HOW TO CREATE A PODCAST - LEARN IN A RADIO STUDIO - 3 weeks

Week 1

Podcasting Fundamentals and Studio Setup (2 Hours)

Objective: Provide participants with an overview of podcasting and teach the basics of recording equipment and software setup.

Agenda:

1. Introduction to Podcasting (20 minutes)

History and evolution of podcasts.
Podcast formats and genres (e.g., interviews, narratives, roundtables).
Overview of popular podcasts and their success factors.

2. Identifying Your Audience and Concept Development (20 minutes)

Brainstorming podcast topics and niches.
Defining target audiences.
Crafting compelling episode structures.

3. Overview of Recording Equipment (30 minutes)

Microphones (dynamic vs. condenser).
Headphones and audio interfaces.
Mixing consoles and portable recorders.

4. Hands-On: Studio Setup and Testing (30 minutes)

Configuring microphones, mixers, and computers.
Testing sound levels and reducing background noise.
Using pop filters and soundproofing techniques.

5. Homework Assignment (20 minutes)

Create a podcast concept outline.
Write a short script or episode intro.

Week 2

Recording Techniques and Audio Editing Basics (2 Hours)

Objective: Teach participants how to record quality audio and introduce fundamental editing techniques.

Agenda:

1. Recording Techniques and Best Practices (30 minutes)

Proper mic placement and voice projection.
Monitoring levels during recording.
Managing multiple guests or remote interviews.

2. Introduction to Audio Editing Software (30 minutes)

Overview of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Audacity and Adobe Audition.
Importing audio files and organizing tracks.
Basic tools: cut, trim, fade-in/out, and volume adjustments.

3. Hands-On: Editing Practice (45 minutes)

Removing background noise and unwanted sounds.
Splicing and stitching audio clips.
Adding intros, outros, and background music.

Homework Assignment (15 minutes)

Record and edit a 2-3 minute podcast teaser using provided scripts or original material.

Week 3

Week 3: Finalizing, Publishing, and Promoting a Podcast (2 Hours)

Objective: Equip participants with skills to finalize a podcast episode and publish it on major platforms.

Agenda:

1. Audio Enhancement and Final Touches (30 minutes)

Equalization (EQ) and compression techniques.
Mastering and exporting high-quality audio files.
File formats and metadata tagging.

2. Publishing Platforms and Hosting Options (30 minutes)

Choosing a hosting service (e.g., Anchor, Podbean).
Submitting to directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
Setting up RSS feeds.

3. Marketing and Promotion Strategies (30 minutes)

Creating podcast artwork and episode descriptions.
Promoting via social media, newsletters, and collaborations.
Leveraging SEO for podcast discoverability.

4. Hands-On: Group Presentation and Feedback (30 minutes)

Showcase final podcast episodes.
Peer feedback and instructor evaluation.

Key Takeaways from the Program:

Understanding podcasting basics, audience targeting, and episode planning.
Proficiency in recording and editing techniques.
Knowledge of publishing platforms and marketing strategies.
Completion of a sample podcast episode ready for publication.