podcasting tips – 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 podcasting tips – 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!!

]]> Shannah Game – Wild Business Growth Podcast #270: Everyone’s Talkin’ Money https://maxpodcasting.com/shannah-game/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 02:03:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=8209 Whether you like it or not, you have a relationship with money. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Shannah Game. Shannah is the Award-Winning Host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 270: Shannah Game – Everyone’s Talkin’ Money

Shannah Game, the Award-Winning Host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, joins the show to share her journey from starting a film festival in college to launching the top-ranked podcast with over 24 million downloads. Hear how to approach money as an entrepreneur, manage stress related to money, how much to spend on travel, how to start a successful podcast, and the best burger in Asheville. This episode covers everything from Financial Forgiveness to Assembly Hall. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How did Shannah come up with the idea for a film festival
  • What did she learn from her first entrepreneurial journey
  • Where did her interest in the financial space come from
  • What made Everyone’s Talkin’ Money so successful in the early days
  • How do you change the name of your podcast
  • What are Shannah’s top financial tips
  • Shannah’s Brain Bubbles
  • What does she like about giraffes

Connect with Shannah at EveryonesTalkinMoney.com.

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

Show Notes

Shannah Game - Wild Business Growth Podcast #270: Everyone's Talkin' Money
Go Hoosiers!
Everyone's Talkin' Money
Shannah Game - Wild Business Growth Podcast #270: Everyone's Talkin' Money

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 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 Shannah Game 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 tell them about Everyone’s Talkin’ Money as well. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Krystal Proffitt – Wild Business Growth Podcast #203: Binge-Worthy Strategist, Confident Content Creation https://maxpodcasting.com/krystal-proffitt/ https://maxpodcasting.com/krystal-proffitt/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2022 10:08:10 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=5972 Ready to get poddy-trained on content creation? Couldn’t resist. This week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Krystal Proffitt, has your back when it comes to confident content creation. Krystal is the Content Strategist, Coach, and Host of The Proffitt Podcast and The Poddy Report. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 203: Krystal Proffitt – Binge-Worthy Strategist, Confident Content Creation

Krystal Proffitt, the Content Strategist, Coach, and Host of The Proffitt Podcast and The Poddy Report, joins the show to share her journey from stay-at-home mom to helping entrepreneurs start, launch, and market their content. Hear how to become a confident content creator, repurpose content, create a solo podcast, wild fun facts about Krystal, and her favorite moments from The Office and Office Ladies. This episode covers everything from toilet jokes to sounding like an idiot. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How did Krystal get the nickname Moose
  • What did she learn from being a stay-at-home mom
  • Why does content repurposing lighten the load for any content creator
  • How long should you spend planning out repurposed content
  • The hardest thing in the world
  • An accidental Texas accent
  • Worst segue of all time
  • How often does Krystal get accused of having a toilet podcast

Connect with Krystal at KrystalProffitt.com.

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

Show Notes

Krystal Proffitt - Wild Business Growth Podcast #203: Binge-Worthy Strategist, Confident Content Creation
The Most Proffitt-able Picture of All Time
Krystal Proffitt The Poddy Report - Wild Business Growth Podcast #203: Binge-Worthy Strategist, Confident Content Creation
Find the toilet girl
Krystal Proffitt - Wild Business Growth Podcast #203: Binge-Worthy Strategist, Confident Content Creation

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, 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 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 Krystal Proffitt 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 don’t let those toilet puns go down the drain. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> https://maxpodcasting.com/krystal-proffitt/feed/ 2 Arielle Nissenblatt – Wild Business Growth Podcast #190: Podcast Connoisseur, Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective https://maxpodcasting.com/arielle-nissenblatt/ Wed, 27 Apr 2022 18:11:57 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=5586 Community, Curation, Consumption. They’re all important in the world of podcasting. This week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Arielle Nissenblatt, hits the hat trick. Arielle is the Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective and Community Manager at SquadCast. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 190: Arielle Nissenblatt – Podcast Connoisseur, Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective

Arielle Nissenblatt, the Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective and Community Manager at SquadCast, joins the show to share her journey from avid podcast listener to expert curator and community-builder. Hear how to build a community around your podcast, the art of curation, how to listen to more podcasts, find a balance between podcasts and music, and her all-time favorite trivia question. This episode covers everything from spectacles to maps. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • When did Arielle fall in love with podcasts
  • How did she start working at SquadCast
  • What does pedagogical mean
  • When did Arielle realize there was an opportunity to curate podcasts
  • What is behind the art of podcast curation
  • How do you listen to more podcasts
  • Are there any side effects of listening to podcasts at a faster speed
  • What does Arielle love about Geography

Connect with Arielle on Twitter @AriThisAndThat.

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

<

Show Notes

  • Intro & No-Podcast Scenario
    • [0:33] Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool
    • [0:43] Connect with Arielle on Twitter @AriThisAndThat
    • [2:14] Spectacular!
    • [2:50] What would Arielle be doing if podcasts didn’t exist
    • [3:41] What the hell
    • [4:08] Now that’s something
    • [5:05] When did Arielle fall in love with podcasts
    • [6:38] 89.3 KPCC
    • [7:04] They heard that!
    • [7:34] Marketing, Escapism
Arielle Nissenblatt - Wild Business Growth Podcast #190: Podcast Connoisseur, Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective
My best picture yet!
Arielle Nissenblatt - Wild Business Growth Podcast #190: Podcast Connoisseur, Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [40:08] Weeeeeeeeeirdo
    • [40:19] NY vs. LA
    • [40:34] What does Arielle love about Geography
    • [40:39] Cartography
    • [40:46] What is a quirk Arielle has
    • [41:02] Zoom
    • [41:18] What’s Arielle’s all-time favorite trivia question
    • [42:09] Connect with Arielle on Twitter @AriThisAndThat
    • [42:23] What are Arielle’s Final Thoughts
    • [43:01] Follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And 5 stars on Apple Podcasts & Spotify if you’re feeling super nice
    • [43:19] Check out the Wild Business Growth Podcast on GoodPods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [43:24] Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn @MaxBranstetter
    • [43:30] 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
Arielle Nissenblatt - Wild Business Growth Podcast #190: Podcast Connoisseur, Founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective

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, 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 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 Arielle 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 together, forever and ever and ever and ever. 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 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.

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