There continues to be an explosion of interest in podcasting… AI tools and new gear makes it ever-more affordable and easy.
Personally, I can’t think of a better time for a business (or individual) to create valuable audio and video content in a podcast format. In the past years, I’ve had a handful of requests to better understand how I create the Six Pixels of Separation podcast. I answered this question in detail back in 2008 (you can read about it here: How To Podcast) and then again in 2012 (you can read about it here: How To Podcast – 2012 Edition), and the last version was How To Podcast – 2020 Edition. I’ve now posted over 870 episodes of Six Pixels of Separation (every Sunday since May 22nd, 2006) and close to 100 episodes of Groove – The No Treble Podcast (a monthly show, where I am slowly trying to build the largest oral history of electric bass players). Along with that, I couldn’t even tell you how many podcasts I’ve been a guest on, but it has got to be in the hundreds (if not close to a thousand).
I’m (still) no “professional”.
Before digging into my workflow (hardware, software and thinking), let me make one point clear (and, it’s the exact same point I made back in 2008, 2012 and 2020): I don’t think that I have the “right” formula. My show is very “indie,” and it’s created and published with a minimal amount of production (lowest cost possible too). I’m not an audiophile, and I have no special propensity towards audio engineering. I see it as a fun (and different) way to communicate and connect with people. I’m ok with the fact that it’s often raw, flawed and basic. I just like collecting and sharing these conversations.
Here’s how I podcast (but please keep in mind that I am a huge proponent of doing a lot more pre and post production for maximum efficacy):
I don’t do much to prep for a show. Over the course of the week (in-between episodes), I simply look at my social media feeds for smart people saying and doing smart things (especially those publishing a new business or non-fiction book), and I reach out to those who I think might have something unique to say about a specific topic related to business, management, leadership, and innovation. In the past years, I have pulled away from anyone with a book on marketing (I’m just fatigued on those types of books), and I’ve also not been interested in what I call “101 topics” (content geared towards the “how do I get started in…” genre).
How to record the conversation…
I currently record out of two studios (one at home and one at my office). All of my conversations are recorded using Riverside. There are other/similar options. I love how Riverside handles both audio and video (currently, I only use the audio, but having the video will be useful in marketing, maybe shifting to a YouTube podcast, and even just being able to see your guest while you are talking with them). Riverside also records each side of the conversation natively, and then uploads the files to the cloud. It has many great editing features as well. From a hardware perspective, I am using a MacBook Pro. My current microphone of choice is the Shure MV7 (I like the model that has both XLR and USB options). I use Audio-Technica wired headphones. My office studio also has a Rode RodeCaster Pro (which may be the best piece of computer hardware that I have ever owned – big statement, but true). It is a fully portable podcast recording studio that allows you to do a myriad of things (from multiple mics to Aphex audio processing to bringing in your smartphone via Bluetooth to having audio files accessible on keypads and more). I also love that I can record on-board using a SD card (which ensures that I have a native backup). When using the RodeCaster, I switch from the USB on the Shure MV7 to XLR. If you’re looking for decent and well-priced XLR only microphone, I also use the Rode PodMic. All of my mics have the Rode PSA1 studio boom arm (I like have the microphone close to talk hole for a warmer sound). In terms of cameras, I’d recommend the Sony ZV-1 and/or the Elgato FaceCam (both companies have other/newer options… go with the latest ones).
How to record the conversation when you and the guest are in the same room…
