Theory and Practice of Podcasting

Agenda What is a podcast? Podcast publishing mechanisms Characteristics of successful podcasts The podcasting process

What is a podcast?

Podcast publishing mechanisms

Characteristics of successful podcasts

The podcasting process

What is a Podcast? A podcast is an audio program delivered via the internet The first use of the term “podcast” was in fall, 2004 There are now millions podcasts Apple’s addition of podcasting support to iTunes in 2005 was the breakout moment for the medium

A podcast is an audio program delivered via the internet

The first use of the term “podcast” was in fall, 2004

There are now millions podcasts

Apple’s addition of podcasting support to iTunes in 2005 was the breakout moment for the medium

Common Traits Of Podcasts Regularly updated Vary in tone from formal to relaxed Commonality of structure from episode to episode Can be listened to directly, or subscribed to via RSS Example: Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson’s For Immediate Release ( http://www.forimmediaterelease.biz ) and the Clue Unit ( http://www.clueunit.com )

Regularly updated

Vary in tone from formal to relaxed

Commonality of structure from episode to episode

Can be listened to directly, or subscribed to via RSS

Example: Shel Holtz and Neville Hobson’s For Immediate Release ( http://www.forimmediaterelease.biz ) and the Clue Unit ( http://www.clueunit.com )

Delivery via a blog site Just like a “regular” blog post Attach link to MP3 file as an “enclosure” to the RSS feed Many listeners simply “download” instead of subscribing via RSS Can also “embed” an audio player in the post itself

Just like a “regular” blog post

Attach link to MP3 file as an “enclosure” to the RSS feed

Many listeners simply “download” instead of subscribing via RSS

Can also “embed” an audio player in the post itself

Delivery via iTunes

Characteristics of successful podcasts Successful podcasts include: Regular updates Consistent sound quality Frequent interviews Oftentimes have multiple “on air” personalities in conversation Are engaging, informative and/or entertaining

Successful podcasts include:

Regular updates

Consistent sound quality

Frequent interviews

Oftentimes have multiple “on air” personalities in conversation

Are engaging, informative and/or entertaining

Typical Show Components Interviews Music Transitions Recurring “segments” Listener feedback

Interviews

Music

Transitions

Recurring “segments”

Listener feedback

The Podcasting Process Plan the show Prepare your equipment Record audio Edit audio Create show notes Publish audio and show notes

Plan the show

Prepare your equipment

Record audio

Edit audio

Create show notes

Publish audio and show notes

Many choices in recording tools Standard laptop tools Headsets (inexpensive-to-expensive) Skype + HotRecorder Portable recorders High-end gear

Standard laptop tools

Headsets (inexpensive-to-expensive)

Skype + HotRecorder

Portable recorders

High-end gear

Editing tools Audacity (cross-platform and free!) GarageBand Others

Audacity (cross-platform and free!)

GarageBand

Others

Publishing, RSS and Submission to iTunes Post to blog Publish directly to the iTunes directory With tools such as FeedBurner

Post to blog

Publish directly to the iTunes directory

With tools such as FeedBurner

The Importance of iTunes

Samples

For Immediate Release http://www. forimmediaterelease .biz

NPR http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=7031547

PM War Stories http://www.pmwarstories.com/

Creating a Podcast

The Podcasting Process Plan the show Prepare your equipment Record audio Edit audio Create show notes Publish audio and show notes

Plan the show

Prepare your equipment

Record audio

Edit audio

Create show notes

Publish audio and show notes