Pump Up Your Pod

As a content creator and producer in the podcasting space, I am always on the hunt for the best microphones to make my voice and our client’s voices sound super fancy.

There are two heavyweights in the podcast industry that I was eager to pin against each other in a battle to the death.

Well, maybe not death. No microphones were harmed in the making of this episode.

Introducing into the ring, the Electro-Voice RE20 and the Shure SM7B. Both microphones are similar in cost (around AU$800) and they are probably the microphones that you see used the most in podcasting and radio.

But are they the best? 

Who is the winner?

Would I even choose one of these microphones for my clients or our personal podcasting projects?

In this battle, I aimed to compare the audio quality, sibilance, plosives, suitability for vocalists and overall sound. I also had our Lead Videographer and Designer, Alex join me so that we could hear how these microphones performed with both male and female voices.

Choosing the right microphone for podcasting is a personal decision that depends on individual preferences, recording environments, and vocal characteristics. As always, these opinions are my own and are based on the tests I’ve performed with my voice. 

This particular battle was conducted at a high-end studio in a controlled environment, so it’s important to be aware that if your studio setup is different, the results will vary. 

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

PodCoach Service

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

Shure SM7B

Electro-Voice RE20

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

How would you promote your podcast without social media?

In fact, if we think more broadly about this; how would you promote your personal brand or business without social media?

This might leave you scratching your head. We have become so used to relying on social media to help promote ourselves and it feels hard to get off the train..

But as we all know, we don’t “own” these platforms. Well, unless you're Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk perhaps. But if you’re a normal person, you’re playing to the algorithm. You’re doing what you’re told to do, and you’re probably seeing decent enough results. 

Or maybe you’re not. 

It depends on how you define “results.

If you weren’t seeing results, you’d get off social media right?

Well, that sounds good in theory, but it doesn’t happen as often as we might like. 

As podcasters, social media has been found to be quite an effective tool. A recent study done by Edison Research found that 76% of Gen Z say they discover podcasts through clips on social media. 

So if we don’t use social media, how do we promote our podcasts?

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with the supremely talented Amelia Hruby. 

Amelia is the founder and executive producer at Softer Sounds, a feminist podcast studio based in the USA. Her background stretches into academia, community organising, and broadcasting. And Amelia is an advocate for getting off social media. 

Her podcast, "Off The Grid," explores the theme of leaving social media while still maintaining an online presence, offering a refreshing take on digital wellness and creative marketing strategies. If you’re intrigued by this notion, I encourage you to go and give this show a listen. Her voice is also an absolute dream to listen to. 

Podcasting is not just about sharing stories; it's about cultivating connections, sparking conversations, and embracing the beauty of human expression. Amelia's journey exemplifies the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and passion in the world of podcasting.

WHERE TO FIND AMELIA:

Off the Grid Podcast

Softer Sounds Studio

Free Leaving Social Media Toolkit

The Interweb Community

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

PodCoach Service

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

How much time and effort do you put into your podcast episode show notes?

As a podcaster, producer and judge on the Webby Awards and Australian Podcasting Awards, I am exposed to a lot of podcasts. 

And one of the biggest variables is the quality of the show notes. 

I can understand why podcasters don’t generally put a heap of time into their show notes, because podcasting is an audio platform (video too these days). People don’t come to your podcast to read your show notes. 

They come to listen to or watch your episode.

But what you’re missing out on here is the increased reach that you could be taking advantage of from the episode you took the time to record.

Show notes do not have to be just a summary of your podcast episode within a couple of sentences or a paragraph.  They can be a valuable tool for engaging your audience and expanding your reach. 

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

• SE Dyncaster DCM8
• Rode Boom Arm
• XLR Cables
• Sony ZV E10
• Elgato Camlink
• Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light
• Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

• Focusrite Clarett+
• Rode Streamer X
• Rodecaster Pro II
• Rodecaster Pro Duo

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel
• LinkedIn
• Castmagic
• VidIQ

Starting a podcast may fill you with tiny nervous butterflies in your stomach. 

You’ve planned out your episodes, batched a bunch of episodes and it’s all coming together. The whole process is feeling daunting perhaps, but you’ve got a launch plan organised and it all feels achievable. 

But have you thought about the trailer episode?

Much like a movie trailer entices viewers to watch the film, your podcast trailer serves as the first impression of your show, enticing potential listeners to hit that subscribe button potentially before it’s even launched.

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

• SE Dyncaster DCM8
• Rode Boom Arm
• XLR Cables
• Sony ZV E10
• Elgato Camlink
• Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light
• Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend

• Focusrite Clarett+
• Rode Streamer X
• Rodecaster Pro II
• Rodecaster Pro Duo

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

If you’re stepping into the realms of more professional podcasting and you’re confused as to what microphone will work best for you, I’d like to introduce you to one you should be considering.

I know we see videos all day long with the famous Shure SM7B as the “go to” microphone to use for professional podcasters, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, I think there’s another player that should be in the ring. The sE Dynacaster DCM8.

sE is a family-owned business that was founded by Siwei Zo. He studied Composition at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and became a successful conductor and composer. Visiting California on a scholarship, Siwei then found an opportunity to merge his musical knowledge with his love for design. He began building condenser microphones under his own brand name, “sE” which is a homage to the art of sound engineering. In just over 20 years of designing and building microphones, the brand has established itself as makers of precision tools for artists, by artists. 

As a musician myself, this kind of “origin story” resonates with me, and I’ve been using sE microphones as a vocalist for over a decade, so I was eager to hear what they could do for podcasters.

GEAR WE USE HERE AT BAMBY MEDIA:

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Pre-Amp/Mixers we recommend:

Focusrite Clarett+

Rode Streamer X

Rodecaster Pro II

Rodecaster Pro Duo

BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:

Free Podcast Audit Service

PodCoach Service

Bamby Media Services

YouTube Channel

Have you ever experienced a vulnerability hangover? That sick feeling in your gut after you’ve shared something really personal. You feel exposed and wish you could take it all back.

A lot of experts in the marketing and social media space talk about the importance of being authentic with your audience. People want to see and know the real you. They want to hear what’s going on in your actual life so they can relate to you as a person, not just be fed the same old filtered nonsense. 

But how much of your personal life should you share on your podcast? 

And when does being authentic cross over into oversharing?

Someone who lives and breathes authenticity is Kat John, host of the popular podcast, Real Raw Relatable. Kat has a highly engaged audience on Instagram and her podcast has garnered a reputation for its vulnerable and relatable content. Her listeners lap it up.

I recently caught up with Kat to talk about her approach to sharing her personal life on her podcast. Considering Kat’s willingness to be vulnerable, I was really interested to hear how she navigates the boundaries between authenticity and privacy.

• BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

• WHERE TO FIND KAT JOHN:
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kat.john/?hl=en
• Podcast: Real, Raw, Relatable
• Website: https://katjohn.com.au/

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

When it comes to starting a podcast, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing a catchy and effective podcast name. But how do you go about selecting the perfect name for your podcast? In my experience, there are a few different strategies that you can use when picking your podcast name. If you put the work in at the beginning to pick a name that suits your target, you’ll find who you’re looking for.

We cover strategies including:

Using Your Name as the Show Title

If you have a recognisable name or are already a personal brand, naming your show after yourself can be a great choice. 

Targeting Your Audience

If you're not a well-known figure and want to focus more on the content of your podcast, choosing a title that targets your audience's search preferences can be a smart move. 

Balancing Creativity and Searchability

While using a more obscure or creative title may seem appealing, it may not perform well in search results.

Leveraging YouTube Search

If you're planning to promote your podcast on YouTube, it's important to consider search optimisation on this platform as well. 

• BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (PODCAST PLATFORM VERSION)

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

How many podcasts have you listened to where you feel like you’re never going to actually GET to the episode? There are these long introductions with theme music that seem to go on forever, then ad placements, and then perhaps an intro to the guest. It seems to be so long before you get what you clicked on. 

Well today, I’m hopefully igniting a little fire in your belly to please do away with all of that nonsense.

Listeners today have shorter attention spans and tend to skip through intros longer than 30 seconds. Let’s explore why you should reconsider your podcast intro and how to create a more engaging and efficient one.

The Power of Simplicity:

Rather than cramming a laundry list of information into your intro, keep it simple. Start with a short section of music to establish the mood, and then get right into the content.

Variations in Intro Structure:

There are a few ways we like to spice up the intros to keep things a bit more fresh and mix up the format when a show has been running the same way for awhile. 

When and Where to Place Important Information:

While your traditional intro should be brief, there may still be important information you want to share with your listeners. I’d encourage you to play with using midrolls to incorporate advertisements or promotions. 

Keep your Outro Minimal

Similar to intros, the outro of your podcast should be concise and to the point. We like to use just a bit of music to conclude your episode and avoid lengthy calls to action. 

Remember, simplicity is the key to podcasting success. 

• BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST (PODCAST PLATFORM VERSION)

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

In the world of podcasting, the key to a successful show lies in the quality of its content. We've all heard the phrase "Content is King," and it couldn't be more true for podcasts. But how do you consistently find good content to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more? Today I’m exploring some effective strategies to help you discover and create great content for your podcast.

• BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

• RESOURCES MENTIONED
• YouTube
• Answer the Public
• VidIQ

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST

SE Dyncaster DCM8

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min

Emma Edwards is the host of popular money psychology podcast, The Broke Generation. She is a financial behaviour specialist, committed to helping people “get good with money”. One of the best things about her approach to podcasting in this space, is that it’s free of financial jargon that makes it hard for the everyday person to connect with. She approached us a few years ago now to produce her podcast, and I’ve been so impressed with the quality of the content she provides and her ability to stay consistent.

With a following on Instagram of over 75K, I wanted to know how an audience of that size converts to podcast listeners. Research into social media behaviour tells us that a high portion of Gen-Z at least, find out about new podcasts from their social feeds.  I was intrigued to find out whether this is for creators that I know.

It turns out that migrating your audience from one platform to another is no simple task. It requires a high level of consistency, a commitment to providing valuable content, creativity in how you let your social followers know about your podcast and acceptance that it won’t happen overnight. 

• BAMBY MEDIA LINKS:
• Free Podcast Audit Service
• PodCoach Service
• Bamby Media Services
• YouTube Channel

• WHERE TO FIND EMMA:
• Podcast: The Broke Generation
• Instagram: @the.brokegeneration
• Website: https://thebrokegeneration.com/

EQUIPMENT WE USE TO PRODUCE THIS PODCAST

Rode PodMic

Rode Boom Arm

XLR Cables

Rode PodMic USB XLR edition

RØDE SC19 cable

Rode NT-USB Mini

Satechi USB Hub

Focusrite Clarett+

Sony ZV E10

Elgato Camlink

Aputure Amaran 200d LED Video Light

Aputure Light Box Min