Podcast Production Tips

I figured that this room could use a few more threads, so here 'tis.

What worked for you? Any tips that you would give others?

Lots of sound effects! Makes for great listening! (Of course, that wouldn't work for a podcast like Regis, since he mostly just talks)

well I still can't get Jimmy to call me.

Richard (Founder) wrote:well I still can't get Jimmy to call me.

The actor???

Well let's put it this way, you can talk to connie but jimmy won't give me the time of day.

Richard (Founder) wrote:Well let's put it this way, you can talk to connie but jimmy won't give me the time of day.

You talked to Connie??

ahem, you and Travis talked to Conie in your podcast.

Richard (Founder) wrote:ahem, you and Travis talked to Conie in your podcast.

Ah, I hope you know we didn't actually talk to Katie Leigh!

I know you took that from the DBD saga.

You're getting off topic here....

How would the above qualify as tips? Would you guys mind explaining?

It keeps the podcast exciting.

Hannah, can we have some hints of what yours will be like?

Weeel, I can't give anything away, but I'll just say that it will be beyond you wildest dreams.

do you have the blog set up yet?

Are you talkin' to me? What is a "vlog"?

blog.

+ Word

please avoid one-word posts ~H

A blog for our Podcast? No, not yet.

Hey, do you need any help? Because I know it took me long enough to figure out how to do it all right! I could totally give you a run down if you wanted!

Yup, that's what this thread is for. Please feel free to post (or PM me) a rundown of all the things that you have learned.

My tips for Podcasting:

1. Pay attention to detail: One of the most comment mistakes is rushing through a project, then hearing all your mistakes after all your listeners have already downloaded them. Once it is out there, you can't get it back.
2. Be creative: It is tempting to try and copy what everyone else is doing. But if everyone else is doing it, then they probably don't need an other one. Try to find an area that is not being tapped into (usually something that you enjoy and may have said to yourself, "Why don't they do this and that?" you can be "they!")
3. Don't get caught up in being different or unique: I know this one may seem like a contradiction to the last one, but it isn't. Sometimes you can become so intent on doing something different that you loose quality, if everyone is doing something one way, then don't change it unless you have a BETTER way (Usually there is a reason people do things). Also, people often try so hard to be different, that they stop being themselves, and that is a tragedy. You are best at being you, so stick to what you are good at.
4. Listen closely to other work that you enjoy and respect: Focus on the techniques and details of professional work, such as other podcasts, radio shows, or even Odyssey. Obviously, you do not have all the expensive equipment like those shows, but if you can make something sound good with what you have, you will learn the skill of being resourceful and that will give you an edge in media.
5. Don't get discouraged: I don't know why, but media can be one of the most discouraging activities you can get involved in. Perhaps it is the fact that you are putting yourself and your work out there for others, who couldn't do what you do, to judge and criticize. Or maybe it is because there is never enough time to do everything you want to do. It could be because there are so many other people fighting to get a piece of the pie and there always seems to be someone better than you. Or it might be a nasty combination of all three and more. What ever it is, don't worry, it happens to everyone and the only way to fight it is to believe in yourself and keep doing what you love. (not everyone is going to like what you do and for some reason, those are usually the people who are the most vocal.)
6. Have fun: I know that sounds cliche, but it really is important. If you aren't enjoying yourself or have forgotten why you even started the project in the first place, then you may need to reevaluate the process. I am not saying to give up on it, but you might want to change the format or direction. But there is nothing wrong with dropping a project to pursue an other one. Don't beat a dead horse.

Hope this helps you guys. Good luck and I can't wait to hear what you all come up with.


-Kevin

Sweet, tips from the expert!!

Definitely good advise!

Thanks Kmap! That was great!

I was wondering, what kind of recording equipment to ya'll have (ya'll meaning anyone here who does a podcast).

What do you use to record on your computer?

I use Cool Edit Pro 2.0

Regis wrote:I use Cool Edit Pro 2.0

Thanks! I'll check that out.

I use Pro Tools, but if you are looking for a good program for cheap, I would download Audacity. It is free and it has everything you would need to record and multi-track. For mics, I would suggest getting a Shure SM 58 or even a PG 58, they aren't to expensive and they will last forever. I think the mic is the most important thing when it comes to sound quality, so investing a little money in that makes a big difference. There is also the Blue Snowball, which is a condenser mic that plugs in direct through USB. I think that is one of the best for Podcasting.


-Kevin