047: Why you should be Podcasting. [Podcast]

I believe we all have a message to share. This is why I created this podcast and blog. My desire is to help take your ministry, church and/or business to the next level. Today we’re talking about podcasting. And I want to give you a very simple step-by-step guide in starting a podcast and why it’s a good idea. I also have a tip of the week for you that you need to know, if you already have a podcast. All of this and more in this week’s episode of The J. B. Sisam Show.

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Tip of the Week:

iTunes has changed the rules again. Here’s what you need to know.

Apple now recommends using a 3000 x 3000 pixel JPG or PNG in the RGB color space in a compressed format. Saving your image as a JPG with your favorite image editing software should automatically compress your image to optimize for mobile devices.
Apple has changed the iTunes explicit setting. You must now select “clean” or “explicit” – the ‘no’ option is no longer available.

Podcast submissions to the iTunes podcast directory are now managed by the new Podcast Connect website. The new website allows you to submit new podcasts, as well as refresh, hide and delete your current podcast listings.

Main Topic:

1. Just do it. The most important aspect of anything is to take the Nike approach and just do it. We to often sit back and wonder if we’ll accomplish that goal we’ve set out to do. The adage is, if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit the mark every time. It takes setting a goal and taking responsibility and following through. Stop thinking and start your show.

2. Find your topic. The beauty of podcasting is you get to talk about what you’re passionate about. It doesn’t have to be something huge. If you’re passionate about cooking, why not start a cooking podcast. Love to travel, start a traveler’s club podcast. Enjoy reading the Bible and talking about it… start a bible study podcast. The goal, find what interests you, sit in-front of a microphone and talk.

3. Purchase your gear. This is the part most get hung up on. Sure, you can start your own show with your laptop, Audacity and the onboard microphone. Will it be low quality… yes. Just look at my first several episodes. That will tell you I didn’t have great equipment.

Here’s a list of where you can start.

• Audio-Technica ATR3350 – This runs around $30. Just plug into your laptop and it works.
• Audacity – This is my go-to program for editing my podcast. Best part, it’s FREE. Check out Daniel J. Lewis’ website The Audacity to Podcast on using this program..
• Apple iPod earbuds – comes with your iPhone

Here’s what I use:

• Heil PR-40 Microphone $375
• Heil PL2T Mic boom $59
• Heil PRSM shock-mount. $59
• Mackie Mix8 soundboard. $80
• Tascam DR-40 Digital Recorder $250
• Sennheiser HD-280 pro Studio Headphones $100

You don’t need all this equipment to start, use my starting guide and you’ll be just fine. You can add better equipment later.

4. Record your first three episodes. Don’t over think this part. Just sit down and record. It takes me around 30 minutes to prep my show notes. And another 40 minutes to record. I edit, and in under 2 hours I can have a fully produced podcast ready to upload. You will need a have an audio host. I personally use Soundcloud It’s free for the first 3 hours after that you have to pay $10/month.

5. Stay committed. The hardest part of starting anything is staying committed. I’ve been doing my own show for a year. I’ve been podcasting since 2007 with the church. Like anything, this takes dedication and determination. And if you find you don’t like your show, rebrand or start a new show. There’s no limit to how many shows you can produce. But, be consistent and stay committed.

[reminder]If you were to start a podcast today, what would you talk about?[/reminder]

Would you do me a favor?

Head over to subscribe in iTunes and rate this show in the iTunes app. It will help us rank higher and help others learn more about this show. Thank you!

Would you partner with me?

Podcasting is not free. In-fact with web hosting fees and audio hosting fees it cost around $20/month to do this show. I’m wondering if you would take a moment and donate $1 per episode. That’s $4 a month. You can support the production of this show and become a co-producer. If you donate $1 an episode, I’ll mention you on this show. And thank you for your support.

BECOME AN EPISODE CO-PRODUCER HERE!

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