The Ultimate Guide to Preparing your Podcast Episode

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing your Podcast Episode

So, you’ve finally created your podcast but are not sure how to actually prep for the episode recordings? Don't worry we’ve got you. Creating a successful high-quality podcast isn't something that just happens overnight, it takes preparation but also a lot of quality checks, which is something that a lot of podcast hosts tend to forget. 

Here is our ultimate guide to preparing your podcast episodes, with questions you should ask yourself before hitting that record button and advice we wish we knew before starting our very first podcast. 

Is your microphone positioned appropriately? 

This may not seem like a lot but it really does make all the difference in the quality of your audio, ideally, you want to be 2-3 inches away from the mic and talking directly past it in order to capture a smooth recording. It's also worth investing in a pop filter, which works as noise protection for microphones to reduce/eliminate any popping sounds that are caused by the mechanical impact. However, if you don't have one of these then make sure the microphone is positioned away from your mouth to avoid sound spikes. 

Have you checked your audio levels before recording? 

Before you start recording, take a moment to check your audio levels. When someone speaks into the mic you want to aim to be between 5 and 7 decibels or towards the top of the green and yellow levels, although ensure to stray away from the red zone. When there is a pause in the conversation, all levels should be completely flat, if they’re not then the mic is picking up unwanted sounds, this is something that should be avoided when recording begins. 

Is the space you're in suitable for recording?

When it comes to audio quality the space that you decide to record in is essential. You want to make sure that you choose a room that doesn't allow a heavy echo or much background noise in order to launch a high-quality pod. The best space to record in is a studio, this is due to the acoustic foams that are padded within the walls to ensure that all sound waves are absorbed. 

However, if you don't have access to one then here are some things you can do in your home to emulate studio-quality: bringing a mattress or some pillows and placing them against the door or windows will help eliminate echoes and any background noise. Curtains and blankets will also help with this, simply putting them behind the microphone can make the world of difference. 

Are you likely to be interrupted? 

Sometimes being interrupted is inevitable, although you can take action to prevent having to re-record any segments. Make sure that all of your notifications are silenced on your phone, laptop or any other devices you have, and tell your guests to do the same. 

If you have any children or pets, then it's essential to keep them occupied and out of the room that you’re recording in, although, if you have very young children then it's probably best to ask someone to watch them whilst you record the pod. 

Lastly, check that you have everything you need to get you through the recording without having to pause or leave the conversation at all, such as your notes, a glass of water, or any technological devices that help enhance the podcast at all. 

Have you planned the topics that you wanted to cover? 

Sometimes it's best to let the conversation flow naturally, although noting down 3-5 bullet points of topics that you want to cover is recommended just in case. Whether you have a guest or want to deep dive into a topic that you’re passionate about you need an idea of what you want your audience to hear and take away from listening to your pod. 

If you have guests on your podcast then it's important to do your research about them beforehand, for example, what have they been up to within the last year or so? This will make it easier to decipher what topics to bring up and which ones to stray away from. 

By Kate Goodman