Podcasting Course

Lesson 1 • Podcast Formats and Show Structures

Surveys interview, solo, co-hosted, narrative, and hybrid formats. Enables informed format selection aligned with content goals and host strengths.

Lesson 2 • The Podcast Industry Landscape

Maps major platforms, directories, and industry players. Provides context for competitive positioning and platform strategy decisions made later in the course.

Lesson 3 • Defining Your Podcast Concept

Guides creation of a focused show concept using topic, audience, and value proposition. Produces a one-paragraph concept statement used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Microphone Types and Selection

Compares dynamic, condenser, and USB microphones across price tiers. Equips students to match microphone type to recording environment and budget.

Lesson 2 • Headphones and Monitoring

Covers closed-back headphone selection and proper monitoring technique during recording. Prevents common recording errors caused by poor self-monitoring.

Lesson 3 • Audio Interfaces and Mixers

Explains how audio interfaces convert analogue signal to digital and when mixers add value. Connects hardware choices to the recording workflow introduced next.

Lesson 4 • Remote and Mobile Recording Setups

Addresses portable recorders, smartphone recording, and remote guest capture tools. Prepares students for field recording and remote interview scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Session File Organisation and Naming

Establishes folder structures, file naming conventions, and backup routines for podcast projects. Prevents asset loss and speeds up editing across multi-episode workflows.

Lesson 2 • Configuring Input and Output Settings

Walks through routing audio hardware into a DAW and monitoring output correctly. Prevents signal-path errors that cause failed or unusable recordings.

Lesson 3 • Recording Techniques and Best Practices

Covers mic technique, recording levels, and take management during a session. Builds habits that reduce editing time and improve final audio quality.

Lesson 1 • Loudness Standards and Final Export

Introduces loudness normalisation targets used by major podcast platforms and export settings. Ensures episodes meet platform requirements and sound consistent on all devices.

Lesson 2 • Foundational Editing Techniques

Teaches cutting, trimming, and rearranging audio clips to build a coherent episode. Directly applies DAW skills from Chapter 3 to real podcast content.

Lesson 3 • Equalisation and Compression for Voice

Explains EQ and compression as tools to shape and control vocal dynamics. Enables students to make voices sound clear, warm, and consistent across an episode.

Lesson 4 • Noise Reduction and Audio Cleanup

Applies noise reduction, de-clicking, and de-essing tools to remove unwanted artefacts. Produces clean dialogue tracks ready for mixing and mastering.

Lesson 1 • Building a Repeatable Production Workflow

Assembles all production steps into a documented checklist from concept to published file. Enables consistent episode quality even when producing under time pressure.

Lesson 2 • Episode Outlining and Scripting

Teaches structured outlining, partial scripting, and bullet-point frameworks for natural delivery. Reduces rambling and improves listener retention without sacrificing authenticity.

Lesson 3 • Developing a Content Strategy

Connects show concept to a long-term content calendar and episode arc planning. Prevents content fatigue and ensures thematic coherence across a season.

Lesson 4 • Conducting High-Quality Interviews

Develops active listening, follow-up questioning, and pacing skills during live interviews. Translates preparation into engaging recorded conversations that require minimal editing.

Lesson 1 • Submitting to Podcast Directories

Walks through submission processes for major directories and typical approval timelines. Ensures maximum discoverability at launch across all key listening platforms.

Lesson 2 • Planning and Executing a Podcast Launch

Structures a launch strategy using trailer episodes, batch publishing, and pre-launch promotion. Maximises early listener acquisition and chart ranking potential.

Lesson 3 • Configuring Your RSS Feed

Explains RSS feed structure, required metadata fields, and how directories read feed data. Prevents submission errors that delay or block directory approval.

Lesson 1 • Podcast Analytics and Growth Metrics

Defines key podcast metrics, how to interpret them, and how to act on data to improve growth. Connects measurement to strategic decisions covered throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Social Media and Content Repurposing

Teaches platform-specific promotion and how to repurpose audio into clips, graphics, and posts. Extends episode reach across channels without creating entirely new content.

Lesson 3 • Cross-Promotion and Guest Swaps

Explains podcast cross-promotion, feed swaps, and guest exchange strategies for audience sharing. Leverages existing audiences in adjacent niches for accelerated growth.

Lesson 4 • Podcast SEO and Discoverability

Covers keyword research, title optimisation, and show notes SEO for organic discovery. Builds a searchable catalogue that attracts new listeners without paid promotion.

Lesson 1 • Advertising and Sponsorship Models

Explains host-read ads, programmatic advertising, and how to attract and price sponsorships. Provides the framework for negotiating deals that fit the show's audience and values.

Lesson 2 • Premium and Paid Content Models

Explores paid subscription feeds, premium episode sales, and gated content delivery. Enables monetisation of back catalogues and high-value content without relying on ads.

Lesson 3 • Products, Services, and Affiliate Revenue

Connects the podcast to courses, coaching, merchandise, and affiliate partnerships as revenue streams. Positions the show as a marketing channel for broader business goals.

Lesson 4 • Listener Support and Membership Models

Covers crowdfunding platforms, tiered memberships, and exclusive content strategies for direct listener revenue. Builds sustainable income independent of advertiser relationships.