How to Start a Podcast | Michele LorentzUpdated 11 September 2020

I’m often asked about my podcast setup. Questions are often about the software I use, but I also get questions about what microphone I use, and which hosting service I podcast. Sometimes people ask me for help about just getting started.

Today, I received another question about my setup, so instead of typing up another email, I thought I’d just put it all here on my website. It’s something I can update from time to time too, because things are always changing.

So let’s start with my setup, software and hardware.

Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure) 
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support!

Hosting

I fortunately chose Libsyn for my hosting service. The choice was fortunate, because I could have chosen any number of other hosting services, any number of which could have caused me some grief and even regret. I’ll talk about all the things I love about Libsyn in a future update.

Recording, Editing & Sound

My preference is to use Skype, but I have a couple of fall back options, which I’ll cover in a future update. Recording the conversations is done with with the help of Call Recorder for Skype. My preference has always been to do Skype to phone, whereby I call my guest on their phone. However, I’m starting to play around with recording video for my episodes, so that I can do more than just audio on YouTube.

With Covid-19 came a huge uptick in the popularity of Zoom, so I now offer it as an option for my guests. I still prefer Skype, but Zoom does a decent job, and actually saves me the step of creating separate audio tracks (for guest & host).

In 2020 I decided to get serious about recording music. This decision drove me to purchase an 8-channel audio interface that would allow me to mic an acoustic drum kit. I also decided to upgrade my digital audio worsktation (DAW) to Logic Pro. I was previously using to edit my podcast, but realized that Logic Pro had all the features of GarageBand, and since I planned on using it for music, I figured I’d also use it for podcast editing. Unless you already use Logic Pro, I recommend using GarageBand for ease of use. Audacity is a nice option for Windows users.

I can also recommend Auphonic for final sound treatment. I’m using Logic Pro for final mixing, but Auphonic will make your life easier and it works well.

Hardware

My hardware setup consists of the following.

My audio interface would be overkill for most podcasters, but Focusrite has a great line of more affordable options available through Sweetwater and Amazon.

More gear recommendations at the end of this article

Episode Transcriptions

This is something new I’m doing, but it’ll be overkill for most beginners. I’m using a service called Otter.ai for episode transcriptions. It’s affordable and has a relatively easy to use interface for editing your transcriptions. Transcriptions will cost you additional time and/or additional money. This is an experiment for me. I’m curious to see what it provides in SEO juice and listener / reader feedback.

Why I Love Podcasting

I love the art of the interview. I also love all the new acquaintances I’ve been able to make. The super bonus of it is that I learn so much from my guests. Plus I get to share it with my listeners and email subscribers, to make your journey a little easier. Win-win. I confess to being a bit of a techie nerd, so there’s that too. Overtime I’ve learned it’s a great source of content for my email subscribers, blogs, social media and more. It’s a time consuming endeavor, but I really do enjoy it. You should too.

More Gear Recommendations

For new podcasters

USB mic option:

XLR mic option:

Audio interface option (required w/XLR mics):