Podcast Production – MaxPodcasting https://maxpodcasting.com Save time with your high-quality podcast Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:14:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.18 https://maxpodcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-MaxPodcasting_favicon_gold-32x32.png Podcast Production – MaxPodcasting https://maxpodcasting.com 32 32 Harry Morton – Wild Business Growth Podcast #338: Podcast Production Visionary, Lower Street https://maxpodcasting.com/harry-morton/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:00:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=10793 Take the risk. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Harry Morton. Harry is the Founder & CEO of Lower Street. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 338: Harry Morton – Podcast Production Visionary, Lower Street

Harry Morton, the Founder & CEO of Lower Street, joins the show to share his journey from getting fired for losing audio files to building the podcast production agency for top brands with a team of over 30 people. Hear how to start a podcast production agency, how to win big brands as clients, how to grow your podcast, how to start a successful video podcast, and what podcasts will look like in 100 years. This episode covers everything from podcasting tips to underpants. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What do you learn in an Audio Engineering course
  • How did Harry decide to start a podcast production agency
  • What are the most important roles in podcast production
  • Is podcast discoverability easier on YouTube than the traditional podcast platforms
  • What are the names of Harry’s cows

Connect with Harry at LowerStreet.co, on LinkedIn, and on X @PodcastHarry

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Harry Morton
Podcast Harry
Lower Street
  • Podcasting Tips & Podcasting Trends
    • [30:40] How do you start a successful podcast
    • [34:10] How do you grow your podcast
    • [38:15] How do you start a video podcast
    • [41:30] How Rich Is ‘Rich Enough’ to Fly Private? on Moneywise
    • [43:00] Is podcast discoverability easier on YouTube than the traditional podcast platforms
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [47:20] What are Harry’s Final Thoughts
    • [48:14] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [48:24] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Harry
    • [48:29] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [48:32] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [48:34] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [48:40] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Harry Morton - Wild Business Growth Podcast #338: Podcast Production Visionary, Lower Street

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Harry Morton on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And listen to a podcast with them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Anne Candido & April Martini – Wild Business Growth Podcast #321: ForthRight People, Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business https://maxpodcasting.com/anne-candido-april-martini/ Wed, 29 Jan 2025 07:42:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=10183 Don’t waste your time doing something you hate. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guests, Anne Candido & April Martini. Anne & April are the Co-Founders of ForthRight People and Co-Hosts of Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 321: Anne Candido & April Martini – ForthRight People, Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business

Anne Candido & April Martini, the Co-Founders of ForthRight People and Co-Hosts of Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business, join the show to share their journey from P&G and the agency world to helping businesses grow through strategy & brand building. Hear how to find your business partner, how to know when it’s time to pivot your business, how to use your podcast as your primary marketing strategy, how to batch your podcast recordings, and the song Anne can’t stand. This episode covers everything from Red River Gorge to red wine. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • Five or Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon
  • Where did the idea for ForthRight People come from
  • Yes, And
  • RFPs
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Brand Character
  • Skyline Chili
  • Martha Stewart

Connect with Anne & April on LinkedIn, ForthRight-People.com, and check out Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business. Stay tuned at the end of this episode for a special announcement about the Wild Business Growth podcast.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

Screenshot Anne Candido & April Martini
Dynamic Trio
Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business
Listen to Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business on Apple Podcasts & Spotify & at ForthRight-People.com
  • The Unusual: Pet Peeves, Quirks, and Weird Talents
    • [48:09] What’s Anne’s biggest pet peeve
    • [48:25] “Zombie” by The Cranberries, “Linger” by The Cranberries
    • [49:02] What’s April’s biggest pet peeve
    • [49:42] What’s a quirk April has
    • [51:25] What’s a quirk Anne has
    • [52:49] What’s a Weird Talent Anne has
    • [54:01] BOSU Ball
    • [54:39] What’s a Weird Talent April has
    • [55:01] Yaktrax
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [57:08] Skyline Chili
    • [57:26] What are Anne & April’s favorite alcoholic beverages
    • [57:42] Who would play Anne & April in the ForthRight People movie
    • [58:35] The Devil Wears Prada
    • [58:51] Martha
    • [1:00:00] Thank you spoth – whaaa?
    • [1:01:08] What are Anne & April’s Final Thoughts
    • [1:03:02] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [1:03:12] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Anne & April
    • [1:03:16] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [1:03:19] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [1:03:22] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [1:03:28] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Anne Candido & April Martini - Wild Business Growth Podcast #321: ForthRight People, Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Anne Candido & April Martini on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And listen to Strategic Counsel by ForthRight Business with them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Kenny Coleman – Wild Business Growth Podcast #163: Bourbon Techie, Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits https://maxpodcasting.com/kenny-coleman/ https://maxpodcasting.com/kenny-coleman/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:48:50 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=4845 Bourbon. Now that’s something. This week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Kenny Coleman, knows bourbon better than just about anyone out there. Kenny is the Co-Host and Executive Producer of Bourbon Pursuit and Co-Founder of Pursuit Spirits. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 163: Kenny Coleman – Bourbon Techie, Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits

Kenny Coleman, the Co-Host and Executive Producer of Bourbon Pursuit and Co-Founder of Pursuit Spirits, joins the show to share his journey from being a bourbon drinker to launching the top bourbon podcast in the world. Hear how to be efficient with your podcast thanks to automations, build a devoted community on Patreon, grow your podcast, Kenny’s top bourbon tips, and the Bourbon Trail of Rapid-Fire Q&A. This episode covers everything from bourbon tasting to coding. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What does Kenny’s bourbon collection look like today
  • A true pickle
  • What changes did Kenny make to help Bourbon Pursuit take off
  • How do you implement easy automations in your podcast process
  • What does Nike have to do with bourbon
  • How can you create an awesome podcast community on Patreon
  • What is the highest proof bourbon Kenny has tasted
  • How do you avoid a hangover when drinking bourbon

Connect with Kenny at BourbonPursuit.com, PursuitSpirits.com, and on social media at @BourbonPursuit.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

Kenny Coleman - Wild Business Growth Podcast #163: Bourbon Techie, Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits
Kenny drinks bourbon?!
Kenny Coleman - Wild Business Growth Podcast #163: Bourbon Techie, Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits
Kenny’s Pursuit United – the perfect blend of Kentucky, Tennessee, and New York
Kenny Coleman - Wild Business Growth Podcast #163: Bourbon Techie, Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur or innovator joins the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share the crazy creative and unusual ways they grew their business, and provides tips for you to do it, too. Hear the woman who became the voice of Siri, the man who’s reinventing the sandcastle, how GaryVee’s partners are turning the wine world upside down, and more wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Kenny Coleman on the Wild Business Growth Podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about it. They will pat you on the back, at least. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> https://maxpodcasting.com/kenny-coleman/feed/ 1 Dan Bennett – Wild Business Growth Podcast #153: The #Antipreneur, Founder of 1 Minute Media https://maxpodcasting.com/dan-bennett/ Wed, 21 Jul 2021 10:41:19 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=4610 How do you come back from losing everything? I’m talking losing your business, filing for bankruptcy, and severing ties with longtime friends and clients. That’s what this week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Dan Bennett, went through before figuring out how to turn his life around. Dan is The #Antipreneur and Founder of 1 Minute Media. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 153: Dan Bennett – The #Antipreneur, Founder of 1 Minute Media

Dan Bennett, The #Antipreneur and Founder of 1 Minute Media, joins the show to share his journey from losing his business and declaring bankruptcy to helping small business owners tell their stories through video. Hear how to get started with video content, edit videos faster, win back clients, what Dan learned from his 10-day wilderness retreat, and his diligent nap routine. This episode covers everything from video production tips to unplugging. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How did Dan bounce back from being down in the dumps
  • What was the most impactful thing that came out of his retreat
  • What is an #Antipreneur
  • How do you get started with video editing
  • How do you record your podcast intro and outro efficiently
  • The Literal “Shoutout”
  • What was Dan’s favorite song to cover while performing
  • The Grittiest Grit Ever

Connect with Dan at ImTheAntipreneur.com/LinkStack.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

Dan Bennett - Wild Business Growth Podcast #153: The #Antipreneur, Founder of 1 Minute Media
Just a couple of Zoom early adopters staring at each other
Dan Bennett - Wild Business Growth Podcast #153: The #Antipreneur, Founder of 1 Minute Media
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [41:57] Check out the Wild Business Growth Podcast on GoodPods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [41:58] Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @MaxBranstetter
    • [41:59] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – Jungle Tribe – provided by Jamendo
Dan Bennett - Wild Business Growth Podcast #153: The #Antipreneur, Founder of 1 Minute Media

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur or innovator joins the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share the crazy creative and unusual ways they grew their business, and provides tips for you to do it, too. Hear the woman who became the voice of Siri, the man who’s reinventing the sandcastle, how GaryVee’s partners are turning the wine world upside down, and more wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Dan Bennett on the Wild Business Growth Podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about it. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> What Makes Great Podcast Artwork? https://maxpodcasting.com/what-makes-great-podcast-artwork/ Mon, 26 Apr 2021 23:02:13 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=4209 Your podcast artwork is arguably more important than your podcast name. Think about it – seriously, think about your favorite podcast for a second. I bet their podcast artwork popped in your head. Your podcast cover artwork is the visual identity of your podcast. It takes up more space than your podcast name. It can make the difference between someone listening and someone scrolling past you without thinking twice. Effective podcast cover artwork should be intriguing, clear, and succinct. It needs to meet the size requirements for Apple Podcasts and beyond. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to partner with a talented design professional. Here’s what makes great podcast artwork.

Great Podcast Artwork Is…What?

Great podcast artwork is eye-popping and attention-grabbing.

In order to capture attention, you need to really jump out there and capture attention. Everyone is so time-crunched in their day-to-day and has so many things calling for their attention. Think how many social media posts you’ve looked at just this week. A very, very high number. This same “clutter” is rampant in the podcasting world as well. Great podcast cover artwork needs to stand out from the surrounding podcasts vying for attention. After all, your podcast is going to exist in a sea of millions of podcasts. You need to go with a design that makes people stop scrolling and go, “Whoa. What’s this? Let’s check it out.” (Ok, they don’t need to say those exact words in that order. But you get the point)

Vigilance Sports with Art Vigil Adam McGinnis MaxPodcasting
Vigilance Sports with Art Vigil

Great podcast artwork clearly shows your podcast name.

This sounds obvious, but its importance can’t be overstated. And I will do my best to overstate it. Your podcast artwork needs to clearly include your podcast name. That should be priority #1. Make sure it gets the time and focus it deserves. There’s a wide range of fonts and colors you can use, and there’s no right answer to what works best. Just make sure you include your podcast name, and it’s the biggest and easiest thing to read on the cover artwork. Your potential listener needs to be able to look at your artwork and know your podcast name in less than a second. *Snap* Just like that. Your podcast name is the most essential part of your podcast artwork.

My Best Business Mistake Sue Brooke Alignable Adam McGinnis MaxPodcasting
My Best Business Mistake with Sue Brooke & Alignable

Great podcast artwork makes clear what your podcast is about.

Yes, you already knew your podcast name should be clear. The main subject matter of your podcast should also be clear. What actually gets discussed on your podcast? What category does it fall in? You don’t need to be suuuuuuuper duuuuuper detailed, but you want your potential listener to have a good idea of what the podcast is about – just from looking at the cover artwork. Otherwise, they may not tap on the podcast at all, and will certainly never tune in. Integrate some helpful imagery into your design. Make some strooooong hints to the main topic of the podcast. Some subtle background designs can go a looooong way to doing that.

Givin' Props BetPrep Adam McGinnis MaxPodcasting
Givin’ Props by BetPrep

Great podcast artwork is simple enough to be legible as a tiny square.

This is a big one (get it). If you’re viewing this blog post on your computer, get up and look at it again from across the room. (Side note: realize this font is now too small. Sorry about that). And if you’re viewing on your phone, pinch to zoom out. That’s how small artwork often is when it gets viewed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and beyond. I’m talking 1-2 square inches. With that in mind, you need podcast artwork that looks great and is legible at that small size. Keep this in mind as you design your artwork. It’s fun to see your cover artwork blown up big in high quality, but the impact of the final result depends on whether the design packs a punch when small. Don’t overcomplicate it. If anything, oversimplify it.

The Marketing Playbook with Mark Friedman Adam McGinnis MaxPodcasting
The Marketing Playbook with Mark Friedman

What size should my podcast artwork be?

Speaking of size, your podcast artwork must meet the size requirements to publish on Apple Podcasts and other platforms. You don’t want to mess around here. If you fail to meet the required specs, your show may not get approved. That’s not a fun place to be. In most cases, meet the standards for Apple Podcasts and you’re set everywhere. Here they are:

  • 3000 x 3000 pixels
  • Max 72 dpi
  • JPEG or PNG
  • Under 500 kb

How do I create great podcast artwork?

The best way to bring these elements to life is to partner with a true professional who knows their way around awesome podcast artwork. For many of my clients and myself, we look no further than my go-to guy, Adam McGinnis. All the artwork in this post was created by Adam. He’s one of the most talented creatives I’ve ever met, and he’s had my “podcast artwork back” from the early planning stages of the Wild Business Growth Podcast to rocking it for many of my podcast production clients today.

Whether you work with Adam or find another design expert online (or offline), handing off the creation of your podcast artwork to a seasoned professional gives you the best shot at creating the stellar artwork you’ll want to show off again and again and again. Just make sure you share your ideas and inspiration, and stick to the essentials outlined in this post: make your podcast artwork thumb-stopping, include your podcast name as priority #1, don’t make the potential listener guess what the podcast is about, and make sure it works as a tiny square – with the required specs, for that matter.

If you have any questions on podcast planning, podcast production, or podcasting in general, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you found this post helpful, you’ll also enjoy “How Do You Edit Your Podcast in Audacity?” and any of the 140+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!

]]> Jason DeFillippo – Wild Business Growth Podcast #139: Award-Winning Podcast Producer, Tim Ferriss and Jordan Harbinger https://maxpodcasting.com/jason-defillippo/ Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:30:33 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=4114 What do the top podcasters do differently that sets them apart? And what drives someone to release over 500 podcast episodes? This week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Jason DeFillippo, knows both of these areas extremely well. He’s the Award-Winning Podcast Producer, whose work can be heard on Grumpy Old Geeks, The Tim Ferriss Show, and The Jordan Harbinger Show. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 139: Jason DeFillippo – Award-Winning Podcast Producer, Tim Ferriss and Jordan Harbinger

Jason DeFillippo, the Award-Winning Podcast Producer, joins the show to share his journey from coder and programmer to producing, editing, and hosting some of the top podcasts of all time. Hear why it’s important to edit your podcast, the crazy story behind the award-winning Jamie Foxx episode on The Tim Ferriss Show, what makes it possible to release over 500 podcast episodes, what sets top podcasters apart, and the most surprising thing Jason learned when he worked in the movie industry. This episode covers everything from podcasting tips to what Jason likes to photograph. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • Why did Jason retire from programming
  • How did he edit the award-winning Jamie Foxx episode on The Tim Ferriss Show
  • How can you edit your podcast faster
  • What kind of books does Jason geek out about
  • What can you do about 1-star reviews on your podcast
  • What is Jason’s biggest bet peeve aka favorite mic of all time
  • What guest made his jaw drop
  • What was it like working in the movie industry

Connect with Jason at jpd.me.

Enjoy the shooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

Jason DeFillippo - Wild Business Growth Podcast #139: Award-Winning Podcast Producer, Tim Ferriss and Jordan Harbinger
When you know you’re about to get edited down to 36 seconds
Jason DeFillippo - Wild Business Growth Podcast #139: Award-Winning Podcast Producer, Tim Ferriss and Jordan Harbinger
Must have been mid-Jamie Foxx edit
Jason DeFillippo - Wild Business Growth Podcast #139: Award-Winning Podcast Producer, Tim Ferriss and Jordan Harbinger

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur or innovator joins the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share the crazy creative and unusual ways they grew their business, and provides tips for you to do it, too. Hear the woman who became the voice of Siri, the man who’s reinventing the sandcastle, how GaryVee’s partners are turning the wine world upside down, and more wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Jason DeFillippo on the Wild Business Growth Podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about it. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> How Do You Edit Your Podcast in Audacity? https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-edit-your-podcast-in-audacity/ https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-edit-your-podcast-in-audacity/#comments Wed, 31 Mar 2021 02:13:52 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=3994 Audacity is one of the most common programs to edit a podcast with. It’s free, easy to use, and helps you turn your raw podcast recordings into high-quality final podcast episodes. There are plenty of more premium editing programs out there, but for most people Audacity is all you need to produce your podcast to life. In this guide, I’ll take you through how to edit your podcast in Audacity, and some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way that make the editing process more efficient. After all, it does take juuuuuuuust a bit of time (a.k.a. ~3-4 hours per episode). This post covers:

Settings and Prep in Audacity

First things first, you need to get Audacity on your laptop or computer if you don’t have it already. There are also some key watchouts when preparing to start your edit:

  • Download Audacity – Here‘s where you can download Audacity for Windows, Mac, and beyond. It’s free, and doesn’t take long to install.
  • Download the FFmpeg Plugin – This allows you to import and export a wider range of file types, including M4A – which you’ll need if you record any podcast interviews using Zoom.
  • Create keyboard shortcuts (see picture below) – That is, for the Audacity features you use the most. You can do so by going to Edit -> Preferences. Some of the most helpful shortcuts I use are for Save, Copy, Cut, Paste, Amplify, Silence, and Sync-Lock Tracks. It saves a loooot of time vs. dragging your mouse everywhere and everywhere and everywhere.
  • Wear headphones while editing – It doesn’t matter what type of headphones you wear (I use AirPods and they work great). The point here is 1. So you can clearly hear every detail when editing the tracks, and 2. Many podcast listeners tune in wearing headphones, so you want to edit the podcast with that same final sound in mind (and in your ears).
  • Take notes – There’s a ton to keep track of while you edit (get it). Keep your notepad out at all times and make note of the time stamps whenever you take a break, plus any spots where you’ll need to add something in later.
  • Save frequently – Also, save frequently. And while you’re there, save frequently. There is NOTHING worse than spending houuuuuuurs on hours editing your podcast episode, only for a freak phantom ghost power outage or computer crash to get rid of your progress and force you to start all over. And miss your episode release deadline while you’re at it. Save frequently. There’s no such thing as saving too much. Save-ty first.
  • Take frequent breaks – This is arguably the most important editing advice I can give. Take breaks. Lots of them. I’m talking quick breaks every 5-15 minutes of audio time you go through. Podcast editing is draining, and it plays with your mind because you’re staring at time stamps that say “10:00” – but it might take you 30 minutes or more “real time” to get that far. The best way to avoid burnout from podcast editing is by taking breaks. Once you get to a 5 or 15-minute milestone, hit save, stand up from your desk, walk around your place, go to the bathroom, refill your water, get some fresh air….do whatever helps you recharge, even if it lasts just a few minutes. It’s more necessary than pretty much anything possibly ever.
Audacity Keyboard Shortcuts
Learn the preexisting keyboard shortcuts for the commands you use most, and create your own shortcuts if they don’t exist

Editing for Volume in Audacity

Now that you’re prepped and ready to go, it’s time to edit your podcast! I like to approach podcast editing in 2 major phases: editing for volume, and editing for content. Both of these phases involve going through the episode from beginning to end, but there are some key differences in how closely you need to zoom in and listen for details. Here’s the first part: how to edit for volume in Audacity. Which is super important. Wait…you don’t love listening to podcasts that make your ears hurt or make you constantly adjust the volume?!

  • Open the MP3, M4A, or WAV file in Audacity – Make sure your headphones are connected to your laptop and open Audacity. Again, select the speaker option towards the top to select your headphones. Then, click File -> Open, and open your recorded tracks. If you have an interview podcast, I always prefer recording with separate tracks (you’ll see why in a bit). Once your tracks are lined up in Audacity, hit Save. Like clockwork, you should hit Save after every one of these steps, and more.
  • Change the Project Rate to 44100 Hz – Do this (in the lower left of Audacity) and save. It’s the most common sample rate for audio content.
  • Noise Reduction – What I like to do next is clean up any extra background noise throughout, using Noise Reduction. This is a 2-parter: 1. Select a few seconds of “silence” from the noisier of the 2 tracks. Then click Effect -> Noise Reduction -> Get Noise Profile 2. Then, select all of the content and hit Effect -> Noise Reduction -> Ok. If you’re looking closely, you’ll see the “silent” part of the tracks smooth out a little bit. Be careful to only use Noise Reduction once or twice, as too much Noise Reduction causes too much distortion (and maybe too much tuna).
  • Normalize – Next is Normalize. This is a good way to change the volume of the tracks one at a time. Select all the audio in one track, hit Effect -> Normalize, and try out a few different values of peak amplitude until the track is looking good to start. Typically this will be between 0 and -5.0 dB. You’ll want the average waveform/audio of the track to ultimately be as loud as (and line up with) the 0.5 to -0.5 marks on the left hand side. Do the same for your 2nd track.
  • Adjust volume – Now for your first pass going through the entire episode. Fear not, this one is quicker, and you can do it all visually after getting a feel for the first few seconds of sound. In fact, listen to a few seconds of each track to get a sense of the sound levels and what they look like, and then take out your headphones and put them away. You can do this part by eye. You can even listen to music or another podcast while you do it (it’s the most fun when it’s something completely different than what you’re working on). Zoom out a couple clicks, then go through both tracks at the same time from left to right, highlighting and making the audio content smaller when it’s clearly too big, and making it bigger when it’s clearly too small. The best way to do this is by selecting the portion of the track, hitting Effect -> Amplify, and putting in a positive/negative number to make the portion louder or quieter. You’ll typically only need to move things up or down by 3, since you already addressed the overall track volume with Normalize.
  • Silence (see picture below) – Finally, one of my favorite parts of editing: silencing out any extra background noise. Remember how I mentioned recording on separate tracks? This is huge here. Zoom out a couple more clicks, and go through the tracks, highlighting long moments of “silence” while the person on the other track is speaking. Do this by hitting Silence Audio Selection in the toolbar. You can essentially silence out all these moments, since there’s already sound coming from the other track. It’s even better when a loud truck, a crying child, a plane, lawnmower, or some other loud thing is going on in the background while the person on the other track is speaking.
Audacity Silence Audio Selection
“Silence Audio Selection” is all the way to the right

Editing for Content in Audacity

Now that you’ve fixed the volume of your tracks, it’s time to go back to the beginning of the recording and start editing for content. If you have 2 tracks, make sure to keep your tracks lined up. Here’s what to grim reaper-ize:

  • Take out filler words – Ummmmmmm, So, Well, Hmm, Basically…you know words like this, and hear them all the time in everyday conversation. It’s totally ok to keep some of them in, just don’t keep in too many to the point you start calling your guest “Um” out of habit.
  • Take out extra long pauses (see picture below) – Pauses are great, especially…………………the pregnant pause. They keep your listener interested and can cause a bit of drama and tension, which is often good. But not long pauses. Those are no fun. Take out pauses that are noticeably more than a few seconds and don’t add any value.
  • Take out anything repetitive or factually incorrect – Mistakes and repeats happen A LOT while recording. That’s totally cool. Sometimes there are little goofs that are funny to keep in. But if there’s something that gets repetitive, or will make you sound like a total Idiot of the Month unless you clean it up, go for it.
  • Take out anything that puts you to sleep while editing – This ones a bit harder to decipher, but try to remind yourself to notice when a particular section or couple-minute stretch feels particularly, extra, extra boring. The audio will always seem a bit more boring while editing since there’s so much start-and-stop, but if something reeeeeeeally has no energy and doesn’t add anything, take it out. You’re saving your listeners time, which they appreciate even if they never knew that bit existed in the first place.
Audacity Pauses
A little pause is always ok. A looooong pause has to add value, or it’s ok to remove it

Adding Finishing Touches in Audacity

Ok! The end is in sight. You’ve been through your podcast tracks multiple times from start to finish: for volume, and for content. Done editing, right?! Not quite, but almost there. Now’s the perfect time to add in the finishing touches. This is where the podcast production magic really happens:

  • Add in your intro teaser (see picture below) – Find a ~5-second snippet that makes for a great quote or a super intriguing teaser? Make a note of it, and once you get through the content, copy and paste that snippet at the absolute beginning of the episode. Remember to hit Tracks -> Sync-Lock Tracks before you paste, so the added seconds before the interview start are reflected on both tracks.
  • Add in your transition beats – Once you have your licensed music (I love finding tracks to license on Jamendo), play around and create a couple-second snippet that would make for a good transition beat. These work great as bookends to the interview, as well as between segments or main topics. This is also referred to as looping music.
  • Add in your licensed music – In addition to creating transition beats, you’ll also want to have a ~15-second intro and outro theme you create from that same licensed track. Insert the intro theme right after your teaser, and drop in the outro theme at the tail end of the tracks.
  • Add in your customized intro, outro, and ad – Here’s where a little extra recording on your end goes a looooong way. Record a spoken intro and outro that are <1 minute each. The intro should include a welcome (back), the name of your podcast, who you are, who the guest is, and the main 3 topics you discuss in the episode. The outro should include a thank you to the guest, thank you to your listeners, and your top call-to-actions: Follow on your favorite podcast platform, tell a friend about the podcast, and visit my website at blank-blank-blankety blank. And for extra credit, add in a short and shweet midroll ad if there’s a product or service you offer you’re looking to drive with the podcast. For all of these, the more personalized and genuine, the better.
Audacity Intro Teaser
I spy with my little eye an intro teaser

Wrapping Up in Audacity

Now for the best part…wrapping up your edit! Here’s how to finalize your podcast episode in MP3 format so it’s ready to be published and shared with the world:

  • Prep your ID3 tags (see picture below) – This is metadata that is often automatically displayed on your favorite podcast platforms. It’s key to insert this info now, when you save as an MP3. The key info you’ll want to have prepped is the Artist Name (Podcast Name), Track Title, Album Title (Podcast Name), Track Number, Year, Genre (Other), and Comments (Episode Description).
  • Export your episode as an MP3 – Finally, export that MP3! Once you have everything ready and your edit complete, hit File -> Export -> Export as MP3. You’ll get chills every time.
Audacity ID3 Metadata
The ID3 tags for Episode #130 of the Wild Business Growth Podcast with MLB Umpire Tim Timmons

Recap – How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity

That’s it, you’re done! Follow these steps and your podcast-editing bases will be covered. Turn your raw episode recording into a beautiful, polished podcast episode by prepping Audacity, editing for volume, editing for content, adding the finishing touches, and wrapping up. It’s a lot to take in and can be overwhelming at first, but trust me – it gets easier and quicker the more you do it. Just remember to save very, very, very frequently. And please, please, please take frequent breaks. Your brain will thank you.

If you have any questions on podcast editing in Audacity, podcast production, or podcasting in general, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you found this post helpful, you’ll also enjoy “How Do You Record a Podcast Interview Using Zoom?” and any of the 135+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on!

]]> https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-edit-your-podcast-in-audacity/feed/ 1 Why Should You Practice Recording Into Your Podcast Mic? https://maxpodcasting.com/why-should-you-practice-recording-into-your-podcast-mic/ https://maxpodcasting.com/why-should-you-practice-recording-into-your-podcast-mic/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:19:54 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=3689 If you’re a new podcaster, you may not have much experience speaking into a microphone. The good news is a little practice goes a long way when it comes to using your mic. Practice recording your podcast so you can get comfortable on the mic, avoid the dreaded “Announcer Voice,” and work on your mic technique. Here’s why it helps to practice recording into your podcast mic.

Practice Makes Podcast Perfect

One of the most important steps in your podcasting journey is buying your mic. You can do all the research, prep, and planning you want, but your podcast won’t start to feel real until you have that mic. My personal favorite microphone is the ATR2100x-USB mic. It’s by far the best bang for your buck, has quality similar to mics 3-4x its cost, works directly into your laptop (via USB cable) or into a recorder or mixer (via XLR cable), and is recommended and used by the best of the best, including Tim Ferriss and Pat Flynn.

Once you have your mic, the fun begins! You’ll be tempted to start interviewing people for your podcast right away. But hooooooold your horses. This is the moment that makes the difference between average podcasters and exceptional podcasters. Take some time to practice using your mic. I’m talking recording a bunch of test episodes – anywhere from 3 minutes to half an hour long.

After you’ve recorded each test episode, listen back to it. Yes, you will cringe. Yes, you hate the sound of your own voice. Yes, you really are that awkward (kidding! Except on my part). But something beautiful happens the more and more you practice recording: you become more comfortable. And being comfortable is everything when it comes to speaking into your podcast mic.

The Dreaded Announcer Voice

Now, there’s one big thing you’ll want to avoid when recording into your mic: what I call the “Announcer Voice.” You know when you’re watching a major sporting event, and the announcer yells, “HOLY COW, TOM, WHAT A GAME WE HAVE HERE!” There’s a certain tone and inflection that naturally makes sense for sportscasters and newscasters. As a podcaster, you’ll be tempted to take this same approach – you are projecting something into the world, after all. But you want to avoid this at all costs.

Podcast listeners relate best to your natural voice. Think about it – do you want to hear your favorite podcasters talk in forced, fake, overexcited voices all the time? Do what you can to be your natural self on the mic. Keep the conversational tone, and relax on that baby. The more you practice with this in mind, the more you’ll be yourself on the mic.

Practice Proper Mic Technique

There are a few other things to keep in mind as you practice recording into your mic, and they relate back to proper mic technique. These do vary a little depending on which mic you go with, so make sure to test and fine-tune:

  • Follow the 4-Finger Rule: Speak about 4 fingers width away from the mic, if you’re holding your hand up flat between your mouth and your mic. This ensures your mic picks up your natural voice without it sounding like you’re across the room.
  • Speak a little “past” the mic or to its side, not directly into it. Mics pick up the sound around them – the sound doesn’t need to be shoved down their throat.
  • Use a pop filter, shock mount, and boom stand to properly hold your mic. The pop filter (windscreen) cuts out popping noises and clicking sounds, the shock mount isolates the mic from other noise, and the boom stand is an adjustable arm that can suspend the mic in midair from the side of your desk.
Pop Filter - Why Should You Practice Recording Into Your Podcast Mic?
A pop filter makes your recording sound juuuuuust that much better

Practice Using Your Mic

Like anything in life, the more you practice using your mic, the better and more comfortable you’ll be. Practicing recording is all about getting comfortable on the mic, getting back to your natural voice (not the “Announcer Voice”), and fine-tuning your mic technique. It all starts with buying that microphone, and it might only take 3-5 short test episodes before you’re feeling comfortable and confident enough to start recording your podcast for real. Practice before you podcast, and take these mic fundamentals to heart.

If you’re excited to launch your podcast and would like some help with the more time-consuming parts of podcasting, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “How Do You Become a Better Podcast Interviewer?” and the wild tips from entrepreneurs in any of the 130+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

]]> https://maxpodcasting.com/why-should-you-practice-recording-into-your-podcast-mic/feed/ 1 How Do You Become a Better Podcast Interviewer? https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-become-a-better-podcast-interviewer/ Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:50:10 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=3594 If you have an interview podcast, you better become a good interviewer. An outstanding podcast interview keeps the guest the star of the show, while the host subtly makes the right decisions in the background to make the interview a success. Nothing sucks the life out of an interview like a host that botches the job. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to become better and better at interviewing. Here are 10 things you can do to become a better podcast interviewer.

10 Ways to Become a Better Podcast Interviewer

1. Prepare by listening to your guest on other podcasts

There are endless ways to research your guest before the interview, including their website, social media pages, and podcast (if they have one). In my experience, by far the best method is to listen to your upcoming guest on other podcasts. In every single interview you listen to, you learn something a little different about your guest, which helps spark questions and discussion topics for your interview. It also gives you a sneak peek at your guest’s personality, tone, and sense of humor. It always helps to research your guest online, but the best way to get a true understanding of your guest is to check out their previous podcast appearances.

2. Write down your bulleted outline before the interview

I always have a notepad in front of me for podcast interviews. And I always write down my bulleted outline at least 10-15 minutes before the interview. The best bits of podcast conversation come about naturally, but it’s suuuuper helpful to have your bulleted outline in front of you. That way, you know what other topics you need to cover before your guest has to hop off. I’m not talking a full script in front of you – I’m talking 5 bullet points down the page, with a few blank likes in between them to leave room for notes during the interview. Doing so with enough time before the interview starts gives you the peace of mind and confidence needed to deliver an outstanding interview.

3. Break the ice before the interview with a dad joke

Okay, it’s always a little awkward when you connect with your podcast guest for the first (or second) time. One of your jobs as podcast host is to break the ice ASAP. That could mean a dad joke, a compliment based on something cool you saw your guest just did, or a random thing you have in common. I’ve found laughs always get your guest in gear best, so let any bit of corniness and goofiness you have shine. What better way to pregame an interview than with laughing, smiling faces?! Break the ice and have some fun before you even hit record.

4. Kick off the interview with an original question

If you listen to a lot of different business podcasts, you’ll know there’s some sort of unwritten rule to start out each episode by asking the guest about their story. Screw that. Asking generally about your guest’s “story” has happened on every other podcast they’ve been on, welcomes an answer that goes on longer than needed, and might already be known by your podcast listeners. Find something surprising, curious, or unexpected about your guest, and start off the interview with a question they’re not expecting. It also serves as another icebreaker (ice-icebreaker?), and your listeners will thank you for the ear candy right out of the gate. Start that interview with a Dang!

5. Shut up and listen, listen, listen

This sounds harsh. But I was once told, “You know why you’re a good interviewer? You know when to shut up.” That doesn’t mean people don’t like to hear your voice. It means, people keep listening to your interview podcast for the entertaining and helpful guests you keep bringing on – not just because of the way you talk and ask questions. Keep the guest the star of your show, no matter what. And while you are being quiet (okay, that’s less harsh), keep your focus on listening. Any way you slice it, the interviews that flow best are due to the host identifying when to probe and when to move on. Pay attention to the words coming out of your guest’s mouth and what they mean.

6. Take brief notes during the interview

Remember that notepad? That thing is a lifesaver for your podcast interview. Take brief notes throughout the interview. And when I say brief, I mean 1-2 words Max (get it) at a time. For example, in this interview I did with Christoph Trappe, he asked me about the importance of listening while interviewing guests. I wrote down the word “Listening” once he brought it up, and was able to give a thorough answer since the note served as a brief reminder. The same thing applies when you’re the podcast host and your guest is talking. Notes on your notepad are the Post-Its or Meeting Reminders of the podcast world. Write it down and free your mind.

7. Ask questions your audience would love to ask

This one is more of a muscle you can strengthen over time. If your guest is giving an answer, and they say something that creates instant fireworks in your head of the “Ooooh” and “Hmmmm” variety, ask that question next! You’ll develop a strong sense over time of the golden time to probe. Ask yourself quickly, did that answer go deep enough? Or is there more, more, more to unpack here? When you ask a question your audience is actively wondering about, you’re sure to bring a smile to their face. And you may just win that listener for life.

8. Bring up a short personal story only when it adds to the interview

Again, your guest is the star of the show. Now, that doesn’t mean you can only ask questions and shut up/be quiet. Oftentimes, your guest will say something that triggers a memory of something from your lifetime. Think quick – If I share this anecdote, does it add anything? Humor, context, education? If not, and you’re going to end up talking for 3 minutes on “OMG saaaaaaaaame,” skip the personal story this time. Stories about yourself can put the icing on your interview cake, but too much icing isn’t good for anyone. Bring up personal stories only when it feels necessary.

9. Recognize when it’s time to move to a new topic

There’s a lot of talk about probing when it comes to interviews. I’m guilty of it in this post. The flipside of probing – sometimes more important – is recognizing when it’s time to move on. If there are 3 main topics you want to discuss with your guest, and you only have 30 minutes for the interview, you miiiiiight be in a bit of trouble if you’re still on Topic #1 at the 29-minute mark. Peek at the clock every 5-10 minutes so you can manage the topics and segments you’d like in the show. Additionally, look out for those moments when you find yourself getting bored discussing something with your guest. If you’re getting bored, your listener is likely getting bored, and it’s time to switch gears a little bit. There’s no shame in moving the conversation along.

10. Listen to your final interviews

How do you become a better interviewer after the interview? Listen to the final product. Yes, it can be painful, but there’s no better coaching than soaking up your own podcast episodes and critiquing your technique. This time, as an actual listener, keep an ear or two out for things you did well and things you can do better next time. Did you keep your guest the star of the show? Did you probe at the right times? Were there several things you were left wondering, or scratching your head as a listener? Give yourself some constructive criticism. Yourself will thank you(rself). Take some time to be your own podcast listener.

How Do You Become a Better Podcast Interviewer?
Interviewing American Diabetes Association CEO Tracey Brown for Episode #32 of the Wild Business Growth Podcast

A Better Podcast Interview Makes for a Better Podcast

That’s how you become a better podcast interviewer. Rock the prep, make smart decisions throughout the actual interview, and genuinely listen back after it’s final. Use brief notes as your anchor, know when to probe and when to move on, and always keep the guest the star of the show. There are small tweaks at every touchpoint that can add up to a masterpiece of an interview. If you find yourself lagging in any of these areas, make it a priority to improve on that aspect in your next interview. It’s incredibly rewarding to look back 20, 50, 100 podcast interviews ago and realize how much you’ve grown as an interviewer. Make your podcast the best it can be by becoming a better podcast interviewer.

If you’d like help with podcast production so you can focus your podcasting energy on bigger and better interviews, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “How Do You Launch a Podcast in Less Than 10 Days?” and any of the 130+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

]]> How Do You Launch a Podcast in Less Than 10 Days? https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-launch-a-podcast-in-less-than-10-days/ https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-launch-a-podcast-in-less-than-10-days/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2021 13:13:36 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=3420 Podcasts can take anywhere from days to years to launch, depending on how quickly you move through the planning process. In my experience, you can reasonably expect to launch your podcast in about a month if you stay diligent to your timeline. I recently partnered with BetPrep to launch their new podcast, Givin’ Props, and it was the quickest podcast launch I’ve ever been a part of. Here’s a look at the key decisions made each day to get the podcast launched in under 10 days.

**Please note** While these key decisions and actions were made during the course of 9 days, the team at BetPrep had of course been thinking about starting a podcast for much longer. They had all necessary equipment and personnel ready to go, which made this timeline possible.

What do you need to decide on to launch your podcast in less than 10 days?

Day 1 (Thursday) – Intro Call and Proposal Sent to BetPrep

A week after my friend Cody Darwick from Full Slate introduced management from BetPrep, management and I were able to connect for a quick intro call. In the call, we discussed the background for the podcast, what needs to happen to get it launched, and what it would look like to work together. I sent the proposal with all the details shortly after the call. Getting rolling right away was crucial for getting this launched efficiently.

Day 2 (Friday) – Test Episode Recorded and Shared for Feedback

Management sent over a test episode of the podcast, recorded by Host Michael Salfino and BetPrep’s Player Prop Guru Brad Feinberg. We agreed to listen to the episode individually and share feedback over a call on Monday. Getting the test episode together so quickly put Michael and Brad in a great place heading into the first official recording.

Day 3 (Saturday) – Previous Work Shared of Podcast Artwork Designer

I shared some past podcast artwork with management created by my awesome artwork contact, Adam McGinnis. Management requested an intro to Adam that night and expressed his goal to get the podcast and first episode launched by Friday. Podcast artwork is such an important consideration, it was essential to get this kicked off ASAP.

Day 4 (Sunday) – Introduction Made to Podcast Artwork Designer and Artwork Briefed

I introduced management and Adam over email that morning and included the key priorities for the design, as well as the key requirements for Apple Podcasts approval. It’s important to stick to those artwork size requirements, which are:

  • 3000 x 3000 pixels
  • Max 72 dpi
  • JPEG
  • Under 500 kb

Day 5 (Monday) – Podcast Name Decided, Licensed Music Options Shared, and Intro to Libsyn

Management and team finalized the podcast name, Givin’ Props, after researching availability and getting feedback on fit. I sent over 5 tracks of licensed music options to choose from based on the vision management and team had in mind, and pulled them from my favorite provider, Jamendo. I also shared directions for management to get an account set up on my favorite third-party podcast host, Libsyn. Sites like Libsyn provide a space for the podcast to “live” and create the RSS Feed, so the podcast and episodes can be pushed out to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.

Day 6 (Tuesday) – Licensed Music Decided and Show Set up on Libsyn

Management let me know which music track to license and provided confirmation on their new Libsyn account. Management, Michael, Brad, and Adam also connected for a quick chat on the podcast artwork after Adam sent his proposal. There were several quick phone chats throughout this week between management and I as well, which was super helpful for making quick decisions and discussing next steps.

Day 7 (Wednesday) – Podcast Description Decided and 1st Round of Podcast Artwork

Management sent over the draft podcast description, I gave feedback and we finalized it, and we finalized the show settings in Libsyn. Adam sent over the 1st Round of podcast artwork for review. Seeing potential podcast artwork for the first time is always one of the most exciting parts of launching a podcast – it’s getting real!

Day 8 (Thursday) – Music Licensed and 1st Round of Podcast Artwork Feedback

Management secured the music license for use in the podcast. We then connected for a quick call to discuss artwork feedback (after he consulted with his team), after which he gave 1st Round feedback to Adam. His feedback was exactly what it needed to be – feedback from lots of people, distilled down to the few most important points. It’s super key to stay actionable here as opposed to overwhelming with information.

Day 9 (Friday) – 2nd & 3rd Round of Podcast Artwork, Pilot Episode Recorded & Edited, Published to Libsyn, Submitted to Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Podcast Launch Day! What a day. Adam sent over Round 2 of the artwork in the morning. Management gave feedback, and Adam took the feedback and sent over the final podcast artwork that afternoon. Meanwhile, Michael and Brad recorded the 1st podcast episode that morning and sent it over to me for editing. I edited the episode that afternoon, integrated the licensed music, published the episode to Libsyn (creating the RSS Feed), and submitted the podcast to Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Ta-da!!! The first podcast episode was available to listen on Libsyn almost instantly, Spotify within a couple hours, and Apple Podcasts a few days later (Apple Podcasts can take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks to approve your podcast). As we got in a rhythm each week, I also shared Show Notes and audiograms to help market each episode. The best part – once you knock out all the key decisions we knocked out in the planning stage, it gets much easier to share a new podcast episode every week.

How Do You Launch a Podcast in Less Than 10 Days?
The final prop-duct: Givin’ Props. That’s how you launch a podcast in under 10 days

Make quick, smart decisions to launch your podcast in under 10 days

There you have it. You really can launch your podcast in less than 10 days. It all goes back to teamwork, clear communication, and quick decisions. Enormous credit goes to management, Michael, Brad, and the team at BetPrep for making this efficient launch possible, plus Adam and his crazy good, crazy speedy artwork skills for making it pop. Big thank you to Cody as well, who connected management and I in the first place. It was suuuuch a blast bringing this podcast idea to life so quickly, and I would do it on this timeline again in a heartbeat. You can listen to the final product on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

If you’d like to start your podcast or need help with podcast production, you can always reach me at max@maxpodcasting.com. If you enjoyed this post, you’ll also appreciate my blog post on “What Should You Name Your Podcast?” and any of the 125+ episodes of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. Thank you for your time. Pod on.

]]> https://maxpodcasting.com/how-do-you-launch-a-podcast-in-less-than-10-days/feed/ 1