The Podcast Host 2018 End of Year Review

12/18/18 • 49 min

PodCraft | How to Podcast & Craft a Fantastic Show

As another year draws to a close, we sit down to chat through the last 12 months at The Podcast Host Towers. What went well? What didn't? And what do we have planned for the future?
In terms of big milestones this year, we had the long-awaited launch of Alitu - The Podcast Making App, the switch up of The Podcast Host Academy to an annual membership, the launch of our Podcast Launch Service, and we brought down the curtain on this first season of our space-science audio drama documentary podcast Hostile Worlds.

We put out an updated version of season 1 of this very podcast during 2018 too. Now known as season 10, it's all about how to launch your first episode, and focuses on everything you need to do to get it out there.

We've also been keen to take on highly-produced projects as part of our Podcast Production Service. This year we had the pleasure of working on Inside Indie Games, on behalf of the UK Games Fund, and The Converge Challenge Podcast. If you'd like to work with us on a highly-produced podcasting project of your own, then we'd love to hear from you.

Colin talked through some of his highs and lows this year, from his Podcast movement and Inbound trips, as well as designing the Alitu interface, to his "failed" live video attempts, and the headache of trying to recruit new developers.

In 2018 we also attempted to establish the Scottish Podcasters Meetup, but it didn't pick up the momentum we were hoping for, and we eventually gave up on it. There's still hope though, as Colin is talking to someone about potentially taking it over.

On the industry-wide side of things, we tried to refrain from making any predictions (cliched, cynical, or otherwise), but gave a nod to the unsurprising fact that many great audio drama shows are now being developed for television.

Finally, we'd like to wish you all the very best for the holiday period, and for 2019!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Finally, we'd like to wish you all the very best for the holiday period, and for 2019!

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Previous Episode

Promoting Your Podcast with an Audio Trailer

Creating a 30 second promo trailer for your show is a great way to grow your audience. A trailer is a little "taster" for potential new listeners, and gives them an idea of the tone, feel, and content of the show. It's easy to consume, and easy to share too. On this episode we're going to listen to and offer feedback on some promo trailers that were created by members of The Podcast Host Academy as part of our monthly ($50 prize) competition. The shows are; The Postcard Academy - https://postcardacademy.co Tog & Thel - http://aducklingknits.com The Curious Parent - https://happyselfjournal.com/podcast High Heels & Heartache - http://highheelsandheartache.com Here, you'll learn more about the ways you can create a promo trailer that really works for you in promoting your show, and pulling in new listeners. Also mentioned; How to Make a Promo Trailer - http://thepodcasthost.com/promotrailer The Podcast Host Academy - https://www.thepodcasthost.com/academy Alitu: The Podcast Maker - https://alitu.com Hostile Worlds - http://hostileworlds.net

Support the show (https://pod.academy)

Next Episode

What Microphone Do I Need to Podcast? Podcraft 1101

In this episode, we’re talking microphones.

We cover the best microphones for podcasting, and how to choose the right one for you.

You can also read our popular article on the subject:

The Best Podcasting Microphones
For series 11, we’re looking at your next steps in terms of equipment. In this series we’ll be going through all of the kit you can use for podcasting, from one end of the audio chain to the other – microphone to editor. For each type I’ll be covering Entry level and pro level, and talk about the lifecycle, ie. what you should start with and how/when you can upgrade.

Equipment is where a lot of us totally geek out, spending far too much money on shiny new bits, and I’ve been more than guilty of this in the past. I’m hoping that this series can help you choose and sensible starting point, and guide you through the upgrade process over the coming years.
Gear Mentioned in This Episode

Samson Q2U (USB and XLR)
Shure MV5 (USB)
Blue Snowball (USB)
Blue Yeti (USB)
Rode Procaster (XLR)
MXL 990 (XLR)
Shure SM58 (XLR)
Rode Smartlav + (Lav mic for smartphone)
ATR3350 (Lav mic for digital recorder)

Resources Mentioned

Upgrade Your Equipment In Line With Your Skills
I genuinely think that you should only upgrade your kit in line with your presenting and production skills. In the beginning you don’t need a £300 microphone, you need to practice talking to your audience.
Then you need to practice your editing and audio production. Then you need to practice your storytelling and writing. THEN, you’re ready for really good quality kit.
Don't Upgrade Everything At Once

In a similar vein, don’t do it all at once. The most basic reason for that is that you’ll spoil the fun of buying new shiny bits by blowing it all at once! The more practical reason is that you really want to make sure you’re using every bit of kit you own in the best way possible.

For example, start with the microphone. Learn how to speak into it properly, cutting sibilants and plosives, and maintaining a good distance. Then, learn it’s other quirks, such as background sensitivity and recording pattern.

Once you know you’re using the mic in the best way possible, THEN you can buy yourself the next bit of kit. If you do it the other way around then you’ll end up confusing bad results with one piece of kit with bad use of another. You need to know the first element is working perfectly before you can hone your skills with the next.
Automate Your Podcast Production

Are you a complete beginner with n

Support the show