The new Macs utilizing the Apple (Silicon) M1 Arm Chip are truly outstanding for Podcasters. I purchased the Mac Mini, fully loaded with a 2tb harddrive and 16gb of RAM. The increase in speed over the 2018 Mac Mini is dramatic and substantial. For unoptimized programs such as Adobe Audition, waiting times for effects, file saving and copying blew me a way. I’m not much of a video editor, but using iMovie to edit my videos, has resulted in dramatic decreases in rendering times. I estimate that this computer will save me between 50 - 100 hours per year. Even at $100 per hour, the computer more than pays for its $1800 cost. I can’t even imagine what the M1X is going to be like. Unlike many other purchases, I haven’t experienced a moment of buyers remorse.

I was having loads of problems dealing with Skype! during the pandemic. Seems like the call quality had just deteriorated past the point of no return. Video quality was way off, so after participating in a high quality Zoom call, my decision was made. I made the switch. Now I don't like platforms where you can't initiate the call to your guest, which you certainly can't do on Zoom. However, it's great calendar integration made up for some of that control. The quality of their video interface is excellent and their screen flow, where you can set the call to record the video of the person speaking, among other options. So I took the plunge and am happy I did. Skype! does have a few advantages though, their technology for preventing cross-talk is superior as is their ability to block out feed back during a call. But all things considered, Zoom is the better platform.

It's one thing to find your voice, it's another matter to hear it. Recently, I learned how to self-aircheck myself. I had delegated my editing chores to my my producer Melissa. When I started a new daily show, I needed to get my shows posted within 15 minutes of completion. This led to me back to the editor's chair and it has helped my overall show greatly. I got to see my mistakes and correct them first hand. And I found my things I could be doing better. It's a great feedback loop that has helped me grow. And it will help you too. I promise.

June 7, 2020 marked 9 years since I became a full-time professional podcaster. It took me 4 years to start earning a 6 figure income. Here's a few things that you can do to get it done faster. First, hire a coach to help you air-check and up your game. Produce the highest production values you are capable of. Your audience deserves it! Keep improving and find your voice. Once you've found it, start listening to it. You'll be amazed at how fast you'll progress. And of course, whether you're already podcasting or just starting out, make a business plan to compute your break-even point and put a value on your time and services. Then set goals and watch your show take off.

Interview based shows know only too well that the quality of your show is often limited by the quality of the audio connection. If you're using Skype to Skype domestically, sound quality issues are usually minimal. The problem occurs when you're going Skype to Cellphone, Skype to VOIP or Skype to Landline. Fortunately, the folks at Rode thought of almost everything when they released their Rodecaster Pro. And much of what they didn't think of, they've fixed in their firmware updates.

Your cellphone can be paired with the Rodecaster to enable wireless communication through the mixing board with your guest. But there is a quality issue. While it's certainly better than Skype, it still leaves much to be desired. That's why I tried a hardwire connection using a TRRS cable with a 3.5mm male jack that plugs into the Rodecaster. If you're using an iPhone with a Lightning jack, you will need an adapter, which is available on Amazon.

The sound quality improvement was amazing. The connections extremely clear and if you're going Verizon to Verizon, you'll get near HD quality. I'll never use bluetooth again unless I have to.

Next show, we'll discuss Ecamm Live software with green screen/blue screen capabilities.

My book is available on Amazon. Email us with your questions at [email protected].

Happy Podcasting!

Every now and then a piece of equipment is created that has the ability to change an industry. While the Roadcaster Pro may not quite be in that category, it can help even the most green podcaster sound like a pro. It has a suite of features, including professional effects, bluetooth pairing of your phone, computer and mixer and sound pads to easily mix in those great sound effects. You might not need them all or even most of them, but you’ll come to view the Roadcaster Pro as invaluable to your podcast efforts as I do. And the ducking effect means you’ll never have another guest talk over you again. It’s truly worth every bit of the $599 it cost. I’m sure you’ll agree.

With the spread of Coronavirus, everyone is shifting and changing. It’s time to be a leader in these troubled times. A lot of things are shifting. Podcasting is one communicaiton option. There are many, video, writing articles and live events. Podcasting is an incredible option, especially now that being physically around people isn’t going to be an option. If you’re working from home or lost your job and you have a message, then podcasting could be an option. Will the current conditions lead to a large influx of podcasters? You should start by listening to podcasts. Find the types of shows you like and the topics that bring out your passion. Then you’ll have a direction and a focus. Start with a vision of what you want it to be as a finished product. Having clarity on your why will help all the other pieces fall into place.

I rave about my Cloud 44a Microphone. It's the successor to the orginal RCA 44a microphone from the 1940's. They are actually using the tooling and fabrication of the ribbon that was used in the original. Then add to that built-in Cloud Lifter preamp and you've got an active ribbon microphone that has unparalleled warmth and depth. It's expensive, retailing at $1599, but I was fortunate to pick-up two of them - very gently used for much less. It was truly love at first site/recording. The mic is so good that it requires very little post-processing, such as dreesser and multi-bank compressor. Truly an amazing find!

Just got back from Podfest. An amazing show that keeps on getting better and better. We actually exhibited there. We’re now offering full podcast editing services. We’ve been doing it informally for years now and figured it was a good time to help people out with their podcast.

Also discussed yet again the value of airchecking, getting an third party to listen to your show and provide feedback. I’ve been doing it ever since I got started, nearly 7000 episodes ago. It will really help you out a log in your podcasting career.

Finally, don’t forget that business plan. No matter what stage of podcasting you’re in, having a business plan will help you set goals and learn what you need to do to monetize.

And make sure you get my book at Amazon, Viral Podcasting: A Proven Process to Earn 6 Figures from Your Show.

Ann Bernard started The #365FirstsChallenge as a journey of adding new experiences, actions, and things into your life—that you’ve never done before. It’s a process of enhancing the way you live and squeezing all that you can out of life. Experiencing a wide mixtures of firsts will impact who you are and shape how you continue to live your life. It’s about change and stepping into the unknown. Reconnecting with your childlike mindset. Opening your mind, tapping in your creativity, self-discovery, stepping out of your comfort zones, facing you fears, learning, and growing. And thus the podcast was born.

Make sure you check out our book on amazon Viral Podcasting: A Proven Process to Earn 6 Figures From Your Show.