In February 2017, the Spirits team led a workshop called "Podcasting from A to Z" at Nerdcon: Nerdfighteria. You can watch the recording of the panel below, and access the presentation slides here.

For more in-depth resources, check out Amanda's blog. Our friend Zach Valenti also published a comprehensive guide to podcast equipment and editing here.

Do you have questions, comments, or additional suggestions? Tweet to us, or get in touch!

Materials by Amanda McLoughlin. Slides by Allyson Wakeman.

Idea Generation & Testing

Namechk.com: Search availability of domain names and social media handles all in one
Hover.com: Search for domain names to make sure you can get the one you want. Especially good for handling multiple domains

Design

Finding a recommended designer within your network/friend circle is ideal. Developing a relationship with a designer you trust will be helpful initially and super beneficial down the road
Canva: Free tool for creating social media banners, infographics, etc.
iTunes Best Practices : Lists ideal dimensions for cover art and guidelines for metadata. Good for market research, too! See what designs from the top charts stand out to you and why
Illustrator: If you’re taking on design yourself
Learning: Lynda.com, skillshare.com

Equipment

Microphones
- Dynamic mics are best for picking up voice and not picking up on background noise.
- Budget version: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid ($68)
- Mid-tier version: Shure SM57-LC ($99)
- Condenser mics are a budget-friendly alternative for 2+ people to share at the same time (ex: Blue Yeti, $99)
Additional Equipment
- Digital interface - Translates analog audio signals to digital files
- Mixers - More suitable than interfaces if you’ll be doing a lot of live shows, also play music, or need 2+ inputs (mics, instruments, sound effects, etc.) at a given time
- Accessories - You may also need headphone splitters, pop screens, and mic stands
Sources of Advice
- B&H: A photo/video super store in NYC that you can call for free advice and product recs
- Blogs: Lots of “cheap starter kits for podcasters” blog posts exist online!
- Technique is just as important as equipment. Read, watch and listen to all you can about how to use mics, record sound, and post-produce

Editing

Software: Audacity (free), Garage Band (Mac), ProTools (professional)
Free sound effects: FreeSound.org. Free music: Incompetech.org
Hosting: Libsyn, Soundcloud. You’ll also need to submit to platforms like Stitcher; see the infographic from Podcasters Studio on the 100+ other platforms you can submit to
Over-ear headphones: A must for editing! Even a $50 pair is much better than earbuds
Learning: Transom.org, NPR’s “Do You Have the Ears of an Audio Producer?” quiz

The Care & Keeping of You

Automate and schedule your social media across platforms using Buffer, Hootsuite, etc.
Populate your social media profiles with consistent branding using Canva (or your designer)
Inspiring creator interviews: The Moment, Longform, Design Matters, Creating Your Own Path
Talk to your podcaster friends! Look, you made three already--find us @SpiritsPodcast

Idea Generation & Testing

Design

Equipment

Editing

Social media

Money

Community-Building

The Care & Keeping of You