How to start your own podcast

Speak up…

Do you think you have something worth saying? Maybe an experience you would like to share, a funny story you would like to tell, an interesting fact no one has heard about before…?

If so, starting a podcast might be a fun idea to entertain…

In the world of constant advertising, overwhelmed senses, and extreme loads of data spread across all media platforms, listening to one voice has gained in popularity. It is natural to want a little quiet, even if we do not let ourselves recognise it. People love to hear stories that empower, inspire, and entertain, so with the right positive attitude and a few technical skills the floor can be yours.

So, if there is something you would like to say, speak up!

What interests you…?

Is there a subject you could talk about for hours? Is there a certain aspect of your life, which you recognise as rather unique and interesting to share? Do you feel passionate about a certain topic? What would the show be about…? Would you prefer to interview or recite?

Regardless of your technical knowledge, the potential for starting a podcast is there already. You just got to make it happen. But first, realise your area of focus. With millions of creators delivering quality content on a daily basis the possibilities are endless. You can jump into a particular niche, which already exists, or take ‘the path less travelled’ and create your own… The only requirement for your success at this stage is your integrity.

So, think about it for a moment, what interests you…?

Equipped and ready.

With an idea in mind and enthusiasm in heart, it is time to get into the grits of it. You need to set up a channel and prepare the tools, which will ensure the successful launch of your creation. Do not worry about the costs and difficulties because it’s all rather small and easy…

When it comes to account setting, there is plenty of options to choose from. You can set your podcast primarily on Spotify or use one of the external platforms such as Buzzsprout and start from there. Some providers offer a free-of-charge opportunity, whereas others will expect a small monthly fee to begin with. Either or, there won’t be much to pay for initially. The amount of content stored online is what ‘kicks the prize up a notch’, so with a reasonable framework you can make the most of the least resources.

It’s a good attitude to practice.

With technological advancement working its leaps across the globe every day, there is nothing you cannot do on a budget. Audacity – a music edition programme is available for free, whereas a good quality microphone won’t take away more than about forty to fifty pounds from your pocket. Now, all you need to get started is a quiet space, a laptop, some earphones, and you’re good to go!

All the ‘buts’ and ‘ifs’…

With the start of anything new, there is a tendency to feel anticipation and unease, oftentimes even when facing a challenge that excites us. That is a natural reaction of our comfort-loving egos and their bodily-based representatives.

Do not worry about the anxiety you feel, it’s okay.

First, let’s take a look at the invisible. The voice. Yes, you know what I mean… Your voice.

Feeling insecure about the way we sound when recorded is normal. It’s a part of the mystery of our identity. Since we never hear ourselves without speaking at the same time, our recognition of the made sound and melody is extremely distorted. We just don’t know how we sound. It is also fine and should not be taken too seriously. It might sound difficult to accept at first, but you will get used to your voice recorded, so do not stop.

Secondly, the audience. Oh, the audience. Yes, I mean those few lucky listeners that might take a peek at what you’re creating. Initially, you’ll worry about them, but after some time you’ll just love them and let them be. Because there is nothing you can do to change them. People decide for themselves what they do at any given moment, so expecting everyone to suddenly drop their activities and listen to your talk is rather absurd. You might be listened to, you might not. Accept it.

But since you’re doing this for yourself does it even matter…?

The third big ‘if’ touches the delicate subject of commitment and resilience. This is the hurdle, which you will never fully overcome, as it in itself is a process without an end. The question is – are you willing to continue no matter what…?

From my experience with (Un)usual Stories I can only say one thing – keep going. There will be times you doubt your work is even worth listening to, but if you truly love it and want to put it out there, you got to persevere. As G.K. Chesterton said, “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing badly”.

Ready, set, record…

With the simple tools, free-of-charge services, and all-inclusive platforms you are able to start your podcast right here, right now…

It is true that there might be thousands of podcasters wanting to gain an audience and put their work out to the public just like you do, and that’s okay! It truly is. Thanks to your unique perspective on whatever you wish to speak about, you are going to make it anyhow. The only thing that truly matters is your dedication and the time you are willing to spend on your content. Sometimes it will be a few hours, sometimes a few minutes, but whatever it might be, it is up to you.

Without a try, you’ll never know. Maybe it will become a great success. But regardless of the scale of its success, it will certainly be an adventure worth living.