Simple advice to help you start up a podcast

A good podcast requires both a creative idea and some technical expertise. This guide delves into the technical things you'll need to know to record, edit, and publish your first podcast.

• Your subject: The content is up to you. It might be a dramatic monologue, a spoken-voice tour of your town or nearest museum, or an oral history project in which you interview local people, war veterans, or family members. The only limit is your imagination, so get creative!
• Equipment: A microphone is vital, preferably a USB model that plugs directly into your computer and records a digital file. Use an omnidirectional microphone if you plan to feature more than one voice at a time, or a unidirectional one if your podcast consists of just one person talking. You might also need a USB mixer so that you can modify the sound as you record and a pop guard to soften plosive "P" sounds.
• Software: Editing software allows you to bring the elements of your podcast together into a professional-sounding finished product. This is where you add background music, cut and edit interviews, add your commentary, and clean up background noise. Some computers come with audio editing software pre-installed, but if you don't already have the suitable software, there are free programs available online.
• Publishing: To make your podcast available, you must upload it to a web server (check your internet service provider's website). You must also create a webfeed, which is a text file that allows people to subscribe to your podcasts and alerts them when you post a new installment. Many web servers automatically generate the webfeed for you. Finally, advertise your podcast by posting a link on your social networks or personal website.

Now that you've got the software, equipment, and a compelling concept, there's only one thing left to do: start recording!