A few days ago I had someone ask me how hard podcasting was. Well, I know it’s really easy. But, even after explaining it, the person asking me thought it hard. There are many sites out there that explain how to do it. And many of the web sites of podcasters show how they do it. But, I thought I’d make it very simple. I am working with a good friend on the creation of a men’s health/lifestyle type of format. And I’m starting today on my Speaking German podcast (inspired by the Speaking Italian one I found on iTunes’ podcast directory.) And with the sad state of TV and radio, and the difficulty with which to publish and distribute books, the world needs more people creating and publishing podcast.
First, podcasts can be video or audio. Before I detail what you need for each, let’s start with what you need for both.
First, GET A MAC! Now, I don’t dislike Windows. When I bought my first XP, P4 box back in 2001, I hated Mac OS and the Mac itself. XP though is long in the tooth and there aren’t a lot of cool built in apps. The Max OS, OS X, is great. It’s fast and runs on UNIX, a proven OS for some of the most intensive uses. More importantly though is the inclusion of the iLife suite. iLife contains iMovie, iPhoto, iDVD, iWeb and GarageBand. These are all you need to create your podcast, video or audio. I have a 2005 model 12" PowerBook with an audio in jack. You’ll need the audio-in jack. If you don’t have a Mac, you can still use a PC with some software such as Adobe Premier. But, it’s expensive.
Second, get high speed internet access. If you dont’ have this, you can’t really upload or download podcasts.
Third, get a good mixer board. I have the Behringer Eurorack UB1002.
Fourth, get a condensor microphone. I have the Behringer C1 Studio Condenser Microphone.
Fifth, get a microphone cable and a mini-jack to component audio cable.
Sixth, get a microphone stand. I have a Quik Lok Tripod Boom Mic Stand
You’re ready now. If you want to produce video, get a digital video recorder. I have a sony that support the MiniDV tape format. I can plug it to my Mac and iDVD and iMovie both can recognize the recorder and allow me to control the device and download the movies using the Mac to control the recorder.
Next, after you’ve created your podcast, you need a place to put it. Since I want this to be VERY easy for you, I will recommend Libsyn. Just get a subscription and then you can easily upload your files. Libsyn will provide a site (actually a blog site) and as well provide a you a URL to the podcast. Once you have this, you can submit the URL to iTunes and if accepted you have a very public directory to your file. Even more, you then get an iTunes URL (which is linked to your Libsyn URL) and thus can use the iTunes logo linked to your iTunes URL which make it a one touch subscribe mechanism to get your podcast into somebody’s iTunes.
Now, you can do a lot more than this to have a successful podcast. But, if you’ve gotten this far, you’re doing well.
Let me know if you try this and have been successful. Or if you have questions too.
