Podcast Production Course

Lesson 1 • Episode Planning and Content Strategy

Introduces episode arc design, content calendars, and topic research methods. Strategic planning ensures sustainable output and audience retention.

Lesson 2 • What Podcasting Is and How It Works

Covers the history, distribution model, and listener behavior of podcasting. Establishes the conceptual baseline for every production decision made later.

Lesson 3 • Defining Your Show Concept

Guides students through niche selection, audience persona creation, and show positioning. A clear concept prevents scope creep and drives consistent content.

Lesson 1 • Remote and Mobile Recording Gear

Introduces portable recorders, lavalier mics, and smartphone setups for field recording. Remote capability expands guest access and content variety.

Lesson 2 • Microphone Types and Selection

Compares dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones by polar pattern and use case. Correct mic selection is the single largest factor in raw audio quality.

Lesson 3 • Headphones and Monitoring

Covers closed-back vs. open-back headphones and their role in accurate monitoring. Proper monitoring prevents mix decisions based on misleading playback.

Lesson 4 • Acoustic Treatment and Room Setup

Teaches how room reflections degrade recordings and how treatment materials reduce them. Students design a practical recording space regardless of room size.

Lesson 1 • Setting Levels and Avoiding Clipping

Explains input gain, headroom, and peak vs. RMS metering to prevent distortion. Proper levels protect audio quality and reduce post-production workload.

Lesson 2 • Managing Remote Guest Recordings

Covers double-ender recording, remote recording platforms, and latency management. Reliable remote sessions expand guest reach without sacrificing audio quality.

Lesson 3 • Microphone Technique for Podcasters

Covers mic distance, angle, and pop filter use to minimize plosives and proximity effect. Consistent technique produces uniform loudness across an episode.

Lesson 4 • Recording Software and DAW Basics

Introduces digital audio workstations, track layout, and basic session configuration. DAW fluency is the operational foundation for all editing and mixing work.

Lesson 1 • Noise Reduction and Cleanup

Applies noise reduction, de-hum, and de-click tools to remove background interference. Clean audio increases perceived production value and listener comfort.

Lesson 2 • Adding Music, Intros, and Outros

Covers royalty-free music sourcing, fade techniques, and structural audio branding elements. Consistent intros and outros reinforce show identity and listener expectations.

Lesson 3 • Editing Workflow and Philosophy

Establishes a repeatable editing process and defines the difference between content and technical edits. A clear workflow reduces decision fatigue and editing time.

Lesson 4 • Cutting, Trimming, and Arranging Clips

Teaches razor cuts, ripple deletes, and clip arrangement to remove unwanted content. Precise cutting creates natural pacing without audible jumps.

Lesson 1 • Loudness Standards and Normalization

Explains integrated loudness, true peak, and platform-specific loudness targets. Meeting loudness standards ensures consistent playback across all podcast apps.

Lesson 2 • Equalization for Voice

Teaches parametric and graphic EQ to shape vocal tone and remove problem frequencies. Proper EQ makes voices sound clear and natural on any playback device.

Lesson 3 • De-essing and Vocal Polish

Covers de-esser placement, saturation, and harmonic enhancement for a polished vocal sound. These tools add professional sheen without altering the speaker's natural voice.

Lesson 4 • Mixing Multiple Speakers and Music

Addresses level balancing, panning, and bus routing when mixing hosts, guests, and music. A balanced mix ensures every voice is intelligible and music supports rather than competes.

Lesson 1 • Show Notes, Transcripts, and Episode Pages

Teaches show note structure, transcript creation, and SEO-optimized episode pages. Supplementary text content drives organic search traffic and improves accessibility.

Lesson 2 • Submitting to Podcast Directories

Walks through submission processes for major podcast directories and approval timelines. Wide directory presence maximizes listener access across all listening platforms.

Lesson 3 • RSS Feed Configuration and Metadata

Covers feed settings, episode metadata fields, and category tagging for discoverability. Accurate metadata improves search ranking and directory approval rates.

Lesson 4 • Podcast Artwork and Branding Assets

Specifies artwork dimensions, file formats, and design principles for directory compliance. Strong visual branding increases click-through rates in crowded directories.

Lesson 1 • Social Media Promotion for Podcasts

Teaches audiogram creation, clip repurposing, and platform-specific posting strategies. Consistent social content converts platform followers into podcast subscribers.

Lesson 2 • Podcast Analytics and Growth Metrics

Interprets download counts, listener retention, and episode performance data to guide decisions. Data-driven adjustments accelerate growth and improve content relevance.

Lesson 3 • Guest Booking and Cross-Promotion

Explains outreach templates, guest vetting, and podcast swap strategies for audience sharing. Strategic guests and swaps expose the show to pre-qualified new listeners.

Lesson 4 • Email Lists and Community Building

Covers newsletter integration, listener community platforms, and engagement tactics. An owned audience list reduces dependence on platform algorithm changes.

Lesson 1 • Building a Sustainable Revenue Plan

Guides students through revenue modeling, milestone planning, and income diversification. A written plan converts scattered tactics into a coherent, scalable business model.

Lesson 2 • Products, Services, and Affiliate Revenue

Teaches affiliate marketing integration, course sales, and merchandise tied to podcast brands. Diversified revenue streams reduce risk from any single income source.

Lesson 3 • Premium and Paid Content Models

Covers private RSS feeds, bonus episodes, and paid subscription platforms for gated content. Premium content monetizes the most engaged segment of the audience directly.

Lesson 4 • Sponsorship and Advertising Models

Covers CPM pricing, ad placement types, and sponsor outreach for direct and network deals. Understanding ad economics helps podcasters negotiate fair rates and protect listener trust.