This is a copy of the Session I did at Podcamp Toronto on February 20th, 2010. To hear my podcast please visit http://ramblingruss.libsyn.com. Thanks goes to everyone who attended it in person. If you have further questions please email me at russel.hale@gmail.com.

1. Podcasting on a Budget With Your Host Russel Hale

2. Who I am Host/Producer of Ramble With Russel Podcast Writer for MMOCrunch.com The “Male Oprah of Podcasting” according to Leesa Barnes – Author of Podcasting For Profit

3. In Today’s Session we will cover… How I got started in Podcasting Tools I have used in making a podcast Tips on getting the word out about your podcast How to make a good podcast on a small budget How to get FREE stuff to make your show Question and Answer period

4. Getting Started or… How I got to Ramble on the Internet on a weekly basis

5. How I got started…. Received a small portable voice recorder in Dec 2005 Started sending in voice email questions to podcasts Started guest co-hosting with other podcasts - The Whocast & Doctor Who Podshock Wanted to get my voice heard and had no outlet Decided that if you want something done do it yourself

6. Ramble With Russel Podcast Established in May 2006 Have put out 187 episodes on a mostly weekly basis Total downloads over 84,000 downloads I talk about entertainment news along with reviews on books, movies and television shows & special guests Past guest interviews have been with such famous people as …

7. As well as these people….

8. Tools of the Trade Or Stuff You need to get the job done

9. Equipment you will need… A small portable mini recorder A headset with built-in microphone What you don’t need are microphones like this

10. Equipment continued Or This….

11. Microphones I have used Sansa 512 MB digital recorder and mp3 player - lightweight, inexpensive and good sound quality - can get a few hours worth of audio in one device - good for starting out $22.95 USD at Amazon - comes with free protective sleeve when I got it

12. Microphone I use now… Zoom Handy Recorder H2 - Has 4 built-in microphones - Allows you to record either 1 on 1 or a whole room - records audio on a typical SD card - typical 4 GB card close to 4 hours of audio - has external power source and windscreen

13. Equipment continued Get a decent headset microphone combination Should not need to spend more than $20 CDN Make sure it has a mute switch and noise cancellation Does not need to wireless but make sure you get one with a long cord – does not need to be stylish

14. What to look for in a recorder Small portable and pocket sized USB input to get the audio into your computer Rechargable power supply Rechargable batteries if it requires batteries On-screen display with battery indicator A fair size of memory 512 MB is a good size Input to use a possible external microphone

15. Tools of the trade Audacity - free shareware based audio editing - easy to use and good for visual minded http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Some use Adobe Audition can cost as much as $349 US Use Skype for online interviews with people you cannot reach in person

16. Getting Your Voice Heard Or Ways to help the Art of Self Promotion

17. Making your voice heard Get a rss feed service to get your show out Libsyn syndication - $12 USD a Month 250 MB - $5 USD per month 50 MB -$60 USD per month 1500 MB Most payments can be made through PayPal Has a stats section that can help you track your audience Make sure you talk about something you are knowledgeable and passionate about

18. Tips that don’t come at a cost Co-host in other podcasts with a similar audience Make forum posts on websites Attend Podcamps to help build your social network Use rechargeable batteries if needed for your equipment Make a 30 second promotional reel for yourself and send it to other podcasts to play Get a friend to record something with you – 2 voices sound better than one Attend Conventions or events in your area

19. Tips to save you money Make your own business cards for your podcast Great free website - http://businesscardstar.com/make-business-cards.html You can blank business cards and print your own Only cost is ink and paper –much cheaper than paying someone else to do it When you interview someone famous post it on a fan run website – generates more hits

20. Question & Answer

21. Liberated Syndication www.libsyn.com Audacity audio editing software - http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Podsafe Music – www.podsafeaudio.com Ramble With Russel Podcast - http://ramblingruss.libsyn.com Doctor Who Podshock – www.podshock.net The Whocast – www.thewhocast.com Websites to check out

22. I can be reached at russel.hale@gmail.comwesbitehttp://ramblingruss.libsyn.comTwitter : RamblingRuss Thanks for coming to my Session and see you around Podcamp Toronto 2010