EARLY  *****

This is the third TAKEOVER of the podcast by voice coach and voice over artist Nic Redman.

This topic is probably one of the most discussed when we are helping people to start their own podcast. They struggle to sound conversational when they are reading from a script- which we need because we can't remember everything can we!?

So in this the last of voice coach Nic Redman's takeover she's back to share her tips of sounding relaxed and just like you. 

So 'How to sound conversational reading from a script in 3 Easy Steps'...

Here are Nic's 3 Easy Steps:

1. Write your script as you speak - this takes time to perfect

2. Warm up, you’ll then be able to access your voice fully!

3. Tweak your environment

Resources

Find out more about Nic on Instagram @nicredman and https://nicolaredman.com/

She's running a course and the details are here: https://nicolaredman.com/voice-masterclasses-2023/

Thanks for listening; find us @storypublishing or @decibelpodcasts

*****Our Step by Step to Podcast Launch  begins in January, and the spaces are now ON SALE, BOOK NOW https://www.decibelpodcasts.com/store and here's a cheeky Early Bird Code to get £50 off SBSTPL_EARLY  *****