Everybody Has a Podcast (Except You) summary

What was the name of the last podcast you were addicted to? Did you listen to it on your drive back from work? Or as you were gardening on the weekend?

Listening to podcasts is a habitual behavior. That means that people like to fit it into their lives and build listening around regular activities. When you create a podcast, you’re creating a set of expectations for your listener. If you meet their expectations week after week, you can build a loyal, engaged audience.

Have you ever chosen to listen to a podcast on a very interesting topic and then had to turn it off because it ended up being a snooze fest?

Even the most interesting content can fall flat if it’s not told in the right way. When you’re figuring out how to present information in your podcast, first, ask yourself what the primary aim is. Do you want to make people laugh? Or inform them about an important subject? The goal behind your podcast has a big influence on how you select and frame your content. That’s true whether it’s an interview show or a history show.

So you’ve researched your content, decided whether to appoint a cohost, and determined how to structure your show. But how do you actually record your podcast?

You may be tempted to do it all on your smartphone but the sound quality won’t be that great if you do. An investment in some basic equipment is probably a wise choice. But don’t worry, it won’t break the bank.

Think of a podcast you love. What did you think about its host? Chances are, you really felt a connection.

Hosts are the bread and butter of good podcasting. They mediate between segments, bring out the best in their guests, and give the subject a personal feel.

Imagine you have a big chunk of marble that you have to carve into Michelangelo’s David. That’s what editing a podcast is like.

It requires multiple stages of cutting, sanding, and polishing before you get it right.

So now you’ve toiled over your podcast and finally created a version you like. But how do you get people to listen to it? Well, you can’t just leave it on your desktop. To have any chance of success, you’re going to have to release it online.

The first – and most important step – is to find a hosting service. This is a big server where your podcast will live. Changing hosts is an enormous hassle, so it’s worth taking some time to find the right one. Some things to consider are: Has the service been around for a while? Is it trusted by other good podcasters? There’s a better chance of an established player sticking around.

And now that you’ve published your podcast, the money’s going to start rolling in, right? Well, probably not.

The truth is, it’s not that easy to find fame and fortune in the world of podcasting. But while your new podcast may not allow you to buy a Caribbean island, there are ways you can fund your podcast, and maybe even turn podcasting into a full-time career.