How to Start a Podcast

Interview & show notes

• Make sure you’re prepared for your podcast interview with a list of questions.
• Put all paper notes on a device to avoid paper rustling and avoid pens that click..

Alerts/interference

• Turn off alerts or sounds on your computer, Alexa, your watch, and smartphone.
• Keep your cell phone away from your computer; it might interfere with transmission.

Computer

• Are all cords connected/plugged in?
• Is your computer sluggish? Do you need to reboot or update?
• Is EVERYTHING fully charged with enough memory or space for your recording?
• Close all programs except the one you are using to record.

Headphones

• Use a wired connection for mics, headphones, etc., to avoid wi-fi cut-outs or lapses.
• If wireless is all you have available, it’s not the end of the world.

Microphone

• If you have an external microphone, use it!
• If you have a mic connected, make sure it is selected rather than the built-in mic.

Internet

• Make sure that your bandwidth is at least 1.5Mbps up / 1.5Mbps down.
• You can do a bandwidth test for speed here.

Personal

• Keep gestures to a minimum if you are recording audio only — focus on your voice!
• Do you need water? Chapstick?
  
  

Co-host checks

• Check with your co-host — are they prepared also? Have they reviewed this list?
• Are they recording locally as a backup?