Steps to creating a podcast episode:

1. Choose an idea 

The first step to recording a podcast is choosing the topic you will talk about for that episode. I like to keep a rolling list of ideas for episodes. I have a document in Google Drive with ideas that I am ALWAYS adding too. I also have tons of notes on my phone with ideas. Sometimes ideas will randomly strike me that I think will be good to teach on later and I never want to lose them. I will type it all into my phone while pacing around my house just to get it out of my brain! But it all starts with an idea! 

2. Outline the episode

For every episode, I create an outline on Google Drive. My outlines tend to be a mix of full sentences and partial sentences. Typically starting with a list is really helpful. You’ve probably noticed I tend to do list-based episodes versus big ideas! I do this because I prefer that style for solo business content. It seems to be easier to follow. 

The outline is mostly for me to reference when I record a podcast episode but also our podcast manager uses the outline later in the process as well. Outlines are essential for keeping me on track! I don’t do this for interviews but for solo episodes an outline is key!

3. Record the episode 

When the outline is done, then it’s time to record! Sometimes I like to record right after doing the outline, and other times I like to sit with the idea longer and revisit it before recording. If the topic is an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while, I usually record it immediately. If I’m talking about a newer concept, I will usually wait and add more to the outline later before recording. 

Where do I record these episodes, you might be wondering? In my office! Nope, not in a closet like many podcasters. Our neighborhood is pretty quiet and the microphone I use doesn’t pick up much background noise, which helps!

In addition to this microphone, I also use my Apple headphones because I like to hear myself when I record a podcast episode. I recently heard Tracy Goodwin on James Wedmore’s podcast say that you tend to have more enthusiasm when speaking when you can actually hear yourself. Then you are so much more engaging than if you speak with no emotion in your voice. (PS this episode aired right after my interview on James Wendmore’s podcast. If you haven’t heard it, you should!) 

For solo episodes, I record my podcast audio in GarageBand. Nothing fancy! And there’s a lot that happens post-production! My podcast editor edits out any mistakes I make or breaks, coughs, jumbled words, whatever! She adds music and introduction too. It’s not my favorite thing to listen to myself talk so I love having the weekly help with it!