What tools do you use to create a podcast?

Here's my quick podcasting guide:

• Hosting + stats + podcast website: I've recently switched to https://transistor.fm and love it.
• Recording + Editing: I'm on a Mac, and I've always used Garageband.
• Microphone: The ATR-2100 USB is an inexpensive mic that sounds great. (Get a pop filter as well)

You can read my complete guide here:
https://justinjackson.ca/submit-podcast-itunes/

I have not recorded podcasts, but I have recorded audio books. The software doesn't matter as much as the microphone and how you treat your room. Audacity works fine, even if it isn't the most advanced (or reliable) software.

Get a large diaphragm condenser microphone like the Blue Yeti (or similar) for about $100. Don't underestimate the importance of quality audio. If your audio sounds horrible, few will listen, no matter how good your content is. It is just too painful to listen to something that sounds like it was recorded on a potato. Also pick up a pop filter for $10-$15. Optionally, a shock mount for the microphone ($20-$50) and a boom arm if you are recording at a desk.

Next, set up your recording environment. You could spend a lot of money on this, but you don't have to. You can get by with putting up some foam panels on your walls and laying down a thick rug. Doing this in a small room is best. If you want to go super cheap, record in your closet (filled with clothes) to get the cleanest sound. You can add reverb back in later if it feels too flat, but you can't take reverb out.

As far as how to use your microphone, first put your pop filter on the microphone. It should be only 1 or 2 inches away from the surface of the mic. Next, extend your arm and make a "hang loose" sign with your hand. If you don't know what that is, make a thumbs up gesture and then extend your pinky like a posh british aristocrat drinking tea. Place the end of your pinky on the pop filter and the end of your thumb on your lips. That is the distance you should be away from the microphone.

To adjust your input levels, speak at the lowest volume you plan on using, then at the loudest. Make sure that your loudest does not clip in your test recording. Now that your levels are set, start recording.

As for recordings and editing, you could use audacity! It is easy to learn and will let you both record and edit sound, also it is free!

https://www.audacityteam.org

There is already a tremendous advice in this thread! I can share my experience of starting our podcast at https://weardulo.com.

We started with just a Macbook and a SoundCloud account. You can use GarageBand on a Mac to record using the built-in microphone. Then, you can export the file and upload it to SoundCloud - they will generate an RSS feed for you.

After that, take the RSS feed URL and submit it to iTunes, Stitcher, etc.

If you need more details, I have written a more in-depth article about the specific tools (hardware and software) we use: https://medium.com/the-needle/publishing-a-podcast-in-2017-for-first-timers-aa026b008c6c

Hope it helps!

It's a bit frustrating because there's like 1000 ways to do it.

1. If you're using a Mac, easiest way to get started is just by recording through voice memos or garage band.

2. Invest in a nice mic. Blue Yeti is the favorite.

3. For hosting, Soundcloud is super easy and allows you to create an RSS feed that you'll use to send to Apple, Overcast, Stitcher, etc. Another even easier solution is simplecast.com which does all this for you.

4. If you need transcripts, Trint.com is definitely the way to go.

Another SUPER lean method is to use Anchor (anchor.fm) for everything. Just start recording on your phone, pick some music, publish, and then download the files to distribute on Soundcloud or SimpleCast

This isn't much of a tool but this topic reminded me of when I did some audio recordings many years ago. I unintentionally kept saying "uhm" and "uhh" in my recordings. Maybe it was just me but I didn't realize how many times I snuck those in. It resulted in quite a bit of editing afterwards. Better planning and practice recordings helped me avoid it and really made the audio sound more professional.

I did a podcast. I second the Audacity recommendation, and I also recommend just doing it and not overthinking the software/hardware too hard. If you put out a couple episodes and it works & you enjoy it then you can invest more time/money into tooling and learning tooling.

Depends on whether or not you want video in addition to audio.

For audio, I've had a variety of mics, but I absolutely love the Shure SM7B. Pricey, but worth it. You'll need an audio interface as it's XLR. On top of that, you can use audacity for post.

If you're going video, then your requirements are going to increase quite a bit. At minimum, a decent camera, decent lighting (I can get away with 1 lowel total light), and a good background/backdrop/set design.

If your camera has a good lens that can create for good depth of field (to blur out the background), that makes life easier.

If you're doing screencast tutorials, something like camtasia, that's what I use.

May want to check out https://smartpodcastplayer.com/ seems nice but there are a bunch of other alts