How to Podcast?
 

Currently fooling around with the idea of transcribing some of my history journals as podcasts, but it looks a little daunting. Has anyone done a podcast, and if so, is it difficult/expensive/worth doing? Any tips or help appreciated.

Podcasts are just a fancy term for what essentially just boils down to "recording yourself talking," whether its alone or with others/guests. If you want your podcast on a service like Spotify you have to put in some work and money, but otherwise it really is just as simple as having a microphone and any sound recording software. Audacity is free and can do the job perfectly fine. Make sure while you're talking that your volume is loud while not clipping, then just upload your recording wherever you want. Staple it onto some still images and put it on Youtube, or check out some of the options for podcast hosting, this link shows you a bunch:

https://www.adamenfroy.com/podcast-hosting

I do record my own because getting friends to do it with you almost never works out. I record in some third-party "came with the computer" software. Save it as an mp4 and upload it to Audacity.

You can probably pick up the major components of Audacity (which is free) in an afternoon. A few tips I go by:

1. If you're going to pause, or don't know what to say, hold it. It makes editing in post-production a lot easier.

2. Write down a few bullets and use those to make sure you're not going way off the rails. If you're bad at that, get a moderator.

3. There are tons of free sites that have free music for podcasts. Use those. Do not attempt to snip your favorite tune.

4. When trying to build an audience, you want to start as niche as possible. There are hundreds of History podcasts out there. Why would someone listen to yours? Because they want more details on X. Do that. Play to your strengths.

Too bad podcasts don't have subtitles, you ****ing mick.

Thanks guys. The articles I read made it seem pretty complicated, but you make it sound a lot easier and immediate. My intention is to begin with the History of Ireland, and since I'll be basically reading from my journal on that, I don't think I'll run into any problems with pauses. Appreciate the input and advice.
Can you read these subtitles?

#1 To clarify, you're going to have stumbles, outside noises, etc. When that happens, count to 3 in your head - it makes it easier while editing.

#2 - Do not read from anything. Bullet points to keep it moving. If you read from something it's going to sound like you're reading from something. And if it sounds like you're reading from something it's going to suck.

And I checked. There's hella Irish history podcasts. You're gonna want to sound different.

I'm off to get a sex change then. ;)

Usually "transcribe" means writing down or typing out what you hear. eg you were busy transcribing a Joe Rogan podcast last night. It goes from audio to printed form, not the other way around. You wouldn't say that the prime minister is "transcribing" the teleprompter during his speech.

You know you'll have to read what you wrote, right? I suggest keeping a glass of water, throat lozenges handy - cause you'll be doing a lot of talking. You don't want to sound parched half way through.

You will want a sponge or screen for your microphone. The sponge/screen acts like a filter for those unwanted popping sounds by blocking excessive air coming from plosives especially bilabial plosives.

Use contractions as often as possible as you often do in conversations with other people. Unless when you want to stress something, then don't use contractions. Bypass the contractive form and use vibrato and cadence in your speech to punctuate the importance of what you are saying. eg "The Irish king should not have crossed the leprechauns."

Don't just read what you wrote. Know what you are saying when you are saying it at every given moment. Be wrapped up in the story you are telling. If not it will sound monotonous, just a bland recital of words.

I had no idea Nea is a member of Toastmasters.