TL;DR: You can launch a podcast for under $150. Define your concept, get a USB microphone and headphones, choose free recording software, publish through a podcast host, and submit to directories. Most new podcasters overthink equipment and underthink content planning—flip that priority. The best time to start was yesterday; the second best time is now.

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Table of Contents

• Should You Start a Podcast?
• Define Your Podcast Concept
• Essential Equipment: What You Actually Need
• Recording Software and Tools
• Recording Your First Episode
• Editing Basics: From Raw Audio to Published Episode
• Choosing a Podcast Host
• Submitting to Directories
• Your First 10 Episodes: Building Momentum
• Setting Up Professional Workflows From Day One
• Common Mistakes New Podcasters Make
• FAQ

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Should You Start a Podcast?

There are over 3 million podcasts in existence, but here's what that number doesn't tell you: fewer than 20% publish regularly. The barrier to entry isn't competition—it's commitment.

Before you buy equipment or record anything, answer these questions honestly:

Do you have something specific to say? The podcasts that last aren't "about" general topics—they're about specific angles on topics. "Marketing podcast" is too broad. "B2B SaaS marketing for bootstrapped founders" has legs.

Can you commit to consistency? Podcast success comes from showing up repeatedly. If you can't commit to at least 20 episodes, you probably shouldn't start. The audience you want won't find you in the first 5 episodes.

Are you doing this for the right reasons? If you're starting a podcast because you heard it's good for business, you'll quit when it doesn't generate revenue in month two. If you're starting because you genuinely want to explore topics and connect with people, you'll push through the early slump.

Podcasting is one of the most rewarding creative pursuits available. The intimate connection with listeners, the conversations you'll have, the community you'll build—none of that shows up in download numbers. But you have to be in it for those rewards, not the vanity metrics.

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Define Your Podcast Concept

The concept phase is where most new podcasters spend too little time. Rushing to record before you've thought through format, audience, and positioning leads to a podcast that doesn't connect.

Find Your Specific Angle

Every successful podcast occupies a specific niche. Not "business" but "solopreneur businesses." Not "health" but "strength training for people over 40." Not "technology" but "how technology affects family life."

Your angle should be narrow enough that when someone discovers your show, they think "this is exactly what I was looking for." That specificity attracts devoted listeners rather than casual ones.

Choose Your Format

Different formats suit different goals and personalities:

Solo commentary: You share your expertise or perspective directly. Lower coordination overhead, but requires confidence and preparation. Works well for thought leadership and teaching.

Interview format: You host conversations with guests. Easier to fill time (your guest brings content), but requires booking effort and good interviewing skills. Great for networking and variety.

Co-hosted discussion: You and a partner explore topics together. Natural chemistry makes episodes feel alive, but scheduling becomes harder. The partnership needs to survive creative differences.

Narrative/storytelling: Heavily edited, often scripted content. Highest production burden but potentially most engaging. Requires writing skills and significant editing time.

Most beginners should start with either solo or interview formats. Co-hosted and narrative formats add complexity that new podcasters rarely need.

Name Your Show

Your podcast name should do one of two things: describe what the show is about, or be memorable enough to search for.

Descriptive names work for discoverability: "The SaaS Marketing Podcast" tells you exactly what you're getting. People searching for SaaS marketing advice might find it.

Creative names work when your marketing muscle is strong: "How I Built This" only makes sense once you know the show. But with NPR's marketing power behind it, the creative name becomes an asset.

For new podcasters without existing audiences, lean toward descriptive names. You can always rebrand later—but you can't rebrand if no one ever found you in the first place.

Episode Length and Frequency

There's no universally correct episode length. What matters is consistency and matching your content.

15-30 minutes: Good for focused, tactical content. Respects listener time. Daily shows often use this length.

30-60 minutes: The sweet spot for most interview shows. Long enough for depth, short enough to complete in a commute.

60-90+ minutes: Works for deep dives and passionate audiences. Don't default to this length without a reason.

For frequency, weekly is the standard starting point. It's frequent enough to build momentum, manageable enough to sustain. You can always increase later.

Bottom line: pick a length and frequency you can maintain for 50 episodes, not what sounds impressive.

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Essential Equipment: What You Actually Need

New podcasters consistently overspend on equipment and underinvest in content. Your first listeners won't care about microphone specs—they'll care whether you have something worth saying.

Starter Setup ($100-150)

This is what you actually need to start:

USB Microphone ($60-100): The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB ($79) or Samson Q2U ($70) are industry standards for beginners. Both offer USB and XLR connections, giving you an upgrade path later.

Headphones ($30-50): Any closed-back headphones work. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49) or Sony MDR-7506 ($79) are reliable choices. You need to hear yourself clearly while recording.

Pop Filter ($10-15): A simple mesh filter prevents plosives (harsh "p" and "b" sounds) that make recordings sound amateur.

That's it. $100-150 gets you audio quality better than many established podcasts. The microphones mentioned record directly to your computer via USB—no interface or mixer required.

Intermediate Setup ($300-500)

Once you're committed and want better sound:

XLR Microphone ($100-250): The Shure SM58 ($99) is nearly indestructible and sounds great. The Rode PodMic ($99) was designed specifically for podcasting. The Shure SM7B ($399) is the aspirational standard but genuinely overkill for new podcasters.

Audio Interface ($100-150): The Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($110) or PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 ($100) convert XLR microphone signals to USB. They also provide gain control and monitoring options your USB mic lacks.

Boom Arm ($25-100): Gets the microphone off your desk and eliminates vibration noise. The Rode PSA1 ($99) is the standard recommendation; budget arms around $25-40 work fine.

What You Don't Need (Yet)

Skip these until you've published at least 20 episodes:

• Acoustic treatment (record in a closet first—clothes absorb echo)
• Mixer or multi-channel interface (unless you're recording multiple people in one room)
• Multiple microphones (remote guests use their own equipment)
• Professional studio space (your bedroom closet sounds better than most "studios")

The podcasters with the best equipment often have the worst shows. Invest in content first, equipment second.

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Recording Software and Tools

Your recording software matters less than you think. Any of these options will produce professional results.

Solo Recording

Audacity (Free): Open-source and cross-platform. Interface is dated but functional. Handles basic editing and recording without issues.

GarageBand (Free, Mac only): If you're on Mac, GarageBand is surprisingly capable for podcast recording and basic editing.

Hindenburg Journalist ($95/year): Purpose-built for spoken word. Automatic leveling and intuitive editing. Worth considering once you're committed.

Adobe Audition ($23/month): Professional-grade tool with a learning curve. Overkill for most podcasters but powerful if you need advanced features.

Remote Interview Recording

Recording guests remotely requires different tools than solo recording:

Riverside.fm ($15-29/month): Records each participant locally, producing studio-quality audio regardless of internet connection. The current standard for remote podcast recording.

Squadcast ($20/month): Similar to Riverside with local recording. Solid alternative with different pricing tiers.

Zencastr (Free tier available): Capable free option with local recording. Quality has improved significantly.

Zoom (Free tier available): Everyone has it, which matters for guest convenience. Audio quality is acceptable but noticeably worse than dedicated podcast recording platforms. Use only when guests refuse other options.

Why dedicated recording platforms? When you record through Zoom, you get compressed internet audio. When you record through Riverside or Squadcast, each person records locally at full quality, then the files sync. The difference is noticeable.

Recording Environment Tips

Your room matters more than your microphone. A $300 microphone in a echo-y room sounds worse than a $70 microphone in a treated space.

Quick wins for better sound:

• Record in the smallest room available (bathrooms aside)
• Closets filled with clothes are natural sound booths
• Hang blankets on hard walls
• Close windows and turn off HVAC if possible
• Put your phone on airplane mode

Professional podcasters often record in closets. There's no shame in it—the results speak for themselves.

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Recording Your First Episode

The moment of actually recording trips up more new podcasters than any equipment decision.

Prepare Without Over-Preparing

Have a clear outline, not a script. Bullet points of topics to cover keep you on track while allowing natural conversation. Full scripts sound robotic when read aloud.

For your first episodes, err on the side of more preparation. As you develop instincts for what works, you'll need fewer notes.

Don't Aim for Perfect

Your first recording will feel awkward. You'll stumble over words, pause too long, say "um" repeatedly. This is completely normal.

The best first episode you can possibly record will still be your worst episode. That's how skill development works. Perfectionism at this stage kills podcasts before they launch.

Record your episode. Accept that it won't be great. Publish it anyway. Episode 50 is when you'll find your voice—but only if you get through episodes 1-49 first.

Technical Recording Tips

Check your levels before recording: Your audio should peak between -12dB and -6dB. Too quiet means noise becomes audible when amplified later. Too loud means distortion that can't be fixed.

Record in a quiet time: Early mornings before traffic noise, evenings after households settle. Note which times in your space produce the least background noise.

Keep water nearby: Dry mouth creates clicking sounds in recordings. Sip water regularly, but give yourself a beat after swallowing before speaking.

Clap at the beginning: If recording separate audio and video tracks, a clap provides a visual and audio spike that makes syncing easy.

For Interview Episodes

Interviewing is a skill that develops with practice. For your early episodes:

Research your guest: Listen to other podcast appearances they've made. Note what questions they've answered many times—then ask something different.

Start with easy questions: Let the guest warm up before diving into challenging topics.

Listen more than you talk: New interviewers often jump to their next question before the guest has finished exploring an idea. Comfortable silences lead to deeper answers.

Record extra time: Schedule 15-20% more time than your target episode length. This gives you room to explore interesting tangents and still have material to cut.

For more on developing interview skills, see our guide on interview podcast tips for making guests sound great.

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Editing Basics: From Raw Audio to Published Episode

Editing transforms raw recordings into polished episodes. The good news: podcast editing is far simpler than video editing. The bad news: it still takes time to learn.

Essential Edits

These edits make the biggest impact with the least effort:

Remove long pauses: Silence longer than 2-3 seconds feels awkward to listeners. Trim dead air while keeping natural conversation rhythm.

Cut obvious mistakes: When you clearly stumble and restart a sentence, cut the false start. Leave minor verbal tics—over-editing makes conversation sound robotic.

Trim the beginning and end: Recordings often start with "Is this working?" and end with goodbyes. Cut to the actual content.

Level your audio: Your voice and your guest's voice should be similar volume. Most editing software includes normalization or compression tools that handle this automatically.

What Not to Edit

New editors often over-edit. Resist the temptation to:

• Remove every "um" and "uh" (some verbal pauses are natural)
• Create artificially smooth conversation (real talk has texture)
• Spend hours perfecting a single episode (good enough published beats perfect unpublished)

For a comprehensive guide to post-production, see our complete guide to podcast editing workflow.

Adding Music and Intros

A brief intro establishes your show's identity. Keep it under 30 seconds—listeners will hear it every episode and lengthy intros become annoying.

Music options:

• Royalty-free libraries: Epidemic Sound ($15/month), Artlist ($17/month), or free options like YouTube Audio Library
• Custom composition: Sites like Fiverr offer custom podcast intros for $50-200
• No music: Perfectly acceptable, especially for interview shows where conversation is the focus

Whatever you choose, consistency matters more than production value. Use the same intro and outro for every episode.

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Choosing a Podcast Host

Your podcast host stores your audio files and generates your RSS feed—the technical backbone that delivers your show to listeners.

What a Podcast Host Does

When you upload an episode to your host, they:

1. Store the audio file on their servers
2. Add episode information to your RSS feed
3. Distribute that feed to podcast directories (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
4. Provide basic analytics on downloads and listeners

You don't directly upload to Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You upload to your host, and directories pull from your host's RSS feed.

Popular Hosting Options

Buzzsprout ($12-24/month): Beginner-friendly with generous free tier (2 hours/month). Excellent customer support and educational resources.

Transistor ($19-99/month): Clean interface, unlimited shows on paid plans. Good for networks or multiple podcasts.

Libsyn ($5-150/month): The oldest major host. Reliable but dated interface. Pricing based on monthly upload storage.

Anchor/Spotify for Podcasters (Free): Owned by Spotify. Completely free but with tradeoffs: limited analytics, Spotify-first distribution, less control over your content.

Podbean ($9-99/month): Solid mid-range option with good monetization features built in.

How to Choose

For most new podcasters, Buzzsprout or Transistor offer the best combination of features, usability, and pricing.

Avoid free hosts for serious shows. When you don't pay, you're not the customer—you're the product. Free hosts have less incentive to prioritize your interests.

The exception: if you're purely experimental and not sure you'll continue, starting free is reasonable. Just be prepared to migrate if you get serious.

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Submitting to Directories

Once your host is set up and you've uploaded at least one episode, submit your RSS feed to podcast directories.

The Big Three

Apple Podcasts: Still the largest podcast directory. Submit through Apple Podcasts Connect. Approval typically takes 24-48 hours.

Spotify: Second largest and growing. Submit through Spotify for Podcasters. Usually approved within hours.

Google Podcasts: Important for Android users. Submit through Google Podcasts Manager.

Other Directories Worth Submitting To

• Amazon Music/Audible
• iHeartRadio
• Stitcher
• TuneIn
• Podcast Addict
• Podchaser

Most hosts provide one-click submission to major directories, simplifying this process significantly.

Before You Submit

Make sure you have:

• At least one published episode (directories won't approve empty feeds)
• Cover art at 3000x3000 pixels (minimum 1400x1400)
• A compelling show description with relevant keywords
• Proper category selection
• Explicit content tagging if applicable

First impressions matter. Your cover art and description are what potential listeners see before deciding to click play.

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Your First 10 Episodes: Building Momentum

The first 10 episodes are where podcasts succeed or fail. Not in download numbers—those will be modest regardless. Success means developing the habits and skills that let you reach episode 50 and beyond.

Batch Recording

Recording multiple episodes in a single session dramatically reduces the startup friction of podcasting. Instead of finding time to record every week, you find one longer block and knock out several episodes.

For solo shows, try recording 2-3 episodes per sitting. For interviews, schedule multiple guests on the same day. The efficiency gains are substantial.

Build a Content Calendar

Know what your next 4-6 episodes will cover. This prevents the panic of "what do I even talk about this week?" that derails many podcasters.

Ideas come more easily when you're not under pressure. Keep a running list of potential topics and add to it whenever inspiration strikes.

Establish Routines

Consistency comes from systems, not motivation. Decide:

• Which day you record
• Which day you edit
• Which day you publish
• How you promote each episode

Then protect those times. Treat podcast work like appointments you can't cancel.

Gather Early Feedback

Ask listeners what they want more (or less) of. Early adopters are often willing to share detailed feedback if you ask.

Create a simple way for listeners to reach you: an email address, social media DM, or voice message service. Respond to everyone in these early days—you're building a community.

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Setting Up Professional Workflows From Day One

Smart podcasters set up professional systems early, even when their audience is small. Two practices pay dividends immediately.

Transcribe Every Episode

Transcription transforms your audio into searchable, repurposable text. You should start transcribing from episode one—not because you need it now, but because you'll desperately want it later.

After 50 episodes, you'll have said thousands of things worth finding again. Without transcripts, that content is locked in audio files you'll never have time to re-listen to. With transcripts, you can search your entire archive in seconds.

Transcripts enable:

• Content repurposing: Turn episode discussions into blog posts, social content, and newsletters
• Show notes creation: Generate detailed notes in minutes instead of hours
• Archive search: Find any quote, topic, or guest mention across your entire catalog
• Accessibility: Reach audiences who prefer reading or can't listen

Modern AI transcription is affordable and accurate. The cost is negligible compared to the value you're locking away without it.

For more on why transcripts matter, read why every podcaster needs searchable transcripts and learn how to create show notes from transcripts fast.

Create Detailed Show Notes

Show notes serve multiple purposes:

• Help listeners find specific moments
• Provide SEO-friendly text for your website
• Give you shareable content for promotion
• Create reference material for return listeners

Include: episode summary, key timestamps, links mentioned, guest bio (for interviews), and a call to action.

This is another area where transcripts pay off—you can skim a transcript and create comprehensive show notes in a fraction of the time it takes from audio alone.

For best practices, see our guide on podcast show notes best practices.

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Common Mistakes New Podcasters Make

Learn from others' failures so you don't repeat them.

Waiting for Perfect

The podcaster who spent six months "getting ready" and never launched gets zero listeners. The podcaster who launched a mediocre first episode and improved over time builds an audience.

Your first episodes will be your worst. That's fine—hardly anyone will hear them anyway. Publish and improve.

Copying Successful Formats Blindly

Just because Joe Rogan does three-hour episodes doesn't mean you should. His format works for his audience, personality, and production resources. Find what works for you.

Inconsistent Publishing

Nothing kills podcast growth faster than erratic schedules. Listeners build habits around your show. When you disappear for three weeks, those habits break.

If you can't maintain weekly, commit to biweekly. Consistent fortnightly beats sporadic weekly every time.

Ignoring Audio Quality Basics

You don't need expensive equipment, but you do need decent audio. Recording in echo-y rooms, speaking too far from the microphone, or publishing without basic level adjustments signals amateur status.

Spend 30 minutes learning basic audio hygiene. It's not hard—it's just unfamiliar.

Not Having a Growth Strategy

"Build it and they will come" doesn't work for podcasts. You need a plan for how people will discover your show.

Options include:

• Guesting on other podcasts in your space
• Creating shareable clips for social media
• Building an email list
• SEO-optimizing your episode pages
• Cross-promotion with complementary shows

See our complete guide to podcast SEO for strategies that actually work.

Giving Up Too Early

Most podcasts quit before episode 10. The ones that succeed are often unremarkable until episode 30-50, when compound effects start showing.

The first year is hard. Downloads are small, feedback is sparse, and the work feels thankless. If you're not prepared for that, don't start. If you are, trust the process.

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FAQ

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

$100-150 for basic equipment (USB microphone, headphones, pop filter) plus $12-24/month for hosting. You can start for under $150 total, with ongoing costs around $15/month. Free hosting options exist but come with tradeoffs.

How long should my podcast episodes be?

There's no universal answer. Match your length to your content and audience. 20-30 minutes works for tactical content, 45-60 minutes for interviews, 60-90+ minutes for deep dives. Consistency matters more than hitting a specific number.

What equipment do I need to start a podcast?

Minimum: USB microphone ($70-100), headphones ($30-50), pop filter ($10-15). That's it. Everything else is optional until you're committed.

Should I script my podcast or use notes?

For most formats, bullet-point outlines work better than full scripts. Scripts tend to sound robotic when read aloud. Have talking points but let natural conversation happen.

How do I get guests for my podcast?

Start with people in your network. As your show grows, reach out to guests whose other podcast appearances you've enjoyed. Prepare thoughtful pitch emails that demonstrate you've done research. For detailed strategies, see our guide to booking podcast guests.

When should I start monetizing my podcast?

Not immediately. Focus on content and audience growth for at least your first year. Monetization options (sponsorships, memberships, affiliate links) work better with established audiences. Premature monetization distracts from the work that actually matters.

How often should I release new episodes?

Weekly is the standard starting point. It's frequent enough to build momentum, sustainable enough to maintain quality. You can adjust based on your capacity—consistent biweekly beats inconsistent weekly.

How do I grow my podcast audience?

Guest on other podcasts, create shareable clips for social media, optimize for search (show notes, transcripts), build an email list, and focus on making episodes worth recommending. Growth is slow but compounds over time.

Should I start with video or audio only?

Start audio-only. Video adds significant production complexity without proportional benefit for new shows. Once your audio podcast is established and you have capacity for more, consider adding video.

What makes a successful podcast?

Consistency (showing up regularly), specificity (clear angle and audience), and quality content (actually worth listening to). Equipment and production matter less than having something valuable to say and saying it reliably.

How long before my podcast gets listeners?

Expect 6-12 months of slow growth before momentum builds. Early episodes might get 50-100 downloads; that's normal. The podcasts that succeed are those that kept publishing through the slow period.

Do I need a website for my podcast?

Yes. Your podcast host provides a basic page, but a dedicated website gives you control, SEO benefits, and a hub for all your content. It doesn't need to be elaborate—simple landing pages work fine.

What's the difference between a podcast host and a podcast directory?

Your host stores your files and generates your RSS feed. Directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify) are where listeners find and subscribe to shows. You upload to your host; directories pull from your host's feed.

Photo by dlxmedia.hu on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-microphone-with-a-light-in-the-background-mWghYOJ8i1I

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Ready to Start?

Starting a podcast is simpler than most people make it. Define your concept, get basic equipment, record an episode, and publish. The complexity comes from consistency over time—not from the initial launch.

The best podcast is the one you actually create and publish. Don't let perfect be the enemy of getting started.

Set yourself up for long-term success from episode one. Searchable transcripts turn your episodes into a content library you can actually use—for show notes, blog posts, and never repeating yourself with returning guests. Start your free PodRewind trial and make every episode searchable from day one.