PodCraft | Talking 'How to Podcast' with Bite Sized Nuggets of Podcasting Wisdom

www.PodCraft.net - Colin Gray

This podcast is all about the brilliant world of Podcasting – teaching you how to grow from novice podcaster to confident broadcaster. In this podcast I cover the full range of Podcasting skills, looking at: Podcasting Equipment – what microphones to buy, when to get a mixer, how to set it all up. Podcasting Techniques – recording interviews, recording outside events. Podcast Editing – what software to use, how to create the best audio possible. Podcast Promotion – how to grow your audience, how to market your brand. Podcast Planning – scripting, episode planning, topic generation. Podcast Monetisation – how to make money out of your broadcast without turning off your audience. And more – podcasting environments, events, speaking skills. I'll be bringing on guests from popular podcasts, talking to novices and experts alike, and generally helping you to create the best podcast possible. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, or feedback on the podcast, get in touch on tw

  • 59 minutes 52 seconds
    Balancing Time, Workflow, & Content. The Nuts & Bolts of Podcasting

    We know from previous episodes that consistency leads to podcasting success - but how do you actually become consistent?

    It’s all well and good to say, “Go out there and create lots of episodes,” when you might be intimidated by the idea of creating just one.

    So, this time around, we’re going to explore the nuts and bolts of timeframes, workflows, and content creation. Here, you’ll get real-world examples of how long it actually takes to run a successful podcast, and how it can exist alongside other channels, such as blogging, social media, and video.

    The Podcasts

    23 April 2024, 8:00 am
  • 49 minutes 1 second
    How Consistency Leads to Podcasting Success

    Almost all the benefits of podcasting stem from one thing – and that’s consistency. If you publish quality content over a prolonged period of time, you eventually hit a critical mass of episodes you can now call your “back catalogue” – and it’s a powerful tool.

    On this episode of Podcraft, we’re going to look at the benefits of this published body of work, which includes the ability for new listeners to binge your content, as well as providing you with a tonne of repurposing options, too.

    Following up on our previous episode, From Doubt to Determination, we’ll also continue to explore the barriers and challenges our Indiepod Legends have faced, as well as how they’ve overcome them. It’s another value-packed programme filled with lessons, takeaways, and motivating anecdotes!

    The Podcasts

    8 April 2024, 7:18 am
  • 59 minutes 3 seconds
    From Doubt to Determination: Pushing Through the Podcasting Dip

    What really makes someone a successful podcaster? Is it a certain number of episodes, downloads, or reviews? Is it whether content creation has become their full-time job? Or could it be because they've been recognised with a prestigious award?

    In truth, we can gauge success in many ways, but ultimately, there's no certificate and a great degree of subjectivity. One thing we can all agree on, though, is that the best way to get to a position where you or your audience consider your podcast a success is to create quality content, consistently, over a prolonged period of time.

    If there's one single answer to the "How do I make podcasting work for me?" question, that's it. It's an answer that sounds way too simple and obvious. And yet, actually doing it is much harder than choosing the right mic, the best software, and getting listed in all the major listening platforms.

    Starting a podcast is relatively easy. Riding the wave of early enthusiasm to publish your first couple of episodes is easy, too. But to keep doing it for upwards of 300 episodes, or for over ten years? That takes something extra.

    In this season of Podcraft, we're speaking to some of the best indie podcasters in the game. We want to really dig into how they've kept on going, the ways they've navigated each challenge or roadblock, and the many lessons they've learned along the way.

    Listening to this series won't automatically pop a few hundred episodes in your own back catalogue, but it'll certainly arm you with enough knowledge and motivation to get there under your own steam.

    In our opening episode, our Indiepod Legends share their insights into why they started out in the first place, and in many cases, it's because they made the podcast they wanted to listen to.

    We're also going to talk about the thing that defeats many fledgling podcasters—quitting. You'll learn that many of our panel members have either wrestled with thoughts of giving up or taken long breaks to regroup and get back on track. Consistency over several years or hundreds of episodes isn't a straightforward, linear journey. If you do it for long enough, you'll hit many snags. But, as you'll learn in this episode, your podcast doesn't need to fall at the very first hurdle.

    The Podcasts

    25 March 2024, 9:07 am
  • 51 minutes 56 seconds
    What's the Future of Podcasting Tech? With Izabela & Mike Russell (Part 2!)

    Izabela and Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative return to continue our conversation about the ever-evolving podcast landscape. Gear and tools may have gotten much better, but that doesn't always make them easier to set up and use. We also discuss the role of DAWs like Adobe Audition and Audacity compared to newer (often AI-driven) software. Finally, Mike and Izabela answer some questions about podcast growth, being surprised, and changing their minds. 

    18 March 2024, 12:07 pm
  • 36 minutes 37 seconds
    What CAN'T We Learn From Successful Podcasters?

    In this episode, Colin and Matthew engage in a friendly debate about the role of gear in podcasting. While gear and equipment are often seen as important aspects of podcasting success, the hosts question whether they truly make a significant difference. They explore the mindset of successful podcasters and how their focus lies more on content creation, strategy, and promotion rather than the tools they use. The conversation also delves into the dangers of getting too caught up in equipment and workflows, which can lead to wasted time and distractions. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding the right balance and avoiding the pressure to conform to popular gear choices, but rather focusing on what works best for your individual podcast.

    Thanks to Alitu's AI for writing these shownotes!

    Also mentioned:

    13 February 2024, 9:19 am
  • 47 minutes 55 seconds
    Podcasting in 2014 Vs 2024, With Izabela & Mike Russell of Music Radio Creative

    As the RSS feed approaches its 25th birthday, so does the word "podcasting" its 20th. But 2024 also sees the tenth anniversary of UKPOD14. On this episode of Podcraft, we're joined by the organisers of this important event, Mike and Izabela. We wanted to catch up on the past decade, talking about what has changed in the medium (as well as what hasn't!). We also touch on what the future might hold, and why simpler is often better when it comes to your recording setup and workflow. 

    7 February 2024, 12:59 pm
  • 21 minutes 6 seconds
    14 Ways to Grow your Podcast with Collaborations

    Here, I dive into 14 powerful, unique collaboration strategies designed to exponentially grow your podcast audience and increase revenue. Whether you're a budding podcaster or a seasoned pro, these tips can fuel your approach to collaborations. Get ready to discover unique methods for teaming up with fellow podcasters, creating compelling content, and even boosting your income through strategic partnerships.

    Highlights:

    • Explore how episode swapping can bring new listeners to your podcast.
    • Uncover the potential of social media and newsletter collaborations. 
    • Learn how to create engaging live stream events with fellow podcasters.
    • Discover how affiliate marketing can turn collaborations into revenue streams.

    🔗 Resources mentioned:

    18 December 2023, 2:37 pm
  • 42 minutes 5 seconds
    Equipment & Software for Video & Live Broadcasting

    Adding a video or live broadcasting element can work well for some podcasters. In this episode, we dig into the tools you'll need if you want to run a successful video series. 

    Resources Mentioned

    24 October 2023, 12:47 pm
  • 32 minutes 17 seconds
    Best Podcast Recording & Editing Software Options

    In this episode we're looking at Audio production software, commonly know as 'Digital Audio Workstations' in the audio production industry. We'll look at the most common options out there to give you an idea of which one might suit you.

    Of course, podcast recording and editing software is more than just DAWs these days. There are a lot of great call recorders and podcast making apps too. On this episode of Podcraft, we'll talk you through a range of options, as well as discuss our own personal favourites. 


    Resources Mentioned

    10 October 2023, 12:53 pm
  • 35 minutes 35 seconds
    How to Set Up a Great-Sounding Home Podcast Studio

    The term “home podcast studio” can mean different things to different people. For some, it means soundproofed walls, a large, sleek, padded table, and multiple mics running onto a mixer. For others, it means a USB mic sitting in a cat bed. The bottom line is that creating a pro-sounding home podcast studio is possible, no matter how small your budget or house space.

    Key Resources

    3 October 2023, 10:42 am
  • 26 minutes 9 seconds
    Podcast Bits & Bobs: Cables, Stands, & Pop Filters

    Cables, stands, jacks, plugs, pop filters – the less glamorous but still utterly essential part of the podcasting equipment pantheon.

    It’s common for podcasters to spend three-figure sums on both their mic and their recording device, then link the two together with a cable they’ll spend $5 on.

    On this episode, we look to better understand all these different ‘Bits & Bobs’ by running through what they are, what they look like, and what they do.

    Types of Audio Cable & Connection

    XLR Cables

    XLR cables and inputs. XLR cables are commonly known as microphone cables.

    They have a male end and a female end and are used to connect microphones to equipment or to create a link between two pieces of equipment (like a mixer to a recorder).

    Quarter Inch (1/4”)

    The 1/4″ (6.35mm) plug looks like a bigger version of the 3.5mm plug.

    They’re commonly used to connect microphones and other gear to recording equipment such as mixers or preamps.

    Most mixers and recorders will allow you to connect either an XLR cable or a 1/4″ jack to the same port. These are known as ‘Combo Ports’.

    The Standard Headphone Jack

    The 3.5mm plug/connection is most commonly found on headphones and earbuds. They’re also found on some smaller microphones too, like ‘lavalier' clip-on mics, and headsets.

    TS, TRS, & TRRS Plugs

    Audio plugs (like the 3.5mm plug) have markings on them to determine exactly how they work.

    These markings come in the form of little black bands that run around the shaft of each plug.

    These bands separate each different function of the plug in question.

    A plug with one band is known as a tip sleeve or TS jack. That's because the single band separates the tip from the sleeve.

    A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring sleeve, or TRS jack, because the bands have separated a ring in the middle, between the tip and the sleeve.

    A plug with two bands is known as a tip ring ring sleeve, or TRRS jack, because that has two rings separated in the middle.

    So what's the purpose of all these tips and rings, and how do they work differently?

    TS plugs are traditionally known as mono plugs, because the tip is feeding all the audio to the source in one dose.

    TRS plugs are traditionally known as stereo plugs because the tip is now being used to feed the left channel of your audio to the source, whilst the ring is feeding the right channel.

    In recent years, a third option was added to this setup – the TRRS plug.

    The extra ring was brought in to accommodate a microphone or video option. The most common use of TRRS plugs is talking through a headset on your PC, or making a hands free call on your phone.

    RCA

    RCA connectors are also known as phone cables or AV jacks.

    Mixers have RCA ports on them, and these enable you to connect and play media through them.

    RCA cables are usually Y shaped, with the white and red stereo audio plugs at one end, and a single plug on the other end, such as a 3.5mm or 1/4″ connection.

    We also cover microphone stands and pop filters.

    Resources Mentioned

    20 September 2023, 10:22 am
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