Starting Your First Storytelling Podcast
What Is a Podcast?
Let’s start with the question: What is a podcast? A podcast is a series of audio files that are posted by the creator in installments. The listener can download the podcast file to a computer or a mobile device. Subscribers automatically receive the next installment.
Who Listens to Podcasts?
There are millions of people listening to podcasts right now and the numbers are growing. Podcast listeners include people who have an interest in a special topic, people who’s preferred learning modality is audio, people with long commutes … basically all kinds of people. If someone likes to listen to audio books, there’s a good chance that they would enjoy listening to a storyteller share stories through podcasts.
What Will My Podcast Be About?
Well, that’s up to you. It could be strictly storytelling. Or you could include interviews and other content. If you decide to include music, make sure that you have the rights to use that music. Most recordings are not available to use on podcasts (even for a short clip) without payment or permission.
How Do I Get Started?
- Listen to some podcasts. Get an idea of what you like.
- Make a plan for your podcast. Title? Theme? Content? Will it be weekly or monthly?
- Gather the equipment that you need. If you don’t have any recording equipment, you can start with just a lavalier mic and recording app on your phone or even just your phone.
- Try out a recording. Tweak as needed.
- Decide where you will make these files available. On your own website or a podcast host?
- Let everyone know that your podcast is available.
Does podcasting sound like something you’d like to try? Here is a link to a more detailed guide by one of the more popular hosting services, Buzzsprout.
Things to Consider
- Do you have the time and interest to put out installments of your podcast regularly?
- Is the audio that you have created of a high enough quality? Static, shifts in volume, and other audio issues can turn the listener off even if the content is good.
- Do you have all of the permissions that you need for music and recordings created by others?